The Purpose Of Work

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 30 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Purpose Of Work

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
Ephesians 4:28 NKJV

The first thing that you should know about work is that it was invented by God. Genesis 2:8 and 15 says, "Then the Lord God planted a garden in the East, in a place named Eden. He put the man he made in that garden. The Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden to work the soil and take care of the garden."

God didn't only create work for us, He worked! And guess what, He's still working. Jesus said, “My Father never stops working, and so I work too.” John 5:17.

Brothers and sisters, work is good and we need to stop seeing it as punishments and burdens that we must bear. If you don't like your current work try getting another one that you will enjoy doing. Sometimes you've got to create work for yourself and for others too, with the ideas, skills and talents given to you by God. The truth is that no work is truly small and insignificant. That small work you start today can grow into something massive tomorrow! Why work? So that you may have to give to the needy, to meet needs and solve problems in society, to make the world a better place, to be fulfilled and to partner with God in whatever projects He's doing here on earth.

Have a blessed weekend.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Setting Spiritual Goals

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 29 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Setting Spiritual Goals

"And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation." Romans 15:20 NKJV

A goal is a desired result that a person or a system envisions, plans and commits to achieve. We are not strangers to goal setting; we set financial goals, travel goals, educational goals, relationship goals, career goals, etc; what we don't often do however, is to set spiritual goals, which happen to be the most important goals.

As a Christian you've got to set spiritual goals; goals like praying and fasting for a certain number of days in a month or in a year, reading a certain number of chapters of the Bible daily, completing the Bible once, twice or thrice a year, preaching to people and winning a certain number of souls for Christ weekly or monthly as the case may be.

Setting goals will motivate you to achieve success and significant results. I once set a goal to finish the Bible in three or four months; setting that goal made me travel from school to my village just to be able to read the Bible in a quiet place, and I read 100 chapters of the Bible in one day! Are you a parent? Make spiritual goals that affect your children as well. It's God's desire that we raise a godly generation that will do greater exploits and glorify Him on earth. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Measure Of A Man

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 28 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Measure Of A Man

"If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." Proverbs 24:10 NKJV

The legendary Nokia 3310 is probably the strongest mobile phone ever made. You weren't scared if your Nokia 3310 fell from high heights because you knew that there would be no significant damage; unlike many of the phones made today that have to be protected with pouches and screen guards, and still, they dare not fall else you may have to spend a reasonable amount of money to fix them.

One truth about life is that there will be days of adversity; there will be evil days. And you can't wish them away or pray them away! Say "God forbid" 100 times, but they would still come! So, instead of trying to avoid them, you ought to focus on withstanding them. How tough and prepared are you going to be when such days come? How long are you going to last?

Peter Nivio Zarlenga said that, "The measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune." And Joe Biden said, "My dad always said, 'Champ, the measure of a man is not how often he is knocked down, but how quickly he gets up.'"

The Message Translation of Proverbs 24:10 says, "If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place." NLT says, "If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small." And ERV says, "If you are weak in times of trouble, that is real weakness."

Dear friend, I believe within me that you are strong! Because you are a product of Jehovah God! Greater is He that is in you than whatever challenges that will come your way! You may fall seven times a day, that's not a problem, you will bounce higher every time! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Power Of Daily Habits

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Power Of Daily Habits

"And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes." Deuteronomy 17:19 NKJV

What's a habit? It's "an acquired behaviour pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary." A habit is "a customary practice." Dr. Mike Murdock said that “The secret of your success is hidden in your daily habits.” And it's so true.

Check the life of every successful man or woman and you will discover that there are certain things that they do all the time. It could be waking up by 3am or 4am every morning, it could be getting to work by 7am every day, it could be reading a chapter of a book or an article, and watching relevant programs on the TV related to what they do every day; having discussions with their mentors and peers every day, etc. Successful students also read all the time, even if it's for an hour every day. They do these all the time because habits are the keys to success.

Great Christians also have great habits. Jesus had a habit of rising up early and going to solitary places to pray; it was also His custom to read the Scriptures. The apostles had specified hours of prayer every day; Daniel kneeled down to pray thrice daily; David prayed evening, morning and noon, and praised God seven times a day!

