Remaining Strong

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, May 31
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Remaining Strong

Genesis 49.23-24. "The archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him. But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel)."

Listen dear brothers and sisters, in this life, you will have enemies even if you try to please everyone; people will hurt you, they will stab you, they will frustrate you, disappoint you, betray you, insult you, step on your toes, and say all manner of things about you: these people include people you have been very good to. I'm not worried about them, but about you, about how their actions affect your attitude and your resolve. Will you remain strong or will you let them kill your spirit?

David said, “Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,' Let Israel now say— 'Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me. Let all those who hate Zion be put to shame and turned back.'" Amen!

The arms of Joseph were made strong by the hands of God. Today, my prayer is that God will help you to remain strong. I pray for you, that the archers of your life will never prevail against you. I pray for freedom from depression. I pray for deliverance from every form of bitterness. And I ask that God gives you new strength to move on and to accomplish more. Let all who hate you be put to shame and be forced to retreat! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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He Dwells With Us

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, May 30
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

He Dwells With Us

Luke.19.5 "And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.'”

Imagine for a minute, Jesus as your roommate; I mean, physically; how would you feel? I doubt if there's a word that can accurately describe how you'd feel! But we walk by faith and not sight! Do you realize that Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, dwells with you now? Jesus said that He would be in us and with us!

Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully: how excited and confident are we that the Lord of all lords dwells with us? We are not as conscious of His presence as we should. He said that He is with us always, even unto the ends of the world! When I'm sleeping He's with me! When I'm eating He's with me! When I'm working He's with me! He's always with me! He promised never to leave or forsake me!

These simple truths are the foundations for great faith and exploits. It is said that Smith Wigglesworth once woke up and saw the devil standing at the foot of his bed. And he said, "Oh, it's only you," and immediately rolled over and went back to sleep! Wow! That's a man who knew that greater was He with him than all others in the world combined. Your fears are unnecessary; live with the consciousness of Who is with you; the Boss of bosses, the Most Powerful, He who doesn't slumber or sleep, the One who knows tomorrow, the One in Whose hand are the hearts of the kings; He is your Big Brother and Friend! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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As change occurs in Nigeria

As change occurs in Nigeria...

Today, Friday, May 29, 2015 is a remarkable and unforgettable one, especially for Nigerians.

Here are some important lessons I think all of us should learn:

1. That power belongs to God

"God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God." Psalm 62:11

2. Everything on earth is temporal

"For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

3. It is turn by turn

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, the days approach when you must die; call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of meeting, that I may inaugurate him.' So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves in the tabernacle of meeting." Deuteronomy 31:14

4. Leadership is a privilege and not a right

"Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other." 1 Corinthians 4:6

5. God is not partial, He is not a respecter of persons

"Then Peter opened his mouth and said: 'In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.'" Acts 10:34-35

6. It's the plans of God that eventually prevail.

"There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand." Proverbs 19:21

7. You don't have all day to do whatever you need to do. Tomorrow is not a promise.

"Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" John 4:35

God bless the President
God bless the people of Nigeria
God bless Nigeria

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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God Knows Your Address

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, May 29
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

God Knows Your Address

Acts 9.11 "So the Lord said to him, 'Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.'"

I think it's comforting to know that God knows my house address; of course He's omniscient, that is all knowing, but realizing that He knows specific details about me makes me feel relaxed and confident.

An angel said to Cornelius, "Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” Brothers and sisters, what this tells me is that you will never miss whatever God has packaged for you! Whatever benefits and blessings He has dispatched to you will not be delivered to someone else but to you, in the name of Jesus!

Stop wondering how God will do it; stop saying that no one knows you in that place where you are; God has often used total strangers to bless His children in their homes! Hallelujah! God knows exactly where you reside, in any part of the world, therefore be rest assured that your safety and security are guaranteed! Maybe you're in dire need of help where you are, maybe you're so far away from home, I pray for you today that God will send you help from His sanctuary. The wise men travelled a long distance to deliver gifts to Jesus in an unknown address: I prophesy, you will receive goods things right where you are, from today, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Standing In The Gap

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, May 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Standing In The Gap

Numbers 16.48 "And he stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped."

Korah, Dathan, Abiriam and On, led the people in rebellion against Moses. To cut the long story short, about fifteen thousand people died as a result of a plague that came from the Lord. Many more would have died if Moses hadn't acted fast and instructed Aaron to take a censer and put fire in it from the altar, and incense, and take it to the congregation and make atonement for them: Aaron stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.

That tells me that God respects the prayers of intercessors.

God said in Ezekiel 22.29-31, "The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads."

In a world as ours, with people continually rebelling against God and living as they please, the ministry of the intercessors is very very important. Job interceded for his family every morning, in case they had sinned against God: it's something you and I must do regularly for our friends and our loved ones, and for the world at large; as priests of our homes, communities, states and nations, we must stand in the gap; we must pray; we must intercede on behalf of other men, women and children.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Praying To The Father

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, May 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Praying To The Father

Daniel 9.23 "At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision."

