POWER OVER SATAN

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, July 31
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Ephesians 4:27 ERV "Don’t give the devil a way to defeat you."

POWER OVER SATAN

I've heard people say that Satan doesn't have power. It's not a sin to think or say that, but he does have power. Look at it this way; that Jesus said all power in heaven and earth were given to Him doesn’t mean that angels in heaven don't have power, neither does it mean that Muhammad Ali or president Goodluck Jonathan doesn't have power.

Satan was an angel and he has angelic powers till now. That's why he goes about seeking whom to devour; that's why he blinds the hearts of men so that they wouldn't receive the gospel and that's why he still oppresses people. But, Jesus defeated him! Hallelujah! And in Christ, we have power over Satan and every demon underneath him. Glory to God!

The Christian defeated by Satan is the one who let Satan defeat him. In other words, living in continuous victory over the devil is up to you and I. Don’t permit Satan to mess you up for any reason! Don’t be ignorant; don't compromise; develop your faith and live a holy life. And put on the whole armour of God!

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OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT AND FEAR

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, July 30
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Ezra 4:4 ERV "So the enemies began to discourage them and tried to frighten them in order to stop them from building the Temple."

OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT AND FEAR

Discouragement and fear are two weapons Satan uses to try to stop us from accomplishing great things, achieving our goals and objectives, fulfilling God's purposes for our lives, moving on, trying again and from pursuing the visions and dreams in our hearts. 

The purpose of discouragement and fear is to make us quit. Satan uses challenges and people to try to make you lose your confidence or enthusiasm; to demoralize you, to depress you, to disappoint you, to dash your hopes, to prevent you by showing disapproval or creating difficulties. He desires to make you less determined, less hopeful, and less confident. Refuse to be discouraged! Refuse to be afraid!

After all the exploits he did, Elijah's ministry came to an end because he let himself be discouraged and afraid. Just because Jezebel threatened him, he said to God, “I have had enough, Lord! Take my life. I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4. But when his own men were talking of killing him, David encouraged himself in God! Hallelujah!

People may have refused to assist you; rejected your proposals; humiliated you; they keep asking you to come back in two weeks; they aren't co-operating with you; no great results: it may even be at home; you don't feel loved any more; things have changed, you're tired, you're hurt - don't be discouraged, don't quit, God will make a way!

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DEAD TO THE WORLD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, July 29
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Galatians 6:14 ERV "I hope I will never boast about things like that. The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is my only reason for boasting. Through Jesus’ death on the cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world."

DEAD TO THE WORLD

The impact of the Wall Street Crash of 1929 was so much that it caused 23,000 people to commit suicide in one year! We've heard stories too, of people who died as a result of bank failures or loss of something valuable to them.

Here's what caused their deaths. Their hearts were in those things that they lost. Jesus said our hearts are where our treasures are (Matthew 6:21); so they lost our hearts along with their treasures! Some people actually fall sick when they lose their phones; and when they lose cars, their world literally ends! What a shame.

Paul said, "But I will never brag about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his cross, the world is dead as far as I am concerned, and I am dead as far as the world is concerned." NLT says, "Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died."

You can't steal when you have this mindset. Don’t be emotionally and psychologically attached to anything of no eternal value whether you have a little or excess of it. In the right perspective, they really don't matter! Don’t be in bondage to anything. Be free in Jesus name!

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DANGERS OF GUARANTEEING LOANS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, July 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Proverbs 17:18 ERV "Only a fool would promise to pay for someone else’s debts."

DANGERS OF GUARANTEEING LOANS

I can write a book about my financial mistakes. As someone told me, thank God they all happened early enough while I was younger and didn't involve very huge sums. About three years ago, I guaranteed loans for three different people. One was a million, another half a million, and another about two hundred thousand Naira. To cut the long stories short, I had to repay all those loans! And because I want to go to heaven I can't keep grudges! So listen to me when I tell you not to guarantee another person's loan!

I've seen people lose family homes because they guaranteed other people's loans. I don't care who he or she is to you; don't be a guarantor for their loans! They may have integrity and the willingness to repay but be unable to. Certain things happen that are beyond our control; you will be called upon to pay or to forfeit your property.

Proverbs 6:1-5 says "My son, don’t make yourself responsible for the debts of others. Don’t make such deals with friends or strangers. If you do, your words will trap you. You will be under the power of other people, so you must go and free yourself. Beg them to free you from that debt. Don’t wait to rest or sleep. Escape from that trap like a deer running from a hunter. Free yourself like a bird flying from a trap."

