Wednesday, October 31, 2012

SACRIFICE IS A TRIGGER FOR GOD'S BLESSING

Gen 8:20-21..."The Noah built an alter to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offering on the alter. And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, I will never again curse the ground for man's sake...nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done."

Still on sacrifice. When last did you sacrifice something that caused you a fortune unto God? We are in a generation of grabbing from God but never ready to offer our substance unto Him. Most of the things you pray and fast for can be triggered just by a single act of genuine sacrifice.

After the flood, Noah decided to offer a sacrifice unto God (note that he has always been a righteous man which qualified him and his family to be saved from the flood). Yet, he picked the best of his animals and the best of his birds and offered it to God. He picked the best of what he had. When last did you give unto God the best of what you have and or what cost you greatly unto God? It is a pity we are in the generation of giving left over to God. We work for God only at our convenience, we give only what we can afford and we give time that is left over. No wonder miracles are no more a daily occurrence in the body of Christ.

Immediately Noah offered the sacrifice, God smelled it. Halleluyah! Can your sacrifice be smelt by God? By one sacrifice by Noah, the curse placed upon mankind through Adam was removed. God changed his mind because of one man's sacrifice. You too can change your world, you only need to take up the challenge and give the best of all.

Pray aloud: Lord, I offer all unto you!

Shalom
CAN YOU GIVE YOUR BEST?

Gen 22:19-20..."So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba. Now it came to pass after these things that it was told Abraham, saying; Indeed Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor."

You don't know the extent your sacrifice to God can go to bless you and people around you. One attribute that is gradually slipping away from the body of Christ is sacrificial given. Sacrifice means to give up precious things regardless of its value/profit thereby sometimes causing you a disadvantage. It is the surrendering of something prized or desirable to an higher authority.

When last did you sacrifice your possession, time, intellect or giftings for the sake of the gospel? Christians loose more when they lack sacrificial attitude towards God. In today's text, immediately Abraham came back from the mountain where he was to sacrifice Isaac, his brother whose wife had been barren gave birth. When you are reckless with your sacrifice, God is ready to embarrass you with His blessing.

Abraham was unrepentantly reckless in obeying to sacrifice Isaac, and because of that singular act, he became the father of faith, even members of his family immediate and extended were blessed. He became a reference point in christiandom till today. Do you wonder why up till now we still sing; "Abraham's blessings are mine". Its all because of an act of sacrifice.

When last did you sacrifice something that cost you unto God?

Shalom!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

IT IS GOOD

...and the gathering together of the waters called He seas; and God saw that it was GOOD- Gen 1:10 (2nd day).
...and God saw that it was GOOD- Gen 1:2 (3rd day).
...and to divide the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was GOOD- Gen 1:18 (4th day).

The earth was formless, void, chaotic and darkness was all over the face of the earth- Gen 1:1-2. It is worthy of note as stated above that on each day of creation God always declares; "IT IS GOOD". This was in spite of the fact that it was just the 2nd, 3rd or 4th day of creation. Creation was yet to finish, God was still at work yet He declared each day "GOOD".

The work God is doing in your life is GOOD, no matter the stage or the spot you are right now in your journey into purpose, please enjoy it and quit complaining. Even if it looks imperfect, your ability to see the GOODNESS in the present chaotic situation in your life is what should keep you going in the journey of life.

God had a purpose in mind going all the way to end on the sixth day, but in spite of the fact that the earth was still an unfinished business and still not what God intended on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th day, God continued to declare it GOOD on each day/stage. Your life is GOOD at the stage you are right now, you are a work in progress, God has not finished with you yet.

Behold, the sixth day of your journey into destiny is at hand. After the sixth day, God rested. I declare upon you today, you will soon enter into your rest also in Jesus name.

Declare it; My life is GOOD where I am right now!

Shalom!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

THE EFFICACY OF HIS WORD

Gen 1:1-3..."In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said; Let there be light, and there was light.

Bro and Sister, I don't care how chaotic the situation and circumstances of your life is, the moment the WORD of God is released over the situation it must change for the best. The earth was in chaos, formless, void and dark, but at the entrance of the WORD, the chaotic situation gave way. Please note carefully, the spirit of God was present and was moving, yet, the situation remains chaotic. Until the WORD was spoken, the creative power can't do anything!

Friend, no matter how spiritual you are, and no matter the level of annoiting you claim is upon you, but, if you are WORDLESS, you are a disaster going somewhere to happen. God is not moved by your crying and emotions. The only language the devil and his agents understand is the power of His WORD. God does not listen to your voice but His WORD behind your voice.

I want to throw you a challenge today; can you quote five scriptures concerning the issues of life you are dealing with and causing you problems? In Luke 7:7-9, the Centurion said to Jesus, you don't have to come to my house, just speak the WORD and I know my servant would be healed. Halleluyah! The Centurion recognised the power of His WORD. Do you?

Pray it aloud: I need your WORD Lord!

Shalom!

Monday, October 22, 2012

DARE TO BELIEVE HIS WORD

Luke 5:1-2 "So it was as the multitude press to hear the WORD of God...and He saw two boats standing by the lake,but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets."

Peter and his partners have toiled all night without catching a single fish, and they were washing their nets. In vs. 3, Jesus borrowed one of Peter's boats to teach the people that are gathered. Peter was a professional fisherman just like you are a professional in your own field. But, that night, his professionalism and expertise counted for nothing. He was already packing up the business just like someone reading this is about to give up on that business.

Something significant however happened, Jesus asked for use of Peters boat to preach the WORD. See vs. 4, "When He had stopped speaking He said to Simon, launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." The moment you are ready to surrender your business to God, a WORD that will change the chaotic situation your business is going through will come for you. The WORD has the capacity to locate the problem in your business and career and solve it. Only the WORD can locate your destiny and give you direction.

See vs. 5, "...Master we have toiled all night and caught nothing (an expert evaluation) but at your WORD I will let down the net". I challenge you to dare to believe His WORD and your life will change for the best. Peter caught so many fishes, his net was breaking and had to call others to help. I prophesy upon your life as you read this, that business you think is to small, you will soon call on others to come and partake from it in Jesus name! Your business/career receive life now through the power of His WORD!

Declare it aloud; The WORD works!

Shalom!

Friday, October 19, 2012

YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE FILLED WITH

John 2: 7..."Jesus said to them, 'Fill the water POTS with WATER'. And they filled them up to the brim".

The clay pots in the above text represents you and me, and the water represents the word of God. What the clay pots is filled with determines what will be drawn out of it. The question to you today is, what do you fill your life and your spirit with? It is very significant for a Christian to watch what he's been fed with and where he's been fed. If you feed/fill your spirit with garbage, garbage will be drawn out of you automatically!

The word of God is the only thing that you can feed your life and spirit with and will produce a greater dimension of impact for your life and within your sphere of influence. You will become a salt to your world. Now, let's see vs 8, "And He said to them, 'Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast'...". Jesus was very sure of what will be drawn out of those clay pots because He was sure of what He filled them with. Can a demand be placed on what you have been filling and feeding yourself with?

Friend, you are destined to bring forth new wine, but for new wine to be drawn out of you, you must have taken a conscious decision to load and soak yourself in the water of the word of God. That's the only guarantee for you to bring forth sweet wine. If you go further to vs 9, the master of the feast even acknowledge this new wine because the taste and the feeling was different.

Has your life so much ministered to non believers that they wonder how positive your life is impacting others and your environment? I encourage you to fill your life and spirit with the water of the word of God so that new wine can be drawn out of you.

Pray aloud; Fill me up Lord!

Shalom!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?

1Kings 17:1- "And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word'".

Do you know who you are? Knowing who you are will determine the kind of exploit you will do upon the face of the earth. In today's text, Elijah knew who he was, therefore, he was empowered to make a declaration and the heavens backed him up! Note carefully, Elijah said there shall not be dew nor rain for three years in the land except at his word, that is, except he gave a contrary declaration. Whao! Halleluyah!!

