Get Rid Of Fear

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 30 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Get Rid Of Fear

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." I John 4:18 NKJV

When people in a relationship are afraid of each other, there's a problem. When they are always worried that their actions or inactions could upset their spouse, there's a problem. When there's no freedom for either of them, there's a problem. True love is lacking in that relationship, because there's no fear in love. It doesn't mean that there's no offence in love, what it means is that there's assurance of forgiveness in love!

Fear has robbed a lot of people of a wonderful relationship with God. Just because you did something wrong; let me say it strongly, just because you have had a habit of doing something wrong has not made God to stop loving you! Someone is trying to understand what I'm saying. OK, read what God said to David, "When the time comes for you to die, I will raise up your descendant, one of your own sons, to succeed you. I will become his father and he will become my son. When he sins, I will correct him with the rod of men and with wounds inflicted by human beings. But my loyal love will not be removed from him." 2 Samuel 7:12-15 NET

Did you see that? Nothing will ever make God to stop loving you! God said in Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love!" Now, if you truly love God, you will always want to please Him by doing what is right in His sight. OK? You can't just keep displeasing Him. But here's the point: Hebrews 4:15-16 says, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come BOLDLY to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Let His love draw you closer to Him. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Become Strong

"For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables." Romans 14:2 NKJV

Apostle Paul started by talking about disputes over doubtful things. Truth is that there will always be these doubtful things; that's why there are quite a number of denominations and doctrines even though we all preach and teach from the same Bible. The problem, is that we let these issues divide us; we judge and condemn ourselves instead of simply minding our own businesses; true, some doctrines are clearly wrong and demonic, those we will oppose, but not all. Paul said to "Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things."

Now, notice that it is the one who doesn't eat that is called the weak one. While the one who eats is called the strong one. What's the difference between the two? Knowledge! Paul said, "I KNOW and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean." The weak ones lack certain knowledge, as they become more informed they become stronger.

You've got to grow in knowledge. It's those who know that are strong and do exploits; it's those who know that are not easily deceived; it's those who know that live free of self guilt and condemnation; it's those who know that are not easily manipulated. Brothers and sisters, go for knowledge! I mean the truth! Because believing in a lie could be more dangerous than being ignorant and unaware of the truth. Desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby. And after a while, go from taking milk to eating strong meat! Yeah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

People Are Working For You!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 28 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

People Are Working For You!

"For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind." Ecclesiastes 2:26 NKJV

A lot of us don't often realize what God is doing, that's why we grumble and complain. Ignorance robs us of our joy and rewards! We worry because we lack knowledge. Why should I ever be worried when I know that people are working for me right now without even realizing it? They are gathering, collecting, saving, investing and heaping up and at the appropriate time, what they have accumulated will be transferred to me! Yes! So why should I ever be worried and afraid?

Proverbs 13:22b says that the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. For me! Job 27:13, 16-17 says, "This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, received from the Almighty: Though he heaps up silver like dust, and piles up clothing like clay— He may pile it up, but the just will wear it, and the innocent will divide the silver."

You know, some people don't like it when we talk like this. Maybe they are some of the people working for us! If you're not born again, you're surely one of them! You better get born again! God has done it several times before: for instance, the wealth of the Egyptians were transferred to the Israelites; and the estate of Haman was handed over to Mordecai! This is for someone: this week God is going to do some account to account transfers in your favour! It doesn't matter where it is, in this country or abroad, the angels of God will facilitate the transfers via several mediums, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Sunday Miracles

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 27 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Sunday Miracles

"But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, 'Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.'" Acts 20:10 NKJV

It was a Sunday, that is, the first day of the week, when the disciples gathered together to break bread. Paul was traveling the next day, so he spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. According to the Scriptures, "in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus", while Paul preached the young man was struggling with sleep; he was obviously not prepared for such a long sermon. The Bible says that Eutychus was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. No need to panic, the Bible says that Paul went down, fell on him, and embraced him and raised him to life! Glory to God!

That was a Sunday miracle! Today, I'm asking God to give you a miracle. In His presence is fullness of joy: as you fellowship with Him today, may there be miracles for you and may your prayers be answered. When Jesus ministered, the power of God was present to heal. May your sickness, diseases and disabilities disappear in His presence, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

You Will Smile Again

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 26 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Will Smile Again

"For the Lord will restore the excellence of Jacob like the excellence of Israel, for the emptiers have emptied them out and ruined their vine branches." Nahum 2:2 NKJV

The Contemporary English Version says, "Judah and Israel are like trees with branches broken by their enemies. But the Lord is going to restore their power and glory." And The Message says, "God has restored the Pride of Jacob, the Pride of Israel. Israel’s lived through hard times. He’s been to hell and back."