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PRAYING WITH THE HELP OF THE SPIRIT

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, July 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Jude 1:20 ERV "But you, dear friends, use your most holy faith to build yourselves up even stronger. Pray with the help of the Holy Spirit."

PRAYING WITH THE HELP OF THE SPIRIT

Prayer that God answers is one that agrees with His will; what He wants done. So how do we know the will of God? By reading the Bible? It's more than that. It's by the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 says, "But God has shown us these things through the Spirit. The Spirit knows all things. The Spirit even knows the deep secrets of God. It is like this: No one knows the thoughts that another person has. Only the person’s spirit that lives inside knows those thoughts. It is the same with God. No one knows God’s thoughts except God’s Spirit."

Spending very long time praying about what you want and without the help of the Spirit will not produce the desired results! Always seek the help of the Holy Spirit in prayer!

Romans 8:26-27 says, "Also, the Spirit helps us. We are very weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words. God already knows our deepest thoughts. And he understands what the Spirit is saying, because the Spirit speaks for his people in the way that agrees with what God wants." Hallelujah!

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WE HAVE THE VICTORY

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, July 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

2 Samuel 8:6, 14 ERV "Then David put his soldiers in Damascus, Aram. The Arameans became David’s servants and brought tribute. The Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. He put teams of soldiers throughout Edom, and the whole nation became his servants. The Lord gave victory to him wherever he went."

WE HAVE THE VICTORY

Victory is yours in Christ! Hallelujah! As a Christian, defeat is not your portion! The will of God for you is complete victory over every foe, over every sickness, over every disease, over fear, over poverty, over Satan, over debt, over sin, over death, and any other thing you can think of! Hallelujah!

1 Corinthians 15:57 says "But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" Romans 8:37 says"But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us." Wow! We are not a fearful bunch who keep running away, and are terrified by bad news; no! We are victors everywhere, in all situations! Yes we are!

We used to sing this song:
In the name of Jesus,
In the name of Jesus
We have the victory,
In the name of Jesus,
In the name of Jesus
Demons will have to flee,
When we stand on the name of Jesus
Tell me who can stand before,
In the mighty name of Jesus,
We have the victory.

Hallelujah!

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FIGHTING TO FULFIL YOUR PURPOSE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, July 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

2 Timothy 4:7 NLT "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."

FIGHTING TO FULFIL YOUR PURPOSE

Germany beat Argentina to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Before the final, Germany played six other games; they won five and drew one with Ghana. I really enjoyed that particular game. Every of those games was a fight! The Germans were fortunate not to lose any. Their purpose, like other countries, was to win, and they fought with skill, passion and determination to the end.

I sincerely didn't realise for a long time that we had to fight to fulfil our purposes. I expected a much easier race; but there will be contenders, challenges, setbacks, disappointments and even failures, as well as the victories. There are times you'd feel like giving up, but you must fight until the end! You've got to finish whatever God has called you to do! Every experience is to make you better, stronger and wiser.

The Brazilian team conceded seven goals in their own country in a single game! They must have felt like walking away or even disappearing, but they had to play to the end. That's what Paul meant by remaining faithful to the end. Don't quit because you're not getting the kind of results you desire; don't quit because you feel like a failure (you're not a failure!); don't quit if a plan isn't working; neither should you quit because of rejection. Don’t commit "suicide" and don’t abort your dreams! Stay focused, see the future! Faithfully fight the good fight until you finish the race.

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THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, July 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Job 19:26-27 ERV "After I leave my body and my skin has been destroyed, I know I will still see God. I will see him with my own eyes. I myself, not someone else, will see God. And I cannot tell you how excited that makes me feel!"

THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

After you are born again, there should never be a moment in your life when you cannot speak with assurance that one day you will be with God in Heaven. You must ensure that you have this assurance in you always. Be worried when you don't. There should always be the witness of the Holy Spirit in you that one day you'd see Jesus and spend eternity with Him.

We are all living for that day, when we'll stand before Him and He'd say, "Welcome home!"

From childhood I've always wanted to go to heaven, and there are questions I've always wanted to ask God when I see Him! I won't let anything or anyone prevent me from being with Jesus for eternity; from making it to the New Jerusalem; from seeing my favourite Bible heroes and heroines of faith; from occupying the place prepared for me; and from receiving my reward! The pains from fires of the Lake of Fire will be nothing compared to the pains I would feel within me if for any reason I am cast away.

Brothers and sisters, let the assurance of salvation always be in you. Not one borne out of false doctrines, self righteousness and a trust in your own works; but a genuine assurance by the Holy Spirit because you're born again, because you're cleansed by the blood, because you are not compromising and because you're remain in Him, righteous and holy.