What gave Elijah such a confidence to declare that it is only by his own word? Not even by God's word. Elijah's confidence was in his location. Your location will determine your allocation and the kind of exploits you can perform in your journey into purpose. He said; "As the Lord lives, before whom I STAND...". Elijah was standing right! His location was also right! When you are standing right, you, I repeat, you alone is enough to deal with your adversaries.

Matt 18:18..."Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven...". Why it seems your word don't move your mountain is because you are yet to discover your location, that is, you are yet to know in whom you are standing.

Bro and Sister, I encourage you today to do a soul searching and find out where you are located. Can you be found in Him? When you are rightly located, you can call those things as be not as if they were. At your word, like Elijah, you can declare a thing, and it shall come to pass.

Declare it loudly; Lord, I seek a right standing in you!

Shalom!

Monday, October 15, 2012

FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS

Matt 14:28-30..."Then Peter called to him, Lord if its really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water. Yes, come, Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus. But when he SAW the strong wind and the waves he was terrified and began to sink".

My question to you this morning is; what are you fixing your eyes on? In the midst of all the trouble and challenges that you face in life, what you fix your eyes on for solution will determine if you are going to walk over those troubles of life or weather the trouble and challenges will sink you.

A lot of Christians are like Peter, they loose focus of Jesus, and they start to focus on the challenges around them. In vs 28, Peter was conscious of the presence of Jesus, he fixed his eyes on Jesus (not that the waves and turbulence was not present at the time) and just like Jesus, he walked upon the turbulent waters. Now, see vs 30, "But when he SAW the strong winds and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink". The moment he gave attention to the turbulence around him, he began to sink.

What you give attention to determines what responds to you. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not on the problem. The moment your eyes is taken off God, you will sink in the troubles of life. You have to look up to Jesus the author and finisher of your faith. A lot of Christians are so problem conscious, all they talk about is the problem but not the solver of the problem.

Fix your eyes on Him alone and you will see Jesus showing you the way to walk over the problem and challenges of your life.

Pray with me; Father, I fixed my gaze on you to ride upon every turbulent water of life!

Shalom!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

DISTRACTION IS A DESTINY KILLER

Gen 32:22-24..."And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok, he took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. Then Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day".

One of the greatest adversary of man is distraction, that is, lack of focus. If you are not sensitive in the spirit, distractions will take away your inheritance. A whole lot of Christians are in Church today but they are not focused to have an encounter with God in order to receive their blessing. They are busy with things that would not edify God. Some are busy with activities, gossip, and in fact, some are busy looking for sex in Church!

Jacob noticed that some things did not add up in his life, that he needed to focus on God devoid of any distractions. See what he did in our bible text for today. He sent away everything that could distract him from having an encounter with God. He sent his wives, children, servants and what he had over until he was ALONE. He was focused, resolute and determined to have a change of status, a change of name and a change of circumstances. He refused to let God go until he was blessed.

See vs 28 "And He said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob,but Isreal,for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed. Halleluyah!!
When last did you create time out to be with the Lord? Stop giving excuses,it is time to do away with every distractions around you and focus on God so you can receive the blessing that will propel you to the next level.

Jacob took a decision and his life never remained the same and through his lineage Jesus came into the world. You can take a decision today. Do away with those magazines, books, switch off that TV, stop back biting, gossips, do away with friends and associates that does not add value to your life, and get focused on God.

Pray aloud; Father, grant me the grace to do away with distractions and to be focus on you in jesus name!

Shalom!
LET THE FOURTH MAN APPEAR FOR YOU

Dan 3:24-25..."The King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, did we not cast three men bound in to the midst of the fire? They answered and said to the king; True, O king. Look! he answered, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the son of God".

Halleluyah!!!

Friend, when you stand for God, He will stand for you in times of trouble. The question is; who are you standing up with? There is power in standing up together. "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I would also be"-Matt.18:20.

When Christians stand together, in one mind and in one accord, God will always manifest and come down in His glory and power. I am sure the day of pentecost readily come to your mind here-Acts 2:1. Unfortunately, the devil is frantically fighting and waging war against the standing up together of God's people because the devil understand the power there in even more than a lot of christians.

What happens when the children of God stand up together is always powerful. Standing together in one accord by the children of God is a powerful tool to defeat and deplete the camp of the devil. With standing together, power will descend and the unbelievers will see the manifestation of His power and come to the knowledge of our God.

Hear what king Nebudchanezzar said; "...and the form of the fourth man is like the son of God". That is pure revelation, rhema at its best! Flesh and blood did not reveal that to the king. The standing up together of Shadrac, Meshac and Abednego brought the Son of God down even into the fire that the enemy meant for evil. Jesus will always appear where His children are standing up together in faith. Friend, are you going through a situation that seems like a fire on account of your standing up for God? Don't despair, the fourth man will appear for you in Jesus name!

Pray with me; As I stand for you, God let the fourth man appear for me!

Shalom!

Monday, October 8, 2012

YOUR STANDING UP IS FOR A FAR MORE GREATER PURPOSE

Dan 3:16-18..."Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand O king. But if not, let it be known to you O king that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the golden image which you have set up'".

There is someone out there that need encouragement today. Your standing up and standing alone without compromising is not in vain. I bless God for your life for taking the decision, and for making a choice like the three hebrew men, Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego to stand up for the King of kings.

I want you to know, that, it is by grace that you are able to stand, and it might be for a time like this. Believe me, a lot of people are weak, hurting and pauperised. These are the people you are standing up for God for. You are standing up for the downtrodden, widows, new converts, the poor, orphans etc. Your standing up is given them strength. They are drawing strength from the choice you made to stand and be counted. You have become a yardstick for them to measure their own work and walk in faith.

You can't afford to let them down, you can't take your hand away from the plough now. When they look up and see you still standing, they also draw grace, strength and encouragement to crawl out and climb out of the misery the devil have hitherto kept them. Now, they have the Confidence that if you can stand, unwavered, they too can stand.

Are you the one am writing to today? I congratulate you because you are making history. Souls are been touched because of the grace of God upon your life to stand and be counted.

Pray it aloud; Lord, I refuse to back down, I stand up for the weak and I draw grace to still stand for God!

Shalom!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?

Dan 3:12..."There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up."

It is pertinent to explain the background of these three Hebrew men in Babylon so you will appreciate and understand the choices they made to stand up and stand alone for God. They were king Nebuchadnezzars right hand men. It was not a joke to become Governors in a foreign land where they were supposed to be slaves. Here, they had the ear of the king, they live in official quarters, I guess they have official vehicles, staffs at their beck and call and all the apparatus and pecks of office. In short, they were important members of the kings cabinet.

By the kings decree, they have to make a choice between the enjoyment of the office they hold, the favour they enjoy from the king, or the choice of God's calling. I challenge you today, are you ready to be on the Lord's side when there is a conflict between the enjoyment and luxury of the position you have attained in life, or the call to stand for your faith and with God? Even if there is a possibility you will loose everything your present status confers on you, are u ready to stand up for God?

Brother and Sister, a whole lot in this generation (christians) have sold their souls to the devil because of monetary gratification & power. Where are the Shadrac, Meshac and Abednego of this generation? Christians are ready to compromise at the drop of a coin...what a pity! I want you to know that you don't stand up for God and be a looser. When you stand, what you do will stand the test of time because He is not a man that he should lie or the son of man that He should repent. God is still looking for remnants who can stand like those three Hebrew men. Are you one of them?

Declare it loudly; Father,nothing will take me away from making the choice to stand for you.

Shalom!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

STAND EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO STAND ALONE

Dan 3:16-18..."Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand O king. But if not, let it be known to you O king that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the golden image which you have set up'".

We are all familiar with the story of this three hebrew men. My question to you today is; what are you standing up for? These men stood up and stood alone not minding the consequence of the king's decree. A man that would serve God must be ready to dare the devil and stand alone even when others are ready to compromise. Check yourself; in what way have you compromised the gospel of the Lord when faced with dire situation that tend to question your faith in God?

If the three hebrew men had bowed down like others, their names would have gone into the dustbin of history. Rather, history was made because they stood up and they stood alone. The defining moment in the history of your life is that you are alive today, that is, there is an history for you to make. What do you stand for? If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything and everything.