The way some of us behave some times, as if God is deaf, or unwilling to answer our prayers, or as if we are the ones that make Him answer our prayers! Until we understand how much He loves and cares for us, how much He is willing to do things for us, we will continue to err in prayer. God is our Father!

Jesus said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." New Living Translation says, "It gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." And New American Standard Bible says, "your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom." It gives Him great happiness to answer our prayers; and before we even ask, He has chosen gladly to give to us! Hallelujah!

The angel told Daniel that he was heard from the first day! Matthew 6.7-8 says, "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." Here's what God promised, that before we call, He will answer; and while we are still speaking, He will hear! Hallelujah!

That's why I'm always thankful; because when I have prayed, my faith is turned on, and I begin to thank Him for answering my prayers. It may not come when I expected it, but that doesn't mean He didn't hear me, so I just keep thanking Him! And guess what, He never disappoints! I don't just pray to "God", I talk to my Father.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Don't Mess With The Ark

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, May 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Don't Mess With The Ark

1samuel 5.10 "Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. So it was, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, 'They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people!'"

The Philistines captured the Ark in ignorance, not realizing the enormity of their error. And God began to deal with them beginning with their god, Dagon. The Bible says that the hand of the Lord was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and He ravaged them and struck them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory. When the men of Ashdod saw how it was, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for His hand is harsh toward us and Dagon our god.” So they carried the ark of the God of Israel away to Gath, and there too, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great destruction; and He struck the men of the city, both small and great, and tumors broke out on them. From Gath, they sent the ark of God to Ekron. It was in Ekron that they cried out, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people!” While the Ark was in the land of the Philistines the Bible says "there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. And the men who did not die were stricken with the tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven."

When the Israelites went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people, God permitted no one to do them wrong; He rebuked kings for their sakes, saying, Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm! Ask Abimelech, when he took Abraham's wife, God immediately closed up the wombs of all the women in his house! Brothers and sisters, we are the apple of His eyes! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Change, In Twenty Four Hours

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, May 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Change, In Twenty Four Hours

Psalm 127.1 "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."

We put our trust in our governments, hoping that they will make life better for us; we put our trust in our security agencies hoping that they will make our countries safer; we change governments; we talk a lot, so many analysts, so many critics; we hope of better days, we dream of brighter futures, we earnestly desire change.

I don't care what we choose to call ourselves, a Christian or Muslim country, one thing is sure, that only God can build our nation; and until you and I, believers, devote our times to seeking the intervention of God in our affairs, we may achieve little growths here and there, but becoming the country of our dreams will only be a dream. No doubt, the country needs healing; not only Nigeria, many, if not all, are in dire need of healing; all God needs is a sincere invitation: "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

There was a terrible famine in Samaria, things were so expensive; it was so bad that people began to eat their own children! Even the king was clueless at that point, but he knew that there was a man in his kingdom who could do something about their current situation; Elisha: and Elisha prophesied, “Hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord: ‘Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.’” God didn't need a month or a week, just 24 hours! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Becoming Like Christ

Today's Teaching
#SundaySpecial

Becoming Like Christ

-Christ is the peak of all Christian growth
-When we talk about maturity and perfection, we are talking about Christ
-The goal of every believer must to become like Christ
-The aim of every true minister must be to make men like Christ
-We must make ourselves eternal students of the life and ministry of Christ
-All learning is useless if we are not learning to become like Christ
-See Galatians 4:19, Ephesians 4:11-15, Hebrews 12:2, 1 John 2:6, Philippians 2:10-11, Colossians 1:28, Matthew 11:29

32 Ways To Become Like Christ

In service John 13:15
In knowledge Luke 2:46-47
In patience Hebrews 12:2
In understanding 1 Corinthians 14:20, Luke 2:47
In love Ephesians 5:2, John 13:34
In faith Mark 11:22-24
In power Luke 4:14, 2:40
In holiness and righteousness Hebrews 4:15
In prayer and fellowship with God Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12
In ministry Acts 10:38
In wisdom Mark 6:2, Luke 2:40, 52
In compassion Matthew 9:36, 20:34
In thinking Philippians 2:5
In humility Philippians 2:5
In suffering 1 Peter 2:21
In unity/oneness John 17:22
In forgiveness Colossians 3:12-13
In grace John 1:16, 2 Peter 3:18
In work John 4:34, 5:17
In boldness/authority John 7:26, Matthew 7:29
In dependence on the Father John 5:19
In studying/reading the scriptures Luke 4:16
In submission/obedience John 6:38, Luke 2:51
In going to church Luke 4:16
In trusting people John 2:24-25
In doing good Acts 10:38
In zeal Matthew 21:11-13, Luke 2:49
In dominion Mark 4:37-41
In making choices Luke 6:12-13
In focus Matthew 15:24
In fulfilling purpose John 18:37
In passion for the lost Luke 19:10

Add more...