You know, there are emptiers and ruiners in life; these are destroyers, Heartbreakers, home breakers, thieves, manipulators, deceivers, wicked and heartless men, killjoys, wreckers: the Bible says that the enemy comes to steal, to kill and to destroy; has your joy been affected by the wicked? Are you experiencing difficulties in any areas of your life? Have you been broken as a result of how you have been treated by others, especially by those you love? Have you been a victim of evil men?

Hear the word of the Lord, your hour of restoration has come! Your joy is being restored! Your family is being restored! Your finances are being restored! Your health is being restored! God is restoring your status! He is in the process of elevating and honouring you! Hear the word of the Lord, you will smile again; you will laugh again, you will dance again, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

A Life Without Lack

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 25 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Life Without Lack

"The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked." Proverbs 10:3 NKJV

Elijah declared that there would be no rain for three and a half years. Now, it's not as if he had made provision for himself for those years of famine; there was no arrangement. But the Bible tells us that God instructed him to go and hide by the Brook Cherith. There God said that he would drink from the brook, and be fed by ravens. And when the brook dried up, God said to him again, “Arise, go to Zarephath, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”

In that story of Elijah, we see God taking personal responsibility for the welfare of Elijah. The Bible says that God will not allow the righteous to famish!

As a child of God, one thing is certain; you can never die of starvation. Now, this is not only about food, or "stomach infrastructure" as a Nigerian governor called it; it's about God's commitment to providing for you. The Lord is your Shepherd, you should not want! Psalm 34:9 says that there is no want to those who fear God. Verse 10 says, "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." Psalm 84:11 says that He will not withhold any good thing from us!

Imagine a life without lack of anything at all. It's possible! 2 Corinthians 9:8 says that God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work! So shall it be, in Jesus name! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Entrusted With The Gospel

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 24 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Entrusted With The Gospel

"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts." I Thessalonians 2:4 NKJV

To entrust, is to "assign the responsibility for doing something to (someone)." When you entrust something to someone, you're not just assigning a responsibility, you trust that person to do it, and to do it well.

In 1 Timothy 1:11, Apostle Paul said that the gospel was committed to his trust. It's just like giving your money to a fund manager, you don't expect him or her to save your money, you can do that with your bank account; you expect the fund manager to make your money work for you, to make decisions on your behalf that will fetch more money for you in the short or long run. 2 Corinthians 5:19 says that God committed to us the word of reconciliation. What a glorious opportunity and assignment; to be entrusted with the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation.

Brothers and sisters, what are you doing with the gospel that was given to you? We were entrusted with the gospel, not to hoard it, but to share it with others, especially those who are not saved. We are all here on earth as ambassadors for Christ. Romans 10:14 says, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" No wonder Paul said, "necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!"

May we all become active witnesses of the gospel in Jesus name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56
Instagram: @spiritandlifedevotional

Radically Transformed

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 23 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Radically Transformed

"Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man." I Samuel 10:6 NKJV

When a man receives the Holy Spirit he is immediately changed, beginning from his inner man. Those who knew him before can tell that he's not the same man. It shouldn't be surprising; how can a man receive God into his body of clay and remain the same? It's impossible!

When Peter and John stood before the Pharisees, the Bible says that "they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, and they marveled." What happened to them? It wasn't just because they were with Jesus; remember that Peter denied Jesus thrice after being with Jesus for three years; Peter and John were changed the moment they received the Holy Spirit!

And it's not a one time thing! 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." Hallelujah! We're talking about a continuous transformation: everyday, we're getting bolder, wiser, stronger, more powerful, more knowledgeable, more loving; we are becoming more and more like Him! They think that they have known all about us: hahaha!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

God Is Not Deaf

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 22 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

God Is Not Deaf

"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24 NKJV

A lot of us pray as if God is deaf. We pray, and pray, and pray, about the same thing, with greater intensity, as if God did not hear us the first time, or as if He is not willing to answer our prayers. I know that Jesus taught us to preserve in prayers, but there are basics we must not be ignorant of either.

