FROM ZERO TO HERO

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 30
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

FROM ZERO TO HERO

Judges 11 contains the story of Jephthah. His step brothers drove him out of the house because his mother was a harlot: they said to him, “You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.”

That's a typical example of how we label and judge people in our societies; that's how we make people suffer for what they are not responsible for; Jephthah was rejected by his own simply because his mother was a harlot - something he had nothing to do with. So what if his mother was a whore, did that make him one? Did that mean he wasn't properly born? Did that make him less a child than them?

Well, they succeeded in sending him away; as far as they were concerned he was useless to them, they saw nothing good in him, they gave him nothing. Until there was a war. And then they realised his worth; and begged him to return and rule over them. The stone the builders rejected became the chief corner stone! The man they called a nobody suddenly become a somebody; from zero he became a hero! Hallelujah!

I have a good word for you today: in the name of Jesus, you shall be greatly honoured and celebrated in all the places where people rejected and looked down on you! Every door that was once closed to you begins to open up for your grand entry in the name of Jesus! Where men refused to give you what is rightfully yours, God will give you much more! Be lifted above your fellows; reign where you once felt pain in Jesus name! Say Amen!

BB PIN:7B166AA7

YOUR FAITH CAN RAISE THE DEAD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 29
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOUR FAITH CAN RAISE THE DEAD

There is no hopeless case; none at all. You've got to believe that. It doesn't matter how long, how hard, or how impossible it seems, with God all things are possible; anything is possible if you believe. Hallelujah!

When Jairus daughter died, someone from his house came saying, "Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master." Luke 8:41. To that man, nothing else could be done about the dead; the man may have believed for healing, but he didn't think the dead could rise again.

Don't limit God in your mind! Don't set boundaries for Him in your imagination! There is nothing that He can't do; there's no where that He can't reach; there's no string He can't pull, no door He can't open; and there's no person He cannot handle on your behalf! He's the Almighty God, the strong and breasted one!

When Jesus heard what the man said to Jairus, He immediately said to Jairus,  "Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole." And she rose again! Glory to God! Yes! Your faith can raise the dead and rewrite your story! Only believe.

BB PIN:7B166AA7

KEEP THE FIRE BURNING

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

KEEP THE FIRE BURNING

Leviticus 6:13 NKJV "A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out."

An altar is a place of sacrifice; it's a raised platform where men offered their gifts and offerings to the Lord. An altar is a place of worship; a place of thanksgiving; a place of connection; a place of atonement; a place of dedication.

God instructed that the fire on the altar was to burn continually. And for many years the fire was never put out. That must have required dedication; keeping the fire burning was a sacrifice itself: but it signifies a life of constant worship, prayer, sacrifice, giving, fellowship and love for the Lord.

Is there fire on your altar? When was the last time there was a fire on your altar? Is there something you do all the time to stay connected to the Lord? Do you pray without ceasing? Do you offer Him endless praise? Are you fervent in spirit? Are you always engaged in serving the Lord? Are you always in fellowship with Him? Do you always give to Him? Keep the fire burning always; never let it go out.

BB PIN:7B166AA7

STOP CRYING, MAKE A MOVE!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

STOP CRYING, MAKE A MOVE!

Exodus 14:15-16 NKJV "And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea."

I was told that when I was a child and wanted something, I would cry and follow every one around until I got it. I have a picture of me crying with a cup in my hand stretched out for what I wanted! Thank God that strategy worked!

But we don't receive from God that way! Without faith it is impossible to please God: God is not impressed by our tears! Crying is only an outward expression of desire, worry and maybe pain, and desiring something isn't a manifestation of faith. Rather, God is pleased when we exercise our faith in His word. Babies may get what they want by crying, but certainly not adults. Tears may get God's attention, but faith is what gets His reaction!

What you need is just a word from God, and the Bible is full of them! Stop crying! Act on the word! Move forward! Go out there and apply for that job! Go on and make that request! Make that move! Take that step of faith! Make that decree! The woman with the issue of blood cried for 12 years until the day she decided to make a move! And she was made whole the very moment she touched the helm of Jesus' garment! Hallelujah!