Still Green

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, May 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Still Green

Jer.17.7-8. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."

The Scripture above is about the man or woman who trusts in the Lord, and hopes in Him alone. Verse 5 & 6 of the same book and chapter says, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited."

I'm aware that things are a bit difficult for the average man right now; at times like this we must remind ourselves of the need to put our trust in God. This is actually a very good time to taste and see the goodness of God!

You are not meant to be subject to the same experiences with others! Read that verse again, it says that we will not fear when heat comes; that even when the heat comes our leaves will still be green! It says that we will not be anxious in the year of drought, and that we will not cease from yielding fruit! In the time of famine, Isaac sowed his seeds, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. In the time of famine, he began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous! Hallelujah!

Irrespective of what's going on in my country, though salaries have not been paid, though there's fuel scarcity, though there's no light, though there's inflation, my trust is in God, therefore I am like a tree planted by the waters, I refuse to fear, I will not be anxious, my God shall supply all my needs, He is my Shepherd, I shall not want!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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He Will Hear And Answer You

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, May 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

He Will Hear And Answer You

Psalm 55.16-17 NKJV "As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice."

Remember the prophets of Baal in the time of Elijah? They called on the name of Baal from morning till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there  was no voice; no one answered. They leaped about the altar which they had made. They cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. They prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was  no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.

Baal was a dead god. But our God, the only God, is alive! He hears, He sees, He feels, and He answers prayers! Hallelujah!

1John 5.14-15 says, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." You can be as sure as David was that God will hear you when you pray. Call upon Him, cry aloud, pray in faith, in the morning, afternoon and in the evening: He will surely answer your prayers. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Irresistible Wisdom

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, May 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Irresistible Wisdom

Acts 6:10 "And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake."

Some men were arguing with Stephen but could not win the argument; the Bible says that they could not resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. That's very important; Stephen wasn't just a "wise and intelligent man", neither was he functioning on his own, there was a "spirit" speaking through him; that spirit was the Holy Spirit.

A lot of us don't live by this consciousness on a daily basis; we are quick to open our mouths to talk; we are quick to engage in arguments; we are quick to negotiate, make presentations and try to defend ourselves without consulting with the Spirit within us. And we wonder why, when we don't succeed. God said to Moses, "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." Jesus said, "Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist."

You need the irresistible wisdom of God to survive in this cruel and difficult world. It's useful, not only for ministry but for all purposes. When you have interviews, to respond to queries, appointments with prospective clients, sponsors, bosses, lecturers, etc, you have to rely on the Spirit within to help you say the right words and to give appropriate responses. Success is yours from today, in Jesus name!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Nevertheless, You Can

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, May 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Nevertheless, You Can

II Samuel 5:6-7 NKJV "And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, 'You shall not come in here; but the blind and the lame will repel you,' thinking, 'David cannot come in here.' Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David)."

They said David could not, nevertheless, I like that word, he did. My dear, it doesn't matter that they think you cannot do a thing; that you are incapable of delivering the goods; that you are not the right person for the job; that you are not qualified enough; not aggressive enough; not smart enough; not rich enough; not talented enough; not connected enough; in spite of whatever their opinions are, I need you to know that you can!

Learn to ignore negative opinions about you! When they said he could not enter their land, David ignored them; and he didn't just get in, he took their stronghold! I actually like being told that I can't do a thing; I take those words to God, He becomes involved, and with His help I get it done.

Paul said he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. You've got to have that mindset. Many times, we are the ones who tell ourselves that we can't, even before we try. Don't do that; don't you understand what grace is about? His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses! The conditions may not be perfect, the economy may not be good, the forces against you may be strong, nevertheless, you can; nevertheless, you will!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Eager To Forgive

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, May 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Eager To Forgive

Matthew 9:2 NKJV "Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.'"

As soon as Jesus saw the man, He immediately knew that sin was the cause of his problem; and without a word from the man, Jesus quickly forgave him. Amazing. Such great love! In deed, love covers a multitude of sins! We avoid God because of our sins, not realizing that He is so eager to forgive us, more than we are eager to receive His forgiveness.

A lot of us have a wrong understanding of God; we have made Him like us, men, in our minds; because it's difficult for us to forgive, we think it's also difficult for God to forgive: but think about it, while we were yet sinners, He sent Christ to die for our sins! He made provisions for our forgiveness long before it dawned on us that we needed it. What a God! Psalms 86:5 says, "For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." Hallelujah!

Receiving forgiveness is so easy! It's as easy as opening your mouth and saying that you are sorry! I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Hell is not for us, and no man has to go there! God's forgiveness is free and it's available every second of the day! Have you sinned? "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." You can receive the blessing of forgiveness, of grace and mercy, right now, where you are!

Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Preparing For War In Times Of Peace

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, May 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Preparing For War In Times Of Peace

II Chronicles 14:6 NKJV "And he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest; he had no war in those years, because the Lord had given him rest."

