We don't Clap to Praise God

 

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice (Psalm 141:2).

It’s important to understand the spirituality of ministry and the place of music and expressions of worship in the house of God. Clapping, for instance, which many are very used to in church, is neither praise nor worship. While clapping is not wrong, it must be put in its proper place.

Clapping is applause; it’s a sign of approval or excitement. Spiritually, however, it doesn’t equate to praising or worshipping God. You’ve probably heard people say, “Let’s clap for Jesus.” But clapping is not how the Bible teaches us to worship or praise the Lord.

True worship is expressed with words, songs of the Spirit, and the lifting of our hands in reverence to God. For example, we saw from our opening scripture that the lifting of hands is an act of worship recognized in heaven. The New Testament praise and worship is in spirit and truth, as Jesus said the Father desires (John 4:23-24).

When a miracle happens and people clap, they’re not praising God; they’re expressing approval or excitement. The danger is that in doing so, they sometimes neglect to give God the actual worship He deserves as a result of such a miracle. This is why we must be instructed by the Word. Worship must always be rooted in knowledge, not habit.

So, while clapping has its place as a human response to events, true praise and worship must come from your spirit, expressed through your words, songs, the lifting of your hands, and other expressions in worship that the Bible talks about. This is what glorifies the Lord. We may clap in celebration of victories, but that’s not praise: “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph” (Psalm 47:1).

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the understanding of true worship and the revelation that we are the true circumcision that worship you in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh. Even now, I worship you from the bottom of my heart, for you’re the only true God, righteous, holy, just, gracious, pure and kind. Thank you for your glory in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY ‭‭John 4:23-24 KJV But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. [24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

‭‭Psalm 63:3-5 NIV Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. [4] I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. [5] I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

‭‭Psalm 9:1-2 KJV I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. [2] I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan Mark 10:32-52 & Numbers 14-15

2-Year Bible Reading Plan Acts 24:1-9 & Psalm 56

EXCERPT FROM=> Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

God's Always Watching

 

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).

When you study the Scriptures carefully, you’ll notice a striking pattern with certain individuals who lost their place with God and why it happened. Take Cain, the firstborn of Adam, as an example; he had hatred in his heart against his brother Abel.

The Bible tells us that Abel’s works were righteous, but Cain’s weren’t. Instead of correcting himself, Cain allowed hatred to consume him, and he murdered his brother. He lost his place because of the evil in his heart. Also, consider Esau; for just one meal, he sold his birthright.

The Bible describes Esau as profane because spiritual things meant nothing to him. He treated the birthright casually; to him, it was intangible, so he thought it could be tossed aside in exchange for food. But God looks at the heart; He saw that Esau was profane. He wasn’t profane because he sold his birthright; he sold his birthright because he was profane.

Later on, when it was time to receive the blessing, which was tied to the birthright, he lost it despite seeking it with tears (read Hebrews 12:16-17). The lesson here is very clear: you may deceive men, but you can’t deceive God. He weighs the motives of the heart.

Therefore, position your heart rightly because your blessing, your promotion, your place in God’s plan are tied to how you revere or hallow spiritual realities. Don’t trade your divine inheritance for worldly pursuits.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for granting me understanding through your Word. My heart is rightly positioned to value spiritual things and walk uprightly in reverence for you and your Word, conscious that my inheritance in Christ is precious and eternal. My heart is stayed on you and the eternal reward of my works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY ‭‭1 Chronicles 28:9 KJV And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

‭‭1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

‭‭Hebrews 12:16-17 KJV Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. [17] For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan Mark 10:1-31 & Numbers 11-13

2-Year Bible Reading Plan Acts 23:22-35 & Psalm 55

EXCERPT FROM=> Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

The Outworking of the Word in you

 

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

True Christianity is the outworking of the Word in you. When you talk, it’s the Word; when you act, it’s the Word. The Christian, essentially, is the expression or the image of the Word, such that every step you take and all the things you do are the outworkings of the Word of God.

That’s what the Lord Jesus was when He walked the earth; He was the unveiling of the Word: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14). He was the manifestation of God, the express image of His person. Thus, your life is the revelation of the Word because you’ve been born of the same Word: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23).

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 says that you’ve been manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ: “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” The epistle of Christ is the Word of Christ.