BB PIN:7B166AA7

THE KING'S FRIEND

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE KING'S FRIEND

In 1 Chronicles 27 is a list of captains and officers who served the king, some were over hosts, some were over the King's treasures, storehouses, workers, olive trees, herds, camels, flocks; there was the king's counsellor, and one was over the king's sons, but Hushai the Archite was said to be the king's friend!

What a position! Which would you rather be? It is great to be a mighty servant of God, it is awesome to do great works in the name of Jesus, but brothers and sisters, there's nothing greater than being called a friend of God.

God's greatest desire is to have us as His friends. Sons can be disobedient, children can be unreliable, but true friends are special. Enoch walked with God, and God took him away from here in a hurry! Servants can keep working, but God wants His friends to always be with Him and He shares His secrets with them.

Abraham was a friend of God. Can God trust you? Can God confide in you? Can God count on you to remain faithful and loyal to Him? Can God be so sure that you will always desire to do what only pleases Him? Don't chase titles and reputation more than you chase God Himself! O Lord, make me Your friend!

BB PIN:7B166AA7

RULE YOUR SPIRIT

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

RULE YOUR SPIRIT

The world is full of men and women who want to rule the world, but who haven't succeeded in ruling themselves; there are many fighting for positions they haven't prepared themselves for; and people are entering into relationships, binding themselves in several ways without adequate understanding. May God help us all.

Proverbs 25:28 says that, "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls."

It is very possible to know what to do and not do it. Many people do wrong not because they don't know it is wrong, but because they are still slaves to their emotions. They have not become masters of their own bodies and wills: unlike Paul, they haven't brought their bodies, wills, emotions, etc, into subjection.

It is bad for a city to be without walls. Refuse to be a broken man or woman. Be in charge! Pray when you should; fast when you should; say no when you have to; be disciplined; close your eyes to certain things; don't buy everything; you must not fall in love with every beautiful and intelligent person! Do you understand? God's grace is sufficient for you.

BB PIN:7B166AA7

BE SERIOUS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BE SERIOUS

When God says we should be serious, or to take something seriously, then we better do. Unfortunately, many of us are more serious about the things that don't really matter than we are about the things that are quite important.

1 Peter 3:7 says, "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Don't get to the point in your life where you become lukewarm and carefree. That you've always heard that the world is coming to an end, even though hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. The truth is that we are in the last days; and all the prophesies are being fulfilled.

We must be watchful and prayerful. I have come to realize that a man is as strong as his prayer life: almost every spiritual defeat or weakness, falling into temptations, and so on, are because we don't pray as we should. So pray without ceasing, dear brothers and sisters, never forgetting that the day of the Lord is nigh.

BB PIN:7B166AA7

YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU DESIRE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU DESIRE

John 5:5-6 NKJV, "Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in  that  condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

The man in the Scripture above had a need: to be healed. And he had that need for 38 years! Finally his time came; and he got what he had always wanted. Hallelujah!

We all have needs: money, jobs, life partners, cars, healing, health, children, peace, favours, and so on. I have good news for you today; that you can have what you want! And you don't have to wait for it for as long as 38years! Glory to God!

Today, Jesus is asking, "Do you want it?" I'm so certain that you do! I join my faith with yours today; receive it in the name of Jesus! I declare your days of waiting over! This day, walk right into your inheritance, in Jesus' name! Amen. Give God thanks.

BB PIN:7B166AA7

VICTORY IN JESUS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

VICTORY IN JESUS

Exodus 15:9-10 NKJV says, "The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, My hand shall destroy them.’ You blew with Your wind, The sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters."

It's natural for the enemy to plan, strategise, talk, bark, roar and attempt to harm and frustrate you; the Bible says the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. Apostle Peter said Satan goes to and fro the earth seeking whom he may devour.

But it don't matter what the enemy does! Yeah, your enemies are to be ignored! Because when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise a standard against him! Hallelujah!

Victory is yours in Jesus all the time! Your enemies lost the battle long before they even noticed you! Greater is He that is in you than they that are in world! You are destined to win! Give God praise!

BB PIN:7B166AA7

EFFICIENCY, SKILL AND COMPETENCE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

EFFICIENCY, SKILL AND COMPETENCE

Some people think that prayer is like the kind of drugs sold in commercial buses that are said to be able to cure virtually all illnesses. Faith without works is dead!