A lot of believers suffer defeats because they are not fortified. A fortified city is a city that is defended with very strong walls. When you are properly fortified, it's very difficult to be defeated. That's what God said to Jeremiah, "For behold, I have made you this day a fortified city and an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land— They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord , “to deliver you.” Hallelujah!

Understand that it is your job to fortify yourself! Yeah. Haven't you read Ephesians 6:13? It says to take up or put on the whole armour of God. It's your duty, if you don't you are without defence! And you've got to understand that the perfect time to fortify yourself and prepare for battles is in the time of peace. But we don't; a lot of us don't pray until there are challenges, we don't think of fortifying ourselves until the enemy has gotten so close; we don't dress up until the evil days come; and we suffer terrible losses as a result, we crash and fall.

King Asa said to his people, “Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” And Ephesians 6:13 says, "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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No Need For Self Deception

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, May 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

No Need For Self Deception

Galatians 6:3 NKJV "For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself."

We deceive ourselves in different ways; like James said, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Another way we deceive ourselves is by doing what Paul said, thinking ourselves to be something when we are actually nothing. Have you heard people ask, "Do you know who I am?" If you were that great you wouldn't need an introduction!

Proverbs 13:7 says, "There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches." And it's true! It's all make-believe most times, there are people who use all they have just to look good, but there's really nothing else; you'll know that when there's a crisis. There are some others who are truly wealthy, who you can never know by their looks, or even their cars and houses they live in. They don't make noise, but they are powerful.

What's the point? Romans 12:3 says we should not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, but to think soberly. 1 Corinthians 4:7 says, "For who makes you differ from  another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" Jesus allowed God to announce Him to the world; He didn't go about letting everyone know who He was while on earth. God wants to make you truly great, but you must first learn to humble yourself under His mighty hand. You're not the first to occupy that office, to make an achievement, or to own properties and a business; don't let those things make you misbehave to your fellow men and to God. Let's stay humble and honour one another.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Take A Step Of Faith

Two kinds of people: Don't wait until you die - Take a step of faith!

There was a pool in Jerusalem called Bethesda: an angel stirred the water at certain times and whoever entered into the water first was healed. According to the Bible, a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, laid by the pool, waiting for the moving of the water. The Bible didn't say how many times in a year that the water was stirred, but I can imagine people encouraging them to be patient; to wait on the Lord, etc. Those people were ignorant of the fact that Jesus was in the world and that they could all receive their healings instantly, at the same time! So they kept waiting for the moving of the water... in their comfort zones, waiting in faith, dying untimely, one by one.

There was another set of people who heard about Jesus and knew that they didn't have to wait forever to get whatever they wanted. Like the woman with the issue of blood. She wasn't the only one who touched the hem of Jesus' garment: the people of Gennesaret, immediately they recognized Jesus, ran through the whole region, bringing out the sick to wherever they heard that Jesus was, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well! They weren't prepared to wait forever, they knew that the violent could take whatever they wanted by force, whenever they wanted it!

What's it that you are waiting patiently for, forever? You know that your chances of getting it are so slim, it's not as if you're the only one waiting and believing God for it, but you're just waiting, hoping that you will be the "lucky" or "favoured" one if you like, to have it. How much do you really want that thing? Are you going to just sit down there waiting, or are you going to get up and be "violent" and take it now by "force"? Faith is now! Nobody met Jesus and was told by Him to wait for God's perfect time! Whatever time they met Jesus was the perfect time to have whatever they wanted!

Learn this, dear brothers and sisters; God always honours those who dare to take steps of faith!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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A Famous Name

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, May 17
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Famous Name

Ruth 4:14 NKJV "Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel!"

I realized years ago that God is not against fame and greatness when I read 2 Samuel 7:8-9. God said to David, “I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth."

If that's not enough to convince you, here's what God said to Abraham, "I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." Awesome! To aspire for fame and greatness doesn't make you less spiritual; when God's children are great and famous we have a greater platform to glorify God!

The women prayed that the child be famous in Israel: today I pray that God will make you famous! I pray that the spirit of excellence will come upon you, and cause you to do things that will grab the attention of the world! I declare in the name of Jesus that Abraham's blessings are truly yours! God will make you great and bless you as you walk with Him! Your business too shall be famous for the right reasons; your brand, your products and services, your organization and your ministry as well, in the name of Jesus! Say Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Greatest Servant Who Ever Lived

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, May 16
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Greatest Servant Who Ever Lived

Romans 16:1 NKJV "I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea."

Phoebe wasn't a pastor, she wasn't the head of a unit, she wasn't the assistant of the pastor or church secretary, she wasn't prominent at all, she was referred to as the servant of the church.

Who wants to be the servant of a church? But your position in any place is not what's the most important thing, what you do with your position is more important: Phoebe was said to be a helper of many, including Paul.

If a servant could help many, what are you doing with where you are today? How many people are you helping? How many lives are you blessing? Mother Theresa was said to have said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” So true. I'm not asking you to do what you cannot do, do the little things, and the big things if you can, for the good of many.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Uncountable Miracles

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, May 15
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Uncountable Miracles

Job 9:10 NKJV "He does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number."