There's no magic formula; you've got to develop great habits for every area of life you desire to succeed in! Read the Bible, pray, praise and worship God every day!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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All Is Vanity

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

All Is Vanity

“'Vanity of vanities,' says the Preacher, 'All is vanity.'” Ecclesiastes 12:8 NKJV

Have you ever paused to think about life and everything that we do? What's the real value of the things we do, pursue and acquire? We amass so much, but we can't take them away? We fight so hard for things and then in a short while those same things for which we fought so hard, slandered others, and made enemies, become irrelevant to us.

I've been to the mortuary once in my life, in 2011 when my mom died: I saw her body, it was not only lifeless, it was also worthless and useless. I saw other bodies there; I saw a big man's body, he was naked, and the best that was done for him was to keep him on a separate table, that big man was naked and swollen like everyone else! I saw bodies of young and old; fashion, beauty, wealth, possessions, etc, not even marriage and friendship meant anything to any of them in there! The truth is that they had gone and left everything behind, forever!

What is life? "It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." "As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more." "He comes forth like a flower and fades away; he flees like a shadow and does not continue."

Am I saying that you shouldn't take care of yourself, acquire properties and strive to achieve your goals? No. I'm just saying put things in proper perspective so that you can know what's truly important and truly worthy of pursuit. We must learn to be content; we must learn to seek the things that are above more than the things that are here on earth; and we must learn to seek more than anything else, the kingdom of God and His righteousness!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Forty Days And Forty Years

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 25 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Forty Days And Forty Years

"Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness." Mark 1:12 NKJV

Jesus received the Holy Spirit, and the first thing the Holy Spirit did was to drive Him into the wilderness! Who does that? Mind you, nothing funny or pleasant happens in the wilderness; wildernesses are called dry and thirsty lands: there are wild beasts there, fiery serpents and scorpions!

But that's exactly where God chooses to take His people to test and to prepare them. Moses said to the Israelites, "And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and  test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."

Now you know, that it's very possible for God to allow you experience very tough and challenging times; He could take you through very terrible conditions - not to kill you, but to make you. The Israelites were in the wilderness for forty years and Jesus was there for forty days; many Israelites including Moses, Aaron and Miriam died in the wilderness, but Jesus came out stronger. Your attitude in the wilderness is what will determine the outcome.

Tough times never last my dear, but people with right attitudes do. And after the wilderness experience comes a fulfillment of every good word that God has spoken concerning you! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Speaking Kindly

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 24 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Speaking Kindly

"Tell them not to speak evil of anyone but to live in peace with others. They should be gentle and polite to everyone." Titus 3:2 ERV

Just wondering who's innocent of this one. Are you? We speak bad of people all the time, especially in their absence. It's called backbiting and backstabbing.

Exactly why do we speak evil of others? I can think of some reasons: pride, annoyance, jealousy, anger, hatred and dislike. In one word, we speak evil of people we don't love. People don't say bad things about their parents and siblings publicly even when they upset them, because they love them. Love covers the multitudes of their offences. So when you are speaking evil about someone, check yourself immediately, you aren't walking in love.

Don't speak evil of your leaders too! Ecclesiastes 10:20 says, "Don’t say bad things about the king. Don’t even think bad things about him. And don’t say bad things about rich people, even if you are alone in your home. A little bird might fly and tell them everything you said."

Hebrews 12:14 says to pursue peace with everyone. Pursue peace! Yes, they may have hurt you, ignored you, or even spoken bad about you, but how you react is up to you; retaliation only makes you like them. Be gentle and polite. Bless, don't curse. I love what the Bible says about the virtuous woman: "When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly." Awesome!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Altering Decrees

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 23 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Altering Decrees

"Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the  time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them." Esther 9:1 NKJV

A decree is an official order given by a person with power. Decrees are backed by the laws and are enforced by law enforcement agencies. Here's how powerful decrees are: by decrees, all children below two years old were killed in Israel! Even in modern days, decrees or laws are as powerful.

What's usually the first reaction to a decree? Fear; especially if the decree comes with punishments. Imagine for a minute that a decree is made that all Christians will be jailed and tortured to death; what do you think would happen? The number of people who profess to be Christians would reduce drastically because a lot of us would be terrified by the repercussions.