No wonder we’re the effulgence of His glory, the manifestation of His righteousness. When you show up, Christ shows up. As He is, so are you in this world (1 John 4:17). You make manifest the savour of His knowledge, wisdom, grace and power in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14). Blessed Be God! You’re Christ alive in your world today. He manifests His love, power, compassion, and grace to the world through you. Have this consciousness.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for making me your living epistle, known and read by all men. My life is the expression of the glory of Christ. The divine life is manifested through me, and I bring others into this life through the Gospel. Your knowledge, grace, power, wisdom and righteousness are unveiled in, and through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY ‭‭James 1:18 KJV Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

‭‭2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NKJV You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; [3] clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

‭‭2 Corinthians 2:14 AMPC But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan Mark 9:33-50 & Numbers 9-10

2-Year Bible Reading Plan Acts 23:11-21 & Psalm 52-54

EXCERPT FROM Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

The Key is Walking in Love

 

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).

Someone once wrote me a letter wanting to know how to overcome arrogance with God’s help. He had been perceived as arrogant and genuinely wanted to dismiss that trait from his life and personality. That was a wonderful desire. Simply wanting to change was his first step toward victory over it.

But here’s what you must do when you desire a change in any area of your life: act on the Word. Be a doer of the Word as read in our opening scripture. Respond to God’s Word and live accordingly. So, in dealing with arrogance, for example, you act on the Word. Ephesians 5:1-2: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love….” The key to overcoming arrogance is walking in love.

Then the Bible says in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” The fruit of the Spirit refers to the natural product of the recreated human spirit, the born-again spirit. These qualities are part of your innate nature and love is one of them.

Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh, and arrogance is of the flesh. Choose to walk in humility, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. These qualities are already within your spirit. Cultivate and develop them by walking in love. Every so often, declare, “I will walk in love.” Make that decision, and you’ll experience the glory of God in your life in a remarkable way, because love is His nature and the way of victory.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for your Word that purifies and renews my heart. Your love is fully expressed in me. I walk in humility, meekness and love toward others. Arrogance has no place in my spirit, for the beauty of Christ is seen and heard in my words, thoughts and actions, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY ‭‭Ephesians 4:1-2 KJV I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, [2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

‭‭1 Corinthians 13:4-5 MSG Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, [5] Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, ||

‭‭1 John 2:3-5 KJV And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. [5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan Mark 8:14-26 & Numbers 3-4

2-Year Bible Reading Plan Acts 21:40-22:1-10 & Psalm 44-45

EXCERPT FROM=> Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

His Goodness in the Earth

He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD (Psalm 33:5). 

Some don’t believe that the earth is truly full of the goodness of God. But that’s exactly what the verse above unequivocally declares. All that some have experienced in their lives is bitterness and pain. Part of the reason for this is the works of wicked and evil men and women. These evil manipulators destroy the economies of nations for their selfish gain.

Nevertheless, there's more than enough food and good things for every human being on the face of the earth. There's more than enough wealth in this world. There's more than enough grace in this world. There's more than enough power and ability in this world. It’s one of the reasons God wants us to intercede for all men so they can enjoy all that He’s blessed them with in the earth. 

We read it: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 33:5). Therefore, affirm that the lines are fallen unto you in pleasant places; you have a goodly heritage (Psalm 16:6). Believe it and act accordingly. God said, "My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge ...” (Hosea 4:6). But knowledge has come to you today: all the blessings of God upon the earth are yours to enjoy. 

Don’t settle for less. He said in Psalm 50:10-11, “ For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.” Then in Psalm 24:1 , David said, “ The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. ” No wonder Paul said, “...All things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21); because you’re an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ. Hallelujah! 

PRAYER 

Gracious Father, the whole earth is filled with your glory and goodness, but many are in bitterness and pain. Therefore, in the Name of the Lord Jesus, I come against the works of ungodly men who have filled the earth with violence, poverty and deaths, keeping men from experiencing your goodness in the earth. Their works are frustrated, and God’s people experience your blessings, health, prosperity and power, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

 FURTHER STUDY: 

2 Peter 1:3 

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Isaiah 1:19 

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Psalm 27:13 AMPC 

[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living! (NIV) I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

 1 Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 11:1-30 & Genesis 36-37

 2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 6:14-24 & Genesis 15

Victory into Victory

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him (2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV).  

You can win every day, and achieve extraordinary success. The Amplified version of the scripture above says, “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere.” As we get ourselves prepared in these days before the Rapture, you’re not only going to be triumphant in your city but everywhere you go. 