Here are a few other translations of Job 9:10

New International Version
"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted."

Douay-Rheims Bible
"Who doth things great and incomprehensible, and wonderful, of which there is no number."

Young's Literal Translation
"Doing great things till there is no searching, And wonderful, till there is no numbering."

Hallelujah!

You think you have seen miracles? Nah! You ain't seen nothing yet! You think you've seen wonders? Relax, God is about to do jaw-dropping wonders that will shock you, your family, colleagues, neighbours, friends and even your enemies! I'm talking about the kind of miracles and wonders that will be broadcast by newsmakers!

My only question for you today is, Do you believe? Jesus said to Martha, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" If you believe you will see the glory of God! I perceive in my spirit that there are many believers reading this devotional! What an abundance of miracles, wonders and testimonies I see!!! Glory to God!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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White Garments

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, May 14
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

White Garments

Ecclesiastes 9:8 NKJV "Let your garments always be white, and let your head lack no oil."

Garments refer to our spirits and bodies. Sin defiles us, and we are made clean by the blood of Jesus and the word of God. Ephesians 5:25-27 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."

The desire of God is for our garments to be spotless at all times. Jesus said to the church in Sardis, "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy." When Jesus looks at you, what does He see, defiled or undefiled garments?

II Corinthians 7:1 says, "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." It doesn't matter how dirty and stained our garments are right now, they can be made clean: Isaiah 1:18 says that “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool." If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us, and to cleanse us of every unrighteousness.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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You Will Come Out Stronger, Bigger And Better

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, May 13
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Will Come Out Stronger, Bigger And Better

Genesis 15:13-14 NKJV "Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions."

Here, God foretold Abraham what would happen to the Israelites in the future; you know that God knows the end from the beginning. And it happened as God said it would; for four hundred and thirty years, the Israelites dwelt in Egypt, and in the latter part of their stay, a new Pharaoh made them slaves, and made them serve under very harsh conditions. Then on the eve of their exodus, God instructed them to get articles of silver and gold from their neighbours, and He granted them favour so that they got whatever they requested for, so the Israelites plundered the Egyptians and came out rich!

Something similar happened to Jacob: for many years he served Laban his father in law, and as a result of his presence, God blessed Laban; even Laban acknowledged that he knew he was blessed because of Jacob. But Laban maltreated Jacob and cheated him; he changed his wages ten times! But just before Jacob left Laban, God appeared, and gave Jacob an idea that caused the wealth of Laban to be transferred to him "overnight"! And what he thought he lost in years of service to Laban, God gave him in multiplied amounts. Hallelujah!

I have a good word for someone today: you will not leave empty handed! You have served faithfully for so long with little or nothing to show for it; they have abused you and denied you your rights and entitlements; and not rewarded you sufficiently: I don't know how God will do it, but you will have the last laugh! You will come out strong, big, prosperous and great! Don't ask how! God has done it before and He's still doing it today! He will do it for you too, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Agents Of Liberation

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, May 12
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Agents Of Liberation

Judges 5:6-7 NKJV “In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted, and the travelers walked along the byways. Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel."

Liberation is "the act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; release." Every child of God has a divine calling to liberate people around him from the captivity of Satan and unpleasant situations.

As Jesus began His ministry, He announced, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the  poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Nothing was working in Israel until Deborah arose: brothers and sisters, God seeks men who are willing to arise in these last days and yield themselves to Him as agents for the liberation of men, cities and nations from the powers of darkness. We have been liberated, and we are walking in liberty now; we have a ministry to the rest of the world who are in bondage to set them free. We must preach deliverance; we must preach salvation; we must wrestle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places through prayer; we must bind the strong man, plunder his house and set the captives free!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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How I Use The Word

How I use the word:

When I wake up, I declare, "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me." (Psalm 3:5)

When taking a shower, I declare, "I am like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." (Isaiah 58:11)

When I spray some perfume on my head, I declare, "You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over." (Psalm 23:5)

When done spraying perfume, I declare, “Surely, I smell like the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed." (Genesis 27:27)

As I step out, I declare that my steps are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23)

When I eat, I instruct the food to go in and nourish my body (Daniel 1:15)

From time to time, I declare, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” (Psalm 35:27)

As I move around, I declare that He has given His angels charge over me, to keep me in all my ways. (Psalm 91:11)

And when it's time to sleep, I declare that my sleep shall be sweet (Ecclesiastes 5:12) because He gives His beloved rest (Psalm 127:2).

Hallelujah!!!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Becoming A Valuable Asset

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, May 11
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Becoming A Valuable Asset

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

Paul specifically requested for Mark because he was useful; there was something about Mark that made him very relevant and highly sought after. Nobody is useless, but not everyone has made themselves useful to others yet, therefore no one seeks for them.

