A FRIEND OF SINNERS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, October 31
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A FRIEND OF SINNERS

Luke 15:1-2 NKJV "Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”

One would have thought that sinners are not interested in whatever Christ has to offer; but we read that they drew near to Jesus to hear Him. I'm thinking, what was it about Jesus that attracted sinners to Him?

It's really interesting that sinners were attracted to the Most Holy Son of God! What was Jesus saying that they wanted to hear? He obviously wasn't condemning them. And note that He wasn't only preaching to them, He also ate with them! And that earned Him the title, "A Friend of sinners" (Matthew 11:19).

We forget quickly that we were once sinners! How have you been living? What have you been preaching? What messages have you been passing across? A life that chases sinners away from Christ, or a gospel that condemns the unsaved? John 3:17 says, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." You don't have to compromise, just love genuinely and seek to save their souls from eternal damnation. Satan is the enemy, not sinners.

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WHAT GOD TRULY DESIRES

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, October 30
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WHAT GOD TRULY DESIRES

Micah 6:6-8 NKJV "With what shall I come before the Lord , And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?"

A lot of people are giving to churches and to pastors, but not to God. Understand the difference. Yes, Cain also offered a sacrifice but his was rejected while Abel's was accepted. He gave, but it was merely a waste of resources. If he had known, he would have saved his animals. That's what I mean: people are giving and giving and giving sacrifices that God is not pleased with, so it's just the church purse that grows bigger.

I'm a pastor, and I'm certainly not against giving; I give too, but it's more important to me that you are blessed whenever you give to the Lord. Understand that God is not a needy God! Again and again, He has said that He isn't hungry! Again and again He has said that there are things more important to Him than sacrifices! Again and again, He has said to us that His hands made everything we could ever bring to Him! Proverbs 21:3 says, "To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

What then does He want? Micah says, "to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him". Deuteronomy 10 says, "to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes". And Isaiah 66 says, “But on this one will I look: On him  who  is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word."

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WE ARE THE ANSWER

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, October 29
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WE ARE THE ANSWER

Daniel 5:11-12 NKJV "There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”

What got my attention is the fact that the queen was so sure that Daniel would interpret the writing on the wall. And she knew that the Spirit of God in him was the difference between Daniel and the others.

I like how Elihu said it, "I said, ‘Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.’ But there  is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding." Job 32:7-8.

If you have received the Holy Spirit in you, you ought to be outstanding. There's got to be works! There's got to be results! There's got to be extraordinary manifestations! The Holy Spirit was not given for our excitement, but that we would become the answer to the needs of the world. Jesus went about doing good! Peter said, "Look on us!" In your office, at home, in school, men should be able to look up to you! Yes! Hallelujah!

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JOINT-HEIRS WITH CHRIST

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, October 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

JOINT-HEIRS WITH CHRIST

Revelation 5:12 ERV "The angels said in a loud voice, “All power, wealth, wisdom, and strength belong to the Lamb who was killed. He is worthy to receive honor, glory, and praise!”

During the temptations of Jesus, the devil took Him and in a moment of time showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and said to him, “I will make you king over all these places. You will have power over them, and you will get all the glory. It has all been given to me. I can give it to anyone I want. I will give it all to you, if you will only worship me.” What Satan did not realize at that time was that Jesus came to dispossess him of all those things that he stole from man.

By His death and resurrection, all power, all wealth, all wisdom and strength became the Lord’s! I wish I could show you more from the Bible about this. But understand that what Jesus did, He did for you and I! The power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength, and much more, belong to you and I now!

Listen to me; we are joint heirs with Christ! Do you understand? I don't know about you, but I have decided to enjoy all that Christ achieved for me! I'm going to keep believing, I'm going to keep demanding for it, I'm going to keep rejecting what ought not to be, I'm going to keep fighting the good fight of faith until I lay hold of every of the promise! Jesus did not die in vain! He died that we might reign here on earth! Hallelujah!

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THE LORD WILL DELIVER YOU

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, October 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE LORD WILL DELIVER YOU

II Timothy 3:10-11 NKJV "But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me."

