CROSSING OVER ON DRY GROUND

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 31
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

CROSSING OVER ON DRY GROUND

Joshua 3:17 NKJV "Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan."

And finally, we are here! We are at the end of a journey; we are at the end of a chapter of our lives; like warriors, we fought valiantly, we won our battles, we are victorious, we overcame all the hurdles in 2013, we fought our fights of faith and we emerged the winners because God was with us! The devil has been put to shame; our enemies and haters are terribly bruised and disappointed! I congratulate you!

As we cross over into the new year, I prophesy to you, that we are crossing over on dry ground! Maybe you don't understand: when you pass through the sea on dry ground, it is a miraculous entry! And it means that God has gone ahead of you to make the crooked paths straight. Crossing over on dry ground is like walking on a red carpet, majestically, like a VIP that you are, into your new levels! Hallelujah!

My name is Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim, called and ordained by God Himself that I might reveal Him and declare the whole counsel of God; hear and believe what I tell you: you will march into 2014 as a gazelle! You have been graced with the speed of a gazelle, like Asahel, you will be swift, and like David, you will pursue and overtake and recover all, in the name of Jesus!

Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God!

ALL FEAR IS GONE!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 30
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

ALL FEAR IS GONE!

Lamentations 5:19 NKJV "You, O Lord, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation."

Days come and go, seasons change, years come to an end. People die, people leave, people change, people fail. We relocate, we change, we grow, we repent (change our minds). There will always be new policies, new ways, new ideas, new thoughts, and so on. Nothing remains the same after a while. The future is unpredictable; man's knowledge and revelation is limited: how often we wish we knew what tomorrow would be!

But change, for the believer, should never be a cause for concern because we know who knows tomorrow! Every other thing may change, even the earth upon which we live may change, but God never changes; He has and will always be: and because He lives, we can march boldly into the tomorrow's of our various lives! Hallelujah!

Unlike the president of a country, there are no checks and balances for God, He does whatever He pleases whenever He chooses, He doesn't share power with any other! It doesn't matter if they've predicted an unpleasant tomorrow for you; the same God who added 15 years to the life of a dying man will reverse it! I'm talking about the same God who made the sun and moon to stand still for the sake of one man! He's a mighty God! Because He lives, and because we are in Him, all fear is gone!

WE HAVE OVERCOME

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 29
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WE HAVE OVERCOME

I John 5:4 NKJV "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

In a few hours 2013 will be over! It's been a memorable year, fraught with quite a lot of events, both good and bad. There were earthquakes, terrorist attacks, and many natural and human disasters; there were wars, countless deaths, accidents, sicknesses, heartbreaks, hardships and mishaps.

I won't dare to say that all was well with you this year, I won't assume that all your prayers were answered, neither will I pretend not to know that you might be carrying over some important unresolved in your life into the new year: but this I know: that the fact that you are still here now to see the new year means you have overcome! And it is something to shout about!

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, When men rose up against us, Then they would have swallowed us alive, When their wrath was kindled against us; Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, The stream would have gone over our soul; Then the swollen waters Would have gone over our soul.” Psalm 124:2-5

God told me that 2013 was a year of goodness. I don't have to think to know what to testify! God was so good to me! And I know He was good to you too because He forgave you, healed you, didn't let your enemies triumph, kept you alive, enabled you to get married, gave you a job and a promotion, and provided for you!

Congratulations, brothers and sisters! We have overcome!

PREPARING WELL FOR THE NEW YEAR

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, December 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

PREPARING WELL FOR THE NEW YEAR

James 4:3 NKJV "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."

As years end, we make plans for the new one; we also begin to make our requests known to God in prayer. I hope you have begun to do that: don't start the year without plans and expectations; start now if you haven't.

But to ask God for something is one thing, to receive from Him is another. Also, it's one thing to make plans, and another for you to achieve them. As we have read, one major reason why we don't receive from God is because we want to spend on OUR pleasures instead of HIS own pleasures. Prayer and fasting with wrong motives is a waste of time! So you desire that 2014 be a better year; why? Just so you can have more members in your church or fellowship and be more famous, increase the finances and capabilities, and probably earn more respect? Or so you can have more money to do whatever you want whenever you want and be more recognised in society? They may not be bad reasons; but do you think they are projects God would consider financing?

