Nothing Is Impossible

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, February 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Nothing Is Impossible

Luke 1:37 NKJV "For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Gabriel, an angel of the Lord, was sent to Zacharias; he said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” Zacharias found it very hard to believe, even though he had been praying for a child for many years. I'm sure that somewhere along the line he had stopped praying for a child, he must have thought it was too late and all over, but God didn't forget all those prayers he prayed years ago; God scheduled a time in his future, when his prayers would be answered. Hallelujah!

Listen to me sir, every word of God is believable! It may not make sense to your mind, there may be no known scientific evidences to back it up, and it may never have been done before now; listen to me ma, once God speaks, His words are capable of creating His will! Oh my God! Once He says it, the circumstances are immediately created, things immediately begin to connect, men and materials immediately begin to move, all of creation begins to work with the sole aim of making sure that His words come to pass!

I like what Gabriel said to Zacharias; he said his words will be fulfilled in their own time. That's it, every word of God is timed: and they will surely come to pass when due - if you believe them. All Mary had to say when she heard a word that seemed impossible was, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Subject yourself to the word and not your experience; subject yourself to the word and not the statistics; subject yourself to the word rather than to natural laws! You too can walk on water! You can heal the sick and raise the dead! Yes, you can still get married in the next six months! For with God, nothing shall be impossible!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Manifesting The God Kind of Love

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, February 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Manifesting The God Kind of Love

Romans 5:8 NKJV "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Before Jesus came, it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But He said, "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."

Perfect, that's how best to describe the love of God! It is perfect! A love that loves the unlovable and dies for the undeserving. There are people who don't want to have anything to do with God, they even do things that they know He doesn't like intentionally, they hate God, and persecute His people, but despite all that, God still loves them!

What's the worst thing that has ever been done to you? Who has hurt you the most in this life? You think it's impossible to forgive them, but unforgiveness is not an option! It never has been, and will never be. There's only one thing that you must do, to love them the same way that God loved you. Is it easy? Yes, because you have the nature of God in you. You are capable of loving all men, God's grace is sufficient for you. Christ died for us while we were still sinners, therefore, we too must love and forgive unconditionally. The God kind of love is the difference between us and the rest of the world, we must be perfect in love just as God is.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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There Is Hope For You

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, February 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

There Is Hope For You

Ecclesiastes 9:4 NKJV "But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion."

Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. It is the feeling of wanting something to happen and thinking that it could happen. When you are hoping for something, you are expectant and positive that it will happen, even when it doesn't seem it will. Romans 8:24-25 says "For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."

Hope is also someone or something that may be able to provide help: hope is someone or something that gives you a reason for hoping. As believers, our hope is not founded on the government, the economy, or anyone or anything else, God is our hope, and the word of God is our reason for hoping. That's why we still hope even when there's no "sensible" or "rational" reason to hope! That's why Abraham, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken. Hallelujah!

God has said so many wonderful things about you and your future! He said that you will be the head and not the tail, He said you will prosper and be in health, He said it will be well with you, that you will have children, that your expectations will come to pass and that he will make all your enemies to be at peace with you! Ignore what your bank account is saying, ignore what the economy is saying, ignore what the doctors are saying, keep hoping! As long as you're still here, there's hope for you! Things will definitely get better and every word that God has spoken concerning you will come to pass!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Jesus Overcame Them All

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, February 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Jesus Overcame Them All

Colossians 2:15 NKJV "Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it."

Jesus went into the enemy's stronghold, beat everyone of them black and blue, singlehandedly, disarmed them, and then paraded them before all heavenly hosts! Hallelujah!

Listen, Satan and all his demons are toothless bulldogs! They bark, look tough and intimidating, but can’t bite you because they have no teeth! Jesus disarmed them completely! Jesus rendered them inefficient, ineffective, useless, powerless, incapable and weak! You have nothing to fear or worry about! Whenever you come face to face with the devil, resist him and he will flee!