First, Jesus let us know that the Father knows the things we have need of before we ask Him. Jesus also said, that everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. First, God knows what we need even before we pray, and answers to prayers has been guaranteed. "Terms and conditions apply", of course. Now, here's a classic example. Daniel prayed and fasted for three weeks, and on the twenty fourth day, an angel appeared to him and told him that his prayer was answered from the first day. In other words, the prayers and fastings for twenty three out of the twenty four days were unnecessary!

Do you understand? We must learn to live by faith. That brings us to Mark 11:24. Jesus said, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Here's what Jesus said, "When you pray, stop acting as if God didn't hear you, know immediately that He has heard you, and if you know that, act as if you truly know that He heard you! In other words, enter thanksgiving mode, and begin to see yourself in possession of what you asked for. When you do this, it won't be long before it manifests in the physical!" Yes! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Guilty As Charged

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 21 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Guilty As Charged

"Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely." Luke 14:1 NKJV

The Pharisees didn't watch Jesus to catch Him looking lustfully at a woman, or doing something wrong, no, they knew that they would never catch Him doing such; it was a Sabbath, and they knew that if there was a sick man there, Jesus would certainly heal him. Sabbath or no Sabbath.

Reminds me of Daniel. He was made a president by Darius and he was the preferred one. The other presidents and princes were jealous of him and so tried to bring him down. They checked all the records, audited all his financial transactions, reviewed all his actions and appointments for irregularities, but found none. They found no fault! Daniel was too good! But they were not going to give up that easily: they said, "We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God." They got the king to make a decree, that whosoever asked a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of the king, should be cast into the den of lions. Then they watched Daniel. They knew that he would fall into their trap. Well, Daniel didn't care; he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Tell me, what are you guilty of? Is there anything about the faith that can be used against you? Are you guilty of preaching and praying in the office? Are you guilty of praying too loud? Are you guilty of mentioning the name of "God", "Jesus" and the "Bible" when the world wants you to use words like "higher power", "supreme being" and "holy book"? Are you guilty of praying in buses, at meetings, etc? Are you guilty of sharing broadcasts and posts that glorify God or are you too "tush" for "religious" stuff? Are you guilty of closing from work early in order to go to church? Are you guilty of not cooperating with others to falsify records? Don't know about you, but I don't mind being guilty. Let them watch me as closely as they can, but I ain't going to back down. Guilty as charged!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

There's Still More!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 20 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

There's Still More!

"Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: 'You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed.'" Joshua 13:1 NKJV

Joshua was old, he was successful by all standards, he had defeated thirty one kings and taken their territories, he was thinking retirement, but God said to him, "I'm not done yet; there's still more for you all to possess."

You may have achieved so much already, but God is saying there's still more success ahead; you may have won all the known awards, but God is saying there's still more to be won; you may have accomplished a lot where you are, but God is saying, "I'm not done yet, I am about to open up the nations to you!"

This is a week of open doors and conquering of new territories. The word of God says that God will give you everywhere the sole of your feet treads upon. You may have restricted yourself to a particular location for a while, it's time to tread upon some new land! It's time to expand; it's time to move forward; it's time for multiplication! Thank God for what you have achieved up till now, He who started the good work with you is faithful to complete it.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Knowing God And His Ways

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 19 September 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Knowing God And His Ways

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'" Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV

I think that a lot of us misunderstand God; we have our own ideas of Who He is, what He wants, etc, which are sometimes different from the truth. Our thoughts about God are often a result of various influences upon our lives, such as our cultures, family backgrounds and teachings we've received overtime. The way to know God and what pleases Him is by revelation. It's important for us all to have personal revelations of Him, especially through His word.

It's interesting that after years of walking closely with Jesus Peter still had a lot to learn about the ways of God. In a vision, he saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice said to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” A voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” That happened thrice and the object was taken up into heaven again. While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

We must have a hunger in us to know God more and His ways. David prayed, "Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths." Isaiah 2:2-3 says, "Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.'" Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Giving Thanks In All Things

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, September 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Giving Thanks In All Situations

"Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ERV

David's child was very sick. He prayed to God for the baby. He refused to eat or drink. He stayed indoors, laying on the ground all night. The leaders of his family tried to pull him up from the ground, but he refused to get up. He refused to eat with them. On the seventh day the baby died. His servants were afraid to tell him that the baby was dead. They said, “Look, we tried to talk to him while the baby was alive, but he refused to listen to us. If we tell him that the baby is dead, he might do something bad to himself.” But the Bible tells us that when David eventually knew about the death of his child, he got up from the floor, washed himself, changed his clothes and got dressed. Then he went into the Lord’s house to worship!