People like Mark are called assets. Let me tell you, when you are an asset it will be very difficult for anyone to let go of you. No one is indispensable, but some are obviously more needed than others. You've got to be worried if no one needs you! And how often or desperate are people for what you have to offer? Your responsibility therefore, is to do whatever is necessary to stay relevant and useful. You've got to make growth, improvement, learning and excellent performance a top priority.

Like I said earlier, no one is useless. And I really don't expect you to be good at everything; but there's surely something God has given you more grace for! You must discover it. And that's just the first step. Do it better than anyone else; do it excellently; do it passionately; do it zealously, and do it faithfully. No, you are not an error; no one is; you're an asset both in the kingdom, at work, at home and wherever you find yourself. And I have good news for you: people from all over the world will seek you for what you have to offer; governments will consult you, business leaders will seek your advice; and it will result in prosperity and promotions for you. I command doors to be opened up for you now, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Virtuous Woman

Another look at the virtuous woman

Many of us have ideas of what we want women, and our wives, in particular, to be. My eyes have been opened to see amazing things about the Proverbs 31 woman that I think we should all take note of. Men should not be threatened by the successes of their wives, and women must be challenged to do better, and to become better too. No wonder she is rare! But everyone can become like her.

Qualities of the virtuous woman:

1) She's good and loving
2) She's hardworking
3) She's a provider
4) She's an employer
5) She's an excellent negotiator
6) She's an entrepreneur
7) She runs a profitable business and uses part of it for the welfare of her family
8) She's actively involved in charity
9) She's unafraid of challenges
10) She wears really good clothes
11) Everything she does is for the good of her household
12) She's wise
13) Her husband isn't threatened by her success, instead he is honoured because of her exploits
14) Her heart is in her home; wherever she is she is deeply concerned about her family
15) She doesn't wait or expect her husband to do everything in the home, instead she willingly contributes nearly all
16) She's certainly not a housewife
17)/She's a honourable woman who carefully protects hers and her family's reputation

When The Lord Is Your Shepherd

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, May 10
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

When The Lord Is Your Shepherd

Revelation 7:16-17 NKJV "They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

The passage above talks about what will happen after the great tribulation. John said he saw a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands; they were those who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. May we be one of them in the name of Jesus.

But from our opening scriptures we also learn about the role of the Shepherd in our lives: John said they shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst; that the sun will not strike them, nor any heat; because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Hallelujah! That's what happens, even now, when the Lord is your shepherd.

David said in Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!

Psalms 121:5-8 says, "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. Amen!

Your days of suffering are over; your days of weeping too are expired, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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WHAT A MAN CAN DO, A WOMAN CAN DO TOO

WHAT A MAN CAN DO, A WOMAN CAN DO TOO

Years ago, I was to go from Maryland to Ikorodu. You know how they "load passengers", turn by turn. When I got there, the driver of the bus whose turn it was to load was a woman. A woman? I couldn't believe it. Why was a woman driving a bus? Can a woman drive a bus? Is her husband late? Are things that bad for her and her family? Doesn't she have any other choice? Why will a man let his wife drive a bus? Those were some of the thoughts on my mind that day. Well, I wasn't just going to trust her; no sleeping in the bus until I alighted; I watched every move she made: but guess what, that's about one of the best times I've used a commercial vehicle in Lagos. It could have been her passion; she did it! My hair has been barbed by a female and I've seen ladies to exceptional things worldwide. There are female presidents, female entrepreneurs, female inventors, female pilots, and many more great ladies, known and unknown, breaking records every day!

Women have continued to prove again and again that they can do what men can do. But why have we always thought that they couldn't? They have two eyes, two hands, two feet, and a brain like the men. They attend the same schools, write the same exams, do the same jobs, and some times, perform better than their male counterparts. So why restrict them in any way? And why do some of them also limit themselves and put a cap on what they are capable of achieving? That's why Malala Yousafzai is one of my heroes; when girls were being banned from attending school, the little girl insisted on going to school and advocated for education for women in her native town in Pakistan.

Is God against women? Does He see them differently? An emphatic no! Galatians 3:28 says, There is neither male nor female; we are all one in Christ Jesus. God said through Joel that He would pour out His Spirit on all flesh; and that both sons and daughters would prophesy. In the New Testament, Philip had four daughters that prophesied; but long before them, in the Old Testament, Deborah, was a prophetess and judge in Israel, and all the children of Israel, young and old, went to her for judgment.

The men are not to take a backseat, instead, both men and women must be given equal opportunities to work together without discrimination or bias for the advancement and development of our institutions, our states, our country and the world at large.

Inspired by Senator Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan who I thought would be the first elected female governor of Nigeria.

New Situations Demand New Instructions

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, May 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

New Situations Demand New Instructions

I Chronicles 14:10 NKJV "And David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” The Lord said to him, “Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand.”

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard of it and went out against them. He asked God if he should go, God permitted him to go and fight the Philistines; he did, and he won. That was the first time.