God delivered Paul out of all unpleasant and trying situations he found himself in. The same God who delivered him will do same for you today in Jesus name. Amen.

It says that God delivered him from them all! It wasn't a partial deliverance, it was complete. There's nothing that God cannot deliver you from. Nothing whatsoever. He is a great deliverer! Hallelujah!

Today is your day of deliverance! Understand that deliverance is not only from satanic oppression; it's about being totally free, being happy, being fulfilled, being unhindered, and being blessed! You can have all kinds of deliverance today: deliverance from poor results; deliverance from bad jobs; deliverance from the law; deliverance from bad relationships; deliverance from lack, sickness, debt, insufficiency, worry, addictions, false friends, and so on. I dare say that some of you need deliverance from your cars that keep taking you to the mechanics! You deserve the best! Your God is King of the whole earth! I command complete deliverance for you now, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

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HAVING THE BEST

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, October 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HAVING THE BEST

Proverbs 19:14 NLT "Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife."

There are so many things that we can receive from fellow men and get with money and with our strength, but I've come to realize that there are certain things that only God can do for us. For instance, men can give you a job, but only God can give you fulfillment and a purpose in life.

Men can give you money, but the blessing of God makes rich without sorrow. Men can send you to school, but only God can give you wisdom. Men and money can get you the most beautiful women but only God can give you a happy home. Men can give you so many things, but only God can give you the power to enjoy them, peace of mind, long life, good health, joy and satisfaction.

Brothers and sisters, we will always need God. And it pays to wait for His own! Abraham and Sarah decided to get a child through Hagar when they got tired of waiting for God, but it only brought trouble. It was Isaac that made them laugh. God gives "good and perfect gifts". Don't be impatient. God will settle you in due time, with the very best for you.

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YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, October 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Judges 1:6-7 ERV "The ruler of Bezek tried to escape, but the men of Judah chased him and caught him. When they caught him, they cut off his thumbs and big toes. Then the ruler of Bezek said, “I cut off the thumbs and big toes of 70 kings. And they had to eat pieces of food that fell from my table. Now God has paid me back for what I did to them.”

The king of Bezek cut off the thumbs and big toes of 70 kings, his too was eventually cut off. We reap what we sow, sometimes in greater proportions. Galatians 6:7 says, "If you think you can fool God, you are only fooling yourselves. You will harvest what you plant."

Before Paul's conversion he persecuted the church, and after his conversion he too was persecuted greatly for the church. When Jesus asked Ananias to go and pray for him, Ananias said, “Lord, many people have told me about this man. They told me about the many bad things he did to your holy people in Jerusalem." Jesus replied, “Go! I have chosen Saul for an important work. I want him to tell other nations, their rulers, and the people of Israel about me. I will show him all that he must suffer for me.”

Always sow the right seeds. It takes only the grace of God to escape the consequences of some past actions. Delay is not escape! 1 Timothy 5:24-25 says that, "The sins of some men are conspicuous (openly evident to all eyes), going before them to the judgment [seat] and proclaiming their sentence in advance; but the sins of others appear later [following the offender to the bar of judgment and coming into view there]. So also, good deeds are evident and conspicuous, and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden [indefinitely]." It's simple, Do to others what you would love to be done to you, and don't do to others what you would hate to be done to you.

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BROTHERLY LOVE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, October 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BROTHERLY LOVE

Genesis 14:14 NKJV "Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan."

Hebrews 13:1 says, "Let brotherly love continue." Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.

Jesus let's us know who our brothers are: "But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:21. We are to love one another.

Abraham risked his life just to rescue Lot. He inconvenienced himself, sacrificed his own freedom that Lot would be free. Jesus asked us, not just to love others as we love ourselves, but to love others as He loved us. 1 John 3:16 says, "This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for each other as brothers and sisters."

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BECOMING WHAT THE WORD SAYS YOU ARE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, October 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BECOMING WHAT THE WORD SAYS YOU ARE

Romans 6:11 ERV "In the same way, you should see yourselves as being dead to the power of sin and alive for God through Christ Jesus."

There are two kinds of you: What you think you are now and what you want to become. But I show you a mystery; you are already what you want to become! This is interesting.