But as powerful as decrees are, the good news is that decrees can be altered by counter decrees. Newton's third law of motion says that "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." React to unpleasant decrees, with equal and opposite decrees! In our case, when men issue decrees against us, because we function with greater authority, we can alter them with superior and weightier decrees!

Listen, it doesn't matter what has been said about you, what matters is what you are saying about what has been said! Are you going to accept it, live with it, cry about it, or suffer the consequences? Don't! Alter the decree! Issue counter decrees! The Bible says that you shall decree a thing and it shall be established unto you! Don't be quiet now, don't even be afraid; open your mouth and begin to declare whatever you want done! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sustaining The Messenger

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 22 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Sustaining The Messenger

"And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance." Luke 8:2-3 NKJV

It's okay for a minister of the gospel to work and earn some money, but it is my belief that a minister who combines other work or business with ministry cannot do ministry as effectively as he should. If he is able to achieve so much in ministry while working, he has the capacity to achieve much more if his attention is undivided.

It's simple: you cannot serve two masters! Someone says, "But Paul was a tentmaker"; my response, "How many times did you read of him making tents?" There were times Paul worked, but never on a fulltime basis; there are scriptural evidences that Paul had lots of people who provided for Him.

As Jesus went about preaching in every city, the Bible says that many people provided for Him from their substance. No wonder Jesus was able to accomplish so much in only about three years. The question is, "How are you supporting the minister and his ministry?" It's how God wants the ministry to operate! I Corinthians 9:14 says, "Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel." So when you support a minister you are doing the will of God! Don't be the type who keeps hearing the word and isn't providing for the minister; and don't wait to be told! Make it a habit, do it faithfully; and God will bless you.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Fitting For Saints

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 21 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Fitting For Saints

"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." Ephesians 5:4 NKJV

Something that is fitting is "suitable or appropriate under the circumstances; right or proper." In other words, what's not fitting is unsuitable, inappropriate, wrong and improper.

Being in the world and not being of the world automatically suggests that there are many things that the world does, which they consider to be right, but are wrong for us to do. You've got to understand that you cannot live your life by the standards of the world; that everyone is doing it in a particular way is not a reason for you to do same. Our lives ought to be regulated by the will of God, revealed through His word. We need to learn the ways of God and by guided by His Spirit.

We then need to ask ourselves if our actions, speech, relationships, interactions, beliefs, philosophies, etc are fitting for saints. Cheating cannot be fitting for saints; pride and arrogance, laziness, insubordination, fornication and adultery, irresponsibility, wife battering, molestation, violence, abuse, indecency, etc, are undoubtedly unfitting for saints. The grace to do what pleases God is sufficient for us all; decide today to do only what's fitting, that God may be glorified. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Forgiveness, Not A Big Deal For God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Forgiveness, Not A Big Deal For God

"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.'” Matthew 9:2 NKJV

A paralyzed man was brought to Jesus, and without them saying a word, Jesus said to him, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” Wow!

Some of the scribes present in the hall said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?" Wow!

Forgiving the man wasn't a big deal for Jesus, He forgave him before the man even acknowledged that he was a sinner! He did same for all of us as well; while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!

Who are you, and what have you done? God has forgiveness for you too! The Bible says that He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. If we confess our sins, God will forgive us. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Miraculous Supplies

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Miraculous Supplies

"The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook." I Kings 17:6 NKJV

We used to sing this song:
Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, His grace is sufficient for me. My God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory, He will give His angels charge over me, Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me, Jehovah Jireh cares for me!"

We need to keep singing such inspiring and faith-filled songs! Let me tell you something, dear brothers and sisters, we serve a God Who can bless with money without having to get the money from the bank! I'm trying to tell you that God can manufacture money for you if needs be! Have you ever wondered where the ravens got the bread and the meat that Elijah ate? The ram Abraham sacrificed instead of Isaac; have you thought about where it came from? Nobody kept that ram there, God Himself supplied it!