We were created for God's pleasure and for His glory. In other words, your first priorities should be to please God and to glorify Him. To receive swiftly from God, attach God-pleasing/glorifying motives to your requests and goals. Let pleasing and glorifying God be the foundation upon which every other thing is done. Not only that, beyond making requests that please God, let Him also be pleased with you! All things were commanded to hear Jesus because God was pleased with Him. Do as I've advised.

WE ARE FOR SIGNS AND WONDERS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WE ARE FOR SIGNS AND WONDERS

Isaiah 8:18 NKJV "Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We  are for signs and wonders in Israel From the Lord of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion."

A sign is defined as "something conveying idea: an action or gesture used to convey an idea, information, a wish, or a command." A sign is also an example. There are both good and bad signs. Psalm 71:7 says David was a sign to many. Luke 11:30 says Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites. Numbers 26:9-10 says Korah and his company were a sign. In history there are men and women who have also stood out as either good or bad signs.

When God says we are for signs and wonders, here He's not saying we will do signs and wonders, He meant that you and I will be conveyors of His might, His authority, His message, His goodness, His glory, and His love to the rest of the world. In other words, men will look at you and say, "How come?" and you will reply, "It's God!" Even Satan and his cohorts will marvel!

In year 2014, through you, God will prove to the world that He is all that He said He is! Through you, God will remind the world that He's still the same today as He was yesterday, and in control! He will bless you, provide for you, deliver you, prosper you, promote you, keep you, heal you and give you victories over all your foes! And when they begin to happen, remember why! It is because you are a sign and a wonder to your world! Hallelujah!

TRIBULATION, THE PATH TO EVERLASTING JUBILATION

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

TRIBULATION, THE PATH TO EVERLASTING JUBILATION

Acts 14:21-22 NKJV "And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying,  'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.'”

Many of us, especially in this part of the world, haven't really suffered as a result of our faith in Christ. However, it's possible that we may have been deprived of certain positions, privileges and opportunities because of our beliefs and unwillingness to compromise. It's even possible that as a result of your faith and faith-based decisions and choices, 2013 wasn't as "good" as expected.

Cheer up! I really wish I could tell you that your journey of faith would be painless and only pleasant: I wish I could tell you that you'll never have to cry or mourn in course of serving the Lord; but I can't because that won't be true. What is true is that we must through many tribulations enter into the Kingdom of God. But whatever the case, at all times, God is faithful!

Don't be like the seeds that were sown on stony ground, who received the word with gladness but withered when trials and tribulations came. Encourage yourself in the Lord; fight your fight of faith; don't be discouraged, don't be disappointed; you will not lose your reward. I Peter 5:10 says "may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." Amen! Be assured: 2014 will be better!

IT'S YOUR TURN TO GIVE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, December 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

IT'S YOUR TURN TO GIVE

John 1:10-11 NKJV "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him."

How would you feel if after investing a lot of your time, energy and resources to find and purchase a gift for your loved one, maybe you had to skip some meals so you could afford that gift, and then they reject it? I'm sure you'll feel sad even if you had all the money in the world.

While it's true that God would have still sent Jesus to the earth even if it was only one man in it, we shouldn't forget that His perfect will is that all men be saved. 1 Timothy 2:4 says that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." But sadly till this day man continues to reject Christ. At Christmas, man has chosen rather to celebrate a holiday, life, get together with family and friends, and do several other things other than to receive God's gift to them.

The onus therefore is on you and I to represent God's gift of His Son to everyone around us. God gave Jesus to you, so you have Him: now it's your turn to give Jesus to someone else. Don't only distribute food, drinks, clothes and so on this Christmas, share the gospel of God's undying love and grace to your world!

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

HIS INTENTION WAS TO MAKE US HIS SONS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HIS INTENTION WAS TO MAKE US HIS SONS

1 John 3:1-2 KJV "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

After reading John 3:16, we can quickly conclude that Jesus came just to deliver us from the impending doom: and even though that by itself is a fantastic purpose for His birth, that's not just why He came.

Anyone can be delivered: a servant can be rescued; even non-living things can be rescued! The love of God for man was and is so great that He sent His only begotten Son, so we would not perish; but more importantly, to make us His sons! Hallelujah! Now are we the sons of God entitled to all the rights and privileges of sons! Wow! (I rejoice greatly in my spirit! ).God is so good!