Proverbs 22:29 says, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of unknown men." I like how ISV says it,  "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will work for kings, not unimportant people."

Even if you want to be the king instead of working for him, you still have to be diligent. Do you know that there are people who charge ten times more than what others are taking for the same service? Diligence, competence, efficiency and skill got them there.

You'd be amazed when you realise the number of Nigerian undergraduates who have done virtually nothing during this strike period that has now lasted for over four months. And those students would one day want to be CEOs and successful men and women. I wish they hear this: don't waste your time! Develop yourself now and never stop until you get to the top.

BB PIN:7B166AA7

YOU TOO CAN SUCCEED AND BE GREAT

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOU TOO CAN SUCCEED AND BE GREAT

Micah 5:2 says, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favour to men of skill. Psalm 147:7 says that God does not delight in the strength of the horse or in the legs of man, but He takes pleasure in them that fear Him and hope for His mercy.

What you can achieve is not determined by any physical factor; it doesn't matter if you are little or weak, or if you didn't graduate with the best results; as long as you are connected to God, you can become great and do mighty things. Hallelujah! 

Bethlehem was little, but out of her came a ruler. I prophesy to you in the name of Jesus, you shall not be limited by your background, your results will not hinder your progress, may God bless you and make you great, and from you shall come forth amazing things! Say Amen!

BB PIN:7B166AA7

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SOUL WINNING

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SOUL WINNING

When last did you win a soul to Christ? Can you remember? Recently or a very long time ago? Do you have plans for soul winning? Are you passionate about it? Do you really care about the destiny of the souls all around you?

Soul winning is the duty of every believer. We are called witnesses. As Christians we ought to be very concerned about the eternal destinations of others because it is our nature to love. To see a man perish and do nothing is the height of selfishness.

Soul winners have a mindset. They always want to win souls! The psychology of the soul winner is well captured in 1 Corinthians 9:19 - 22: "For though I am free from all men,  I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who  are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who  are under the law; to those who  are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who  are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men,  that I might by all means save some."

Become an active soul winner today. Choose to do something that the Lord will be pleased with! Here's a secret, you can have everything you ever wanted by being a soul winner! Yeah, that's why soul winners are said to be wise!

BB PIN:7B166AA7

CROWNED WITH GLORY AND HONOUR

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

CROWNED WITH GLORY AND HONOUR

You know, many times we pray and work for what we already have. Probably because we haven't received a revelation concerning our inheritance in Christ and what He did for us.

We pray for glory and honour that we already have! Hebrews 2:6-10 says; “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet."

You ask if it refers to us. Yes! It says, Jesus, was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death and crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, to be made perfect through sufferings so He could bring many sons to glory, and be the captain of our salvation.

Hallelujah! Jesus Himself said He had given us the glory that was given to Him (John 17:22). Wow! So start manifesting your glory as Christ did (John 2:11), and stop looking for that which comes from man. You are in charge; rule your world by the power of the Holy Ghost!

PUT GOD IN CHARGE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 17

PUT GOD IN CHARGE

Man is quick to blame God for his problems; and even when we don't think He caused the problem, we expected Him to have either averted it or solve it. After all He is God.

But until we put God in charge of everything we do, we shouldn't expect Him to be responsible for the consequences of our actions.

Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV says, "O Lord , I know the way of man is not in himself; It  is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." Hmm, meaning that by ourselves we would never get it right! We can never be smart or expert enough to do everything perfectly.

Psalms 37:5 NKJV says, "Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass." Proverbs 16:3 MSG says, "Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place." Hallelujah.

Follow @pastorchinae on Twitter, Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim on Facebook, Chinaemerem Ibezim on Google +, and www.chinaemeremjoshuaibezim.blogspot.com

DON'T LISTEN TO PHILIP!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 16

DON'T LISTEN TO PHILIP!

"When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little." John 6:5,7

Philip is so limited by what he sees; Philip lives by logic; Philip doesn't understand the miraculous; Philip's advice is based on his five physical senses. If you live by what Philip tells you, you'll never experience uncommon results.

That it doesn't make sense to the mind doesn't make it a stupid idea! That it sounds too good to be true doesn't mean it can't be true! And that man cannot do it doesn't mean it cannot be done.