You want to be healed, but you are already healed; you want to stop sinning and be righteous, but you are already righteous; you want to be rich, but you are already rich; you want to be anointed, but you are already anointed! It depends on what you are seeing! For instance, I stopped praying for healing years ago when I saw in the word that I was healed. I said to myself, that if I was healed then I didn't need a healing. I kept seeing myself as healed, even when sick I refused to pray for healing or to take drugs because it was settled in my mind that I was healed! And then I became healed!

In Christ, you are all that you ever want to be! To become whatever you want to become, that you really already are, you've got to keep seeing yourself that way! In the word of God are pictures of who you really are. Do you understand? You may not look like the image in the word, you may not be acting like the person you see in the word, but that's who you really are! Your job is to keep seeing yourself as whatever the word says you are! Never forget who you saw in the mirror! That person you saw in the word is the reality! Keep seeing yourself that way and you will soon become it! Hallelujah!

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LIVING ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, October 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

LIVING ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE

Romans 10:2-3 NKJV "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God."

There are so many things we do without the understanding of why we do them. There are also things that we do wrongly because we met others doing them in a certain way, believing a certain thing, and we never bothered to know the truth for ourselves and why they are being done.

I have come to realize that there are many things that sound "nice" but are completely wrong. Those doctrines and practices might even be very logical, but contrary to the word of God! People have seemingly fantastic ideas about God and His ways, His plans and His expectations, but when brought under the light of the gospel, they are really lies. One thing amazes me though: the fact that people, even after seeing the truth in the word, still hold on to their own "beliefs".

Being passionate is great, but knowing the truth and living by it is the greatest. God is a God of knowledge! I always remember Uzzah, the man was very passionate and in love with God, so much that he tried to help God by preventing the Ark from falling; but he died because he was not meant to touch the Ark! Go for knowledge. True knowledge. And hold on to the truth even when it is bitter. It is the truth that liberates. In the end, truth prevails.

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NO SIN IN LOVE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, October 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

NO SIN IN 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 feel like I'm about to preach to myself this morning! Hey, before you begin to have a holier-than-thou feeling, let me quickly add that this message is for you too!

We have all "fallen in love" at some point in our lives, but how many of us are still in love with the same people who we once claimed to love? I used the word "claim" because that's what it really was, we claimed to love them without really loving them. The truth is that not many of us truly understand love.

Love covers a multitude of sins! But all hell is let loose because of one offence against us. We say we love but there are people we've not spoken to in over a year because of something that they said to us or about us. We say we love but we never stop talking about the things people did to us very long times ago. We claim we love but we seek our own pounds of flesh! But love covers a multitude of sins! Love buries all sins and never resurrects them. Love forgives as many times as possible. Let us love! No sin in love for love casts out all sins.

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LET'S JUDGE OURSELVES

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, October 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

LET'S JUDGE OURSELVES

I Corinthians 5:9-11 NKJV "I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner— not even to eat with such a person."

Okay, so if we were to do strictly the words above, how many of us would be left in church? I think only a few. Quite unfortunate.

God wants us to live right in this world. Sadly, many of us Christians cannot be distinguished from unbelievers, the only difference seems to be that we go to church and read Christian materials. We are not only sexually immoral, we are actually living together with people we aren't married to; we commit all kinds of sins, Mondays to even Sundays, and we still go to church and lift up "unholy" (certainly not holy) hands to God! No; it's unacceptable!

We must decide now to either live right or to just continue in sin because the truth be told that God is not mocked! He knows those who are His, and He has said that all who mention His name should depart from iniquity. I Corinthians 11:31 says, "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged." Let's judge ourselves today, and decide on what we really want, decide on who we really are, and decide on where we really want to spend eternity.

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SIN IS NOT THE CAUSE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, October 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

SIN IS NOT THE CAUSE

John 9:1-3 NKJV "Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him."

You know, we like to think that every problem in our lives is caused by sin or satan, making that defeated foe popular: true, God made everything perfect and sin opened the door for imperfection, but understand that neither sin nor the devil are responsible for everything that is wrong in your life. Sometimes it's because you're not doing something right; at other times it's because there's something you need to know in order to overcome that challenge.