Job lost everything: his donkeys, his sheep, his servants, his camels, and all his sons and daughters! One would have expected Job to be very angry; yes He was sad, who wouldn't be; but the Bible says that Job fell to the ground and bowed down before God and said, “When I was born into this world, I was naked and had nothing. When I die and leave this world, I will be naked and have nothing. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord!” Job did not sin. He did not accuse God of doing anything wrong.

What could be worse than these? How is your loss or the delay in getting what you've been asking God for affecting your attitude and your faith in God? Instead of becoming bitter, instead of complaining, instead of transferring aggressions to people you love, try being grateful! Guess what: David got another child, and all that Job lost, he got twice as much! That's what can happen when you choose to be thankful. Give thanks!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Vengeance Is Not Yours

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, September 17
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Vengeance Is Not Yours

"Then he said to David: 'You are  more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil." Samuel 24:17 NKJV

People offend us, even the ones we love. Sometimes it's unbearable and we want to get even. But the truth is that getting even is not your responsibility.

Imagine Jesus on the cross, being crucified by the very people He healed and provided for; He was being crucified with criminals by His own countrymen, yet He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” How about Stephen; being stoned to death, after being set up; kneeling down and crying out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” That's the appropriate reaction of a true Christian heart.

Romans 12:14, 17, 19-21 says, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Repay no one evil for evil. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Preparing For A Famine

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, September 16
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Preparing For A Famine

"But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want." Luke 15:14 NKJV

Jesus told a parable of a certain man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me." The man obliged, divided his assets and gave him his. Not many days after, the younger son gathered his inheritance, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. And when he had spent all, there was a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.

A lot of us are like the prodigal son; we earn money, God provides, but we spend all without saving and investing. Well, investing is optional. And then, when there's an issue; loss of job or emergencies, we are in want and then resort to borrowing. And you know, the borrower is a servant to the lender.

When God gave Pharaoh revelations of the seven years of prosperity and the seven years of famine, here's what Joseph advised: “Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming... Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.”

You see, it's wisdom to save. Joseph proposed saving 20%. Not a bad idea.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

It Is Easy

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

It Is Easy

"The Spirit of the Lord came on Samson with great power. He tore the lion apart with his bare hands. It seemed easy to him. It was as easy as tearing apart a young goat. But Samson did not tell his father or mother what he had done." Judges 14:6 ERV

One of the most popular clichés in this part of the world is "It is not easy"; very famous musicians even sang a song titled "E no easy". Really? And people are singing and dancing to it!

Well, maybe those who are singing it are actually right; it might be very difficult for them, but I have a different testimony! It is easy for me!!!

Brothers and sisters, when God is actively involved, things become very easy for you! It may be difficult for others, but because you're not functioning with your own abilities and wisdom but by the Spirit of God, things are easier for you! You've got to have this mindset in you. The Holy Spirit is the advantage you have over others. 1 John says that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world! We can do all things through Christ! Isaiah says that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: stop trying to be like others; stop trying to do as they do; operate with the strength, wisdom and ideas of the Spirit! From today, life becomes very easy for you, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Keep Yourself Pure

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, September 14
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Keep Yourself Pure

"Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure." I Timothy 5:22 NKJV

I acknowledge the finished works of Christ on the cross of calvary; He purified us with His blood. Hallelujah! But that's not the end of the story. You'll agree with me that whatever is made clean can become dirty again. Having been made pure, God expects us to stay pure; having been made holy, God expects us to stay holy; having been made righteous, God expects us to stay righteous. That's the truth.

1 John 5:18 says, "We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him." You see, we've got a responsibility! James 1:27 says, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

There were things Paul told Timothy to flee from, and there were those he asked him to pursue. You've got to take extra care not to expose yourself to things that can make you defiled; remember that Jesus is coming for a church without spot. Guard your heart! There are places you don't have to visit; there are conversations you don't have to be a part of; there are things you don't have to do! 2 Peter 3:14 says,  "Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless." Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

The Many Works Of God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, September 13
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Many Works Of God

"Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." Psalms 40:5 NKJV

From observation, I think only about 1% of people testify in church; less in bigger churches. I do understand that not everyone can be allowed to testify, but I've been in smaller churches where no one was willing to testify when there was an opportunity.