Jesus said, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Yea! Satan cannot hurt you! No demon can hurt you! Those ugly and smelly witches and wizards cannot hurt you! Jesus overcame them all and gave us the victory! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Being Led By The Spirit of God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, February 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Being Led By The Spirit of God

Numbers 9:23 NKJV "At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the charge of the Lord , at the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses."

As the Israelites journeyed from place to place, God led them by a cloud. According to the Scriptures, whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would journey; and in the place where the cloud settled, there the children of Israel would pitch their tents. As long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. Even when the cloud continued long, many days above the tabernacle, the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not journey. If the cloud remained only from evening until morning, then they would journey; whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey. Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey.

Romans 8:14 says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." God seeks to lead us. But unlike when a man is possessed by a demon and loses control of himself, we have a choice to obey God or not. Obeying God brings blessings, guides us and helps us accomplish what we cannot do on our own. In your walk with God, never be in a hurry to take action; let God guide you; let Him lead you. Even when it seems He is slow, wait! He created time, He controls time, and He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Favour: The Secret To Getting Whatever You Want

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, February 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Favour: The Secret To Getting Whatever You Want

Esther 5:3 NKJV "And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!”

What will you ask for if you know that it will be given to you? How much will you write on a blank cheque if one is given to you? People are not always given everything that they desire, but favour makes anything possible! I am experienced enough to know that you won't always get from man what you deserve; men will continue to look for ways to deny you; but favour makes it impossible to be denied; favour actually makes people want to do for you more than you deserve!

"Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house... So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand." Esther found favour in the sight of the king and because of that she was told to ask for anything, up to half of the kingdom! The daughter of Herodias also found favour before Herod. Her dance pleased him, and he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Wow!

Psalms 84:9 NLT says, "O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed." Today, favour is yours, in the name of Jesus! May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; and may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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A Helper of Many

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, February 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Helper of Many

Romans 16:1-2 NKJV "I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also."

A lot of people don't know about the ministry of the helpers. We know about the offices of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers: I Corinthians 12:27-28 says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues."

Helpers play very important roles in the church. David had helpers, Jesus had helpers, and so did the apostles. We all need helpers in our lives; but more importantly, God wants us all to be helpers of one another, and it is so important, because it's love in action! To show how important it is, Paul said to Timothy, "Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and  not  unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work." It applies in other ways to men too.

What are you doing to help people around you? Helping people is what I really love to do! It has always been my passion, and it's all I really do. Whether I'm preaching, sharing the devotionals, evangelizing, giving, or motivating, my sole aim is to help people! And there are many more things on my mind I intend to do to help many more people; like orphanages, schools, and so on. I encourage you today to get involved in the ministry of helps. The world is full of millions of people in dire need of help. Help people, not as a business man seeking to make profit, but because you genuinely love them and seek to extend the love of God to them.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Blessed Indeed

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, February 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Blessed Indeed

Genesis 27:33 NKJV "Then Isaac trembled exceedingly, and said, “Who? Where is the one who hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it before you came, and I have blessed him— and indeed he shall be blessed.”

Some things are not reversible, one of them is the blessing of God. When God blesses you, you are blessed indeed. Jacob deceived Isaac his father in order to get the blessing meant for Esau, and even when it was discovered that he lied, he could not be disqualified, the word had already gone forth, and there was nothing that could be done to withdraw the blessing.

Balak wanted Balaam to curse the children of Israel, but Balaam said to him, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it." Satan cannot reverse your blessings, your boss cannot reverse your blessings, the economy of your country cannot reverse your blessings, neither can the government of the day reverse your blessings! Listen, even the sins and blunders of the past cannot reverse your blessings! You are blessed indeed!

Maybe you are going through unpleasant experiences right now, and you're wondering if you are truly blessed; yes you are! Things may not be working as fine as you expect them to, but you are blessed! Tens of years after Jacob was blessed, he was still serving Laban and had nothing of his own, but when the blessing began to manifest, he became richer than his master "overnight"! Hallelujah! From today, the blessing of God upon you will begin to manifest, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Importance of Prayer

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, February 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Importance of Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ERV "Never stop praying."