By believing in Jesus we became children of God! Galatians 3:26 says, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." People think Christianity and being born again is all about escaping from hell; no! that's not the main thing: it's first about becoming the sons of God! Determine to enjoy your benefits of sonship! That's why Jesus came! We who were aliens to the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God, became members of the family of God! Glory to God!

HOW GOD LOVED THE WORLD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HOW GOD LOVED THE WORLD

"For God loved the world in this way: so much that he would give up his Son, The Only One, so that everyone who trusts in him shall not be lost, but he shall have eternal life." John 3:16, Aramaic Bible in Plain English

I defined love as "doing something that's in the best interest of another person." You see, love is not only something sweet and pleasant, it can also be painful. Yes, love can hurt especially when we don't understand it. An act of discipline is certainly not a pleasant one; but it has to be done in the interest of that person. What matters is the motive behind the action. A break up might hurt, but it might leave you a lot better! Meanwhile, you could be clinging onto someone with a false understanding of love not realising that you are actually doing yourself a disservice (I speak not to the married).

You know, we all have our own expectations: we expect God to do things in a certain way, to prove Himself in a certain manner, to do certain things and at certain times; and we complain and get disappointed when He doesn't do it as we anticipated. But just as we express love to ourselves in different ways, God too has expressed His love in His own way. What we are to do is to receive it, enjoy it and be grateful for it.

If God does nothing more for man, it would be fine because He has already done more than enough by giving us His only begotten Son so we can have everlasting life! Receiving Jesus is the key to unlocking the doors of every other blessing that God has for man. He who freely gave us His Son shall with Him also freely give us every other thing that we need. Hallelujah!

RESTORED TO GLORY

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

RESTORED TO GLORY

Acts 20:9-10 NKJV "And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”

In my opinion, the above is one of the most amazing passages of the Bible! Something happens in me every time I read it. What a manifestation of power! What a revelation of grace! Raising the dead without stress and sweat! Wow! Glory to God!

That story gives hope: you know, there are times when we sleep and fall as believers, and the fall is so great that it seems we'll never recover from it. I counsel you not to give up at such times: Eutychus came back to life; you too will come back to life in Jesus' name! Amen.

And that's exactly what Jesus came to do on earth. Man had fallen deep in sin and very far away from God; man had fallen from the exalted position where God placed him, down into the captivity of Satan and sin; but Jesus came and restored us, not only to life, but also to our inheritance and to our position! Today, we are far above principalities and powers, seated together with Christ in heavenly places! Hallelujah!

HE WILL COME AGAIN

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, December 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HE WILL COME AGAIN

Acts 1:10-11 NKJV "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

I dare say that about 80%, or even more, of Christians living today don't want Jesus to come back now. We know that He will come again; but we don't want him to return until we've achieved all our desires: until we've gotten married, built houses, been to several countries, and ultimately enjoyed ourselves here. But I'm sorry to say that it's only the Father Who can determine when Jesus will return. So we better be ready! Even if you have managed to possess the whole world and are living in complete victory over the devil, sin and the world, it's not enough reason to want to remain here!

We must never lose sight of the things that truly matter. There's absolutely nothing we achieve here that can be compared to the glory and the inheritance that awaits us in heaven. And when we get to heaven, life with God the Father, with Jesus the Son, with the Holy Spirit, the saints gone before us and other heavenly hosts, will be too sweet that we would hardly remember whatever happened here, no matter how pleasant they are now or will be.

As we celebrate the first coming of Jesus to the earth in human body, let's also meditate on the fact that He said He would come again; as a thief in the night. Keep this in mind: He came the first time, lived with us and taught us to live for Him, so that we would be ready to live with Him in the New Jerusalem when He returns to the earth the second time, to take us away.

SLAIN TO RECEIVE RICHES

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, December 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

SLAIN TO RECEIVE RICHES

Revelation 5:11-12 NKJV "Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

When Satan tempted Jesus, he took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9). The glory of the world referred to "the resources, wealth, the magnificence and greatness of their cities, their fertile lands, and their thronging population."