Jesus fed up to about 10,000 people with just five loaves and two fish! So who said your dream is an impossible one? Who said that your resources are insufficient? Who said your plans are illogical? Refuse to be stopped by whatever Philip has said! For with God, nothing shall be impossible!

Follow @pastorchinae on Twitter, Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim on Facebook, Chinaemerem Ibezim on Google+, www.chinaemeremjoshuaibezim.blogspot.com, PIN:7B166AA7

Established In The Truth

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 15

ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH

We are in an age where virtually every knowledge is accepted as truth. People have learned to be accommodating, accepting that whatever a man believes is "his truth". But everything cannot be true; else there would be no lies.

In his old age, Apostle Peter saw the need to encourage the church to hold on to the truth. He wrote in II Peter 1:12-15 NKJV, "For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you , knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease."

The plan of Satan is to make people believe his lies by as truth, that way the truth is weakened and less forceful and effective. Unfortunately, a lot of people have believed his lies, as predicted by the Scriptures.

Hold on to the truth revealed and properly interpreted by the Holy Spirit. Personally study the word rather than rely only on the interpretations of others, and your church doctrines. God has not changed His mind about the things He once condemned. Wrong will never be right; lies will never be truth.

Follow on Twitter @pastorchinae, Facebook Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim, Google+ Chinaemerem Ibezim, Blog www.chinaemeremjoshuaibezim.blogspot.com

Divine Sustenance

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 14

DIVINE SUSTENANCE

Nehemiah 9:21 says, "Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; They lacked nothing; Their clothes did not wear out And their feet did not swell." Wow!

Where you live is certainly not your problem! Who's with you there is what matters. If the Lord is with you, even in the wilderness or in the driest parts of the earth, brother, you will never lack! God does things contrary to scientific and economic laws; He is limitless!

There are people who have always lacked. I set you free from that bondage in the name of Jesus! I declare that from today, you will be divinely sustained, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

It's the very same God who did it for the Israelites that we serve! Our story therefore should be no different! He hasn't become weak as a result of aging, no! He is the same, yesterday, today and forever! Hallelujah! From today, this very day, you shall be divinely sustained, and shall lack nothing, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+)

YOUR APPEARANCE MATTERS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 13

YOUR APPEARANCE MATTERS

"Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." Esther 5:1-2

They say, "Dress the way you want to be addressed." I say, "Dress to address!" Your dressing, your appearance communicates to your audience, whether you realise it or not. Having done a few interviews, I can tell you that appearance matters a lot. Esther had prayed and fasted for three days, and when it was time to see the king, she put on her royal robe.

Esther didn't appear before the king anyhow, she didn't say, "O, I'm going to meet my husband," or, "I've prayed and fasted, God will turn the heart of the king irrespective of my looks," she took time to look good! And when the king saw her, she found favour in his sight.

When Pharaoh sent for Joseph, Genesis 41:14 says, "he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh." Joseph didn't rely on his talent, he made sure he looked good! Try looking good! It might just be the key to getting what you've been believing for!

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

HEAVEN DOES NOT HELP THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 12

HEAVEN DOES NOT HELP THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES

According to Wikipedia, the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is a popular motto that emphasizes the importance of self-initiative. Still according to Wikipedia, the sentiment appears in ancient Greek tragedies: in the Hippolytus (428BC) of Euripides appears the speech, "Try first thyself, and after call in God; for to the worker God himself lends aid."

Now if you are spiritually smart, you'll have realised from the above that the phrase, "Heaven helps those who help themselves" is contrary to the Scriptures: for the Bible says not to lean on our own understanding, but to trust in the Lord. Whenever "self" comes before God, right there is something wrong and disorganised! God doesn't aid "flesh"; never! If you can do it yourself, then you don't need God! It cannot be by power or by might and be by the Spirit at the same time!

Ezra 8:21-23, "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us."

The problem with some of us is that we are not ashamed. How often we contradict ourselves. We say God will protect yet we are the first to hire bodyguards. We say God will provide, yet we are quick to borrow. We are either too lazy and impatient to trust God, or we think He's incapable of fulfilling His word, so we resort to self help. Not Ezra; he chose to fast and pray, and God heard him.

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

WALK BY FAITH

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 11

WALK BY FAITH

When God gives you a promise He expects you to walk by faith. Understand that it is by faith that we inherit the promises of God. When you have a word from God, your words and your actions must show that you believe whatever God has said, and that they will come to pass.