Friend, I call you today, stand up for God just like Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego stood up and they became a reference point till today.

Pray with me; Father, I stand up for you, grant me the grace to still stand.

Shalom!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

A SINGLE ENCOUNTER IS ENOUGH

Acts 9:3-4..."As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'"

Until you have an encounter with Him, the journey into destiny will be a fruitless one. Can you imagine, that until this encounter, Saul was experiencing destiny diversion because he was not doing what God purposed for him in life.

One of the devices that the devil uses to cage the children of God is to make you zealous for the things that look Godly, so that, you will think and feel you are in purpose. As far as a man is in that fruitless journey, purpose is denied and success will be like a mirage. But, the day you have an encounter with the giver of all good things, the journey of your life will change for good.

The moment you encounter God and the light of His word, your name will change, your status will change and you will get into the part of destiny. Saul became Paul, he also became an Apostle through a single encounter with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Today, Paul is a reference point in everything pertaining to christianity, he performed great exploits just through one encounter!

It is time for your name to be heard abroad by the instrumentality of a single encounter with Jehovah. Your status is about to change because your destiny will receive a touch of heaven! Halleluyah!!

I declare upon you today, a change of name for good, a change of purpose into God's purpose for your life in Jesus name! Amen!

Shalom!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

BEWARE OF FRUITLESS JOURNEY

Acts 9:1-2 "Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the Synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem".

Often times, people have been zealous for evil purposes without knowing it themselves. Today, I want you to pause and check every activities or past time you are involved in to find out if they are truly part of your destiny. Saul was on an evil journey but he did not know. He was close to the highest authority in the land, thereby he was able to get a letter to persecute the followers of Christ. This is a serious destiny diversion but because of his high level of educational, religious and political attainment, he believed he was on the right track. Saul believed he was doing God's will. What a deception!

Bro and Sister, if you don't take time to check yourself to see if what you are doing right now is part of the purpose of God for your life, it is a dangerous thing. Your closeness to power and your achievement educationally, politically and economically is not a pointer that you are doing God's will. The devil often use this to deceive the children of God in a very subtle way especially if one is not sensitive enough to know that, it is not every journey that is ordained by God.

See vs.3a..."As he journeyed he came near Damascus...". Saul embarked on a fruitless journey to carry out evil intentions. Where is your own journey taking you to? Is your journey ordained by God or by the authority you answer to?

Pray with me; Father, I refuse to embark on a fruitless journey!

Shalom!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

ONE THING

Luke 10:40-42...But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me." "And Jesus answered and said, to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But ONE THING is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

What takes your attention? What do you spend your time on? Many christians have given much time to 'activities' in the Church and have neglected the ONE THING that is most important. Both Martha and Mary were in the Church but each was giving attention to two different things. A lot of people are in the Church today but the Church is not in them.

Friends, the world we live today is full of pleasurable distractions just like the one that Martha involved herself in. Note, Martha was not doing anything wrong, after all, she was preparing meal for Jesus and the rest of them. Likewise, a lot of christians are giving more attention to a whole lot of activities and religious rituals in church to the neglect of that ONE THING.

To show the seriousness of the matter, Jesus repeated Martha's name twice. Activities and religiousity will not grant you eternal life. The ONLY THING that guarantee eternal life is to give attention to HIS WORD just like Mary did. Brother and Sister, ONE THING is needed and that one thing can not be taken away from you. Most of the things people give attention to is ephemeral, it does not last long, it would fail ultimately, only the WORD OF GOD never fails.

Mary came to an understanding that there is one type of food that you partake in and you will never go hungry again. But, Martha was busy looking after a food that can not last, the type you eat and you will go hungry again. What are you giving attention to in your life?

Pray it aloud; Lord, I seek that ONE THING today!

Shalom

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

THE POWER IN THE WORD

Luke 5:17- "Now it happened on a certain day as He was teaching, that their were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem. And the POWER of the Lord was present to heal them".

Where the word of God is, there is POWER! Friend, I come to you today to challenge you to check on which ground you are standing on. It is a pity that the body of Christ is no more experiencing the power of God. Anywhere the word of God is preached, the only sign to show that truly God is there, is that power will descend and the people will feel and know it and be delivered.

There are too many Bible scholars in our world today whose only pre-occupation is to give lectures and tell Bible stories. Often, they are very eloquent and they speak impeccable English language but their teaching lacks power because they are empty. People have been deceived with sharp designer suit wearing Pastors and their motivational speaking style laced with tongue speaking, but at the end of the day, the people depart the way they came without any impartation.

In the text today, Jesus was teaching and the Bible recorded that POWER descended. That is the hallmark of the teaching/preaching of the word. The word of God must convince, convict, impart, heal, change, deliver and lift people into purpose. If you attend a Church where the teaching/preaching of the word is not impacting your life positively please leave and seek God elsewhere.

The word of God is sharper than a two edged sword piercing into the bone marrow...Immediately after pentecost, when Peter preached, the Bible recorded that over three thousand was added unto the disciples- that is the power of the Word!

I challenge you today to seek where the word of God is drawing the power of God down for the healing of His people.

Pray with me: father, let the power of your word work in my life.

Shalom!

Monday, September 17, 2012

I STAND

Though I was born with no silver spoon
I stand.

Though my cradle was not laid with fine warm linen
I stand.

Though I crawl in the dirt of the cold mornings
I stand.

The meal might not have been three squared
I stand.

Though I trod the cold ground of the mornings with sliced feet
I stand.

My learning might have stuttered
I stand.

Though the golden fleece was like a mirage
I stand.

The world questioned; Who are you? Yet,
I stand.

For I know who I am, therefore,
I stand.

I am extraordinary because I know who I am, hence,
I stand.


Saturday, September 15, 2012

LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE...

Luke 2:37..."Now when they heard this (WORD), they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles; men and brethren, what shall we do?

Has the word of God cut your heart so deep enough that you are desirous of sharing that God type of love? Don't be deceived, the earthly love is limited, and it discriminates. There is no love in the natural human heart. Love can only spring from the recreated human spirit, that is, a heart that has been touched by the incorruptible word of God.

Until you receive eternal life, (born again) that is, the nature of God, you can't be a love man. You can only have a sense knowledge of love which is not real. God is a love God. Love is His nature. When you become born again, you receive the nature of God. That nature brings into you LOVE, and you build that love by feeding on God's word. The word is the only source of strength for the recreated human spirit; the only source of building the God like kind of LOVE. Love can't be built on your abstract reasoning, its only built by acting on the word. When you meditate on the word, you built love in your spirit. That's the kind of love that endures, its the kind of love that loves the unlovables.

Friend, you have to desire it. It does not drop on your laps just like that. See the text today; the people asked the apostles, "what shall we do?" Until you ask, you can't receive. The world have perverted love because they don't understand it, it takes a desire to know God and take on His nature for you to be able to appropriate it. The love of God is supreme, its the most excellent way, it lifts us outside ourselves and allows us to see beyond the natural range of human vision. Love of God inspires us to transcend who we are tempted to settle for. It defines us and shapes us into the person we were originally designed to be. Believe me brother and sister, no financial gratification in the world can pay for it!

Pray for LOVE today.

Shalom!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

SEARCH UNTIL YOUR JOY IS FULL

Luke 15:8-9..."Or that woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?"

The plan of God for you is to be fulfilled in all areas of your live. Whoever is telling you anything to the contrary is telling you a big lie. God is a God of completeness, the plan of God for you is to have everything He has planned and purpose for you. The only thing that can stop you is you! The woman lost a coin out of ten, but until she found the lost coin her joy was not complete. You are destined to be complete and settled on all sides.

Friend, this woman kept searching until her joy was full. Note how she went searching and looking for that last thing that completed her joy;

1) She lit a lamp- "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path"- Psl 119:105. Its only through the word of God that you can find lasting solutions to the missing joy in your life. With the lamp of the word of God you see yourself better and see the future from the eye of the word.