Satan offered Jesus riches which Jesus didn't receive from Him. Satan knew he would eventually be dispossessed of it when Jesus died; Satan did all he could to stop Jesus from being crucified: the offer was to distract Christ from the cross! But thank God that Jesus was slain! He paid the price for all He received, making it forever His! Hallelujah!

The good news is that Jesus received them all for the church - for you and I. Glory to Him forever! If it is okay for us to ask the Lord for wisdom and power and honour and blessings and strength, then it is equally okay to ask Him for riches! No Christian should be poor except by choice! It was sin that brought poverty; if Adam and Eve didn't sin no man would be poor. Are you born again? You can receive your riches through Christ! Hallelujah!

HINDRANCES TO RECEIVING FROM GOD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HINDRANCES TO RECEIVING FROM GOD

You know, people get confused when they've done everything they know to do and there's no positive change in their situations: they pray, fast, sow, believe, serve and confess, yet no change. At that point they begin to think that maybe God doesn't want to do it for them or that He will do it later.

Isaiah 59:1 NKJV "Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear."

So, the problem is not of God but ours. One cause of stagnation is that instead of moving forward only, people take steps forward and then do things that make them take steps backwards. May that not be your portion in Jesus name.

But before you say Amen, what's your attitude like? How do you treat other people? Is there unforgiveness in your heart against someone? What kind of words and thoughts proceed from your heart? Yes, check; is there any thing you do that displeases God? Understand that there's a relationship between everything.

There's got to be consistency. Don't talk faith in prayer and then turn around and gossip; do you understand? Don't hinder God in any way from helping you. God is a Being and not just a principle or some substance that you can apply when ever you need it: He has His Will, His expectations and His desires.

BE USEFUL

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, December 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BE USEFUL

II Timothy 4:11 NKJV "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry."

In the course of Paul's life and ministry, he encountered countless young men; he even said that he had many children in the Lord, so when he specifically requested for Mark, and said he was useful to him for ministry, that gives us an idea of how useful Mark really was.

Are you useful in the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God is the most important place: it's great to be useful at work, and in the world at large, but until you've made yourself useful in the Kingdom, you're not as important as you think you are.

According to the Scriptures, we are to love the Lord with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind (Luke 10:27): yet for many of us, neither our time, energy or treasures are any where in the Kingdom, or barely there. What's the link between your treasures and your love? You ask: where your treasure is that's where your heart is also. I can tell how involved you are by how much you invest (your time, treasures and your strength).

We determine how useful we are in the Kingdom, yes it's up to you and not your pastor, because your pastor is looking for useful people, and the Kingdom is beyond the four walls of a church or the scope of a ministry. Always seek to make a contribution wherever you are, and ensure you improve yourself continually so your contributions can be of very high standard.

GOD DOES MIRACLES FOR A LIVING!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 17
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

GOD DOES MIRACLES FOR A LIVING!

Is it possible that the One with whom nothing is impossible has stopped doing the impossible? Could it be true that the Omnipotent One has stopped being an ever present help in times of trouble? Would He who parted the Red Sea, who made iron float on water, who cleansed lepers, who fed multitudes with only five loaves and two fish, and paid His tax through a fish, be idle today?

No! God has not stopped doing miracles! It is what makes Him God! He doesn't have to do anything special to do miracles; just His thoughts will produce miracles! To Him, miracles are like blinking and breathing! He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore! Hallelujah! He is a miracle worker! He is an awesome wonder! He's a mighty God!

Some people wonder why they don't see miracles like we read in the Bible. I wonder where they are living and what they have been paying attention to! For God never stopped doing miracles! He is alive and He does miracles for a living!

My God is able! His strength has not diminished as a result of age; He is ageless! He doesn't change! He is still as loving and as willing to intervene in our affairs as He has always been! And He is right there with you now! And He knows your needs! Receive your miracles now, in the name of Jesus!

16 PRAYER POINTS FOR SPINSTERS WHO DESIRE TO GET MARRIED

16 PRAYER POINTS FOR SPINSTERS WHO DESIRE TO GET MARRIED.
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Father, make me like a lily among the thorns (SOS 2:2)

Father, please send a man who will take me to meet his people and whose banner over me will be love (SOS 2:4)

Heavenly Father, purify me of every spot and everything that clouds your glory and beauty upon my life (SOS 4:7)

Dear Lord, like Esther, please prepare me for my king!