For instance, I stopped taking attendance in fellowship because God has promised to increase us; I only recognise first timers. I learned that from David: 1 Chronicles 27:23 says, "But David did not take the number of those twenty years old and under, because the LORD had said He would multiply Israel like the stars of the heavens."

If God said He would multiply you as the stars of the heavens, then it doesn't matter if you are a thousand now, don't see the thousand, you must begin to see your congregation as many as the stars of the heavens and minister to them as if you are ministering to a multitude! Don't arrange chairs for only a thousand, put seats for the new people God will bring! And if possible, move to a venue that can accommodate a multitude!

Has God said He would prosper you? Then you need to stop acting as if the money in your account is all that you have! Stop making plans based on the amount in your account! If God gave you what's in your account now, He surely can give you more! Leave sufficient room for divine inflows! Create abundant space for the miraculous! Trust the Lord to supply the balance! Walk by faith and not by sight!

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

ANOTHER HELPER

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 10

ANOTHER HELPER

Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:15-18

In other words, a man without the Holy Spirit is an orphan; alone; desolate; comfortless. No one can make it in this journey without the Holy Spirit; it is practically impossible.

The word Helper is from the Greek word parakletos, meaning called to one's aid; an advocate, intercessor, a consoler, comforter, helper. The Holy Spirit is to us an ever present Help; He was given to abide with us forever! Hallelujah.

He helps us in our weaknesses. For me, that's great news, and comforting. Romans 8:26 YLT says, "And, in like manner also, the Spirit doth help our weaknesses; for, what we may pray for, as it behoveth us, we have not known, but the Spirit himself doth make intercession for us with groanings unutterable."

Receive the Holy Spirit! Be filled with the Spirit, in Jesus' name! Amen.

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

WONDER WORKING GOD!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 9

WONDER WORKING GOD!

Permit me to talk to you about the greatness and might of our God. He is so awesome, words are inadequate and insufficient to describe Him! According to Ray Price, to try to tell, our lips can only rap! God is big enough to rule this mighty universe, and yet small enough to live inside our hearts! Hallelujah!

Job 9:10 says, God does things great and incomprehensible, and wonderful, of which there is no number (Douay-Rheims Bible). Wow! The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at His rebuke! (Job 26:11). He is called the LORD Almighty! He who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and the stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar! (Jeremiah 31:35)

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things! (Psalm 72:18) He only does wondrous things! He only does wondrous things!! Yes, He only does wondrous things!!!

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. (Psalm 107:8-9, 15-16).

Praise Him now! And as you do, you will see His wonders!

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

CAUSING THE BLESSINGS OF GOD TO REST ON YOUR HOUSE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 7

CAUSING THE BLESSINGS OF GOD TO REST ON YOUR HOUSE

When Jesus sent the apostles to preach, He said to them, "Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.' And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the labourer is worthy of his wages." Luke 10:5-7

From the above, we understand that the man sent by God, is a conveyor of divine blessings; the words he speaks transport virtues from God to you. Hallelujah.

Notice that Jesus authorized the apostles to receive whatever was given to them. Now, Ezekiel 44:30 says, "The best of all firstfruits of any kind, and every sacrifice of any kind from all your sacrifices, shall be the priest’s; also you shall give to the priest the first of your ground meal, to cause a blessing to rest on your house."

There are lots of believers who have never given anything to any minister of the gospel. Understand that any minister who has been sent, or given to you is loaded with blessings for you and your entire family. Also understand that there ought to be an exchange of some sort: with your sacrifices you'll cause the blessings to rest on your house! Amen.

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

ACCESS THROUGH ASSISTANCE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 6

ACCESS THROUGH ASSISTANCE

God said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord, but they shall not come near; nor shall the people go up with him.” Exodus 24:1-2

Notice that specific people were invited to meet with the Lord, and that Moses alone was to go nearer, while the others waited. At no time did God invite Joshua to meet with him. But see verse 13 and 14; "So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.”

Joshua, being Moses' personal assistant, had access to where the elders, and even Aaron the High Priest could not enter! Amazing. I've seen personal assistants travel around the world with their bosses to places where they may never have been to in their own capacity. Little wonder, the anointing was transferred to Joshua; he had been everywhere with Moses.