2) She sweep the house- she did away with every filth, uncleanliness, past and old garbage, she renewed her relationships. It takes the WORD to get illumination to sweep away old garbage preventing you to have joy back in your life. Even Jesus had to clean up His father's house from filth and perversion- Matt. 21:12.

3) She searched until answer came- Do you give up easily? Continue to use the lamp (word) to clear and clean up, and continue to search. She never took her hand off the plough. She continued to seek God until she found what was lost. She never gave up!

I challenge you today to keep using the lamp to sweep and continue to search. Pray, seek him by faith in season and out of season. All this incubates that which God is about to do, the longer the incubating period, the bigger the joy to complete your life.

Pray with me; I will find that which completes my Joy IJN!

Shalom!
CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?

Have you ever considered if Abraham informed his wife, Sarah about the fact that God instructed him to take their only son, Isaac and sacrifice him on mount Moriah? Your guess is as good as mine. "And Abraham said to his young men, stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you"- Gen.22:5.

Do you also notice that, Abraham did not also tell his servants who travelled with him on this journey? The last time Abraham's wife knew about the fact that God promised him a son from his own loins, she persuaded Abraham to have a child through her maid. At every moment you want to figure out God's instruction with your own sense knowledge, it would always lead to chaos. This time around, Abraham kept this instruction to himself, he did not tell Sarah, not even the servants who travelled with him.

A lot of people have short changed and diverted their own destinies because they are too flippant. It is not everything about your life that you should talk to people about. I call it verbal diarrhoea- talking too much and inability to keep secret. Believe me brother and sister, you must have a secret!

It is not everything about God's plan for your life and destiny that must be shared with other people. Your life should not be an open editorial. Friend, some things are best kept secret until the day of their showing. Either you like it or not, it is not every one that wants your head lifted- that is a fact! Even people around you who meant well for you might give you a wrong interpretation of what God is asking you to do thereby leading to destiny derailment.

When there is a divine instruction, wait on God like Abraham did, and the God of the instruction will show you the way to go.

Pray with me; Father, I ask for grace to keep divine secret.

Shalom!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

OBEDIENCE IS KEY

Gen 22:2- "Then He said, take now your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."

Faith is a key component of our christian work and walk with God. Its what gives us the ability to appropriate what belongs to us from the throne of grace. But, today I want us to talk about obedience. Your faith is anchored on your ability to obey and do that which God is asking you to do. To obey is to be faithful. God attach a lot of importance to the issue of obedience, until you pass the test of obedience, you are not qualified to be called faithful. Abraham is called the father of faith, but have you taken time to find out what qualified him to be called so? Time and time again, God will always test and qualify his people with their ability to obey His instructions.

What will qualify you for your breakthrough is your ability to obey God no matter how seemingly difficult the instruction looks like. Abraham took his son, his only son, whom he loves to be sacrificed as God as instructed. He obeyed God without any question and off he went.

Friend, the tougher the instruction, the greater the blessing God is about to unleash on you. The ram was already waiting for Abraham. Research says that a Ram can not climb an height as high as mount Moriah. This goes to show that every step you take in obedience, the Ram is waiting for you at the top. When you obey the seemingly impossible instruction, God is ready to bless you with what the world will call impossible blessing. When you radically obey, God will radically bless you in return.

Pray with me: Father grant me the grace for obedience.

Shalom!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

GET OVER YOURSELF

Luke 15:1-7, 11-32. In continuation of the story of the prodigal son and his older brother....."So he answered and said to His father, lo, these many years I have been serving you, I never transgressed your commandments at anytime, and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might make merry with my friends"- vs.29.

The fact that you are serving God, without sin, and being able to overcome temptation is by the grace of God that is upon you. In the above bible text, count how many "I" that the older brother used when he was talking to his father. He believed "I" did everything. He refused to acknowledge the fact that he might have ended up like his younger brother if not for the grace of God. "Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall"- 1Cor. 10:12.

That you are staying in the house of the father, strong, obeying and serving is not accomplished by you. The grace in the Fathers house kept you- Heb 12:28. Also, while you are serving in the Father's house, lack ye anything? Its all due to the grace of the Father. Be very careful, if you acknowledge God in all your life, all will be yours, but if you fail to, all can be taken away from you. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths"- Prov.3:6.

Friend, outside of God and His grace, you and I are nothing! "Know that the Lord, He is God. It is He who has made us and not we ourselves..."- Prov. 100:3. "But by the grace of God I am what I am"-1Cor. 15:10a.

Now, the question is; how do I deal with "I"? Beloved, an exchange must take place. "I" will have to give up what "I" have to take what He has for my life. "I" have to take what He has for my life. "I" must be crucified, then "I" no longer live. Gal 2:20-21.

Pray with me; "I" must die in Jesus name!

Shalom!

Friday, September 7, 2012

GRACE KEPT YOU IN THE HOUSE

Luke 15:1-7,11-32.
"So he answered and said to His father, Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandments at anytime, and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might make merry with my friends"- vs. 29.

We all know the parable of the prodigal son as recorded in the text for today, but the focus is not on the prodigal son but his older brother who was obedient and was at home serving the father. Are you like the older brother who feels that its by his own power that he was able to stay at home serving the father? Do you think because you are a Pastor, a worship leader, Usher or a worker in Church, you are superior to that man struggling with his christian life and faith?

It is time to know that, the same grace that brought the younger son to his senses, to go home is the same grace that kept the older brother in the house. The fact that you are serving God and faithful does not give you the right to look down on those who are weak in faith and are in sin. After all, he came for such that are struggling because the healthy need no physician but the one who is sick. "Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained saying, 'this man receives sinners and eats with them'"- vs. 1-2. Are you like the Pharisees?

Friend, it is only the grace of the father that kept you standing in His house. The moment you start to think like the older brother of the prodigal son, that thinks its all by his power and effort, you've missed it. The prodigal son, that is, that sinner is also created in the image of the father, and grace is still available to bring him to the knowledge and love of the father.

Pray with me; Lord, keep me grounded that I might know am standing by your grace.

Shalom!
SIN IS A SINKER

2Sam 11:1-4, 12:11-15
Sin is a sinker! If care is not taken, it can sink you into the abyss of total destruction. I believe you are familiar with the story of David and Bathsheba, and how David planned the death of her husband, Uriah after he had sexual relationship with her. There are two basic truth you need to know concerning the act of sin and also the grace of God to pull us out of the sinking ship of sin into eternal life.

First, stop acting smart, things you are hiding from man is not hidden from God- 2Sam12:12. Second, you know what is wrong before you do it. That is why David committed additional sin by killing Uriah, Bathsheba's husband. He knew before and after committing the sin that it was wrong. Don't blame other people and don't blame the devil. Its wrong to pass the bulk and blame others for your own mistake.

Beloved, believe me, it is an act of mercy for your sin to be exposed. If you read through today's text, David did not run away from God after his sin was exposed, rather he pressed towards God for mercy. Don't run away from God when you blow it, rather run towards Him. Don't let regret, shame and guilt hold you down. For a man who is forgiven, guilt can not hold him down.

When you sin, you have only broken fellowship, but not relationship with God. Our God is a merciful God. Above all, there is power and grace available to do what is right after doing what is wrong.

Cry unto Him today; Father, forgive and have mercy upon me!

Shalom!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

OUR GOD IS PROGRESSIVE

Rom 8:19
God is a God of process and a God of little beginnings. He does not start anything big, that is why you as a person is a work in progress. When you were born is not the same time you became an adult. God is a progressive God.

Your revealing will also take a process. Don't despair, and don't be too much in a hurry. If you appear before your time, you will disappear before your time. " For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God". Your revealing is sure, it would happen.

God has shown from ages that He is a progressive God in the way He deals with His people. Even, your righteousness took a process and progression. It started with a lamb for a man to atone for sin, after that, a lamb for a family, then a lamb for a whole nation and finally a LAMB for the whole world. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for you and me.