1 John 5:4 says, “For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith” (AMPC). The question is, What’s your mentality? How do you see yourself? When we say Christ has given your life a meaning, that’s what we’re talking about, because you’ve come to a place where you realize life isn’t for defeat; your journey is victory unto victory. That’s our heritage in Christ. 

It makes no difference that the world is in crises; there should never be fear in you. Jesus said, “…be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He overcame the world for you. To be born again is to be born of God, and it says whatever is born of God is victorious over Satan, the world and its failing system. Hallelujah! 

Get excited when you face troubles or crises, because you’re certain it’ll all turn out for your good. This is because, in our kingdom, we win only, and make progress from glory to glory. We dominate this physical world with the principles of our heavenly Kingdom. Hallelujah!

               

CONFESSION

I’m triumphant over the world, because I’m born of God. When the fierce storms and pressures of life billow against me, I refuse to be moved, for I’m more than a conqueror. I refuse to be overwhelmed by anything in this life, because the greater One lives in me and causes me to triumph always, and in every place. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 8:35-37

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 

1 John 4:3-4

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Luke 1:1-25 & Deuteronomy 3-4

 

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 23:1-12 & Exodus 24

Our Weapons of Words

Giving thanks unto the Father…Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Colossians 1:12-13)

From the scripture above, we see that there’re only two groups of people: those under the power of darkness and those in the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. Until you’re born again and transferred into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son, you remain under the power of darkness, and Satan becomes the god of all that concerns you. 

Remember, Jesus said to the Jews who came to arrest Him, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do...” (John 8:44). This is why we oftentimes find leaders and rulers of nations that are influenced and controlled by the principalities of darkness. When such leaders make wicked decisions and enforce repressive policies, it’s because they’re being influenced by evil forces. That’s why we pray for leaders, so that instead of being influenced by the forces of darkness, they’d be influenced by the Spirit of God. 

The Bible says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Then, 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” 

The word “warfare” is “strateia” (Greek) and it’s telling us that we’re in the strategizing office, leading a military expedition in the Spirit. When we speak words in prayer, angels of God and the Spirit of God take those words and weaponize them. That’s what makes them mighty to the pulling down of fortresses. 

So, as a Christian, recognize the enormity of the responsibility on you, to intercede for leaders of nations. Every so often, pray fervently in the spirit for the leaders in your country. With authoritative words, rebuke the forces of darkness to desist from influencing them, and affirm that their hearts are turned to the Lord to do His will. This is what we must do for leaders of nations to be influenced by God’s wisdom and righteousness; we must pray for them in line with God’s Word.

               

PRAYER

Dear Lord, I thank you for endowing us with your might to pull down fortresses, ideas planted in the minds of men, and theories they’ve accepted in life that have kept them from moving in the direction of your dream and destiny for them. I declare that Satan’s influence on leaders and rulers of nations of the world is broken! Your light shines brightly in their hearts today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Ephesians 6:16-18

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Mark 16:1-20 & Deuteronomy 1-2

 

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 22:34-46 & Exodus 23

We've been Enthroned

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us…And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6).  

The phrase “sit together” in the scripture above is “sugkathizo” (Greek), and it means to give (or take) a seat in company with; a joint-sitting. Think about that! What could be greater than having a joint-sitting with Christ! Weymouth New Testament version renders it so beautifully; it says God “raised us with Him from the dead, and enthroned us with Him in the heavenly realms as being in Christ Jesus.” We’ve been enthroned! Blessed be God! 

Now that we’ve been enthroned, what are we supposed to do? Romans 5:17 tells us: “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” The word “reign” is “basileuō” (Greek) which means “to king.” And Revelation 5:10 perfectly corroborates this truth; it says, “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” 

Yes, at the millennial period, we’re going to be reigning with Christ, according to the Bible. But today in the earth, we’re reigning through Him or by Him, because we’re using His Name; operating in His stead. We’re called to exercise dominion and to live as masters and victors in life through Jesus Christ. We reign over Satan, darkness, the world and all creation. 

The Bible says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5 ESV). Hallelujah! This is why the Bible says, “For the mystery of lawlessness (that hidden principle of rebellion against constituted authority) is already at work in the world, [but it is] restrained only until he who restrains is taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7 AMPC). We—the Church—are the ones restraining evil in the world. Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). In the same way, until we’re taken out of here by the Rapture, darkness can’t prevail, because we have a joint-sitting with Christ in the place of power and dominion. And we exercise that power and dominion now!