The Philistines were obviously not satisfied; they must have thought that they could defeat David and were disappointed that they didn't, so they decided to try again. David went back to God in prayer, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the army of the Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezer.

Here's the point: If David did not go back to God for a new word he may have lost the battle. If he had relied on the first instruction the Philistines may have dealt with him. But David knew that every new situation demanded a new instruction from God. That's where a lot of us miss it: we are still running with the first instruction that we got at the inception, years ago, and we are wondering why it's not working! Yes God may have said it, but did He say it was for all times? Brothers and sisters, go back to God, and learn to always seek His will at every step of the way.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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For Those Resting On Their Laurels

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, May 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

For Those Resting On Their Laurels

Acts 19:21 NKJV "When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

In a little over two years, God did extraordinary things through the ministry of Apostle Paul in Ephesus: according to the Scriptures, God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Also, the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. But what got my attention is the fact that despite all the achievements and successes Paul did not remain there for too long, he moved on!

If many of us were in Paul's shoes, we would have established ourselves there; we would have built a very large auditorium and ministry offices, and then continue to receive seeds from those who were blessed by our ministrations; not bad, but not Apostle Paul; he did not let his success prevent him from making more significant accomplishments for the Lord. No wonder the man achieved so much in his lifetime.

Tiger Woods said that satisfaction is the enemy of success. Another person said that satisfaction is the enemy of greatness. Winston Churchill said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." I thank God for whatever you've accomplished so far; I thank God for the mighty things He has done through you where you are right now; but sir, and ma, it's not time to rest on your laurels; there are many uncharted waters and territories; there are greater works God wants to do through you all over the world! Don't die a local champion; don't die a national champion either; even at work, don't be known for only what you achieved five years ago! Make success a lifestyle. Paul said, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do,  forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead."

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Stubborn Faith

You've got to read this! Be blessed.

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, May 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Stubborn Faith

Matthew 15:23 NKJV "But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, 'Send her away, for she cries out after us.'”

Stubborn means "having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good reasons to do so." Brothers and sisters, there are times we've got to be stubborn! They don't answer you; they try to frustrate you; they put all manner of obstacles in your way; they call you all manner of names; but you say, no; I ain't going no where until I get what I want!

The woman was a Gentile, because of which she was not getting the attention and assistance that she desperately needed from Jesus: but she knew that Jesus could help her, she knew that just one word from Him would change her story, she knew that her precious daughter would die if Jesus did not help her; her love for her daughter wouldn't let her give up! Report me to the police for harassment and invasion of privacy, but I ain't going no where until I get what I want! That's exactly what she was saying!

Have you not read that men always ought to pray and not faint? It's not about how long you've been praying, it's about how desperate you are for what you want! Are you going to give up simply because you were ignored? Are you going to let your pride deprive you of that thing you need? Are you going to let their bad attitude hinder you from getting your opportunity to testify of the goodness of God? No, a thousand times! I ain't going to stop praying God! I ain't going to stop knocking! I don't care how busy You seem to be; I'm going to keep coming back, I'm going to make the loudest noise, I'm going to keep worshipping, I'm going to keep praising, and dancing until the desires of my heart are granted!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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A Complete Package

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, May 6
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Complete Package

Psalms 41:1-3 NKJV "Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed."

I don't remember seeing in the Bible any other thing a man can do that comes with so many blessings affecting virtually every aspect of his life: deliverance, preservation, long life, prosperity, interventions, healing, promotions and sustenance! Wow! Just for considering the poor!

Understand that whatever we do for, or to the poor, we do for God and directly to Him! Proverbs 19:17 says, "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." Proverbs 14:31 says, "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy." On the Judgment Day, Jesus said that He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then He will say to those on His right hand, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;  I was  naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me."

It is the duty of the strong to help the weak. How you made your money is irrelevant, whether you suffered without assistance is not enough reason to neglect the needy; you must help the helpless. It's all about living and helping others live. And don't say you don't have enough, share the little you have with someone who has none, that's how to get more! There's no better soil to sow your seeds than the poor; it pleases God and gets His attention.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Mighty Hand Of God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, May 5
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Mighty Hand Of God

Joshua 4:24 NKJV "That all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”

God reveals His mighty hand when He wants to save, deliver and do extraordinary things. Isaiah 59:1 says, "Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear." And Psalms 89:13 says, "You have a mighty arm; strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand." The hand of God is so strong, no one can withstand Him! Hallelujah!

God's mighty hand also makes great. I Chronicles 29:12 says, "Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all." When God reveals His mighty hand, it doesn't matter what the odds are; it doesn't matter what the economic situations are; it doesn't matter how many people try to stop your progress; He will make you great!