Your first level of your work and walk is KNOWING HIM..."That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection..."-Phil 3:10. When you know Him, then, you receive AUTHORITY and POWER "...He who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will also do, and greater works than these he would do"-John 14:12. When you encounter and receive His power and authority, you are able to operate in the next level which is prosperity, "...beloved, I pray you may prosper in ALL things and be in health, just as your soul prospers". At this point all you seek after is holiness so you can be worthy to stand all the time. "Worship the Lord in the beauty of His HOLINESS"-(living in love).

Your work and walk of faith takes a process and progression so is your journey into destiny. Don't flinch, don't panic, just keep pressing towards the mark and I can assure you that your future is guaranteed!

Say it loud; I am on a marathon, not a dash! I will get there!

Shalom!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

CAN GOD COUNT ON YOU?

Matt. 1:18-25
God will not make use of vessels that have not been tested and prepared. This is why your walk and work with God must be sure. Your heart must be right because that is what God looks at to choose those He would qualify and make use of for great exploits.

What would you do if you know that the woman, a virgin, that you are engaged to be married to is pregnant? Especially, when you are a Jew and you know the consequence of a woman getting pregnant out of wedlock. Your guess is as good as mine.

See vs. 19..."Then Joseph being a JUST man and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly". It takes maturity, a good and compassionate heart to do what Joseph did. What kind of heart do you carry? God is still looking for men whose heart are turned and tuned to Him.

Also, can God speak for you like He spoke concerning David in Acts 13:22..."And when He had removed Him, He raised up for them David as King, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who WILL do ALL my will'". Can God give this testimony about you? Can He trust you with what is precious to Him and His kingdom? God trusted David to rule over Isreal, His chosen people. He trusted Joseph to treat Mary with respect and compassion.

No wonder, from the lineage of David, Joseph the carpenter, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ was also born- Matt 1:16. Where are the Josephs of this generation?

Pray with me; Lord, I rise and stand to be counted among the Josephs of this generation in Jesus mighty name!

Shalom!

Monday, September 3, 2012

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR AN ANGELIC VISITATION?

The immaculate conception by the virgin Mary would continue to be a mystery and one of the greatest miracle of God against the devil. Have you ever wondered what qualified Mary for the divine assignment? Mary was in her late teens at the time of her conception and already engaged to Joseph, the carpenter.

The Bible confirmed that grace and divine favour singled Mary out for the assignment but, I discovered that there was something more that qualified her. This very attribute is lacking in many young christian women of this generation. See vs. 38..."Then Mary said, behold the maid servant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word...". Also, see vs. 45..."Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfilment of those things which were told her from the Lord".

Yes, Mary was a recipient of God's gracious mercy. Nevertheless, according to vs. 38 and 45, Mary's OBEDIENCE and FAITH are clearly a model worth emulating among young christian women of today. As young as she was (teenager), she knew God intimately, she was faithful, obedient and was able to distinguish the voice of an angel. It was because she knew the voice that is of God. There was no confusion on her path about whether the voice was of God or not.

Imagine how a young lady who knows the consequence of getting pregnant out of wedlock in her jewish culture and yet was able to declare..."May it be unto me as you have spoken". How are we training our young women today? Are we training them to know and be able to hear and know the voice that is of God? Or is it only the voice of money and the perishable material things of this world that they recognise? Where are the Mary's of this generation?

Pray with me; the grace to train our young women father grant unto me.

Shalom!

Friday, August 31, 2012

DO YOU KNOW GOD?

Do you know God? Please think very well before you answer the question. I am not asking you if you know God by what your Pastor told you about Him, or what you heard of Him from your friend. I am asking you if you can answer that question like David did in vs. 1a..."O God, You are my God...".

Friend, it takes a personal knowledge and revelation to know God. Its not by mere rhetoric and slogan. The God we serve is a personal God. Its either you know him personally, that is, on a personal level or you don't know him at all. God is seeking for those who will come to a personal knowledge of Him so He can make them a wonder to their generation. To know Him is to seek Him, its for you soul to thirst for Him and for your flesh to long for Him-vs.1b.

Beloved, God can only be introduce to you but it takes a personal longing to get to know Him. If you want to experience power, favour, Glory and abundant life you have to LOOK for Him- Psl 3:2. You can't serve this God on the platform of another man's revelation. The best any man can do for you is to preach Him to you, but to experience the workings of God in your life; it takes a personal work and walk with Him.

Hear what David said, "because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you-vs.3. It takes a man that have experienced God to make such a statement. When you know God, you know what LOVE is. Love is God personified, and to experience that kind of love from God to the extent that you know its better than life, you must have touched God's heart. Are you ready to seek Him and know Him today? Do you want to experience His abundant love today?

Declare it loudly; Father, I want to know you!

Shalom!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

THE FLESH KILLS

Do you often believe you have the will power to resist the devil and his evil machinations? Are you often tempted and you feel that, so far you've been able to resist the temptations by your will power? If you are in this category, am sorry to burst your bubble, your will power won't take you far in the long run.

Friend, the flesh is strong and powerful and its ability to resist evil is totally limited. Read vs 12-13..."Therefore, brethren, we are debtors-not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit, you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live". Believe me, the flesh will fail you! It takes heaven to send an angel to strengthen Jesus while praying before His cruxifiction.

The only guarantee to live a victorious life over sin and evil is to live in the Spirit. Its only the Spirit of God that guarantees you to live like the sons of God-vs. 14. When there is an in dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in you, then you can live an overcomers life. Its only by the Spirit of God that you are no more under the bondage of fear and sin-vs. 15.

Beloved, its only by the spirit of God that you become as bold as a lion to resist temptation and sin because you are indeed a son of the Lion of the tribe of Judah!

Pray with me; Father, I choose to live in the Spirit!

Shalom!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

YOU ARE CREATED TO FINISH STRONG

Gen 2:1-3..."Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were FINISHED. And on the SEVENTH day God ENDED His work which He had done and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done".

The God we serve is a God that finishes whatever He has started. I have got a good news for you today if you feel abandoned. Perhaps, you started a journey, or a project and it seems you got to the middle of the road and you are stuck. Don't despair because the God that you serve has a 'finishing mentality'. How dare you think you will not finish, that the journey or the project will not be concluded, that the journey or the project would not be accomplished?

You are created in His image, therefore you carry God's DNA. You have a finishing mentality like the God who created you. God FINISHED His work. He ENDED His work on the SEVENTH day (7 is a number of perfection). Even, your creation was perfected, you are fearfully and wonderfully created in His image, therefore, you have the innate ability to finish, bring to an end, and to perfection anything whatsoever you lay your hands upon to do.

Work with God in whatever you are doing. From the foundation of the world, all what you will do and accomplish in life have been finished and perfected on the cross of calvary. Jesus said, it is finished! Call those things that seems not as if they were and shame the devil and his host. You will finish that academic pursuit, that wedding plan would not just be a plan, you will finish it. That building project would be finished. You will finish that journey in the mighty name of Jesus!

The world is waiting for your manifestation therefore, you can't afford to loose steam. Common! Its time to finish up!

Confess it loudly; I will finish strong!

Shalom!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

HE'S IN CONTROL NOT YOU

It is quite ironical how a lot of people nowadays always think they have to be in total control of everything. Are you a control freak? Do you panic when it seems you are loosing control? In fact, many put in a lot of checks and balances, and plan, re-plan, strategies, re-strategies and do everything humanly possible to prevent failure and danger to themselves.

Are you afraid of the future that you freak out when it seems some things in your life is not measuring up to your projections? Here is a question for you; when you were not aware of your own existence as a human being, who was in control of your life that you so much plan for now? When you were born, I believe some babies did not make it to be born alive, were you the one who made it possible for you to be born? As a toddler, you took so many risk unknowingly that might have led to serious danger because you don't know better but yet, you were kept save.

Psalm 27:9-10..."But You (Lord) are He who took me out of the womb. You made me trust while on my mothers breast. I was cast upon You from my birth". Also, see Psalm 139:15-16..."My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed".

Friends, you have to ask for forgiveness if you have been too controlling of your life and your future. The one who created you, who formed you when you were not even aware of yourself is able to keep you and give you a secure and wonderful future, all you have to do is, trust Him! He promised in His word that; "I will engrave you in the hollow of my hands so that your walls shall continually be before me". Beloved, do you need a better assurance in life than this?