Father, give no rest to my man until he locates me and marries me (Ruth 3:18, SOS 5:8)

O Lord, please send me a man that will celebrate and cherish me continually (SOS 7:1&10)

Father it is written that it is You who gives wives to their husbands. O Lord, please give me to my own husband! (Proverbs 19:14)

Heavenly Father, like Esther and Ruth, may I find favour. (Ruth 2:13, Esther 2:4,15)

Father, please make me a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31)

Father, may my husband come forth from wherever he is now and locate me (Genesis 24:4)

Father, equip me to be a perfect help for my husband (Genesis 2:18)

Father, as men search for their wives may I be found worthy (Esther 2:2)

Father, may my Mordecai take me to my palace! (Esther 2:8)

Father, please make me the preferred choice among many (Esther 2:17)

Father, may men hear only good and pleasant things about me. Cause men to speak in my favour (Ruth 2 : 11)

My Father, connect me with my Naomi that will give me good counsel and mentor me aright. Link me with my Naomi that will not rest until I am married!

In Jesus' name! Amen.

I await your testimony!

LIVING BY REVELATION

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 16
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

LIVING BY REVELATION

Galatians 2:2 NKJV "And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain."

Understand the limitations of the human mind, the human abilities, the human intelligence, and the human genius. No matter how good anything human seems, it is grossly insufficient and shallow especially when compared with the divine. The wisdom of man is foolishness to God. To live by the physical alone is to place a limit on who you can be, what you can do, and what you can accomplish.

Revelation is defined as, "divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence." God has diverse ways of revealing things to man. And whatever He reveals is for our benefit. He is omnipresent and omniscient: wise men and women seek His will at all times.

Live by revelation. I like books like the one written by Olufisayo Okunsanya, Business At The Speed Of Rhema. With revelations we can have advantage over our competitors and colleagues. Run your home, business, team, ministry, etc, by revelation. Stop guessing when you have access to divine resources

WISDOM IS BETTER THAN RUBIES

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 15
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WISDOM IS BETTER THAN RUBIES

Proverbs 8:10-11 NKJV "Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her."

One problem many of us have is that we consistently make wrong choices: some of us even find it difficult to make choices! Some of the reasons why we do are, impatience, inability to prioritize, lack of adequate information, lack of discernment, bad attitude to learning and instructions, confusion, living by sight (choosing only what you see now, what's available now).

It's not bad to make mistakes, but there are some avoidable mistakes, and it's a serious problem when same mistakes are made consistently even under different circumstances. One of the keys to a successful and fulfilled life is wisdom. Wisdom is priceless! It's value cannot be really ascertained. No one can put a tag on it!

Before you start praying for a job or business, a husband or wife, children, a position, money, etc, first pray for wisdom. Wisdom will preserve every other thing you'll get, wisdom will make you a good manager and companion, wisdom will make you outstanding, it will deliver you from evil, and wisdom will keep you being relevant for a very long time. Thanks be to God! Wisdom is available for us in Christ. Get wisdom!

MORE AND MORE!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, December 14
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

MORE AND MORE!

Psalms 115:12-15 NKJV "The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord , Both small and great. May the Lord give you increase more and more, You and your children. May you be  blessed by the Lord , Who made heaven and earth."

I have no other job than to teach you God's word and to pray for you. Today, I pray for you. That the Lord will bless you! That the Lord will increase you more and more! That the Lord will satisfy you with His goodness and supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus!

May God open doors for you! May His face shine upon you continually! When men say there's a casting down; you shall say there's a lifting up, in the name of Jesus! Receive your healing! Receive strength! Let all you've lost be restored, in the name of Jesus! For God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ever ask or think! May your dreams come true! May you see light in darkness! Receive joy and peace! In the name of Jesus! Amen!

Go on and celebrate! Give God praise! He has heard me and He has seen your faith! It is done! It is finished! The wait is over! The war has ended! You are more than a conqueror! You will sing a new song! You will testify! You will laugh again! Hallelujah!

And God keeps opening doors!

I'm very pleased to inform you that Spirit & Life Devotional is now on The Trent, Nigeria's Online Newspaper! www.thetrentonline.com

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And the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God and His Truth!