I don't know what your current situation is, but I do know that when God reveals His mighty hand there will be a change! Joshua 4:24 says that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty. May God reveal His mighty hand to you in a mighty and profound way, that all your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours will know without a doubt that God has visited you! May the hand of the Lord make you great! May it also strengthen you, in the name of Jesus! Come on, say Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Delayed But Not Denied

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, May 4
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Delayed But Not Denied

Esther 6:3 NKJV Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” And the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”

On a certain night, the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

What really impressed me is the fact that Mordecai maintained a positive attitude and kept working for the king even though his good deed wasn't remembered. I think it's remarkable. He didn't let the fact that he was unappreciated affect his attitude toward his work and his loyalty to the king. Something for you and I to think about.

The king may have forgotten but thank God it was written down. Even if that generation passed, someone would have remembered somewhere along the line. I want you to understand that God takes note of everything we do for Him. He also notes what we do for others in His name. And unlike man, He doesn't forget! The Bible says that He is not unrighteous to forget our labour of love. Hallelujah! Hold on, stay positive; stay faithful; stay committed; do your work with joy! Men may forget, but God never forgets! Men may reward insufficiently, but God rewards abundantly! There may be seeming delays, wait! For you have need of patience, so that after you have done the will of God you might receive the promise. Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Restoration Of Joy

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, May 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Restoration Of Joy

Joel 1:12 NKJV "The vine has dried up, and the fig tree has withered; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree— all the trees of the field are withered; surely joy has withered away from the sons of men."

Joy withered away when the vine dried up, when the fig tree withered, the pomegranate tree, the palm tree, and the apple tree also. I know we like to be spiritual at times, but you see, there are physical things that if a man has, make him joyful.

Psalms 104:14-15 says that, "He (God) causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart." You see, food and drink, which symbolize the good and necessary things of life make a man joyful and glad!  Ecclesiastes 10:19 says, "A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything." Meaning that without money, the probability of the average person being unhappy is very high.

I've come across a lot of sad and unhappy people; lack of money robs men of their joy. Of course having money alone doesn't keep a man joyful, but when you have Christ and are blessed by Him, nothing will steal your joy, because the blessing of God makes rich without sorrow; in other words, the blessing of God makes rich and joyful! Hallelujah! I pray for you today in the name of Jesus, that you will never lack money again! The Bible says that God is able to make all grace abound toward you so that you will have all things in abundance: so shall it be from today in the name of Jesus! I declare that your days of sadness are over! I command the windows of heaven to be open over you today! You are blessed indeed, in Jesus name!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Paying Attention To Your Ministry

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, May 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Paying Attention To Your Ministry

Colossians 4:17 NKJV And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

We all have ministries; everyone of us is a minister of some sort. Jesus gave everyone a gift, the purpose being ministry/ service. Romans 12:4 & 6 says, "For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them." Are you aware of the gifts in you? Are you already using them?

To take heed is to pay attention to; it is to focus on something. Ministry requires attention, physically and spiritually; it's like babysitting; you have a responsibility to pay close attention to it, to be watchful at all times. You know you can't take your eyes off babies, even when the parents are away, someone else has to be paying attention to them. If you sing or act, dedicate sufficient time to your ministry; Understand every detail of your ministry; that way you can discharge it fully and faithfully.

Paying attention to one's ministry is important, especially for those who oversee people - Pastors, cell leaders, house fellowship coordinators, Sunday School Teachers, Youth Church Leaders, Students Church Leaders, Children's Church Leaders, Soul Winners, Worship Leaders and parents too. Proverbs 27:23 says, "Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds." And Acts 20:28 says, "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Ministry is impossible without the minister; so take heed to yourself too, and to the leaders helping you as well.

You will fulfill your ministry in Jesus name.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Forty Days Of Fear

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, May 1
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Forty Days Of Fear

I Samuel 17:11, 16, 24 NKJV "When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. And the Philistine drew near and presented himself forty days, morning and evening. And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid."

Notice what was happening; Goliath would come forward and speak to the Israelites, asking them to present a man to fight him; but whenever the Israelites saw him and heard his words, they fled from him and were frightened. They were terrified and intimidated by his size, his appearance and his credentials. That went on for forty whole days!

Do you know what Goliath was doing? He was playing mind games with the Israelites! Day by day, the Israelites were being paralyzed and killed gradually with the words they heard from Goliath. Words are powerful weapons of warfare! When Sennacherib king of Assyria went to war with the Israelites, he first sent them words. He wrote them letters stating his exploits, and the Bible says that his men "called out with a loud voice in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten them and trouble them, that they might take the city." You see, the purpose of the words was to bring fear, and then to take their possessions! That's how Satan steals, kills and destroys!

You cannot continue to live in fear! Do you hear me? No report or threat or letter or analysis should frighten you! Psalms 125:1 says that those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever! Hallelujah! I CANNOT be moved! I refuse to fear! You cannot steal my confidence devil! No way! I'm not moved by the results, I'm not moved by this sack letter, I'm not moved by what the doctor has said, I'm not moved by what my landlord has said, neither am I moved by the storms rocking my boat! I know that my God is able! On my own I might fail, but this battle is the Lord's and I know He never fails! I know how this story will end; I'll be declared the winner! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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