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RUNNING HARD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, July 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Philippians 3:14 ERV "I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven."

RUNNING HARD

Paul was an epitome of hard work and "perfection". He was someone who threw himself completely into whatever he did. When he studied the Law, he mastered it; when he persecuted the church, he spared no one, he went from house to house! And when he became an apostle, he was the greatest of all.

He wrote that he kept running hard. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, "Work hard at whatever you do. You will soon go to the world of the dead, where no one works or thinks or reasons or even knows anything." The ERV says "Every time you find work to do, do it the best you can. In the grave there is no work. There is no thinking, no knowledge, and there is no wisdom. And we are all going to the place of death."

How successful you'll be in what you do is really up to you. You didn't have to be a Whizz-kid; what stops you from being a Whizz-man or Whizz-woman? When you start is not as important as the amount of effort you put into what you do. Make no mistake about it; your efforts alone will not suffice: effort without grace results in frustration. Grace too without effort is useless. Paul said, "But, because of God’s grace, that is what I am. And his grace that he gave me was not wasted. I worked harder than all the other apostles." 1 Corinthians 15:10

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TAKING THE LAND

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, July 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Deuteronomy 4:1 ERV “Now, Israel, listen to the laws and to the commands that I teach you. Obey them and you will live. Then you can go in and take the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you."

TAKING THE LAND

After I shared yesterday's Devotional, titled Asking In His Name, I was asked why prayers are not answered. I knew when I shared the Devotional that many people would have similar questions because many people are asking and not receiving. I gave the following reasons: sin, unbelief, wrong purposes, not asking according to the will of God, maltreating our spouses and living in disobedience.

I've always thought that obedience was only about "doing something". But to obey also means "submitting to the authority of someone". Before you can do anything pleasing to God, you must have first submitted to His authority. Have you submitted to the authority of the word? What's your attitude to the word of God? Isaiah 66:2 says "This is the Lord’s declaration. I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and trembles at My word."

Many people want to enjoy the promises of God, but they do not want to submit themselves completely to the authority of His word. They will not take the land! It's not about shouting the loudest Amen, you must first submit yourself to the authority of the word. When you do, receiving answers to your prayers becomes very easy!

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ANOTHER CHANCE

ANOTHER CHANCE
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

This is me, thinking out loud. I hope it blesses someone.

Is it okay to judge or label a person by one or a few bad actions exhibited by them?

Paul and Barnabas once had a "fight" because of John Mark. John Mark abandoned them at a time they needed him, and Paul didn't think such a person should be taken back into their company. Paul was unwilling to give him another chance. But Barnabas looked past the hurt and saw a useful assistant. I guess he chose to focus on John Mark's strengths rather than on his weaknesses. Later we read that Paul asked for John Mark, saying he was profitable. What if Barnabas didn't give him another chance?

Peter denied Jesus thrice. Onesimus stole from Philemon his boss and ran away. Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham as a second wife because she didn't have children, and when Hagar had Ishmael she became proud and despised Sarah. They were all given "another chance".

The first time, Absalom killed his brother, David's son, and was forgiven. The second time he wanted to kill David his father, and yet David said to Joab as they prepared for war, “Do this for me: Be gentle with young Absalom!” David was willing to give Absalom as many chances as possible!

That's true love! The willingness to give each other many more chances.

In life, we will be hurt and disappointed by our best friends, our children, bosses, parents and even spouses. At such times it's really difficult to love, to "forgive and forget": that's when our love is really tested, and we truly get to understand true love as a choice and a decision rather than feelings based on false assumptions. Then, and only then, will we be willing to give people chances as many as seventy times seven times.

ASKING IN HIS NAME

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, July 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

John 14:13-14 ERV "And if you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you. Then the Father’s glory will be shown through the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it."

ASKING IN HIS NAME

Jesus did not repeat His words on many occasions, so if He did at anytime it's because He wanted us to realize how serious and important what He said was.

He said twice that if we ask for anything in His name, He will do it. Question: Does He have the power to do anything we ask for? Yes! All power in heaven and on the earth belong to Him. Another question: Can He be trusted to do what He promised? Yes! He is faithful and just to fulfil all His word!

What interests me is that He didn't tell us what to ask for! He said twice that we can ask for ANYTHING! Meaning that you and I can ask for anything! I have checked the dictionary to be sure: anything means without limitation; anything means to any degree or extent, at all; anything means no matter what! Oh boy! What are you waiting for! Better start asking in His name! And expect to receive. Be specific and ask according to His will. Make your requests known with thanksgiving and remember to testify.