There are not so many things we are told to do always in the Bible. But come to think of it, why will anyone ask people to pray without ceasing? Jesus Himself said that men ought to pray always. In fact, Jesus did not only talk about prayer, He prayed as if He couldn't live without prayer!

Your prayer life is like a thermometer for measuring your entire spiritual life and relationship with God. Every believer is a minister: the truth is that we can never be effective ministers without a constant prayer life. Check the lives of the greatest Christians, they are men and women who prayed.

I have listed some reasons why we should pray and take prayer seriously below:

Pray because it is a source of strength
Pray because it is the way to get things done and cause things to happen
Pray because it is necessary for your survival
Pray because your success depends on it
Pray because fellowship with God is very important
Pray because you love and care for people
Pray because it is a responsibility
Pray because you love God and love to spend time with Him
Pray to know the will of God
Pray because it is a weapon of warfare
Pray because it is a secret of happiness and joy
Pray to develop a great character and to be like Christ.

Pray!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Holding On To The Truth

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, February 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Holding On To The Truth

I Corinthians 15:1-2 NKJV "Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain."

There's so much attack on our faith today, more than ever before; there's so much falsehood in the world, people are twisting the truth, giving strange interpretations to Scriptures - even within the church - for several reasons. But the gospel cannot be stopped. Truth will always prevail. Hallelujah! But you must be careful not to believe lies; you've got a duty to hold on to the truth.

Paul wrote to the Galatians: "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."

What do you really believe? Have you ever taken time to personally study the Scriptures by yourself, in order to be taught by the Holy Spirit? What and what doctrines have you accepted as truth? Are you being taught the truth where you are right now? Could you have believed in a lie because it's convenient? Ephesians 4:14 says "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting." Brothers and sisters, eternal salvation is only guaranteed by holding on to the truth until the very end.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Praise The Lord!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, February 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Praise The Lord!

Psalms 113:3 NKJV "From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s name is to be praised."

The Psalmist alluded that we are to praise the Lord from the moment we wake up until evening! Talking about daily praise; no less than twelve hours every day! I don't know who has done that before, and that's not the subject of this devotional, but you will agree with me that God deserves all the praise we can ever give; because of His goodness to us.

Just maybe you're too young to know what God has done; or maybe you've been secluded all your life to have an idea of the awesome and marvellous things He has done; well, "He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes— with the princes of His people. He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children." These things happen everyday! As you praise Him today, I see someone being elevated! Sickness is fleeing from your body! Hallelujah!

We don't give God enough praise! Psalms 107:8-9 says, "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." Verses 15 &16 says, "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He has broken the gates of bronze, and cut the bars of iron in two." Think of His goodness to you and give Him the praise He deserves. Praise the Lord!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Being Relevant

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, February 17
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Being Relevant

Philippians 1:24-25 CEV "But I know that all of you still need me. This is why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy in your faith."

Permit me to ask you this question: of what use are you to those around you? Of what use are you to your boss and your colleagues? Of what use are you to your pastor and church members? Of what use are you to your family? Of what use are you to your neighborhood? Of what use are you to your classmates? How relevant have you been in the lives of people you have come across? If you die today, or decide to walk away, will anyone miss you? Will anyone not want you to leave? Or wouldn't it matter? Are you really needed around there?

Dorcas was a tailor, whose life affected so many people; according to the Scriptures, she was full of good works and charitable deeds. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. But she was too good to die! She had touched the lives of so many widows in her city, making tunics and garments for them free of charge. These women and several others cried bitterly. So when they heard that Peter was close by, two men were immediately sent to him to get him to come and pray for Dorcas. Peter did, and to the glory of God, Dorcas was brought back to life! Hallelujah!