               

CONFESSION 

I have a joint-sitting with Christ in the place of glory and power. As long as I’m in the world, I’m the light of the world! I exercise dominion over circumstances and the spirits of darkness, and I bring them under subjection to the Name of Jesus! Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

|| Ephesians 1:19-22 

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places], 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, ||

|| Colossians 2:10

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: || 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Mark 15:21-47 & Numbers 34-36

 

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Matthew 22:23-33 & Exodus 22

A Solid Foundation with the Word

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). 

A solid foundation of the Word of God is what will determine your reaction and disposition to life and circumstances around you. Think about the happenings in the world in the past months; the reaction and actions of some Christians is proof they never had the right foundation. Some were completely disillusioned and ran into hiding—to “isolate” themselves—while looking to government leaders for help and guidance. They were terrified by the same things that frightened the world; that shouldn’t be. 

The Church isn’t a group of sissies; we’re soldiers. We’re tough for Christ. How could a Christian be afraid of a virus, after Jesus said in Luke 10:19, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” This is a sovereign declaration; it’s unequivocal. You’re superior to anything that hurts or binds; you’re “uninfectable.” 

But you see, if you don’t know this truth, you’d be terrified. This is why we bring you the Word of God every day, to build you up in Christ, to impart knowledge to you. Acts 20:32 says, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up….” If you’re brought up on the foundation of the Word of God, nothing will move you. 

Recall the words of Jesus in Luke 6:47-49 as He distinguished between the one whose life is founded on the Word of God, and the one whose life isn’t. He said, “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” Build a solid foundation for your life with the Word of God.

               

CONFESSION

I consciously set my thinking on spiritual things, building a deep and firm foundation through consistent study and meditation on the Word of God. I’m tough for the Lord, a gallant soldier in His end-time army! As I give myself to prayer and to the ministry of the Word, the will and purposes of God are established in the earth and in the hearts of men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Matthew 7:24-27

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 

Romans 12:11-12

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 

Colossians 3:1-3

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING 

 

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Mark 14:53-72 & Numbers 29-31

 

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 22:1-14 & Exodus 20

Be Prepared Ahead of the Evil Day

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might…For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13). 

The first part of our opening scripture admonishes that you be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. The Lord never tells us to do something we couldn’t do. If He says, “Be strong in the Lord,” it means that’s what you need to do. He gives further instructions in the eleventh verse: “Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

This is telling you to prepare, and stay prepared ahead of the evil day. He tells you what to do against the devil. If you put on the whole armour of God as He has said, you’ll be able to stand against all the stratagems, schemes, maneuvers, and manipulations of the devil. 

The reason many falter when they face challenges is that they don’t act on the Word. In the verses we read in our theme scripture, God instructed us clearly on what to do. What He said in verse thirteen is the reason for verses 10-12. There’s a day of trouble (the evil day); it’s to be anticipated. There’s an enemy out there seeking whom to devour, and when he has the opportunity, he’ll strike. But we’re not ignorant of His devices. 

Satan isn’t a factor. As long as you’re strong in the Lord—keeping His Word in your heart and in your mouth—you’ll discomfit the enemy whenever he shows up. As long as the Word of God is your arsenal, you’ll always win. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit with which you cut the devil down. Hallelujah!

               

PRAYER

In the Name of Jesus Christ, I exercise dominion over Satan and his cohorts, and I cut down all his machinations, schemes, deceptions and devices against my nation and my city. With the Word of God in my mouth, I triumph gloriously, reigning and prevailing over circumstances. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 

|| 1 John 4:4 

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. ||

|| James 4:7 

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. || 

|| Ephesians 6:10-18 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ||

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Mark 14:27-52 & Numbers 27-28

 

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Matthew 21:33-46 & Exodus 19

Stand in His Righteousness

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus (Romans 3:26). 

Jesus Christ has become your righteousness. That’s why in Christianity, we don’t walk in our righteousness; rather, we stand in His righteousness. We declare and boldly affirm that Christ is our righteousness and walk in the light of His righteousness. It’s like being covered in His glory; you’re not seen. It’s His light that’s seen; it’s His glory that’s seen. 

It’s His power that’s made manifest as you walk in His righteousness. That’s our blessing as new creatures in Christ Jesus. Don’t be “performance-conscious” before God. Don’t allow sin and the guilt of your mistakes dissipate your zeal for God and faith in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

You’ve become the effulgence of His righteousness, because He manifests His righteousness through you. He took your place of sin, and gave you His righteousness. Now, He manifests His righteousness through you. This is an amazing reality! Your new life started with the resurrection of Jesus Christ: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). 