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THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, July 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Ecclesiastes 7:10 ERV "Don’t say, “Life was better in the ‘good old days.’ What happened?” Wisdom does not lead us to ask that question."

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

My mother told stories of when she worked in her youth. How fantastic things were back then; salaries were okay, money was more valuable and life was generally good. Thank God for yesterday!

Your "good old days" maybe when your father was alive, or when your husband was alive, or when you still had a job, when you had people in key positions who probably gave you contracts and promotions, or when you were in a particular location. It really doesn't matter what it was, and I'm not about to sympathize with you; what matters is that you are here now, what you are believing for now and what your expectations about tomorrow are! 

Jesus Christ is the same today as He was yesterday; and He will be the same tomorrow! There's a song in my spirit, "Ese ibi teti bere, ese ibi tebade, adupe o Jesu, ibi ten mu wa lo" It's a Yoruba song thanking God for the work He started and for where He's taking us to. That should be your attitude. Today may not be as you desire, instead of looking back, look ahead! Have faith in God! Things can turn around in 24 hours! And they will in Jesus' name! Amen. Remember this, God's best is always in your tomorrow!

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A CENTRE OF ATTRACTION

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, July 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

John 12:1 ERV "Six days before the Passover festival, Jesus went to Bethany. That is where Lazarus lived, the man Jesus raised from death."

A CENTRE OF ATTRACTION

Some Theologians have argued that Bethany means "house of misery/ poverty". But notice that it became a place of miracles after Jesus stepped in and raised Lazarus up from the dead after he had been buried for four days! Hallelujah! Your story is changing now in the name of Jesus!

Lazarus was just like anybody else in Bethany. But after Jesus' visitation, Bethany became known as "the place where Lazarus lived"! Wow! Lazarus became a centre of attraction because of what God did for him! Even till today, people are still visiting where Bethany because of that singular divine intervention!

I prophesy in the name of Jesus; you are becoming a centre of attraction in the name of Jesus! People from all over the world will hear about the mighty intervention of God in your life and in your situation! You shall be a centre of attraction in your office, in your neighbourhood, in your school, in your community, in your state, in your country and in all the earth, in the name of Jesus! Isn't it written in Isaiah 60:3 that nations will come to our light and kings to our bright sunrise? So shall it be. In the awesome name of Jesus!

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BELIEVING THE LORD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, July 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Genesis 15:2 ERV "But Abram said, “Lord GOD, there is nothing you can give me that will make me happy, because I have no son. My slave Eliezer from Damascus will get everything I own after I die.”

BELIEVING THE LORD

Abraham wanted a son, and as long as he didn't have a son he was unhappy. The same way some of you are unhappy right now; you want children, you want a husband, you want a job, you want prosperity!

Abraham lost hope of having a son at some point and began grooming a slave to inherit his estate. Just then, God appeared and revealed to him that He was going to give him children, as many as the stars in the sky! What a God! The man was only asking for a child, but God was talking about children as many as the stars!

Despite the delay, the difficulties, the failed attempts, and the unlikelihood of its occurrence, Abraham managed to believe the Lord. And he got a son! Hallelujah! I remember what Jesus said to Martha, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” I encourage you to believe the Lord today. Nothing is impossible. It shall come to pass!

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TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, July 17
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Luke 12:12 ERV "The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT

People who talk so much about their pastors and prophets don't impress me at all. It only reveals to me their levels in spiritual things. My goal is not to raise people who rely solely on me, but to raise able and mighty men and women, full of the word, strong in faith, relying on the Lord, in personal fellowship with the Holy Spirit! That's not to say you shouldn't honour, appreciate or celebrate your teachers, I'm only asking you to be a man too! You should be inspired to be like, or even greater than your pastor!

The Holy Spirit is for every believer. And He desires to work with each and every one of us the same way.

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. You see, something is wrong if you have been doing everything all by yourself. Something is wrong if all you have ever achieved is by your own sweat! And something is wrong if everything about you is natural: there ought to be supernatural results to the glory of God! You should enjoy the help of the Holy Spirit! You ought to receive fresh ideas from Him, new instructions, guidance and inspirations. I love what Elihu said, "I thought, ‘Age should speak, and experience should teach wisdom.’ However, there is in humans a Spirit, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding." Hallelujah!

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GOD IS KIND

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, July 16
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Jonah 4:2 ERV "He complained to the Lord and said, “Lord, I knew this would happen! I was in my own country, and you told me to come here. At that time I knew that you would forgive the people of this evil city, so I decided to run away to Tarshish. I knew that you are a kind God. I knew that you show mercy and don’t want to punish people. I knew that you are kind, and if these people stopped sinning, you would change your plans to destroy them."