God is unlimited! He created everything that you see in the world and they all belong to Him. There is nothing you need now that God cannot give to you; it doesn't matter if it is at the other end of the world, it doesn't matter if it is in the deepest part of the earth, and it doesn't matter who's in charge of it; God can get it to you through unimaginable means! If you believe! Receive miraculous supplies this week in Jesus name!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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There Is Hope For You

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 18 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

There Is Hope For You

“For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in the ground, yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant." Job 14:7-9 NKJV

I've met people who were once successful, whose businesses were doing so well until for certain reasons, they lost everything; and then after a while they bounced back. The downfall of a man is not the end of his life! As long as there is life, and as long as there is a God Who answers prayers, and with Whom nothing is impossible, there is always hope of recovery!

You know how strong and great Samson was, and you know about all the exploits he did: but Samson lost his strength after he told Delilah his secret. The Philistines removed his eyes, and they made him a grinder in the prison. From grace to grass! But the Bible says that the hair of his head began to grow again! Then Samson called to the Lord, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!” God heard him, and we are told the dead that he killed at his death were more than he killed in his lifetime.

Hear me, the last has not been heard of you! Greater success awaits you! Your achievements of the past are nothing compared to what God can still do through you! Get up! Dust yourself! Look up! Forget the past! You are not a loser! Start again! It's never over until you win! You will rise again in Jesus name! Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Lord Our Saviour

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 15 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Lord Our Saviour

"So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore." Exodus 14:30 NKJV

God is our Saviour. Hallelujah! He's not our Saviour to save us from only our sins, He is our Saviour to deliver us from our enemies, from troubles of life and unpleasant situations. Many are the afflictions of man, but the Lord delivers him from them all! Glory to God!

Psalm 50:15 says, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” That's God speaking, and He never fails! When we call upon Him He responds swiftly! He never disappoints.

I know that this word was specifically written for someone going through turbulent times; my dear all you need to do is to call upon the Lord. There's no need for panic; call upon Him and then go and rest! God never fails. As long as you put your trust in Him. The Bible says that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. You will testify, in Jesus name. Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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You Will Get What You Ask For

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Will Get What You Ask For

"According to the word of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked for, Timnath Serah in the mountains of Ephraim; and he built the city and dwelt in it." Joshua 19:50 NKJV

Some of us are afraid of asking for what we want. Some don't ask, they expect what they want to just come to them; some others suffer from inferiority complex, they don't see themselves as good enough for what they want, so they go for something less desirable. That's terrible!

You are a child of God and you deserve only the best! God said, Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession! (Psalms 2:8). That's enough to get you asking!

Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." I didn't say those words, Jesus Himself did! And He said it applies to everyone! Including you!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Don't Rest Until It's Yours

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 13 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Don't Rest Until It's Yours

"And Boaz said to the elders and all the people, 'You are witnesses this day that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi." Ruth 4:9 NKJV

You know the story about Ruth and Boaz: Ruth returned with Naomi when Naomi decided to return to Israel after the deaths of her husband and sons. Naomi had asked Ruth and Orpah, her daughters-in-law, to return to their lands, Orpah did, but Ruth clung to her. After a while, Naomi took it upon herself to get another husband for Ruth, and that's where Boaz came in.

Boaz was a wealthy relative of Naomi and Ruth worked for him. Naomi told Ruth what to do in order to get his attention and his interest in her, and it worked! Then Naomi said to Ruth, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.” And truly, Boaz did not rest until he got what he wanted.

Boaz was the kind of man who went for whatever he wanted without wasting time. There are so many people who procrastinate; they want something, they keep admiring it for a very long time, they think and dream about it, they hope to go for it someday, but for reasons best known to them they don't, and someone else takes it, or it becomes too late for them to have it. Don't be like that: if you want it, go for it as quickly as possible, trusting God to grant you the desires of your heart. Even if you don't succeed, it's better that you tried than not trying at all.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Power Of Believing

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Power Of Believing

"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalms 27:13 NKJV

In Hebrew 6:19, the Bible talks about anchors for the soul. An anchor is a heavy device that is attached to a boat or ship by a rope or chain and that is thrown into the water to hold the boat or ship in place. Anchors provide strength and support. Beliefs are anchors for our souls. In this world where there are storms what will keep you safe are the things you believe.

Notice what I said. I said that it's what you believe that will keep you safe and strong in tough and trying times; not God, your beliefs. Why? Because it is possible to drown right in God's presence! God has given us Himself and His word so that we can believe in them. Whether we believe strongly in God and His word is up to us.