Dear friends, brothers and sisters, are you an asset or a liability where you are? Are you contributing meaningfully to the lives of people around you? Are you helping in anyway to improve the conditions of people in your area? Leaders and politicians, what are you doing with the privilege God has given you? Rich man and woman, how many people have benefited from your wealth? Listen to me, everyone can do something good for someone else! Your talents and skills can be used to bless lives. You can touch lives through your words! You can show people love and give them hope. Decide today to be a blessing to as many people as possible.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Working With All Your Might

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, February 16
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Working With All Your Might

Genesis 31:6 NKJV "And you know that with all my might I have served your father."

To serve with all your might is to serve with all your strength and energy, as well as with your heart. This is the right, and only way, to work and serve as children of God. To work any other way isn't acceptable. Your boss' attitude isn't an excuse to work any other way, neither is the size of your pay. Children, students, interns, apprentices, corps members, policemen; we are all expected to serve with the right attitudes.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there  is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." P. T. Barnum said, "Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now."

Ephesians 6:7-8 says, "Do your work, and be happy to do it. Work as though it is the Lord you are serving, not just an earthly master. Remember that the Lord will give everyone a reward for doing good. Everyone, slave or free, will get a reward for the good things they do." The New Living Translation says, "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free." Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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There Shall Be Deliverance

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, February 15
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

There Shall Be Deliverance

Obadiah 1:17 NKJV “But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, And there shall be holiness; The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions."

Today is your day of deliverance! Hallelujah! God said, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” God has heard your cry, He has seen your tears, He's knows what you're passing through, He knows exactly what they said to you, and He is set to deliver you!

The Lord said to Moses: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites."

Your story will begin to change from today, in the name of Jesus! You are being delivered from everything that has held you down and brought you pain and shame!

Psalms 34:17, 19 says, "The  righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all." And Psalms 107:19-20 says, "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."

So shall it be, in the mighty name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Let Us Love One Another

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, February 14
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Let Us Love One Another

I John 4:7-8 NKJV "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

Love is of God. Hallelujah! That's one of my favourite Bible quotes. It's simple but profound. God is the Originator of love; God is the Giver of love; God is the Master of love! He is love itself! Love is not bad; love is not manipulative; love exists, else God doesn't exist! We try to understand and practice love without God, no wonder it doesn't work; true love is divine, it flows from God.

You have the capacity to love everybody - the good, the bad and the ugly. When the love of God has been shed abroad in your heart, you become more compassionate and caring, you become friendlier, and you're more concerned about the people around you and you identify with them. Hebrews 13:1-3 says, "Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also."

Love is many things to different people, and people "love" for different reasons. But Romans 12:9-10, 13 says, "Let love be without hypocrisy... Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." Love is never selfish; never all about you! Love too is not all about your closest friends, family and acquaintances, love extends itself to the unknown, to everyone, of every tribe, religion, tongue and affiliation. Let us love one another. 1 John 4: 7 & 8.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Being Patriotic

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, February 13
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Being Patriotic

II Samuel 15:24-25, 27, 29 NKJV "There was Zadok also, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God... Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. Therefore Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem. And they remained there."

If there was a man who knew the importance of the presence of God, it was David. He knew the importance of having the Ark with him, and he ensured that the Ark was brought to Jerusalem even though someone lost his life in the process. Now, we see that when he was running from his son, Absalom, Zadok joined him, with the Ark and his sons, but David wouldn't let him take the Ark away from the city. Here we see David's love for his people and his country; he put them first before himself.

"Respect for the country's flag, a desire to see your nation succeed, and a deep, abiding love of your country are all patriotic expressions, but being patriotic doesn’t mean you think your country’s perfect — just that you love it."

Psalms 137:5-6 says, "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget its  skill! If I do not remember you, Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth— If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy." Christians must be patriotic! Yes, we are strangers and pilgrims here on earth, but if God in His wisdom made you to be born in a particular location, then it means He has a reason for that. Never regret being born in a particular family or a state or country; you are there now for a specific purpose. You are God's agent of change wherever you are, so if there's anything that should change, change it!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Being Teachable

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, February 12
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Being Teachable

John 3:4 NKJV "Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. He was probably an old man. But there's something admirable about him; most Pharisees of his day were proud and hated Jesus because He often spoke of things they didn't know, of things they had no revelation about; but Nicodemus acknowledged the fact that there was a lot he didn't know even as an elder, and he was humble enough to ask. The Scripture says that he went to Jesus by night, in other words, he inconvenienced himself in order to learn.