GOD IS KIND

Jonah was angry with God for forgiving the wicked and evil people of Nineveh! But God is good!

God is not willing that anyone should perish but that all should come to repentance! Rahab was a prostitute, Paul was a murderer, the Samaritan woman was an adultress, Zacchaeus was a cheat and corrupt public servant, and the man Jesus said would be with Him in paradise was a thief! And they were all saved! Glory to God!

There's nothing a man or woman has done that cannot be forgiven! And can I tell you something? God sent His Son to die for us all while we were yet sinners! God is for everyone who accepts Him! It is His desire to have all men saved! The good news is that you won't have to suffer the consequences of whatever you've done when you repent, because all our sins were laid on Jesus! What a loving God He is! He is so kind and merciful. Hallelujah!

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YOU CAN DO GREAT THINGS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, July 15
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Acts 8:5 ERV "Philip went to the city of Samaria and told people about the Messiah."

YOU CAN DO GREAT THINGS

I'm always inspired by this story about Philip. He was one man who transformed a city! Just one man, without a microphone, without a choir, without musical instruments, without a prayer group and without sponsors! All the man had was the power of the Holy Spirit, and by the time he was done ministering, the Bible says that there was joy in that city! Hallelujah!

Some of us are used to doing small things. We are local champions. Do you know that you can be a blessing to a nation? Before you begin to doubt, think about those who are already doing it! You can establish a business that will bless the world! You can sing a song that will touch lives in China! You can write books that will be translated into several languages! And you can preach messages that God will use to transform societies!

Hear me today, you can do great things that men will continue to talk about for centuries! Stop doubting yourself, look beyond your natural self; the power of God is available for you, the wisdom of God is free of charge, the grace of God is sufficient and in you is an excellent Spirit! I know you can, and I know you will if you start today to take the necessary steps.

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A KINGDOM OF CHAMPIONS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, July 14
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Deuteronomy 28:13 NLT "If you listen to these commands of the lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom."

A KINGDOM OF CHAMPIONS

A lot of us want to be on top, we want to excel, we want to be great, we want to do well - we want to be champions. The good news is that God wants us to be above too! It is God's will for every member of His church to be the head and not the tail. That includes you! We ought to be a Kingdom of Champions.

You may not be the head now, you might even be on the bottom rung of the ladder as you read this devotional; but I assure you that if you continue to do the word of God, you will soon be on top. Holman Christian Standard Bible says, "you will only move upward and never downward," and the English Standard Version says, "you shall only go up and not down". Hallelujah!

Deuteronomy 28:11-13 says “The lord will give you prosperity in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you, blessing you with many children, numerous livestock, and abundant crops. The lord will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them. If you listen to these commands of the lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom." Amen!

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KNOWING THE LOVE OF CHRIST

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, July 13
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Ephesians 3:19 CEB "I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God."

KNOWING THE LOVE OF CHRIST

The Amplified Bible version of the above says, "[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!"

I have come to understand that in the Kingdom of God, whatever you will become or will possess is a direct function of what you know. You will not have it until you have a rhema about it. I'm not talking about mere head knowledge but a knowledge revealed by the Holy Spirit to your spirit such that your spirit becomes deeply convinced about it and accepts it undoubtedly as an irrefutable truth.

Apostle Paul said that for us to have the richest measure of God's divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself, we must know the love of Christ. This is deep! It's more than I can teach! Romans 8:35-39 says nothing can separate us from the love of Christ! Hallelujah! May God open the eyes of your understanding today in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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COME TO JESUS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, July 12
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

1 Samuel 22:2 ERV "Many people joined David. There were men who were in some kind of trouble, men who owed a lot of money, and men who were just not satisfied with life. All kinds of people joined David, and he became their leader. He had about 400 men with him."

COME TO JESUS

There was something about David that attracted hopeless people to him; he probably gave them hope and encouraged them continually; and they discerned that David had the anointing that could make the difference in their lives, a grace that could change their lives forever. And their situations did improve; we read later that they became mighty men. Glory to God!

David was a type of Christ. Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. Hallelujah!

Jesus is the answer to all your problems in life! He is the cure for your sicknesses and diseases; Jesus is your way out of poverty and neediness; in Jesus is the end of your weeping and heartaches! He said He will give us rest! That includes freedom from addictions, freedom from oppression, depression, restlessness, worry, fear, barrenness, loneliness, and every other unpleasant condition! Are you tired of what you're passing through? Jesus says come! Jesus has changed my life, and He has only just started! And if you're already in Jesus, give Him some time, He will make your life beautiful! Isaiah 55:1 says “All you people who are thirsty, come! Here is water for you to drink. Don’t worry if you have no money. Come, eat and drink until you are full! You don’t need money. The milk and wine are free." Hallelujah!