HAVING FERVENT LOVE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, December 13
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HAVING FERVENT LOVE

I Peter 4:8 NKJV "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

I love Weymouth New Testament's version of the above verse: "Above all continue to love one another fervently, for love throws a veil over a multitude of faults."

Love throws a veil over a multitude of faults! In a place where the faults and sins of people are always a subject; in a place where there's always judgement; and in a place where people always find faults; check, there's little or no love there. Same applies to relationships. Where there's little or no forgiveness, there's little or no love. A place where errors cannot be pardoned and even overlooked has no love!

When Jesus said we are to forgive our brothers seventy times seven times in a day, He was really teaching us to have fervent love for one another: to forgive that long can only be possible if we love one another fervently. Dear Lord, create in me a heart like Yours! A heart full of compassion, patience and so much kindness; a heart that truly loves like You, dear Jesus!

NO PAST!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 12
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

NO PAST!

II Corinthians 5:17 NKJV "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he  is  a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

The topic was to start with, "Your Past..." until it dawned on me that there's no past! The New Creation in Christ Jesus has no past! Hallelujah! The New Creation is not a renewed man, he's a new man without a past! Wow!

That your mind remembers what you did when you were a sinner, doesn't mean God also remembers it. If you go to heaven now, you'll see no records of your past there because it doesn't exist! God didn't just ignore your past, or open a new file for you, do you understand? The past was totally obliterated the moment you got born again!

Hebrews 8:12 NKJV says, "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hallelujah! God said, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25. Amen!

So, dear child of God, don't feel sorry or guilty about the past! Don't feel threatened by it either; nothing you did then (physically speaking) has any effect on your today and tomorrow as long as you remain in Christ! I come against that dirty lying spirit that has been oppressing you in the name of Jesus! I cast it out right now! Be free, in the name of Jesus! Yes, he who the Son of Man has set free is free indeed! Praise the Lord!

REPROVE, RATHER THAN APPROVE THEM

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, December 11
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

REPROVE, RATHER THAN APPROVE THEM

Ephesians 5:11 AMP "Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them."

It's not uncommon to see believers engaging in same ungodly and unedifying activities as, and with unbelievers. God has His expectations of us. While He loves all men, He doesn't approve of all that man does, and He will one day judge all our deeds and decisions. As children of God, we are expected to reprove the works of darkness rather than approve them.

To approve something wrong makes you equally guilty (Romans 1:32). And you must understand that there are times when even silence means consent. That's why Eli was judged, he didn't stop his sons from sinning against God. Apostle John warned that receiving certain people into our homes and associating with them could make us partakers of their deeds. II John 1:10-11 NKJV "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."

Reproval doesn't necessarily mean confrontation; as the Scripture we began with says, we would be reproving them by living lives that are in contrast with theirs. Let us therefore truly live lives worthy of our calling; let our lights so shine that men may see it and be drawn to Christ.

TIME TO POSSESS YOUR INHERITANCE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 10
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

TIME TO POSSESS YOUR INHERITANCE

Jeremiah 49:1-2 NKJV "Against the Ammonites. Thus says the Lord : “Has Israel no sons? Has he no heir? Why then does Milcom inherit Gad, And his people dwell in its cities? Therefore behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord , “That I will cause to be heard an alarm of war In Rabbah of the Ammonites; It shall be a desolate mound, And her villages shall be burned with fire. Then Israel shall take possession of his inheritance,” says the Lord ."

Are you aware that all things are yours now? You can find that in 1 Corinthians 3:21. We also read in 1 Corinthians 2:12 that there are things God has freely given to us. Joshua 1:3 also reveals that wherever the soles of our feet treads upon has been given unto us.

If the above are true (they are true!), why then are a lot of God's children not enjoying their inheritance? Why is it that the above verses seem not to be our realities? Why is it that unbelievers seem to be enjoying what's ours? Why are we sick, weak, broke, bullied and oppressed? Why are we the victims? Not again! I refuse to be as a servant in my Father's house!

It's time to take possession of your inheritance! I speak, in the name of Jesus, to whatever or whoever has deprived you of what's yours in Christ, take your filthy hands off what belongs to this reader in the name of Jesus! Victory is ours, in the name of Jesus! We now dwell in our inheritance! And this that the Lord has done shall be permanent! Glory to God!