Peter was another humble and teachable man. He was an apostle of Jesus; he was with Jesus for over three years, learning directly from the Master Himself. Paul was not even converted until years after Jesus had left the earth, but that didn't prevent Peter from learning from Paul. Apostle Peter actually wrote in his own book that Paul spoke of things which were sometimes hard to be understood, according to the wisdom given to him by the Lord. What a humble man Peter was!

You must have a proper attitude to learning. How long you've been a Christian is irrelevant here, there's no one that knows it all. Especially when God has given you some revelations; Paul said that knowledge puffs up, in other words, knowledge makes proud, but love edifies: don't become proud as a result of the little or so much that you seem to know, be open, there's still so much that God is still revealing today, and He can use infants, if He chooses, to communicate those truths! So be teachable. God bless you.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Determining Your Harvest

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, February 11
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Determining Your Harvest

II Corinthians 9:6 NKJV "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

God said to Noah, “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” So, every time you sow a seed, you can expect a harvest.

You can determine how much harvest you want by determining how much you sow and the attitude with which you sow. It's that simple. Interest that you get on an investment of a thousand will be smaller than what you get on an investment of a million. Yes, there are some investments that have better returns, but even then, how much you get, is a function of how much you put into that particular investment. And remember, in the kingdom, God doesn't look at what you give; He looks at what you give in relation to what you have. Two people may give a thousand, but the one who gives out of a hundred thousand gives more than the one who gives a thousand out of a million.

Something done sparingly "is done in a frugal manner, in a manner meant to conserve what is remaining." You see, it's more than just the amount you give, but the attitude with which you give! Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Praise God.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Victory Everywhere, In All Situations And At All Times

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, February 10
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Victory Everywhere, In All Situations And At All Times

1 Chronicles 18:6 ERV "Then David put fortresses in the city of Damascus in Aram. The Arameans became David’s servants and brought tribute to him. So the Lord gave victory to David everywhere he went."

David attacked the Philistines and defeated them. He defeated the country of Moab and the Moabites became his servants and brought tribute to him. David also fought against Hadadezer’s army. Hadadezer was the king of Zobah. David fought against that army all the way to the town of Hamath. The Arameans from the city of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah. But David defeated and killed 22,000 Aramean soldiers. Victory everywhere, in all situations and at all times!

Listen to me child of God, you can win at all times! There's victory for you in Jesus! Even when things seem not to be going well, you can still come out a winner and a victor! 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 2:14a says, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ." When God is with you and you submit to His leadership, victory is certain. I say it again and again, your location is not your problem, if God is with you, you will win! It doesn't matter who comes against you, it doesn't matter how difficult the situation is, it doesn't matter what the facts and the odds are, you can win everyday, every time and everywhere!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Seeking The Lord

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, February 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Seeking The Lord

Joshua 9:14 NKJV "Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord ."

One thing I think a lot of us are guilty of is disregarding the Lord. Yes, we are Christians, we go to church, read our Bibles and pray, but in times of decision making, we do what our "informed and learned" minds think is right.

For some of us, our friends, our partners, parents and colleagues are our counsellors and guides; we seek the opinions of everyone else but God, remembering Him only when there are issues and things are not working as well as we desire. Understand that true wisdom is seeking the counsel of the all-knowing God! He knows the end from the beginning, and He also knows the deepest secrets of the hearts of men.