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…”; a new species or kind of man, born in righteousness. This is the reason you can practise righteousness and produce fruits and works of righteousness, because that’s your nature in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!

               

CONFESSION

My righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ; therefore, I have boldness in the presence of God, to worship Him in love and holiness of truth. The blood of Jesus gave me access and life, and by His resurrection, I stand justified forever, with dominion over Satan, circumstances and the cohorts of darkness. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 6:4-5

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 

Philippians 3:8-9

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Mark 14:1-26 & Numbers 24-26

 

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 21:18-32 & Exodus 18

Practise the Word Consciously

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:25).  

Consciously practising the Word is how you can enjoy its full blessings in your life, because the power of God is in His Word. For example, the Word says, “...Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Consciously practise this; let it be your daily walk. 

When you start out practising something, you may miss it, but don’t give up and say, “Well, I tried.” Keep at it until you gain mastery. Again, the Word says, “...take no thought for your life...” (Luke 12:22); in other words, have no cares. Practise it. Don’t find yourself worrying over the mundane things of life, with fear of lack; rather, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 

Psalm 1:3 reveals something phenomenal about the extraordinary life of blessings you have in Christ. It says you’re like a tree planted by the rivers of water—ever luscious and green—fruitful and eternally productive. Affirm this every day about yourself. Irrespective, and independent of the happenings in the world, be unmoved, because you know you’re empowered to prosper. For you, it’s blessings only. Hallelujah! 

We’re Word-practitioners; Jesus Christ is the Living Word, and we’re born after Him. Paul said, “Ye are the Epistles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:3). That means we’re the expression of the Word. The Apostle Peter referenced a similar thought in 1 Peter 1:23, saying, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”

Being born of the Word means you must live in, by and through the Word; you must live it out in your daily walk.

               

CONFESSION

Righteous Father, how I love your Word; your truth is the light by which I see, and the foundation on which my strength is anchored. I’m blossoming in righteousness, flourishing in glory, producing lasting results and making an undeniable impact with the Gospel, to the praise of your Name. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:

 James 1:22-25

 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Mark 13:1-37 & Numbers 22-23

 

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 21:12-17 & Exodus 17

Direct their Course through Prayer

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 2:1-2).        

 

Our theme scripture is the Spirit’s admonition through Paul to the Church on the importance of earnest intercession for all men, our countries of domicile, and the leaders therein. The result of such is an overwhelming experience of God’s blessings of peace and prosperity. This is part of what you do in obedience—praying, contending for the hearts of men in your country, and around the world—that God’s righteousness be established, and all forms of evil, turmoil, wickedness and terror, be thwarted.  

 

Today, the happenings in our world are a great source of concern. But the Church holds the solution. The Church is the only restraining power against evil in the earth today (2 Thessalonians 2:7). So, you must pray and not complain. If you don’t pray for your country, the leaders and people, where would peace come from?  

 

Read our theme verse again; God’s directive on how we must pray in order to experience peace in our nations is clear; it’s not by bearing arms or becoming riotous.  

 

Rise to the challenge and take up the responsibility of prayer. Pray earnestly and fervidly in the Spirit for the nations and leaders of the countries where you live or work, and the rest of the world. Declare that God’s righteousness prevails, and His glory rests on, and influences men’s hearts as God’s people boldly proclaim the Gospel.  

 

Pray also for ministers, that they’d be granted more grace to preach the Gospel with boldness and power, that many more souls would be added to the Church all around the world. Until the rapture takes place, we hold the true reins of power in the nations, and have the authority to direct their course through prayer. 

 

PRAYER 

Dear heavenly Father, I pray that your peace, progress and prosperity will reign in the nations of the world and that you’ll grant the ministers of the Gospel the courage to preach and minister your Word boldly. I pray that the power and influence of their message will kindle your love in people’s hearts. Thank you for the tremendous and glorious transformation of many lives through the Gospel today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

 

FURTHER STUDY 

Colossians 4:2; Luke 18:1; Jeremiah 29:7  

 

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:18-44 & Numbers 20-21 

 

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 21:1-11 & Exodus 16 

 

Look Beyond Yourself

Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (Philippians 2:3-4 MSG).  