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GOD'S AGENTS OF CHANGE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, July 11
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Romans 10:14 ERV "But before people can pray to the Lord for help, they must believe in him. And before they can believe in the Lord, they must hear about him. And for anyone to hear about the Lord, someone must tell them."

GOD'S AGENTS OF CHANGE

We can't be praying for change and be desirous of transformation if we won't be involved in the process that brings about that which we seek. Some of us are waiting for God to send a great evangelist or a revivalist, like Charles Finney, to our areas forgetting that the gospel we have received is the power of God for change.

God will not come down from heaven to get men saved, neither will He come to introduce Himself to men, He has delegated that responsibility to you and I. The Holy Spirit is here seeking men and women through whom He can reach out to world with the goodness, the power and the knowledge of God.

We must tell people about Jesus. It's something we must do, we are not permitted to delegate this duty to anyone else, we must tell them with our own mouths that God loves them and desires a personal relationship with them. We must tell them the benefits of salvation and also the consequences of rejecting God's offer of salvation. Be an agent of change today, seek to save a soul. 

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FAVOUR

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, July 10
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Psalms 44:3 KJV "For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them."

FAVOUR

I'm careful to teach about hardwork as a key to success and accomplishment, because even though it's good to work hard, it is not the best way, and it is dangerous for me to get people to think that whatever they will have or will be will be by their own human efforts. My goal is to get men totally dependent on God! Even when you work very hard you must not rely on your efforts to achieve anything, your trust must be in God alone. Understand that God can get others to do the hardwork for you!

Psalms 127:2 says "It is a waste of time to get up early and stay up late, trying to make a living. The Lord provides for those he loves, even while they are sleeping." Yes! One day of favour is better than an entire year of labour! The richest man, Solomon, did not become rich by fighting wars, it was because God loved him. From birth God expressed His love for Solomon and even named him Jedidah! No wonder David said that the love of God is better than life! (Psalms 63:3)

I pray for you today in the name of Jesus: "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace." Amen.

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WAITING FOR THE RIGHT TIME

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, July 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Romans 5:6 ERV "Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us."

WAITING FOR THE RIGHT TIME

Just at the right time Christ helped us! We were unable to help ourselves, but God helped us. Galatians 4:4 says "But when the right time came, God sent his Son." Hallelujah!

God is never late! We may not understand why nothing has happened after a while, even though we have been believing, praying, professing the word, and fasting; Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time." Every one has his time.

When the time is right, nothing will hinder your blessings; when the time is right, nothing will hinder your promotion; when the time of your vision comes, all that you need will be made available to you; you will get married at the right time too! But be careful not to miss your time due to unbelief and impatience! Galatians 6:9 says "We must not get tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up." And Hebrews 10:36 says "You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what he promised you." Amen!

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GOD WILL MAKE A WAY

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, July 8
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Exodus 14:29 ERV "But the Israelites crossed the sea on dry land. The water was like a wall on their right and on their left."

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY

You know, Jesus walked on water! My, oh, my! I would love to walk on water too! When you begin to walk on water, it means that obstacles have no control over you; you've gotten to a point where you're unstoppable, where the size of the mountain is irrelevant, you simply fling it into the sea with your words! We've got to get to that point, where we walk on waters by the power of the Spirit! Hallelujah!

However, I understand that the faith of many of us is growing; we still need God to part the sea for us to go through on dry ground. Right now, we are clueless about what we should do about certain challenges in our lives; we need to break through, but we are stuck, in dire need of divine interventions. You have tried all you can; your connections have failed, and your strategies have yielded no tangible results.

Hear the word of the Lord, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Hallelujah! What had been impossible is being done for you now in the name of Jesus! For with God, nothing is impossible! If you believe, nothing shall be impossible! Go back there! Try again! For God has gone ahead of you, and He has made a way! The obstacles have become walls on your right and on your left, they will watch you go through and be unable to stop you! In the name of Jesus! Hallelujah!

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YOU WILL HAVE THE BEST THINGS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, July 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Luke 15:22 ERV “But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and good sandals on his feet."

YOU WILL HAVE THE BEST THINGS

The Prodigal Son had asked for his own share of his father's wealth, squandered it all, and after coming back to his senses decided to go back home. His father saw him from afar, had compassion on him, ran to him, and asked that the rags he was wearing be replaced with the best!