Who's God asking you to assist? Don't feel too big and important to do it! You never know which doors the Lord intends to open for you through that; you never know what grace the Lord intends to transfer to you: yes, you might just get to the top and remain there by assisting another man get there!

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

OUR MOST IMPORTANT AIM

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 4

OUR MOST IMPORTANT AIM

The number one goal of every Christian should be to please God at all times. And every other desire and goal must corroborate, rather than contradict it. Your most important aim shouldn't be to raise the dead, to be rich, to do exploits, to preach, et cetera; those are secondary; our most important aim must be to please the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:9&10 says, "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

Apostle Paul did it all: he raised the dead, ministered to multitudes, stood before great men, established churches, shared revelations, saw Jesus, and so on, yet he was always conscious of the fact that we must all stand before God one day and give account for all that we have done while here. Apostle Paul never took the judgment of God for granted as many of us do today.

All of life is a journey to the judgment seat of Christ! We never arrive until we stand before Him and receive the rewards for all that we have done.

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 3

A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER

"I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man." Proverbs 24:30-34

Your field refers to your life, your business, your calling, your ministry, your work, your studies, your family, your relationships, etc. Why are the fields of some in bad conditions while others with similar fields are doing well? There are several reasons, and it might be because of just a little sleep, a little slumber, and a little folding of arms! God gives His beloved rest, but He never intends for you to be in rest mode for too long, else He would take you to heaven! You must know when to get up and get to work!

Sleep and slumber refer to laziness and lack of understanding. Both of them are doors of poverty and lack. A man maybe very hard working, but if he is devoid of understanding of how a certain thing works, he would still be poor and in lack. That's why Proverbs 4:7 says that we should get understanding.

What's your field like today? Overgrown with thorns, covered with nettles, walls broken down, reducing or not growing? Talent has never been enough; being anointed is not enough; being creative and full of ideas isn't enough; being a graduate isn't enough either; get understanding, and continue to update your knowledge and understanding; and don't be lazy! With just a little sleep, a little slumber, and a little folding of arms comes lack and poverty!

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

THE LORD IS MY INHERITANCE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 2

THE LORD IS MY INHERITANCE

Deuteronomy 10:8&9 says, "At that time, the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to Him and to bless in His name, to this day. Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, just as the LORD your God promised him."

What a privilege that Levi was given! Brothers and sisters, when the Lord is your portion you have everything, because everything belongs to Him and every good and perfect gift comes from Him! When the Lord is your portion whatever is His is yours as well. Hallelujah!

Don't fight to lay hold on things; fight for God! Trust me, God is all you need to have a great and fulfilled life here on earth. If you take everything I have and leave Jesus, I'll receive double of it in a short time; because God is the source of them all! He is my inheritance!

David said, "O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places; yes I have a good inheritance." Psalm 16:5-6. When the Lord becomes your all, you begin to enjoy the very best things of life and of heaven. I ain't trading my Jesus for anything in this world, I'm so content with Him!

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625

LIVING A BLAMELESS LIFE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 1

LIVING A BLAMELESS LIFE

Let's start by defining the word, blameless. It means innocence; to be free of guilt; to be of irreproachable character; to be of an unimpeachable reputation; without fault; guiltless; to be above reproach; perfect; beyond criticism; so good as to preclude any possibility of criticism.

Wow! From the definitions above, I'm wondering if there's a man on earth who's blameless. But that's not the point: the point is that God expects us to be blameless! Philippians 2:14&15 says, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."

Now, don't start saying "no one is perfect", or that it isn't possible; instead, say you are willing to live such a life, determine to live such a life, and then trust the Holy Spirit to make it happen. We all are expected to be good examples and not to bring disgrace or shame to the name of Christ and to the church.

No verse keeps me in check like Romans 2:24; "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." God forbid it; may I never cause the name of my God to be blasphemed by unbelievers, in Jesus' name! May the name of God never be blasphemed by unbelievers because of you, in Jesus' name. Amen. Psalm 37:37 says, "Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace." Amen.

Follow @pastorchinae (Twitter), Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim (Facebook & Blogger), Chinaemerem Ibezim (Google+), PIN:2A6F2625