Does it mean that God isn't doing good things in our lives? I wouldn't believe that. Maybe a lot of us are just too shy to testify. Psalm 40:5 says, many are His wonderful works which He has done; and His thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to Him in order; the Psalmist said, "If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." Hallelujah!

I don't know about you; but I have seen the Lord's goodness; His mercies and compassion. Just a few days ago, we were returning from a long journey; it was about 8pm, we had already gotten into town, I was asleep, when the driver lost control of the car after he drove into a pool of water on the side of the road. The car swerved off the road, we were heading towards the trees and an electric pole, we mentioned the name of Jesus, the name above all names, and the car stopped! We saw accidents on the way, but God preserved us! Glory to God!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Faith At Work

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Saturday, September 12
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Faith At Work

"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" James 2:19 NKJV

Some people have a wrong understanding of faith. They think that faith ends at believing. That's inaccurate; because faith without works is dead. Anybody can believe, even demons believe! But faith takes a step further; it backs its beliefs with action.

Remember when Jesus turned water to wine? Mary left instructions with the servants to do whatever Jesus asked them to do. Jesus simply asked them to take some of it to the chairman and they did. Now, by the time He told them to take the water to the chairman, it wasn't looking like wine. Up till the very moment that the man tasted the water turned wine, it was still looking like water. That's how faith works; they believed, and took action without waiting for signs and confirmation, based on the words of Jesus.

A lot of us say that we have faith but we really don't. We say we believe but our actions or inactions say otherwise. For instance, you say you believe that sinners will go to hell yet you have not preached to anyone about Jesus this year! You say that all things are possible, yet all your plans are tied to the money in your bank accounts. You say that you're believing God for a new house or car, and you've not even gone to check out any. You want to travel out, but you don't even have a passport! You want a baby and you've not already began shopping! What are you waiting for? A medical report? Haven't you read Psalm 128:3 that says you're like a fruitful vine? You want a job and you've not already gotten your clothes and shoes! Come on! Where's your faith?

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

You Are The Solution

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Friday, September 11
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Are The Solution

“Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation." Daniel 4:9 NKJV

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that scared him, so he issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before him, that they would interpret the dream. The magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, he told them the dream; but they could not interpret the dream. Then at last Daniel came before him, he was told the dream and he interpreted it.

Daniel was a problem solver, he was a solution; when others failed, Daniel was counted upon to deliver. Why? Because the Spirit of God was in him. The Holy Spirit in you and upon you makes you the solution to the problems and challenges of many! When the army of Israel was afraid of Goliath the giant, little David was the solution; when Pharaoh had a dream and no one could interpret it, Joseph was the solution; he interpreted the dreams and preserved lives during the seven years of global famine.

You've got to live with the consciousness of who you are and of Who is in you. You are in your family as a problem solver; you are in that office as a solution; you are in that school as an answer; in that market, association, community, state, country and in the world at large as a hope. Don't be someone who avoids challenges; you have been divinely enabled to tackle them. When others can't; say to yourself, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!" You don't have to be the most experienced one, but be the one coming up with proposals, innovations, solutions, ideas and new ways of doing things! See yourself as the solution because the Holy Spirit, the Greatest Teacher, lives in you! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Ask, And It Will Be Done

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Thursday, September 10
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Ask, And It Will Be Done

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19 NKJV

When man tells you to ask him for anything, he expects you to be reasonable; he expects you to know that he cannot do everything, so he often sets limits. Man says, "Ask for anything, up to half of my kingdom"; God says, "Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession." Wow! Hallelujah!

Jesus said in John 16:23-24 and in John 14:13-14, “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

Twice, He used the word "whatever". Jesus used words wisely and carefully. If He said "whatever" then He meant that we can ask for anything, and if we dare to ask, He will do it! Psalm 21:2 says, "You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips." Ah! That's powerful! Hezekiah asked for life and he got 15 more years; Hannah asked for a child and she got 6; Solomon asked for wisdom, God gave him wisdom and wealth as an extra; 
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” The Bible says that God granted him what he requested. Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

A Memorial Before God

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Wednesday, September 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Memorial Before God

"And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God." Acts 10:4

When the angel met Cornelius, he said that his prayer and his alms had gone up before God for a memorial. The Bible says that the man gave much alms to the people. God remembered his alms and sent Peter to him in order that he would be saved. God was unwilling to let such a man with a good heart perish.