GETTING TO KNOW GOD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

GETTING TO KNOW GOD

Hosea 6:3 NKJV "Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth."

There's no knowledge greater than the knowledge of God. A man may have all the degrees in the world, but until He knows who God really is, he knows absolutely nothing! A child who has the slightest idea of God is better than a professor with none!

The knowledge of God is life; that's what Jesus said: "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." John 17:3. And they that know their God shall be strong (Daniel 11:32). The knowledge of God is a defence; the man who knows God will not be easily deceived; will not be moved.

Don't be content hearing only about God; don't be satisfied simply knowing His ways and His power; don't feel fulfilled knowing just His principles and His laws; get to know Him (The Person)! The more of Him you know, the more of every other thing you'll know! Grow in the knowledge of God; seek to know more and more of Him, ask Him to reveal Himself to you: if you seek Him you will find Him; He will come to you. Hallelujah!

BRING FORTH ABUNDANTLY

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 8
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BRING FORTH ABUNDANTLY

Genesis 9:7 NKJV "And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth And multiply in it.”

Barrenness is not the will of God for any man or woman. We were created, and are expected to bring forth; in us are seeds capable of reproduction. Refuse to be barren! Command your reproductive organs to bring forth in the name of Jesus!

But beyond bringing forth physical children, I strongly believe that there's a lot more that God expects from us today. I sincerely believe that greater attention should be given to other capabilities within us more than that which brings forth children into the world. In every one of us are potentials, abilities which must be maximally utilized to bring forth 'things' that will greatly bless many others and be pleasing to God.

Hebrews 2:10 talks about Jesus bringing many sons to glory: how many lives have you personally led to Christ and being a blessing to? How many people have you influenced positively? How many people have received something from you that made them better? How many lives have drank from your rivers of living water? Refuse to be barren! We were ordained to bring forth fruit (John 15:16).

LET NO ONE JUDGE YOU

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, December 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

LET NO ONE JUDGE YOU

Colossians 2:16-17 NKJV "So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ."

You know, some people have made themselves Big Brothers over others; they want to be able to determine almost everything done by others; how many hours we should pray, where we should go, the day and time we should worship, how we should look, how we should talk, what we should eat, who we should talk to, etc.

Christmas is here again and the arguments about if it should be celebrated would have started. May I say this: how it started is irrelevant, why it started is irrelevant, who started it is irrelevant! What is relevant is that about 2040 years ago, Jesus was born of virgin Mary to save us from sin and Satan and that He fulfilled His purpose. I don't care about the date He was born; that too is irrelevant! To celebrate Christmas is a choice that is neither right or wrong.

We must stop wasting our time on shadows. While we condemn sin, we should understand that some matters will always be disputable; and concerning such Romans 14:22 NKJV says, "Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves." "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way." Romans 14:13

THE STRATEGIES OF OUR WARFARE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, December 6
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE STRATEGIES OF OUR WARFARE

In warfare, you require both superior weapons and strategies/tactics to win. It is possible to have the best weapons and still lose a battle because of lack of effective strategies.

In spiritual warfare, God is the Strategist. He's got many ways to achieve victory. The more reason we have to constantly seek His will and His counsel.

When the Philistines fought David, the first time, God said to him, “Go up, for I will deliver them to your hand." The second time, David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 1 Chronicles 14. Same God, same enemy, but different strategies.

God is not rigid. The reason a lot of us fail is because we make decisions hastily; we approach situations and challenges with the same strategies. But we've got to learn to let God lead and direct us all the time. Victory is only certain when we employ God's strategies. Learn to hear from God and to be led by His Spirit.

DON'T BE A WASTER

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 5
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

DON'T BE A WASTER

John 6:12 NKJV "So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.”

It's noteworthy that Jesus didn't permit waste, even when the food was a result of a miracle. Understand this: how we manage the things that God has given to us determines if we will continue to receive same from God!

Jesus Himself told a parable:  Luke 16:1-2 NKJV “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.  So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’" In other words, a waster will eventually be disconnected from his source!