Pray with me; Father, I surrender all.

Shalom!

Monday, August 27, 2012

DROP THE BAGGAGE

The journey to the top is a personal endeavour. One of the greatest undoing of man is partial obedience. Its either you want to obey God or not. Man is the most difficult of all God's creation because we never follow God's direction/instruction whole heartedly.

Disobedience is an enemy of elevation and breakthrough. See Gen. 12:4..."So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him...". Compare this verse to vs.1..."Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house...". Now, the question is; why did Abram took LOT along? God's instruction is always very clear and concise, but man is always disobedient.

Friend, you don't go to the top with multitude and hangers on. This is not a call not to help family members and friends, but believe me, until you can carry yourself, you can't carry anyone. Further in this story it was revealed that Lot became a major problem for Abraham on the long run. Wisdom is profitable to direct. God in His infinite wisdom knows that for you to succeed in life, there must be a personal journey you have to undertake.

Bro & Sis, I don't know the baggage you are carrying along on your journey into destiny that has been slowing you down. It is time to drop it and travel light and faster so that you can achieve your God given goal. A lot of destinies have been aborted by enemy within because you are not sensitive in the spirit. You are carrying on with people who are enemies but appear as friends.

Beloved, it is time to offload! It is time to follow God's instruction to the letter so that your breakthrough can manifest.

Cry unto God today; Lord, I offload every baggage!

Shalom!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

DEPART THE OLD FOR THE NEW

Gen.12:4..."So Abram DEPARTED as the Lord had spoken to him..".

Until there is a departure on your side, there is no movement into destiny. Abram acted on God's instruction and departed, he made a total departure from his past and all the things that have held him down hitherto.

This is a call to you to make a total departure from your past, your old habits, old character and old philosophy of life. Where God is taken you can not accommodate your old ways of life. Abram had to depart from his idol worshipping past to embrace the worship of the almighty God. Bro & Sis, what is the idol that you worship in your heart and in your life? Is it money, fame, position, sex or your degrees? God is saying to you today; DEPART!

Friend, you can't mix and match with God, its either you want to serve God or not. There must be a total paradigm shift on your part in order for you to enjoy the totality of God's blessing. You can't afford to be neither hot nor cold, He said, He would spit you out of His mouth! I can assure you that being with Him is the greatest thing you will ever experience in life.

If you read vs. 1-3 again, you will see the promises of God to Abram which by extension is to you also. Are you still in doubt about your future? Don't just sing the slogan, 'Abraham blessing is mine'. Before that blessing can be yours you have a part to play. Play your part by DEPARTING and there after, enter into the highway of God's abundant blessing for your life.

Confess it loudly: I am departing!

Shalom!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

THE JOURNEY WILL SPEAK GREATNESS

Gen.12:2-3..."I will make you a GREAT NATION, I will bless you, and make your NAME great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you; and in you all the FAMILIES of the earth shall be blessed". I have often said that when God demands a river from you, He only wants to give you an ocean. The plan of God is to make you a great nation, why hold on to the small island in your hand?

In the above Bible passage, you can see the benefit of Abram's obeying the call of God eventually. You are a spiritual child of Abraham and God had promised that through him all the families of the earth shall be blessed. If you look very well with your spiritual eyes, you will realise that where God is taking you to is a great place compare to where you are.

In Gen. 12:1..."Get out of your country". In vs 2, the result of obeying that instruction is that; "I will make you a great nation". Where you are, you are insignificant, you are just a part of a crowd but God is saying; I want to birth a new nation through you. Also, in vs 1, God says; "get out from your family and from your father's house", and in vs 3, God promises him; "and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. It is even a disservice to your family not to answer the call of God. Also, God said, "I will make your name great" and 'Abram' became 'Abraham' and till today that name is synonymous with blessing and its known all over the. World. Why settle for less when God wants to make you a blessing to numerous families world wide?

Friend, destinies of numerous people are tied to yours, if you fail they will also fail. You can't afford to hold on to the small place you are. God is asking you to trust Him absolutely. Those that put their trust in Him will never fail.

Pray today; Father, I trust you to give me double for my trouble!

Shalom!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

YOUR BLESSING IS LOCKED IN YOUR INSTRUCTION

Every blessing is always first preceded by an instruction. Our God is a God of order and organisation. That is why He does not look at faces but adherence to His instructions and principle. In Gen 12:1..."Now the Lord had said to Abram: Get out of your COUNTRY, from your FAMILY, and from your FATHER'S HOUSE to a land that I will show you". Please note in the first sentence that Abram is not just receiving this instruction for the first time; "Now the Lord had said to Abram". How many times have you received instruction but you refused to make a move? The greatest undoing of man is flouting instructions. Until you make a move, God will not move! He's waiting for you to move.

Also, the 3 major things that holds men down are; his country, his family and his fathers house. The greatest enemy of man is that of his household. God is a personal God and He wants to meet with you as an individual but for so long you've allowed the sentimentality of where you are and the people you are with to hold you down. You are too attached to your root but God is saying until there is a separation there is no lifting. God had been calling Abram but he was held down by the love of country, family and father's house whereas God want to make a nation out of him.

Friend, what do you have in your hand today that you can't give up? Until you detach yourself from some people in your family and circle of friends you can't receive the promises of God for your life. God is calling on you today to give up and give in to Him!

It is time to listen to that inner voice in you. The spirit of God is reinforcing the fact that it is time for your exodus to the promise land. Would you listen to the voice of God today?

Cry unto God today; Father, I am ready!

Shalom!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

HE DIED THAT YOU MAY RECEIVE AND BE THE BEST

Have you ever wondered like me, what is the benefit of serving God? Let's be real today dear friend, do you also wonder like me, what is in it for me? Especially, if things don't just add up in your life, yet you are serving and trusting God. Do you feel depressed about this sometimes? Am I talking to someone today? Can you relate to this line of thoughts? Please, take time to read Rev. 5:1-12.

Beloved, by accepting Jesus as your Lord and saviour, you've become a heir and a joint heir with Christ. Who is an HEIR? It is a person inheriting a trait, inheritance or/and responsibility. You have been bought by the blood therefore, you have right because you have also been made right by the blood of Christ. By this conclusion, you have right to your fathers house and inheritance as a joint heir with Jesus Christ. See vs. 12..."saying with a loud voice: worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive POWER and RICHES and WISDOM and STRENGHT and HONOUR and GLORY and BLESSING".

Bro & Sis, who do you think Jesus received all the above for? For who did he die? Am sure He did not die for the angels, the devil or for Himself. He did not need these things. He received it all for ME and YOU! Hallelujah! In order words, what is the need in your life that He can't provide or meet? Why do you worry when your Father is the owner of a thousand cattle upon the hills! He created the heavens and the earth and all that is there in. Friend, I challenge you to change your mentality and look up to Jesus, the author and the finisher of your faith.

Everything you will ever need in life has been retrieved back for you through the cross by His one perfect sacrifice. You are a HEIR why do you have the mentality of a slave? Stop wondering and start acting like son.

Throughout today, sing the song of vs. 13 made popular by Ron Kennoly and see God rise up for you and your situation*music*....blessing and honour, glory and power...be unto the ancient of days...*music* O:) .

Shalom!
WORSHIP FOR WHO HE IS

Psalm 95:6-7--"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God, and we are the apple of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand".

Have you ever in your journey in life thought it fit to worship God for who He is and not for what He can do for you? Has your worship always been tied to the blessing you are expecting from Him? Friend, God created us for His pleasure, to worship Him, adore Him, rever Him and proclaim His power and relevance. The main reason why you have to worship Him is because He is a GREAT GOD!

Bro & Sis, in the place of true worship, that is, when you worship Him without any expectation but for the LOVE you have for Him, for who He is, in fact, that is where you get the most blessings. Paul and Silas worshipped Him and they received their freedom. Most of the things you have been praying for will only take a true worship of the almighty God for the answers to come down. Worship brings you into His throne room. Halleluyah!