Well, whatever the case or the cause, the good news is that there's a way out. Hallelujah! Jesus said He is the Way. He's not only the Way to the Father, He's also the Way out of every unpleasant situation in your life!

God wants to reveal His power through you today. That man that was blind from birth received his sight that day because he had an encounter with Jesus. Hallelujah! God is so good! Understand that you can be completely recovered from anything within 24 hours! If the world was created in 7 days, then one day is too much for God to change your story! I declare restoration and complete recovery today in the name of Jesus! It is done!

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COMPELLING THE LOST

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, October 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

COMPELLING THE LOST

Luke 14:23 NKJV "Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."

The dictionary defines "compel" as forcing someone to do something or making something happen; pressurizing someone to do what you want him or her to do; to coerce; to urge; to make something happen.

It's noteworthy that Jesus used the word "compel". Shows how important it is to Him to get the lost in. The HCSB says to make them come in. Paul used the word "persuade". He said, "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." 2 Corinthians 5:11a

Some parents must begin to compel their children to follow them to church! Don't accept their excuses; make them follow you. Husbands and wives, compel your spouses to accompany you to church, and more importantly to be saved. For you who have friends and neighbours who are unbelievers, you are to make them disciples. Don't take a no for an answer; visit them more, intercede more, love them more, invite them more, never give up; try, try, try again, keep trying until they are compelled to be saved and to follow you to church. Remember that there's a force out there who is also fighting for their souls to keep them bound and blind; you've got to apply superior Holy Ghost pressure in order to win them.

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FROM BEING THE REJECTED ONE TO BEING THE CELEBRATED ONE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, October 17
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

FROM BEING THE REJECTED ONE TO BEING THE CELEBRATED ONE

Acts 4:11 NKJV "This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’"

I really don't mind being in some positions. Let me explain, I like it when people write me off, when people tell me I can't, when people ignore me, when I'm rejected and when I'm looked down on. It sounds weird but I've learned that that's a perfect time for God to show up! Hahaha! The more they hate, the more doors God opens for me! Yes! The bigger the stones thrown at me, the bigger my stepping stones!

Let me show you something from the Bible. Genesis 29:31 says that "When the Lord  saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren." Leah was the rejected one, the neglected one, the despised one, and when God saw it, He caused her to have children, and Rachel remained barren! Oh! Now I feel like begging for haters! Hahaha!

I learnt from childhood the words of Psalms 27:10. It says that, "When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me." The Lord wanted me to teach this today because some of you need it. Stop feeling bad because someone or some people do not like you; listen to me, they do not matter at all, whoever or whatever they are! There's only One person who matters, God, and He's madly in love with you! Here's the word for you: you may be rejected, despised and taken for granted today, but you are surely going to be celebrated! Hallelujah!

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SEATED IN CHRIST

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, October 16
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

SEATED IN CHRIST

Mark 10:39-40 NKJV "They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those  for whom it is prepared.”

Someone said that the disciples of Jesus were politicians (before they received the Holy Spirit): Jesus was talking to them about Him being killed, and all that James and John thought of was getting positions, recognition and power. There seemed to be a power tussle. They said to Jesus, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” Very funny men.

But what God had in mind for us was far greater than what they requested! God didn't want us to seat by Christ, His plan was for us to seat in Christ! Hallelujah! Ephesians 2:4-6 says, "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Wow! Glory to God!

In Christ, we have authority! Ephesians 1:20-22 says that God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come, and that He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to  be head over all things! Yeah! That's where we are, far above Satan and all things are subject to us! Hallelujah!

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NEVER AGAIN

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, October 15
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

NEVER AGAIN

Mark 9:25 ERV "Jesus saw that all the people were running there to see what was happening. So he spoke to the evil spirit. He said, “You evil spirit that makes this boy deaf and stops him from talking—I command you to come out of him and never enter him again!”

Jesus commanded the devil in the boy to come out of him and to never enter him again. I like that. John 8:36 says, "So if the Son makes you free, you are really free." Hallelujah!