1 Timothy 2:1-4 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” It’s our responsibility to change the world through prayer, ministry and protagonism. That’s what you have to do. Otherwise, you haven’t lived. 

In Nehemiah 4:14, as the children of Israel began to build the wall of Jerusalem and prepared to defend it, Nehemiah said to the people, “…fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” He didn’t say, “Fight for yourselves.” And the word “houses” there doesn’t mean buildings; he was referring to clans, whole families, like you’d say, “The house of Joseph.” He was calling out the champion spirit in them. 

Champions don’t fight for themselves; they fight for others. That’s what we read in our theme verse; it says, “Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage.” When you pray, it shouldn’t always be about your business, your family or things related to you; it should be for a greater cause. Think beyond yourself. 

There’re many who are going through a lot of hurt for whom we must pray. The Bible says of the Lord Jesus that He’s touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). Be moved by the conditions of the sinners and others who are suffering around you. Let the plight of the poor, the sick, and the downtrodden stir compassion in you to intercede for them and cause a change in their lives today. We’re to continue in intercession for the nations, leaders, and peoples of the world, especially in these last days.

              

 PRAYER

Thank you blessed Father, for the opportunity to stand in the gap for others, to cause a change in their lives and circumstances. I pray for those destined to receive salvation today all around the world, that the light of the glorious Gospel will shine in their hearts, dispelling the darkness, translating them into the liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Timothy 2:1-4 AMPC

First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, 2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. 3 For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, 4 Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth. 

Ezekiel 33:7

So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Mark 11:27-12:1-17 & Numbers 18-19

 

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 20:24-34 & Exodus 15

Stand Out and Be Courageous

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee (Joshua 1:5).

I often recall how, many years ago, cult activities in tertiary institutions were on the rise. Some Christian groups were threatened and intimidated from time to time by these nocturnal groups. But as I studied my Bible and read about the exploits of people like David, Moses, Jephthah, etc., I couldn’t understand why any Christian would be intimidated by cultists. So, I prayed, “Lord, give me just one chance; I’ll force those cult members out!” 

Finally, I got into the university, and then came my first experience in my first year! One night, the cult members came dancing into the campus in their full regalia, and there was complete pandemonium. But while many scampered in different directions, looking for where to hide, I got on my knees, spoke in tongues, and I said, “Lord Jesus, by your grace, I‘ll deal with this; they’ll never have such effrontery on this campus again.” 

Then on another occasion, a year later, they sent out a message that they were “sailing” that night. And I said, “Sailing where? Never!” When it was night, I gathered some of the brethren, and said, “We’re sailing tonight!” As they (the cultists) were making noise and rabble-rousing, we were out on the other side, dancing and singing, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty through the Holy Ghost!” 

We were singing with the consciousness that in the spirit, we’re declaring them arrested. Guess what? The next day, the Police came looking for them, and they were arrested! Praise God! The months following, several of the cult leaders and members received salvation and joined us. 

As Christians, we should never be intimidated by anything or anyone. It’s something the Lord said to me years ago; He said, “As I was with Moses, so I’ll be with you. I’ll not fail you nor forsake you”; and He’s saying the same to you, even now. Be strong, and very courageous. God’s Word is dependable. That’s what I’m telling you today. You can stake your life on it. When others are terrorized and full of fear concerning any situation, stand out, and be full of courage.

               CONFESSION 

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear, for greater is He that’s in me, than he that’s in the world. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:

1 John 4:4

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

1 Corinthians 16:13

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 

Ephesians 6:13

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Mark 11:1-26 & Numbers 16-17

 

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 20:17-23 & Exodus 14

Keep "Pushing" in Prayer

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).  

When the Bible says there was no rain in the land of Israel according to the word of Elijah, it wasn’t that Elijah suddenly woke up and said, “There’ll be no rain in Israel for the next three and half years.” No, the Bible says he prayed earnestly. 1 Kings 18:42 shows how he prayed; it says Elijah “bowed deeply in prayer, his face between his knees” (MSG). 

The Amplified Classic version of our theme verse aptly describes this kind of prayer: “...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” It says the prayer is earnest, and there’s a persistence about it. In other words, it’s a sustained kind of prayer that’s marked by a deep feeling of conviction. 

This isn’t the kind of prayer you pray at the dining table or when you’re hurrying off to work. There’re certain times and situations where you don’t just speak the word and go away; you persist in prayer. You keep pushing. You may be saying the same thing, but you’re pushing. 