When Paul and some other men journeyed from Jerusalem to Rome, and it seemed they were going to lose their lives,  Paul said to them, "I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me." Paul's belief in God kept him strong in the face of danger. Believe in God and in the word and nothing will terrify or cause you to shake! Your strength is in what you believe!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Possessed By Your Possessions

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 11 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Possessed By Your Possessions

"But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." Matthew 19:22 NKJV

A rich young dude asked Jesus, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Jesus replied, "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “'You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and  your  mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Here's the problem: the young man was possessed by his possessions. What's that thing you have that's very difficult for you to give away? You have been possessed by that thing, and you've got to detach yourself from it mentally and emotionally. Don't let anything or anyone have a hold of you in such a way that you cannot serve God the way He desires.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Holy Spirit, Our Helper

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Holy Spirit, Our Helper

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26 NKJV

You know, we try to act like we are strong and tough. But God knows us very well, He knows we are weak even if we don't want to admit it. Psalms 103:14 says, He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

We always need a helper! Especially in the things of the Kingdom. People in the world can claim to be self made all they like, but we aren't permitted to use such words in the kingdom, because it is not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit of God!

"Surely you know the truth. Surely you have heard. The Lord is the God who lives forever! He created all the faraway places on earth. He does not get tired and weary. You cannot learn all he knows. He helps tired people be strong. He gives power to those without it.  Young men get tired and need to rest. Even young boys stumble and fall. But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired." Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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The Holy Spirit, Our Leader

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 9 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Holy Spirit, Our Leader

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14 NKJV

One difference between mature believer and babes in Christ is their reliance on the Holy Spirit. A babe does whatever he likes, but a mature believer receives instructions from the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to Peter, "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”

The other side of leadership is followership. In other words, a leader is not a leader in the real sense if there's no one following him. Here's the point: you and I must yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit to be led by Him. We ought to get to the point where like Jesus, we prefer, and are obligated to do His own wishes and desires instead of ours.

Success is guaranteed only when the Holy Spirit is in control. You can't hold God responsible for what He didn't lead you to do! That's what we do, right? We can't be leading ourselves and expect His blessings. It may happen when we are babes, but the older we get in Christ, we are expected to be dependent on Him. Jesus said He did nothing except what He saw the Father do.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Preaching The Gospel

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 8 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Preaching The Gospel

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

When was the last time you preached the gospel to others? There's really no excuse that's good enough; you can't be that busy; you laugh all the time, you have unofficial interactions with colleagues, classmates and clients, you are in contact with people all the time, and you are an expert in promoting your business and sharing jokes and other information online. So there's no excuse!

Preaching the gospel is our number one calling, just in case you didn't know. Just before He ascended into heaven Jesus said that we should go into all the world and preach the gospel to every one. Meaning that the gospel is for everyone, wherever and whoever they are. We must become masters in communication, and preach to people in the ways they will understand.

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. If we don't preach men will not be saved; if we don't preach things will continue to go wrong; if we don't preach people will remain bound; if we don't preach Satan and the wicked ones will continue to operate without limitations. The disciples preached everywhere: that's what we ought to do.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Going Against The Law

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 7 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Going Against The Law

“Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Esther 4:16 NKJV

We live in a world governed by laws. There are so many laws, rules and regulations, at work, in school, etc; and then there are the laws of nature. It may interest you to know that you can overcome some of those laws, including the laws of nature! Yes, Jesus walked on water!

Brothers and sisters, I need you to understand that we are not entirely natural men and women; true, we live in this world, but we are not of this world. When the laws of men and nature do not seem to be working in our favour, that's not a time to back down; no, that's a time to change gears and invoke the supernatural power on the natural affairs of men!

Esther was prepared to go against the law, but she knew she wouldn't succeed if she relied on her own wisdom and charm, so she called for fasting, for three days and nights. What's that thing you want altered? What's that thing that you want to do even though it's against the laws of men and nature? Maybe you've been told not to preach in the office; maybe you've been told that you can't get something because you don't know so and so; switch to the supernatural, get God involved and it shall come to pass!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Go Forward

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 6 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Go Forward

"And the Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward." Exodus 14:15 NKJV

The Israelites had left Egypt where they had been treated as slaves for the Promised Land, and they kept moving until they got to the Red Sea. There were no boats, neither were there ships; even if there were, they were insufficient. The sea seemed to be an obstacle.