The prodigal son wasted all his possessions and then became a beggar. Even when you have too much, don't waste things, instead give to the needy people around you who are not as blessed as you are. Spend wisely, be a good manager of whatever God has given to you. Remember this: God won't give you more until He trusts you to manage them well.

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THE WAGES OF SIN

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, December 4
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE WAGES OF SIN

Luke 13:1-5 NKJV "There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?  I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.  Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?  I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

You know, when terrible things happen in certain areas we tend to think that it is because they had sinned so much, some even say it is God judging them. But that's not always true. Sin, whether big or small, has consequences. There are no worse sinners!

"The wages of sin is death." Death immediately and automatically sets in the moment sin occurs. Understand that it is a law. And the only way to counter the consequence of sin is through repentance.

Unless there is true repentance, the one who sinned will perish. Brothers and sisters, we are no longer slaves, sin no longer has dominion over us! We can actually stop sinning! The grace of God has already appeared to us all, teaching us to say no! Jesus came that we may have life; let us choose to enjoy that life!

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THE LORD IS GOOD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE LORD IS GOOD

Let there be earthquakes, storms, tornadoes, famines, wars, and any other devastating event; yet the Lord is good! Though loved ones pass away; though I lose all I have; yet the Lord is good!

I have seen the Lord's goodness, His mercies and compassion; He has been so good to me; I have seen His wonders in my day! It really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks: it is settled; the Lord is good!

Nahum 1:7 NKJV "The Lord  is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him."

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Yeah, He tastes like honey in the rock! I have known Him for many years and He has never failed me! Who can forgive like God? Who can keep like God? Who can heal like God? Who can deliver like Him? Who can promote like Him? None! None!! Hallelujah! Worship Him!

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THE LORD IS GOOD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE LORD IS GOOD

Let there be earthquakes, storms, tornadoes, famines, wars, and any other devastating event; yet the Lord is good! Though loved ones pass away; though I lose all I have; yet the Lord is good!

I have seen the Lord's goodness, His mercies and compassion; He has been so good to me; I have seen His wonders in my day! It really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks: it is settled; the Lord is good!

Nahum 1:7 NKJV "The Lord  is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him."

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Yeah, He tastes like honey in the rock! I have known Him for many years and He has never failed me! Who can forgive like God? Who can keep like God? Who can heal like God? Who can deliver like Him? Who can promote like Him? None! None!! Hallelujah! Worship Him!

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TRY PRAYER AND FASTING

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

TRY PRAYER AND FASTING

A man took his possessed son to Jesus for deliverance, and because Jesus wasn't around, he met with the disciples hoping for a miracle. The disciples tried to cast out the demon but couldn't. They probably tried talking and acting like Jesus, but that didn't get the demon out.

When Jesus returned, He cast out the demon! Then the disciples, wondering why they failed after doing all they saw Him do, met Jesus privately to know what they didn't do, or why He succeeded and they didn't. Then He said to them,

“Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.  However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:20-21

One thing is common in the lives of those doing exploits, they pray and fast a lot. Apostle Paul said he fasted often. Could it be that your situation hasn't changed despite the fact that you have been believing, confessing the word and sowing seeds, because it's the kind that requires prayer and fasting? Try prayer and fasting; it might just be the key to unlocking that door.

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INCREASING YOUR WORTH

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 1
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

INCREASING YOUR WORTH

II Samuel 18:3 NKJV "But the people answered, 'You shall not go out! For if we flee away, they will not care about us; nor if half of us die, will they care about us. But you  are worth ten thousand of us now. For you are now more help to us in the city.'"

In the passage above, David was said to be worth ten thousand men! This worth I'm referring to isn't about how much you own, but about how valuable you are as a person. I don't believe that anyone is worthless, it's just that many of us are sleeping giants.

In 2004, at a convention, Pastor Chris said to us, "Work on being and not on having, for with who you are you will have." I never forgot those words. Are you aware that some people will never beg for the rest of their lives? Because people always need them for something! They have made themselves indispensable. Meanwhile, there are some who can be dismissed without considerations.

What kind of a man do you want to be? In the next few years, do you still want to be at the mercy of others? Invest in yourself now, and let God bring out the best in you. Daniel was a part of many governments, not because he was "kissing ass" as they say, but because he was very valuable.

Happy New Month!

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