That tells me that when Jesus sets a man free from something, whatever it is, that man doesn't have to experience it again! Did you hear that? When God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever." Hallelujah!

I know what I'm talking about! Twelve years ago, the Lord came and took sickness from me and I was instantly healed in fellowship while we were praying and since then I've not been sick! And I will never be sick again! I refuse to be sick! Can you believe? I know you can because you are a believer! Today, I declare you free indeed in the name of Jesus! No more will you see that pain, no more will you experience those challenges, no more will you be oppressed, no more addictions, no more lack... in the name of Jesus! Never again!!!

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THERE'S A JOB FOR YOU

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, October 14
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THERE'S A JOB FOR YOU

Matthew 20:6-7 ERV "About five o’clock the man went to the marketplace again. He saw some other people standing there. He asked them, ‘Why did you stand here all day doing nothing?’ “They said, ‘No one gave us a job.’ “The man said to them, ‘Then you can go and work in my vineyard.’"

Unemployment rates are quite high, especially in this country. That's not to say that we are the worst. According to reports, only about 10% of the millions of people who graduate from our schools annually get jobs. Think about that. The 90% of the graduates who don't get jobs join the pool of existing job seekers, and the rate just keeps rising!

If you are looking for a job, I pray that God gives you a job that you desire, in Jesus name. Amen. But I need you to understand that God already has jobs for everyone of us! When the owner of the vineyard men the workers seeking jobs, they said to him, "No one gave us a job." The man said to them, "Then you can go and work in my vineyard." Understand that in God’s vineyard there's a job for everyone!

It doesn't matter what you studied in school, or if you've taken professional courses, God has a job for you! And it doesn't mean preaching, even though that's not a bad idea, but if you make yourself available to God He will tell you what you can do for Him. Remember that God is the First Employer, He put Adam in the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. Who knows, God may have prepared a very beautiful garden for you somewhere. I prophesy to you today, that your days of searching for jobs are over, in the name of Jesus!

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SOMETHING TO DIE FOR

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, October 13
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

SOMETHING TO DIE FOR

Acts 20:24 NKJV "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

Paul was on the way to Jerusalem, and the Holy Spirit was testifying that chains and tribulations awaited him there, but Paul wouldn't quit. In Caesarea, Agabus prophesied again, taking Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" His travel companions again pleaded with him not to go to Jerusalem, but Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Why would a man insist on moving on even in the face of danger? Because, according to him, his life meant nothing to him, only finishing his ministry, finishing his assignment, fulfilling his purpose.

How many of us are that determined? Someone said, "You have not begun to live until you have found something for which to die for." I dare say that some of us would quit at the slightest provocation, some of us cannot even handle insults not to talk of bodily injuries; we let what people say affect our progress! Not me! People can say whatever they want, they can criticize me, mock me, laugh at me, but none of those things move me! I'm too focused on my assignment and I'm not about to quit until my mission is accomplished. So should you.

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YOUR SEED WILL GROW

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, October 12
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOUR SEED WILL GROW

Mark 4:30-32 CEV "Finally, Jesus said: What is God's kingdom like? What story can I use to explain it? It is like what happens when a mustard seed is planted in the ground. It is the smallest seed in all the world. But once it is planted, it grows larger than any garden plant. It even puts out branches that are big enough for birds to nest in its shade."

Listen to me, don't be intimidated by your present! Don't be discouraged by your present size! You might be very small right now, it might seem as if nothing is happening, it might look like there's no life in what you're doing; it's only a matter of time, it's going to be very great! Hallelujah!

Yours is to plant. Paul said, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." So you see, God is responsible for growth. And when God grows a thing, it is certainly going to be very great! Hallelujah!

Stop worrying about growth! Did you hear me? I said, stop worrying about growth! It's God's business and not yours! Plant whatever seed God has given to you and keep watering it, then leave the rest for God. Job 8:7 CEV says, "Your future will be brighter by far than your past." The ERV says, “Then you will have a lot more than you had in the beginning!" And the NKJV says, “Though your beginning was small, Yet your latter end would increase abundantly." Hallelujah!