Note that the boy did not deserve the best, humanly speaking, because of what he had done; in his own words, he was not worthy to be called a son. Yet, his father gave him the best. Jesus was revealing the nature of God to us. God's desire is to always give us the best! James 1:17 says "Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky." Hallelujah!

I prophesy to you today that you will have the very best things! You will have the best ministry, the best husband, the best wife, the best children, the best jobs, the best contracts, the best ideas, the best opportunities, the best inlaws, the best friends, the best results, in the name of Jesus! Let things in your life begin to go from good, to better and to the very best, in the name of Jesus!

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OFFERINGS ARE SPECIAL

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, July 6
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Numbers 15:2-3 ERV “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: I am giving you a land to be your home. When you enter that land, you must give special gifts to the Lord. Their smell will please the Lord."

OFFERINGS ARE SPECIAL

I have heard a lot of Christians complain about the amount of money they are made to give in church, and the purposes for which the funds are used. While I agree that some churches and pastors seem to care only about money, I must say that it is wrong, for any reason, to decide to stop giving. The Bible has warned that there will be those whose stomachs are their gods; so it's left for you to discern who is who!

Giving is an integral part of our faith. A Christianity that doesn't give to God cannot be a genuine one, because giving is an act of worship and gratitude. Most importantly, giving is an expression of our love for the Lord. Proverbs 3:3, 9-10 says "Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. Honor the Lord with your wealth and the first part of your harvest. Then your barns will be full of grain, and your barrels will be overflowing with wine." Hallelujah!

God loves to receive from His children. He loves a cheerful giver! He told Moses that the smell of their sacrifices will please Him! But a lot of us give to God carelessly; no wonder we are not being blessed. We are giving like Cain! We don't consider our offerings as special; in fact what we give is the change we got from the Taxi driver. It's so wrong! Read Malachi 1 and hear God talk passionately about offerings. Offerings are special to God!

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CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, July 5
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Matthew 3:3-4 ERV "John is the one Isaiah the prophet was talking about when he said, “There is someone shouting in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.’” John’s clothes were made from camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. For food, he ate locusts and wild honey."

CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS

John the Baptist was one of a kind. His dad, Zechariah, was a priest and did ministry a certain way, however John understood that he didn't have to be like his dad and that he didn't have to do things the way his dad did them; instead of ministering in the Temple, John ministered in the wilderness, and instead of dressing like priests, he chose to wear clothes made from camel’s hair and even ate locusts and wild honey! And he was very comfortable being himself even though no one else had ever been like him!

The problem with some people is that they don't celebrate uniqueness. Not only do they want to be exactly like others, they also want to force others to be like some other people that they look up to. I'm okay being me! I love being me! I love the way I talk! I like where I am and even though I learn from others, I don't want to be them! I am me! And I thank God for making me the way I am! And I won't stop being me in order to make anyone like me!

Variety is the spice of life. Be grateful for who you are and for where you are at anytime. Don't be upset that you were born in the village by unknown people; or that you started school late; so what? It's what makes you unique! If we all had to tell the same stories, and if we all had the same experiences, life would be boring! That John was in the wilderness did not stop people from coming to him! I'm glad that I am a Nigerian! I'm celebrating my uniqueness! As long as God is pleased with me and I'm in obedience to His word, walking in love towards others, I'm okay!

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OBEDIENCE: UNLOCKING THE DOORS OF GOD'S BLESSINGS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, July 4
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Isaiah 20:2 ERV "At that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said, “Go, take the sackcloth off your waist and the sandals off your feet.” So Isaiah obeyed the Lord and went without clothes or sandals."

OBEDIENCE: UNLOCKING THE DOORS OF GOD'S BLESSINGS

Imagine a full grown man living without clothes and shoes for three whole years! Not for three days, three years! Well, Isaiah did it in obedience to God! And we do not read that Isaiah argued with God about it; he simply obeyed.

Obedience is hearing the word of God and acting accordingly. Obedience is submission to God’s authority. One of the Greek words for obedience actually conveys the idea of positioning yourself under someone by submitting to their authority and command. And interestingly, obedience in the Bible is also defined as "to trust". You've got to trust God and say, "Lord, Your word may seem difficult and ridiculous, I may not always understand why you want me to do a thing, and it may not always be convenient, but I choose to do all Your word."