Believe me friend, the only authentic duty of the house of God is to bring his glory down. His glory can only be brought down for you in an atmosphere of true worship. I challenge you start practising praise and worship here on earth because that's what surrounds His throne in heaven. The only ticket that grant you access before the throne of God is your ability to worship Him for who He is- Rev 5:11-12.

You may want to ask, how do I worship? You worship God:
1) With your word- call His acts, His names and His deeds- Psl 18.
2)With your songs- sing unto the Lord- Ex 15:1-2,11, Eph 5:19.
3) With your dance- Ex 15:20, Psl 149:3, 2Sam 6:14.
4)With a joyful shout- Psl 47:1,5, 100:1.
5) With your given- Psl 96:8-9, Ex 10:24.
6) With your service- Serving God with joy and gladness- Psl 84:10, John 4:10.

Make a conscious effort to worship Him today, there in lies your testimony!

Shalom!

Friday, August 17, 2012

IT'S A MATTER OF THE HEART

1Sam 10:1-9. If you are destined to reign but you don't work on your heart, you won't be able to reign. The heart is what God is looking at and my question to you today is; what is the state of your heart? A futile heart is incapable of producing a great result. With a good heart there is no delay in testimony.

In the above Bible text especially vs 9, it says; "So it was when he (Saul) had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day". God had to touch Saul's heart for him to reign. Notice in that passage, Samuel already anointed Saul to be king with oil but until a change of heart, his reigning was not guaranteed. Also, the moment he got a change of heart, the bible says..."and all those signs came to pass that day".

Friend, the situation of your heart determines what you will have in your hand. If your heart is bad, the journey of life will not be easy- Ex 4:6. When your heart is bad, you will have idols of the heart and idols will prevent you from reigning. Until there is a change of heart like in Ezekiel 11:19 you can't reign. A proud heart can not flow with God- 1Sam 15:10-17. Your God is a God of the humble at heart.

Why not examine your heart today and make a conscious effort to ask God to give you a new heart so that you can reign in life. When you get a new heart, you may be tempted from outside but there is no sin inside. That which is coming from outside will not find an identification inside of your heart. You will be able to stand in times of testing and trials- Gal 5:17.

Cry unto God today; Lord give me a new heart!

Shalom

Thursday, August 16, 2012

TEND YOUR GARDEN

Gen.2:15-"Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep". Tend means, to attend to, to look after; watch over and care for. God put the man He created in a "location" called Eden to tend it, that is, to look after, watch over and care for it. Man is to take charge, to add value, and to package his destiny very well.

Friend, how are you looking after, watching over and caring for your own garden? Your garden is your destiny, its your sphere of influence, its the location of your reigning in life. Do you value it? What you don't value, men would not value. When you stop keeping the garden, enemies will creep in.

You need to come to the understanding of who you are. You are created in the image of God. The bible says; "you are fearfully and wonderfully created" to reign within your own location. Even, your enemy knows and acknowledge that as a child of God, you are a mighty man of valour. But how do you see yourself? It is important to keep and tend and prevent any loophole for the enemy to come in and steal your joy. Your ability to reign in life is based on your ability to tend, care and watch over where God has placed you in life.

You can't afford to live a careless and carefree life. In fact, that life of yours is not even yours! You will account for how you use, care and guard that life that God has given you. The moment you are not reigning, you have subjected other destinies tied to yours to failure. Friend, the world is waiting for your manifestation. Wake Up!

Declare it with me; I will tend my garden!

Shalom

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

DESTINED TO REIGN

You are an ambassador of God on earth. God created man to represent Him on earth and to have dominion over the earth. There is a particular 'location' that God has destined you to reign. "And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there he put the man He created"- Gen 2:8. The plan of God for you is to reign within the 'location' He has destined for you.

There is a location for every man, your location will determine your allocation. Before man was created, God made sure everything man would ever need is already prepared and in existence. Read Gen 2:5-10. You are not here by accident, God pre-planned your arrival, your location and your allocation. The only thing stopping you is you!

Friend, it is not when you were created that you were born. Its in your own garden (location) that you can reign. Its also in your own garden that you can get help meet suitable for you. If you appear before your time, you will disappear before your time.

If you are not reigning, check your location. You are created to be a King and rule and if you are not living as such, ask questions and seek the face of God. Ecl. 10:5-7..."There is an evil I have seen under the sun...folly is set in great dignity while the rich sit in a lowly place. I have seen servants on horses, while Princes walk on the ground like servants". Refuse this for your life and declare it loud and clear: I am born to reign!

Shalom!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

HOW FAR CAN YOU SEE?

Jer 1:11-12..."Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Jeremiah, what do you see?' And I said, 'I see a branch of an almond tree'. Then, the Lord said to me, 'you have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word."

How far can you see? It is the extent of what you can see that you can be. What you see is what you become. Do you see yourself as a failure or as a success? Do you see yourself as a victor or a looser? Friend, God would not do for man what man can do for himself. A lot of people have eyes but they can not see. In the text above, God asked Jeremiah, "what do you see?" Likewise, today God is asking you the same question because your answer will determine where destiny will take you.

Jeremiah answered, "I see a branch of an almond tree" and the Lord said, "you have seen well...". What you tell God that you see is what He will put in your hand. An almond tree is a type of plant that bears fruit in all season, that is, all through the year. Jeremiah saw a life of abundance all through the year, and God told him, He is ready to perform His word.

The plan and purpose of God is for you to prosper all year round and in all season of your life but until you can key into His will for your life, and see yourself the way God sees you, you are still far from becoming a candidate for a victorious life. Friend, your reigning in life is determined by how far your eye of faith can see. God is ready to perform His word but can you see it? God is waiting for you to see it and confess it so that there can be a performance of His word upon your life.

Declare it loudly; Father I can see abundance life!

Shalom!

Monday, August 13, 2012

THAT SEED IS NOT A FRUIT

Gal. 6:7..."Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap".

Many are yet to get to the fullness of God's plan for their lives because of their inability to release from that which the Lord has given them. Are you tight fisted and think its your knowledge and ability that has brought you to where you are or given you what you have today? Meanwhile, God only want to take a river from you and give you an ocean.

Friends, some things in your hand is a seed but you are seeing it as a fruit. A seed is meant to be sown not eaten. Ignorance and greed has ripped many of their inheritance. If God can't trust you with little, how can He trust you with abundance? Note Deut. 26:2.."That you shall take some of the first of all produce of the ground, which you shall bring from you land that the Lord your God is giving you, and put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide". You can't out give God. He wants you to give for your own sake, not for Himself. He created the heavens and the earth and all there in, therefore, your given is to provoke your blessing.

I believe God is ministering to someone today. Remember the widow of Zaraphath and her son? She thought what was in her hand was a fruit to be eaten and die, not knowing it was a seed to provoke a ceaseless flow of blessing and life for her and her son- Lk4:26. Immediately she released the seed in her hand to Prophet Elijah, she entered into an ocean of blessing. What is in your hand today that you are thinking its a fruit to be eaten? Don't let greed make you eat your blessing. Surrender it and enter into a new life of abundance and ceaseless flow of God's blessing.

Say it to yourself; Father, I am releasing my seed!

Shalom!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Deut 20:1

Are you been harassed by enemies? Do you have a wicked boss tormenting your life? Are you afraid of the adversary? In fact, to put it succinctly, are you afraid of the future? Today, I come to you with assurance; don't look at their faces!

The devil is "like" a roaring lion going to and fro upon the earth looking for whom to devour. Firstly, you are not a prey to the devil. Secondly, the devil is not a lion, its only "like" a lion. Do you know who you are? Do you know your identity? You are a son/daughter of the lion of the tribe of Judah! (Can you see the difference between been a lion and 'like' a lion?) The son/daughter of a lion is a lion. Have you ever seen a lion been afraid of his enemy? You have Gods DNA in you, you can't be afraid of any demon from the pit of hell.

See the text today, "when you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be AFRAID of them; for the LORD your God is with you...". There can be no assurance greater than this. His word will not fall to the ground or return unto Him void. Be bold like a lion that you are, face whatever it is that is harassing your life head long in spiritual warfare because your victory was guaranteed over 2000 years ago on the cross in Golgotha.