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BEING KINGDOM MINDED

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, October 11
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BEING KINGDOM MINDED

Matthew 6:9-10 NKJV "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven."

Simply defined, a kingdom is a place ruled by a king. As Christians, we belong to the kingdom of God, and God wants us to live with that consciousness always. Colossians 1:13 says that we were delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of Christ. Hallelujah!

So we live in two kingdoms now, in this earthly kingdom and in the kingdom of God. Understand that God’s ultimate plan is to regain full control of the kingdoms of this world. In Revelations, it is revealed that after the seventh angel sounds, loud voices in heaven, will say, “The kingdoms of this world have become the  kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

Understand also that you and I are here now to establish God's kingdom wherever we are! Revelation 5:10 says we were made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth! Do you understand? You are a king, in other words, a representative of The King in heaven! It is your job to bring the kingdom of God to where you are, to make His will done on earth as it is in heaven! That's what Jesus did, He said, "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you." Cast out the devils in your house, in your working place, in your village, wherever you are; set up the kingdom of God there! Resist the devil! Make him flee! Refuse to be a subject in the kingdom of this world when you have been made to rule! Hallelujah!

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USE THE NAME OF JESUS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, October 10
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

USE THE NAME OF JESUS

Acts 4:10 NKJV "Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole."

You may not understand a miracle if you have not experienced one. Imagine this: a man who hadn't walked since he was born, being made able to walk, suddenly, without any drama, without a ceremony, no shaking or dancing, no rituals, no candles, without payment, no lectures; healed because two men mentioned a name and pulled him up! Ah! That name must be very powerful! The name of Jesus! Hallelujah!

Brothers and sisters, there's power in the name of Jesus! And I have good news for you; you can have greater results than Peter and the other apostles did if you believe in it. Philippians 2:9-11 says that the name of Jesus is above every name, and that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father! Hallelujah!

You don't need someone else to use the name on you before it works for you; you can do your own believing, you can do your own confessions, you can be instrumental to your own deliverance! The name of Jesus is not only for healing the sick, it can do anything for you! It can open closed doors, it can reverse decisions, it can give you whatever you need, it can give you children, a job, money, contracts, etc; anything at all! So use the name of Jesus, especially if you're born again. Nothing is powerful enough to resist that name, it works everywhere and at anytime! Glory to God!

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THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, October 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT

Luke 4:14 CEV "Jesus returned to Galilee with the power of the Spirit. News about him spread everywhere."

The secret of Jesus' success was the power of the Spirit. Same thing for the apostles and and other person doing great things. Because of the power of the Spirit, the Bible says that Jesus did mighty works. When we are operating with the power of the Spirit, we would do mighty works and words from our mouths will be filled with wisdom. Hallelujah!

The power of the Spirit is what made Jesus famous. Men are in need of solutions and they will naturally come to us when they perceive that we can solve their problems. Christians and churches will not need to advertise themselves when they have the power of the Spirit.

We are of no use without the power of the Spirit! We are utterly helpless without it. No wonder Jesus asked the disciples to wait, in other words, to do nothing until they had received the power of Spirit. Luke 24:49 says, "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” May you receive that same power today, in Jesus name.

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INVESTING IN KNOWLEDGE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, October 8
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

INVESTING IN KNOWLEDGE

Proverbs 23:23 ERV "Truth, wisdom, learning, and understanding are worth paying money for. They are worth far too much to ever sell."

This is the 8th of October: how much have you invested in your learning since the beginning of the year? Let's extend it; since you came of age, how much of your own money have you spent on purchasing edifying materials? The quality of your life is determined by the value you place on knowledge and what you do with it.

I know people who like to borrow books and other materials, they don't buy. I don't borrow such things, I like to have mine. And because it's mine, I can read it as many times as possible. There are some of my books I've read more than ten years after I bought them. And the greatest thing about owning them for me, is being able to transfer them to my next generation. Merely thinking about it gives me joy!