Jesus did that too in the Garden of Gethsemane. He said the same things in prayer, and He prayed that way for an hour. It wasn’t a two-minute prayer. He persisted, because he understood the stakes of the moment. We’re in a similar moment today. The stakes are high. You’ve got to take your personal prayer life more seriously. 

Always stir yourself and respond to the call and urgency of prayer from your spirit, declaring the Word and crushing the forces of darkness, in the spirit. It may look like nothing is changing, but you keep pushing. You might ask, “But when do I stop?” You stop when you “know that you know” in your spirit that it’s done! Glory to God! You’ll surely get the note of victory.

               

PRAYER

Blessed Father, thank you for the privilege and opportunity of prayer by which I exercise my authority in Christ, to activate and walk in the consciousness of the divine presence, and enforce your will in the earth. I’m an effective intercessor through the Word of faith and earnest, heartfelt, continued prayer. I declare that the nations and leaders of the world are under the divine influence of your mighty power, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 

|| Colossians 4:2 AMPC 

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. ||

|| 1 Thessalonians 5:17 

Pray without ceasing. ||

|| Ephesians 6:18 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ||

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Mark 10:32-52 & Numbers 14-15

 

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Matthew 20:1-16 & Exodus 13

Have No Fear of Man

…Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses (Nehemiah 4:14)

Many years ago, while I was in the university, the government of the day, a military government, banned all religious activities on campus. Some of the members of our fellowship came to convince me to comply, but I had heard from God; He told me to remain on campus.

Some of them weren’t ready to stand with me, perhaps, because they were afraid. But if God had told me to continue, why should I stop because of what someone said? Always, God’s Word or counsel to you is what counts. He made the Vice-Chancellor, Governor, President, Prime Minister, etc.

The Bible says the powers that be are ordained of Him; He put them in office. If they go rogue against Him by coming up with laws and policies that don’t favour His righteous cause, you’re not obliged to comply. No authority supersedes God’s authority. So, I went ahead with the programme I had scheduled on campus, because I’d rather obey God; and it was a remarkable success.

Subsequently, we were never stopped from holding services on campus till I graduated. Was I defying the government? No! I was only obeying the orders of a higher government. It was the same with the apostles. Peter and the other apostles confronted the authorities in their day. Once, they said, “...You yourselves judge which is right in God’s sight---to obey you or to obey God” (Acts 4:19 GNB). As a man or woman of God, as a Christian, as one who walks with God, have no fear of men! Have no fear of their laws or decrees; have no fear of anything. The Bible says there’s no wisdom against the Lord (Proverbs 21:30).

Human beings can never come together and come up with enough wisdom or strategy against God. It’s impossible. When you’re walking in sync with His plan and purpose for your life, it makes no difference what anyone thinks or does; it doesn’t matter the threats; you’ll win. The opposition may come from your family, your city, country, or government; have no fear, “...because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

CONFESSION:

I’m confident in the power of God’s Word to put me over always, irrespective of the circumstances or opposition. I stand in faith against any law, decree, government or individuals who have set themselves against the Church of Jesus Christ, and I declare that their defence is gone from them! Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:

Psalms 27:1-3 (KJV) 

1 [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 

2 When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

Acts 5:25-29 (KJV) 

25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 

26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 

27 And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them, 

28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 

29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

1 John 4:4 (KJV) 

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1 Year Bible Reading Plan: 

Mark 10:1-31. 

Numbers 11-13.

2 Year Bible Reading Plan:

Matthew 19:23-30. 

Exodus 12.

Be Vigilant in the Spirit

They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon (NEHEMIAH 4:17)

Nehemiah was faced with an intense opposition when he decided to build the wall of Jerusalem. The Jews’ enemies were determined to stop the building by slaying the builders. But Nehemiah wasn’t ignorant of their evil plans and intentions.

As he led God’s people to build the wall, they prepared to ward off any form of attack. Each one held a weapon with the other hand, taking every necessary precaution against any  onslaught from the enemy. This was written for our learning.

We’re partners and co-labourers with the Lord in  building His Church—His  body—winning  souls and carrying out the work of the ministry. While at it, we must be ready to fight against the decrees of darkness to force us to live in a world, an atmosphere or governmental system that’s hostile to the Gospel.

Satan, knowing that his time is short, is trying to move ahead to create the environment of the anti Christ before his time. So, we must be on the alert and on the offensive. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be  sober, be vigilant….” Be vigilant in the spirit, listening in, and with, your spirit as you speak in tongues and meditate on the Scriptures. The Lord will give you strategies and guidance on how to effectively dismantle the structures of the adversary.