As they journeyed to the Promised Land, I do not think that they expected to encounter a sea wide enough to hinder them from moving forward. They left Egypt with very high hopes; they left Egypt with a lot of excitement; but they became very discouraged and afraid when they were by the sea and the Egyptians were right behind them with the intentions of enslaving them again.

But God said to Moses, "Tell the children of Israel to go forward." In other words, obstacles in your path are not enough reasons for you to quit! Listen; in the journey of life, as you seek to make progress and to achieve significant things, you will come across obstacles; when you do, do not be afraid; do not decide to terminate your journey at that spot; do not go back either; keep going forward and God will make a way for you!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Break The Walls

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 5 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Break The Walls

"Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, 'How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?' For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans." John 4:9 NKJV

Hatred between Jews and Samaritans was fierce and longstanding, that's why the woman of Samaria was so surprised that Jesus, a Jewish man, spoke to her and even asked her for water! The Jews had no dealings with Samaritans, but Jesus broke the walls: He loved.

You see, love overcomes all boundaries. Love is not tribalistic, racist, proud, snobbish and egoistic; love is accommodating, love is friendly, love builds and establishes relationships where there's none, love reaches out.

Some people wouldn't have committed suicide if there was a person to show them love. Some of us have ostracized certain people from our lives. There are people some of us do not interact with, for whatever reason, at the office, in school, in our neighbourhoods, etc. Let's be like Jesus; let's surprise people today; let's break the walls!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Shielded By His Promises

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 4 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Shielded By His Promises

"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Psalms 91:4 NLT

The Bible tells us that the promises of God are in Him, yea and amen. In other words, they are certain, dependable and true. When God makes a promise He always has the intention of fulfilling them. Hallelujah!

The Psalmist said that the promises of God are our armour and protection. That's interesting. It means that we are expected to use the promises of God for our defence. When we are faced with challenges, attacked, threatened and confronted, we can be saved by using the promises of God as our shield.

Here's how it works: you put those promises in your mouth and begin to declare them: no weapon formed against me shall prosper; He has given His angels charge over me; yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil; a thousand shall fall by my left, and ten thousand by my right but it shall not come near me; when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of God shall raise up a standard against him! Yes! Glory to God!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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It Will End Up Good

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 3 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

It Will End Up Good

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 NKJV

Please note the word "all things" in the scripture above; it doesn't matter its nature, form, who is behind it, whether its so painful or pleasurable, for a short or long duration, all things work together for good to those who love God. Hallelujah!

Yes, even bad and unpleasant experiences are working together for your good! Even when you are being victimized! Here's why: because we serve a God Who is capable of turning things around; He can bring forth good out of any bad situation!

After Jacob died, the ten sons who sold Jacob were afraid that Joseph would deal with them for what they did to him, so they all went to seek his forgiveness. But Joseph being a man of insight said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."

I prophesy to you today, all things are working together for your good in Jesus name!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Unafraid

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 2 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Unafraid

"Why should I be afraid when trouble comes? There is no need to fear when evil enemies surround me." Psalms 49:5 ERV

The king of Syria sent horses and chariots and a great army to arrest Elisha the prophet of God. In the morning when Elisha's servant woke up, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. He ran in and said to Elisha, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” Elisha answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Hallelujah!

David said, "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." Isaiah 43:1-2 says, "But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will  be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."

Brothers and sisters, you have nothing to fear, because greater is He that's in you than he that's in the world! If God be for us, who can be against us? Glory!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Incredible Miracles

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 1 April 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Incredible Miracles

"Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?" Acts 26:8 NKJV

To say that something is incredible means that it is impossible and difficult to believe; it is extraordinary.

There are things that people find very hard to believe; it's understandable because there's a lot that we cannot do as human beings; but God is not man and we cannot see Him as one! Nothing is difficult for God; nothing is impossible for Him to do! Hallelujah!

God is eager to do incredible miracles for us! The Bible says that His eyes are searching to and fro to show Himself strong on behalf of people who trust in Him. There is no hopeless situation with God; for Him, doing the incredible is as easy as doing the ordinary! If only you can believe in Him, you will have that miracle that you seek. Receive your miracle in Jesus name! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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