Dorcas was said to be a woman "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." When Dorcas died, the brethren sent a very urgent message to Apostle Peter asking him to come and raise her up from death! The woman did not have so much; she was a tailor; but she did a lot of good, especially to widows. When Peter got there, the widows were weeping, they showed him some of the gifts that they got from her; Peter was stirred up; he went in, prayed for her, and God restored her life. Hallelujah!

You see, God is a helper; He's an ever present help in time of need. When we help, we're manifesting the nature of God that is within us. If a life could be raised from the dead because of her kindness; if God was unwilling to let Cornelius perish because of his kindness to people, then imagine the miracles you can receive just by being a helper. Some of you need to take this seriously because it's the key you need to unlocking several doors in your life. Your gifts and good deeds are seeds and sacrifices that become memorials before God. You may never remember them, but they continue to speak for you in heaven; and as a result, you will never cease to testify.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

A Special Prayer For You

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Tuesday, September 8
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Special Prayer For You

"And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, 'We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem."
Ruth 4:11 NKJV

The first prayer is a prayer for fruitfulness. It includes childbearing but it's more than that. Your business can be fruitful so that it grows from one to several branches and departments; your ministry should be fruitful; Jesus said that He ordained us to bear fruit. I pray for you today, you shall bring forth all manner of pleasant fruits, including children, in the name of Jesus!

The second prayer is for prosperity. You know, a person can have many children and be poor. There are organizations with many branches that are not profitable. But your case shall be different in the name of Jesus! You will not only be fruitful, you will also prosper! Say Amen!

The third prayer is for fame. God said to David, "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." 2 Samuel 8:13 says "David made himself a name when he returned from killing eighteen thousand Syrians in the Valley of Salt." You see, just one thing that you do can launch you to greatness! You will not be known for evil but for amazing feats, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Not My Time

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Monday, September 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Not My Time

"These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come." John 8:20 NKJV

They tried several times to kill Jesus, but could not. One time, they all rose up and thrust Him out of the city; they led Him to the brow of the hill, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. But Jesus passed through the midst of them, and went His way! Wow! They just couldn't kill Him; they was an unseen force that restrained them, because His time had not come!

Listen, you are here on earth for a specific time; you are on that job for a specific time; you are in that office for a specific time; and until that time is over, there's absolutely nothing that anyone will be able to do about it. Why? Because God is behind you. In Exodus 23:25-26, God said that if we serve Him, He will bless our bread and our water. He said that He will take sickness away from our midst. He said that no one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in our land; and He said that He will fulfill the number of our days! Hallelujah!

Do your best devil, but it's not my time! Get your footsoldiers to make several attempts, they will fail, because it's not my time! Let them gather together, let them stay up all night, let them even execute their plans; but I'm still going to be here, because it's not my time! I shall not die, my business shall not die, my career shall not die, my family shall not die, my assignment shall not die; but live, and declare the works of the Lord! Yes! Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

The Ministration Of Kings

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Sunday, September 6
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Ministration Of Kings

"Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord  by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put  it in writing, saying." Ezra 1:1 NKJV

The Bible says that God stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation which was also put in writing. I like that. Proverbs 21:1 says that "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." Hallelujah!

When God wanted to bless Mordecai, the Scripture says that the king could not sleep that night. That was God in action! Isaiah 60:10 and 16 says that the sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; you shall drink the milk of the Gentiles, and milk the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. Glory to God!

When kings are the ones to do the job, you know it's going to be awesome! David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” And that's how Mephiboshet became a millionaire overnight! All the lands that belonged to his fathers were restored, and he began to eat bread at the king's table. Just because the king remembered him!

This is your week of remembrance! God will cause people in key positions to minister to you! People who do not even know you will come to your aid and honour you. Claim it and it's yours in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Ignore The Facts

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Saturday, September 5
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Ignore The Facts

"And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb." Romans 4:19 NKJV

To consider something is to think carefully about it, typically before making a decision. That understood, the Bible says that Abraham did not consider his own body and Sarah's; in other words, he did not let the facts determine the extent of his faith in God, he did not let the fact be a factor in determining what God could do for him; he did not consider the facts in determining what he could or could not do; he overlooked the facts, he simply ignored them!

You begin to lose the moment you begin to consider the facts! And that's why Peter began to sink in the water right in front of Jesus! He was walking on water, doing the impossible, until he began to focus on the waves; he became afraid, and immediately began to sink!