Obedience is the key to unlocking the doors of God's blessings. In fact, it is what pleases God. In the Old Testament the Israelites were told, "You will get the blessing if you listen and obey the commands of the Lord your God that I have told you today. But you will get the curse if you refuse to listen and obey the commands of the Lord your God." (Deuteronomy 11:27-28), and they were also told, "If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies.” (Isaiah 1:19-20). Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the law, but if you will enjoy the blessings of God, you must obey Him joyfully, completely and wholeheartedly.

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WORSHIPPING GOD WITH FASTING AND PRAYER

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, July 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Luke 2:36-37 NLT "Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer."

WORSHIPPING GOD WITH FASTING AND PRAYER

Some of us find it difficult to fast. That's a serious problem, even though we haven't realized it. No wonder we are weak spiritually. One thing that is common to men and women who did exploits for God in the Bible is their habit of fasting and praying. Their willingness to deny themselves of certain earthly pleasures to concentrate on God. Paul said he fasted often (2 Corinthians 11:27).

Fasting is a service or an act of worship to God. "In both Hebrew and Greek, there are two categories of words for worship. The first is about body language that demonstrates respect and submission; to bow down, to kneel, to prostrate oneself. The second is about doing something for God that demonstrates sacrifice and obedience; to offer, to serve." Fasting, whether it's abstinence from food, drink, sex (for the married) or sleep, demonstrates sacrifice and reverence for God.

For Anna, fasting and prayer wasn't something she did occasionally, it was a lifestyle. She even dwelt in the Temple, fasting and praying day and night! No wonder she recognised Jesus when He was being dedicated to God as a baby; she had become so intimate with God, and she could see things others couldn't see or perceive.

Today is the last day of our three days fasting and prayer. You are encouraged to participate. Pray concerning your calling, your dreams and visions, for your family, your business or job, etc. Pray for your leaders and for country. And intercede for the sick and the needy. Pray for me too!

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RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, July 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Acts 13:1-3 ERV "In the church at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers. They were Barnabas, Simeon (also called Niger), Lucius (from the city of Cyrene), Manaen (who had grown up with King Herod ), and Saul. These men were all serving the Lord and fasting when the Holy Spirit said to them, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for me. They are the ones I have chosen to do it.” So the church fasted and prayed. They laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them out."

RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

A Christian that has no fellowship with the Holy Spirit is dead; lifeless, and he will always struggle. The Holy Spirit was given to us to be with us. In other words, without Him we can do nothing; without Him we would find it difficult to achieve our goals. As a matter of fact, our goals should be those inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

When Jesus was leaving, He said He would send the Holy Spirit to replace Him. The Holy Spirit is exactly like Jesus, they are One, therefore, the Holy Spirit is the Head of the Church and we must be fully yielded to Him. Our primary objective daily should be to do His will; to do only what pleases Him. Meaning that we must be led by Him constantly.

But what we have noticed is that a lot of us hardly hear Him and are able to recognise His voice. But it won't be difficult if we fast and pray as often as we should. Praying with fasting makes our spirits attentive to the Holy Spirit and then we can easily receive divine instructions from Him that gives us an advantage over others and causes us to succeed in whatever we do.

Fasting continues until tomorrow.

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THREE DAYS FASTING AND PRAYING (JULY 1-3, 2014)

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, July 1
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Ezra 8:23 ERV "So we fasted and prayed to our God about our trip. He answered our prayers."

THREE DAYS FASTING AND PRAYING (JULY 1-3, 2014)

Fasting and praying produces results. Yonggi Cho said that 90% of the prayers that have resulted in definite answers in his church were prayers that were combined with fasting. When we fast and pray, God answers. Hallelujah! As a new month, a new quarter and a new half begins, it is a good time for us to pray with fasting unto the Lord concerning our needs as individuals, and collectively as a church, as colleagues and as a country.

When you fast and pray, don't do it aimlessly, have goals; specific requests that you want God to answer: focus on them these three days. When Esther fasted she had a goal. Esther 4:15-16 ERV says, "Then Esther sent this answer to Mordecai: “Mordecai, go and get all the Jews in Susa together, and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days and nights. I and my women servants will fast too. After we fast, I will go to the king. I know it is against the law to go to the king if he didn’t call me, but I will do it anyway. If I die, I die.”

There's nothing that God cannot do. If you are sick, you can be healed. You know what you want, you can have it! Don’t miss this divine opportunity to receive answers to your prayers. You may have been praying about them before now, I encourage you to pray again. After this three days of prayer and fasting, you will testify in the name of Jesus; the mountains before you will become level ground, and the valleys shall be exalted; the crooked paths shall be made straight, and rough places shall be made plain, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed (Zechariah 4:7; Isaiah 40:4). Hallelujah! So shall it be.

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