What many of us seem to lack is the discipline to pray. But just a few minutes seeking His will can save us from a lot of pain, stress and regret later on in life. Yes, I know he's good looking, rich, educated, caring and even Godfearing; I sincerely agree with you that it's a great offer, and I know you stand to gain a lot by accepting it; but just before you say yes, it's wise to ask God for what step to take. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Fishers of Men

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, February 8
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Fishers of Men

Matthew 4:19 NKJV "Then He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'”

It's election period in Nigeria. In the last few months, we've seen not just the politicians campaign, we've seen average Nigerians participate actively in the process. Nearly every adult is involved; people are debating, arguing passionately and trying to woo others to support their preferred candidates. The thought on my mind most times is what would happen if nearly every believer is as active and passionate about getting the lost to "vote" for Jesus and make Him Lord of their lives.

One of the first things He did when He began His ministry was to recruit men who would work for and with Him to win the lost. It's worthy of note that He called them to be fishers of men and not anything else. A very important reminder to all of us that soul winning is God's number one job. We might be involved in many other wonderful assignments in the kingdom, but we are not fulfilling our most important duty if we are not engaged in fishing men to salvation.

Just before He left the earth, Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Have you ever gone out to make disciples? Are you still going today? Will you ever go out there and give someone the opportunity to be saved?

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Divine Rescue Operation

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, February 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Divine Rescue Operation

Acts 5:17-20 NKJV "Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 'Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.'”

When there are floods, plane crashes, kidnaps, hostages, collapsed buildings, etc, rescue operations are organized in order to save the people affected. It's not always easy; sometimes it takes days and months, and they are not always successful.

The apostles were arrested by the authority of their day for preaching the gospel, and they were locked up in prison. That got the attention of Jehovah, and He sent an angel, just one angel, to rescue them! I like how the rescue operation was done: here's what the soldiers reported: “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” It was a smooth operation! Hallelujah!

Today, you are coming out of every form of bondage, in the name of Jesus! Psalms 91:3 says, "Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence." And Psalms 124:6-8 says, "Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth!"

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Bearing Fruit

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, February 6
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Bearing Fruit

Matthew 21:18-19 NKJV "Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, 'Let no fruit grow on you ever again.' Immediately the fig tree withered away."

Here's what the Pulpit Commentary says about Jesus' experience with the fig tree: "Knowing the nature of the tree, and that under some circumstances the fruit ripens before the leaves are fully out, Jesus naturally expected to find on it some figs fit to eat. Further, besides the fruit which comes to maturity in the usual way during the summer, there are often late figs produced in autumn which hang on the tree during winter, and ripen at the reawakening of vegetation in the spring. The vigour of this particular tree was apparently proved by the luxuriance of its foliage, and it might reasonably be expected to retain some of its winter produce. Found nothing thereon, but leaves only. It was all outward show, promise without performance, seeming precocity with no adequate results."

It's obvious that God expects us to be fruitful. Your Christianity must go beyond being a show. Go beyond having a form of godliness. Don't be a Christian who attends church but doesn't live the Christian life. You simply can't be a Christian without fruit; it means you are not abiding in the Vine and that His word is not abiding in you. Fruitless branches are cut off and burnt with fire! God is glorified when we bear much fruit.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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One God, One Lord

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, February 5
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

One God, One Lord

I Corinthians 8:6 NKJV "Yet for us there  is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live."

In India alone, there are said to be 330 million gods. Now that's very funny! You see, we don't get to choose who or what we call "God", God reveals Himself to man. Some of what people worship are demons. In fact, there are demons behind every other so called god. When you acknowledge another god other than Jehovah, you are actually getting involved with demons.

Believing in one God is not enough. There are people who agree that there is one God, but that there are many ways to Him. That's a lie from the pit of hell! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Get it: you are not a Christian by believing in God; James 2:19 says, "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" What differentiates you from demons is believing in Jesus! He's more than a prophet, more than a religious leader; He cannot be compared with anyone else, He is the Son of the living God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the First and the Last, the Alpha and the Omega!

Ephesians 4:4-6 says, "There  is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Your Mouth Is Responsible

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, February 4
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Your Mouth Is Responsible

Job 15:6 NKJV "Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; yes, your own lips testify against you."