Refuse to be moved by some of the happenings in the world today—the confusion, fear and deception. By the power of God’s Spirit, we (the Church) are exercising our authority in Christ, bringing in the new order of things. Get vitally involved in this. Pray like you’ve never done! When we call for days of global prayer and fasting, be a part of it. We’re setting in place a new world order in the Spirit, where the Gospel has free course, and in preparation for our soon coming Lord. Amen. 

 

CONFESSION

I’m strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. He opens my eyes to spiritual realities and unveils His thoughts to my spirit. And today, I take charge of situations from the realm of the Spirit. I pray against any attempt of the devil to force the Church of Jesus Christ to live in a world of the beast before his time. Until the rapture of the Church, the Name of Jesus Christ shall be glorified in all nations. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

1 THESSALONIANS 5:17

Pray without ceasing. 

2 CORINTHIANS 10:3

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 

EPHESIANS 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Mark 9:33-50 & Numbers 9-10 

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 19:13-22 & Exodus 11

Speak Words from the Father

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak (John 12:49)

Have you ever wondered why some of the words you speak produce the wrong results? Perhaps you’re not speaking words from the Father. Jesus spoke the Father’s words. He knew exactly the right words to say in every situation, to everyone, and concerning everything. The secret is what He told us in our theme verse. 

Imagine what transpired in Luke 7:11-17. He was on a journey to the city of Nain, and as He arrived at the gate of the city, He saw a funeral procession of a young man who was the only son of a widow. Moved with compassion, He touched the casket and said, “…Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother” (Luke 7:14-15). He raised the lifeless body of that young man back to life with words! 

Over a raging tempest, the Bible says, “…he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39). It made no difference how turbulent the weather was, Jesus hushed them with words. The words He spoke came from the Father. He said in John 12:50, “…whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”

We’re to have His kind of results, because the Father has given us words to speak. Don’t speak words that you learnt from the world; speak the Word of God. Get your language from the Word of God. That’s why you have to keep studying the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15). Think and talk like Jesus, and you’ll have His extraordinary results.

CONFESSION

Blessed be God! My words are divine, infused with power to change circumstances. The Father’s words dwell in me richly, and I speak them forth in wisdom. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:

Colossians 3:16 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  

John 6:63 

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.  

 

1 Year Bible Reading Plan : Mark 9:14-32 & Numbers 7-8

 

2 Year Bible Reading Plan : Matthew 19:1-12 & Exodus 10

Christ in You

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me… (Galatians 1:15-16). 

The Apostle Paul, in our opening text, testified that God was pleased to reveal His Son, Jesus Christ in him. This isn’t just for the Apostle Paul; it’s the calling of every Christian. Christ revealed or expressed in your daily walk is the essence of Christianity. The Bible says, “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). 

Can you see Christ in you? Can you see His life manifested in and through you? If Christ is revealed in you, there’ll be no place for defeat or weakness. There’ll be no room for sickness in your body. The hope that you’ll forever be victorious, is Christ in you. You may have been diagnosed with a terminal disease; if you can contemplate Christ in you, that’ll be the end of that infirmity. The Bible says, “But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness” (Romans 8:10 NIV). 

It doesn’t matter how large the tumour is, Christ in you will cause it to dematerialize. Peter was going through the quarters, visiting the brethren. Then he met Aeneas, who had been paralysed, bedridden for eight long years. In that condition, he received the Gospel. All that Peter said to him was, “Aeneas, Christ makes you well!” (Acts 9:34). 

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of disease or infirmity in your body, Christ makes you well. Become conscious of the indwelling Christ; He’s your strength; therefore, if you couldn’t walk, rise up and walk. In Him, and through Him, you can do all things! You’re victorious forever. He’s your riddance, your wisdom, and your righteousness. Blessed be God!

               

CONFESSION 

Christ is my life and my all! In Him I live, and move and have my being. In Him I’m victorious forever; I’m more than a conqueror. Christ is my riddance, my wisdom, my righteousness and justification. Blessed be His Name forever.

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 

Colossians 1:26-29 MSG

This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. 27 God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. 28 We preach [Christ], warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. 29 That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

 

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Mark 8:27-38, 9:1-13 & Numbers 5-6

 

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Matthew 18:21-35 & Exodus 9