Thank God for resources like Spirit & Life Devotional that you receive free of charge online; but let it not be all the knowledge that you're receiving. You see, I write the devotionals but when I read them, I actually wonder if I wrote them! So I make sure I have my own hard copies! And I'm being blessed by them again and again. Reduce some of the money you spend on other things and buy knowledge! Solomon said that knowledge is worth paying for! And I agree with him.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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GOD CAN USE YOU

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, October 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

GOD CAN USE YOU

Amos 7:14-15 NKJV "Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock, And the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’"

One would assume that God would call people who are trained for a job since they would fit as round pegs in round holes and require less training. But God is not looking for "professional preachers", He's not looking for people who have been trained on what to say and how to say it, He's looking for men and women who will hear Him, be with Him, say what He wants said how He wants it said, and do what He wants done how He wants it done; He will empower them and make them fit for ministry. Hallelujah!

Men do not become "men of God" by attending Bible Schools or by taking courses on the Bible or on religion, while they are good and essential, we must understand that it is the calling of God that makes a man or woman His servant and His representative here on earth. And God can call anyone to work for Him, literate or illiterate, rich or poor, young or old.

People say that there are many churches and ministries, but they haven't seen anything yet! In these last days, we are going to see lots of doctors, lawyers, accountants, farmers, traders, and many more become harvesters of souls! People who never imagined that God could use them will suddenly find themselves in ministry doing exploits for God! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR?

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, October 6
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR?

Ezekiel 14:14 NLT "Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one but themselves, says the Sovereign Lord."

God was speaking to the Israelites, and He mentioned the names of three men, famous for their righteousness among many unbelieving people. Here's what was written about Noah, "Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God." Genesis 6:9. And about Job, God said, "There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Job 1:8

Now I know the true meaning of the phrase, "one of a kind". In their generations, those men were one of a kind, and they didn't mind being one. Despite the fact that everyone else did wrong, they weren't influenced and pressured to compromise.

Those three men are known for something, even by God. This is your time, in this day, in this generation, what are you going to be known for? When God needs to name names, will He mention your name? If Jesus tarries and there are generations after ours, would you be an inspiration for them? When you leave this world, what would you be known for?

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BEING RICH IN GOOD WORKS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, October 5
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BEING RICH IN GOOD WORKS

1 John 3:17-18 ERV "Suppose a believer who is rich enough to have all the necessities of life sees a fellow believer who is poor and does not have even basic needs. What if the rich believer does not help the poor one? Then it is clear that God’s love is not in that person’s heart. My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No, our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do."

Love is a verb; do you understand? It is an action word. Real love is shown by the things you do more than by the things you say. There are too many talkatives and few doers.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 says, "Tell those who are rich to do good—to be rich in good works. And tell them they should be happy to give and ready to share. By doing this, they will be saving up a treasure for themselves. And that treasure will be a strong foundation on which their future life will be built. They will be able to have the life that is true life."

Now, don't say "I'm not not rich, so I won't give." That's a wrong mentality. 2 Corinthians 8:12 says, "If you want to give, your gift will be accepted. Your gift will be judged by what you have, not by what you don’t have." Hallelujah! Be rich in good works. Don’t restrict your good works to only on your birthdays when you visit orphanages, let it be a lifestyle. There are so many needs around you; you might not be able to meet all, do the little that you can, and God will increase your capacity.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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VICTORY OVER ALL ENEMIES OF PROGRESS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, October 4
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

VICTORY OVER ALL ENEMIES OF PROGRESS

Exodus 1:9-10 ERV "This king said to his people, “Look at the Israelites. There are too many of them, and they are stronger than we are! We must make plans to stop them from growing stronger. If there is a war, they might join our enemies, defeat us, and escape from the land!”

Some people don't mind you starting or doing anything, but they start to notice you when you begin to grow. The bigger you get, new devils are assigned to you with a sole aim of stopping you. But you will not be stopped, in Jesus name! Amen.

Refuse to be small in life! Grow and keep growing! It doesn't matter what they do to try to stop you, you are unstoppable! Isaac grew until he became very great, then the Philistines envied him. Then they began to destroy his wells. But the more they tried to stop him, the more he prospered! When they realized that he could not be stopped, they said to him, “Leave our country. You have become much more powerful than we are.” Hahaha

I prophesy to you today in the name of Jesus, you will grow greater than your peers! You will prosper beyond the expectations of your neighbours and friends! That thing you have begun that looks so small right now, will blossom and flourish! You will excel! You will shine! You will grow! You will become bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger! You will become more powerful and influential! And no plans against you, your business, your ministry or your investments will prosper in Jesus name!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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THE BEST WAY TO WORK

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, October 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE BEST WAY TO WORK

Colossians 3:23 ERV "In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master."