We like to blame every other person or situation for our challenges; but we are often responsible for whatever happens to us. The good and the bad were caused by us; by how we used our mouths; by the words we uttered. You say, Isn't God responsible? God says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" and "as you have spoken in my ears, so will I do unto you." Everything responds to your words!

Jesus said, "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” You see, your words are the raw materials that will be processed and turned into happiness, sadness, prosperity, poverty, success or suffering for you!

This is an example of how it works. Remember when the king wanted to reward Mordecai for his loyalty, he asked Haman, "What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour?" After Haman had given his suggestion, the king said to Haman, "Make haste... as thou hast said, do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken." Wow! Powerful!

Understand that everyday you are like Haman, speaking to the king. The king could be your boss, your spouse, your parents, your lecturers, your government, your suppliers, members, customers, God, and many others; whether they hear you or not, your words are suggestions to them, and what you are saying is what's happening! OMG! No wonder James said we should be slow to speak! Stop speaking foolishly, stop hurting yourself with your mouth! Bless yourself; bless your family, your ministry, your country, your economy and your business. Speak faith, speak life, speak goodness, success, strength, favour, health, wealth, progress and peace!

It is well with you, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Prospering Through Prophecy

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, February 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Prospering Through Prophecy

Ezra 6:14 NKJV "So the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the command of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia."

Haggai and Zechariah didn't join the elders in the physical act of building, yet it was stated categorically that the work prospered because of them. The words they spoke had power to cause prosperity. Understand the power of prophecy!

Ezra 5:1-2 says, "Then the prophet Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophets, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, who  was over them. So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them." Prophecy was considered as help! It made the men rise up! Wow! Do you want to rise? You can achieve great things through the help of prophecy.

Early in the morning, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” Hallelujah! You don't have to struggle when you can be helped! You don't have to suffer either, when you can prosper! Your business can prosper - it should! So should your job, your health and every other thing concerning you! Stay in an atmosphere of divine prophecies!

I prophesy to you in the name of Jesus, that it is well with you!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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A Heritage of Divine Protection And Unstoppable Success

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, February 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Heritage of Divine Protection And Unstoppable Success

Matthew 2:19-20 NKJV "Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.”

They wanted to kill Jesus, but they were the ones who died. I came to tell you, anyone who wants your downfall will fall instead, anyone who wants you to fail will fail instead, and it will not be well with anyone who doesn't wish you well! Isaiah 54:14-15 says, "In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake." Amen!

Deuteronomy 28:7 says, “The Lord  will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." It is one of the blessings of the Lord! Come on, this is not the time to be a nice gentleman or lady, say Amen! Are you aware that forty men banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul? I don't care how many have sworn to destroy you, your career and your business, their plans have just failed! In the name of Jesus! Amen!

God said to Abraham, "I will curse him who curses you.” Cursed is everyone who curses you! I have good news for you: nothing they have done will affect you! It doesn't matter where they have gone to; it doesn't matter who they have spoken with; neither does it matter where they have mentioned your name! "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord." Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Joy, Independent of Circumstances

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, February 1
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Joy, Independent of Circumstances

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 NLT "Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity."

Members of the churches in Macedonia had many troubles and were very poor, yet, they were filled with abundant joy! How? Meanwhile, if a lot of us find ourselves in similar situations we will be complaining and unhappy.

I think we need to start thinking differently. Prosperity is good and to be desired, but note that the Bible said that the grace of God was abundant in the churches in Macedonia despite their troubles and poverty! So poverty and challenges doesn't mean an absence of grace! Our relationship with God, our happiness and our joy should not be based on what we have or do not have: true joy is independent of circumstances!

Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" No money in my bank account but I'm joyful! My mates are getting married every weekend and I'm not even in a relationship, but I'm joyful! My marriage failed, no job, no children, no sponsors, I lost the contract, but I am still joyful! My joy, which comes from the Lord, is independent of circumstances and is my strength! Today, I choose to rejoice! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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