Your bank account is not a determinant of what you can accomplish in life! God is too big! When He gives you a dream, an assignment or a vision, He doesn't do so because you have enough resources to accomplish the task, no, He expects you to move knowing that He has more than enough and that He will supply all you need! But if you keep focusing on your account balance, and limit God by your account balance, you might never make a significant accomplishment. Do you understand?

I know what you were born with; I know what the doctor has said; I know what the experts have recommended; but dear sir, if you do not stagger at the promise of God in unbelief, you will be amazed by what God will do.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Victory In His Name

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Friday, September 4
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Victory In His Name

"And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, 'Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!'” II Chronicles 14:11 NKJV

An Ethiopian army of a million men and three hundred chariots came out against the Israelites in the time of Asa. Asa had no experience in war because God gave him rest. Asa didn't have a large army to fight the Ethiopians; God was his only hope, and so he prayed: he said, "in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!" The Bible says that the Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. The Bible says that the Ethiopians were overthrown, and they could not recover, for they were broken before the Lord and His army. Hallelujah! Your enemies will not recover in the name of Jesus!

When David fought Goliath, he said to him, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." Peter said to the lame man, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Brothers and sisters, when you function in His name mountains will crumble before you! When you're given a task that is greater than your natural abilities; when you're confronted with challenges that seem so great; that's not the time to panic; understand that He has authorized you to function in His name; in other words, you are His representative here on earth! When you show up in His name, He too will show up, the hosts of heaven will manifest, He will back you up, and God will be glorified! There is always victory when we go in His name. Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Preaching With Power

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Thursday, September 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Preaching With Power

"So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere." Luke 9:6 NKJV

A lot of people have no idea of what ministry is really about. You see, ministry is about meeting the needs of people and solving problems. In ministry, you'll encounter a lot of people with different kinds of needs, financial, emotional and spiritual. Jesus said He was anointed to preach the gospel to  the  poor; to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed. Those are real needs!

And that's why we must preach with power. Preaching is not about phonetics and the use of big grammar; speak well but don't forget your assignment! The Bible says that Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Hallelujah! Paul said, "And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? Acts 1:8 says, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Receive the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus! And be filled with the Spirit all the time. Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit! Glory to God!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Dare To Be Different

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Wednesday, September 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Dare To Be Different

"So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, 'There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, because he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil. He is Micaiah the son of Imla.' And Jehoshaphat said, 'Let not the king say such things!'” II Chronicles 18:7 NKJV

Jehoshaphat agreed to accompany Ahab, the king of Israel, to war. But before they went, Jehoshaphat wanted to know the will of God concerning the war; so he said to Ahab, “Please inquire for the word of the Lord today.” Ahab quickly gathered four hundred prophets together who prophesied, “Go up, for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.” For some reason, Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?” Ahab said, "There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, because he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil. He is Micaiah the son of Imla."

Micaiah is my hero! Do you know what it means to always prophesy evil concerning a king in those days, when four hundred other prophets are saying something else? It was a risk, it required extraordinary courage; the king could have killed him! Micaiah knew all that yet he chose to be different; he chose to say the truth not bothering whose ox was gored.

Be different! That everyone else is doing it is not enough reason to do it; that everyone else is saying it doesn't mean that you too should say it; everyone in your school, working place or neighbourhood might be doing it, don't join them. Be bold. "If you can't beat them, then you join them," doesn't apply to you; don't live your life by such stupid words! Never be afraid to take a stand and to do whatever will glorify God. Live a life that pleases God. Even if you will be hated, even if there will be consequences, dare to be different.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

The Voice Of The Blood

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Tuesday, September 1
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Voice Of The Blood

"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that  of Abel." Hebrews 12:22, 24 NKJV

After Cain had killed his brother Abel, the Lord said to him, “Where is Abel your brother?” Cain replied, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” God said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground." And God cursed him.

In Revelations 6:9-10, we are told that the souls of those who were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held, are crying with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” You see, blood speaks, and in these cases, they are crying out for vengeance.

But the Bible says that "Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God!" Hallelujah! The blood of Jesus was shed, and it is also speaking. It's not speaking vengeance, it is speaking forgiveness, peace, grace, mercy, healing, health, prosperity, deliverance, protection, salvation and restoration! Wow! If there's any blood speaking against you and your family, the voice of the blood of Jesus quenches that voice now, in the name of Jesus! As the new month begins, every glorious thing being spoken concerning you shall come to pass, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56