If you're working, it's possible that you feel that you have not been well rewarded for your hardwork; sometimes, other people are given credit for what you laboured for; sometimes, what you have done isn't recognized, and because you're not interested in the politics at work they tend to ignore and forget about you.

All that could be frustrating, but you must decide never to lose your joy. With regards to work, I'm inspired by the story of Jacob in the employ of Laban. Ten times his wages was changed, in other words, Laban never paid what was agreed, he cheated him, just as some employers do, always looking for stupid reasons to deduct money from the salaries of their workers. You employers had better be just else God will judge you! And you bosses managing another man's business, do only what's right, else it will not be well with you! Well, despite all that Laban did to him, Jacob worked hard and remained faithful.

I have realized that the best way to work is to work as unto the Lord and to trust Him to fight for me. I don't look up to any man to reward me; I have learned that God can reward me with or without my job! I don't feel cheated at all when men play their games, for I have made God alone responsible for my life, and I know that His hand is not limited by my job, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that my job can ever offer! Hallelujah! Work as unto the Lord, He is faithful and just.

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THE POWER OF WORDS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, October 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE POWER OF WORDS

Job 4:3-4 ERV "Job, you have taught many people. You encouraged those who were ready to quit. Your words helped those who were ready to fall. You gave strength to those who could not stand by themselves."

Words are very powerful, whether spoken or written, especially when backed with divine power. Understand that the human spirit was made to respond to words; men are moved by words. Words penetrate deep into a man's mind, his spirit and his subconscious; and sometimes they have a lasting impact.

Don’t misuse words, never do! Many relationships have been destroyed by words, especially when those words were repeated. Proverbs 15:1 says that "A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow." Words can be used to prevent and reverse terrible actions, words too can incite and worsen situations.

Some of you will come out of horrible situations that you are in right now by changing the words you've been speaking. That's prophetic. Ecclesiastes 10:20 says, "Don’t say bad things about the king. Don’t even think bad things about him. And don’t say bad things about rich people, even if you are alone in your home. A little bird might fly and tell them everything you said." The point is that your words are powerful whether others hear them or not; the words you speak in your room are as powerful as the words you broadcast. So be careful. Use words to your advantage, not for your disadvantage.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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WORKING FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, October 1
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WORKING FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY

Esther 10:3 ERV "Mordecai the Jew was second in importance to King Xerxes. He was the most important man among the Jews. His fellow Jews respected him very much, because he worked hard for the good of his people and brought peace to all the Jews."

Nigeria is where she is today because many of her leaders are working for themselves rather than for the people. It is on record that a certain past military ruler looted trillions of Naira from the State. Now, that's just one man; if we were to add up all monies being stolen by all our leaders you can only imagine what it would amount to.

We are in dire need of selfless men and women. Men and women who are not interested in becoming overnight billionaires, men and women of integrity, compassionate men and women who will seek to alleviate the sufferings of the people, men and women in business whose aim is to make our country one of the greatest in the world and to restore our lost glory, men and women who fear God and only want to do what is right, agents of change, men who will create wealth for others and improve the standard of living of the common man.

54 years ago, Nigeria became an independent country. Let's all make a commitment to make a difference in our own little ways. Let's be inspired to do what's in the best interest of every citizen of this country. I challenge our leaders to stop abusing power, to fix our roads, to improve the quality of education, to provide portable water, to provide power, to empower every Nigerian, to create an enabling environment for business to thrive, to create jobs, to curb insecurity and to stop corruption. I challenge the youths, the future leaders, to be patriotic, to stop violence, and to improve themselves in every possible way. Christians should always pray for Nigeria; for the healing of our land, for righteousness to reign, for peace, unity and progress.

God bless Nigeria