"He who dwell in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God in Him I will trust"-Psalm 91:1-2. When you trust God absolutely, He will fight your battle and deliver you from every aggression of the enemy. You just trust Him!

Now, repeat this after me with boldness; "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around"-Psalm 3:6.

Like a lion that you are shout it; I am victorious!

Shalom!

Friday, August 10, 2012

WAITING IS NOT WASTING

Read Deut 11:10-12.

There is a reward for your waiting. There is a reward for your labour of love. Are you wondering when is it gonna be your turn to enter into your rest? Are you wondering when your breakthrough will come? In fact, I see you thinking; 'I have prayed, fasted, obeyed God and His word and trusted Him, yet the status quo remain'. Friend, have got good news for you. It is because God is at work preparing you and preparing your inheritance. Believe it, great things don't come easily and cheaply.

Notice vs. 10, "For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden". You are no more a candidate for vegetable garden where you toil greatly and reap so little. You are a candidate for a field of God. God wants you to know that waiting is not wasting!

What He's preparing for you will settle you for life and will put a smile in your face. Don't despair, the prophecy over your life will manifest but there is always a time of trial and waiting for the word to come to pass. Beware, don't force things to happen by yourself because; "wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished..."-Prov 13:11a. "But those who wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint"- Isaiah 40:31.

The place of your rest is a great place. Hold on, keep the faith, He who has brought you thus far will keep you to the end. See vs. 11-12, "but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and rains of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares, the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year". Glory! Halleluyah!!

Now, are you still in any doubt at all about where you are going to end or about what God wants to deliver into your hands?

Shout it to shame your enemy; I am waiting, I am not wasting!

Shalom!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

HOW BIG IS YOUR PROBLEM?

Please read Deut 9:1-2.
How big is your problem? For how long have you been confronted with this obstacle? How mighty and strong is your adversary? Have got a good news for you if only you can cross over unto the Lords side. The Lord is saying today that He is ready to put your enemy to shame.

See vs.1, "Hear, O Isreal (put your name) you are to cross over to Jordan today, and go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to heaven". Halleluyah! Do you know the kind of God that you serve? Do you know whom you believe? God is not a man that He would lie or the son of man that He would repent. When He says it, He would do it!

God is ready to put challenges away. He is still in the business of taken care of great and mighty challenges. You remember David and Goliath? Friend, you are of the Davidic generation, the generation that takes the battle to the enemy's camp. You serve a God that is mighty in battle. Notice vs.2..."A people great and tall, the descendants of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard it said; 'who can stand before the descendant of Anak'".

Bro & Sis, for how long have you been confronted with this enemy, obstacle or challenge? In fact, the problem is now so familiar to you because it has been around you for years, you even know the name. It is time for you to cross over unto the Lords side so He can make your enemy your footstool. I challenge you to come to Him today so that He can fight your battle. Every ancestral issues that has become a norm in your family, that has become great and tall in your lineage, God is saying to you today; I am ready to deal with it!

Declare it; My God is bigger than any of my problem.

Shalom!
IT IS BETTER TO BE HUMBLE

Deut 8:2..."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, whether you would keep his commandment or not".

Your elevation in life is subject to passing the test of God. God is not moved by your emotions but your ability to abide by His principle. You can't blackmail Him by your crying or murmuring. Until you are put on a scale of testing and not found wanting, you can't be a candidate for the promised land.

To HUMBLE yourself is to destroy the independent power or will. God hates pride. You will be on the same level until you are ready to loose your independence and totally be dependent on Him. Until you declare; Lord, let thy will be done in my life, you are not yet a candidate for elevation. God hates those who are haughty in nature. Isreal spent forty years in the wilderness because they were unable to pass the test of humility.

To be humble is to resist pride and arrogance. To be humble is to be modest. Until Joseph pass the test he was not promoted to the palace. It does not matter the number of years you spend on one spot, God is not moved. Pride kills, that's why God wants to save you from what can kill you and your destiny. Joseph had a great dream, his destiny was to be great but until pride was totally eroded he did not get to the throne. He got tested for many years. Gen37:7-11 (his dreams), pride is depending on yourself and a fellow human being. Gen 40:14, the "me" syndrome was preventing Joseph from accessing his inheritance. In Gen 41:16, Joseph realised..."It is not 'me', God will...". Until you acknowledge Him and surrender all, you are not fit for the throne.

Why not declare it today; Lord, I surrender all to you, grace for humility grant unto me.

Shalom!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

THE WORD WORKS!

Deut 8:1-3b...To get to your promised land, your ability to internalise, obey and carry out His commandments must stand sure. The WORD is the only thing that WORKS! The only assurance you have for your growth, enlargement and multiplication is the WORD of God! It is the guarantee for GOOD success! The success of the world is not enduring, it can't stand the test of time. It would FAIL!

See vs.1, "Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to OBSERVE that you may live & multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers". It does not matter the kind of prophecy over your life, for it to manifest, you have to OBSERVE His word. God Himself promised the land but the possession is on the premise that they OBSERVE His commandment (WORD).

To OBSERVE is; to regard with attention. Do you regard the WORD of God? Do you give the word your attention? To OBSERVE is to learn. Is the word your teacher? Do you learn how to live and conduct your life from the word of God? To OBSERVE is to watch. Is the word your watchword? To OBSERVE is to keep or maintain in one's action. Do you keep the word in your heart? Are your actions and conducts based upon the word of God? To OBSERVE is to obey, comply with or conform to. Do you obey, comply with or conform to the word of God?

See vs. 3b..."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". Halleluyah!

PROCEEDS (present continuous) if you don't speak the language of God (which is His word), you will be paralyse by history. It is the proceeding word that guarantees your distinction in life. When the word comes it check mates your adversary.

Friends, it is the word that closes an old, and opens a new. The word is about your destiny. It is what predicts God's purpose for you. I challenge you today to take responsibility for the word. It is a personal journey.

Pray with me; Father, let your word work in me!

Shalom!

Monday, August 6, 2012

TO BE THOUGHTFUL IS TO BE THANKFUL

Deut 6:20-25.
A heart that is thoughtful will be thankful. Do you ever thank the Lord about what He has done in your life? Do you ever thank Him for things He has done and He's still doing in your life? He is the one that has brought you thus far. Do you acknowledge Him?

It is time to PAUSE! Then, THINK! In vs. 20-23..."When your son ask you in time to come saying; what is the meaning of the testimonies, statutes, and the judgements which the Lord our God commanded you? Then you shall say to your son; we were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and the Lord showed signs and wonders before our very eyes, great and severe, against Egypt, Pharaoh and all his household. Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers".

Words of thanksgiving by the Isrealites to their children for what God has done for them. Do you boast to your children & people around you as if your hands or knowledge or degrees is what has brought you thus far in life? Only those who can pause, then think back could appreciate the mighty hands of God in their journey into destiny.

Do you even thank Him for sleeping and waking up? The unwise may say; if I can't sleep, I will use a sleeping pill. But, I ask you, can you get a waking up pill? Friends, today, as you read this words, why don't you pause, think and look back, and see if God has not been good to you. That you are alive is a testament that God has not finished with you yet, therefore, thank Him!

Thanking God is not the absence of trouble in your life but it is an understanding that when everything looks chaotic, because you are thoughtful, you can see above the chaos and attacks that Satan blows in your way. Although, you are glancing at the debris around where you stand, you can still see God and say, Father I thank you!

Why not shout it louder today; Father, I thank you!

Shalom!

Friday, August 3, 2012

DO YOU FEAR HIM?

Deut. 5:24-30...How much do you fear God? Do you reverence Him? Do you stand in awe of Him? "Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling"- Psalm 2:11. "The Lord is a friend to those who fear Him..." -Psalm 25:14a. He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly"- Psalm 115:13.

Friends, when you fear God, your journey into destiny fulfilment is guaranteed. In Deut 26:5, the children of Isreal said to Moses; "For who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of fire, as we have and lived? God answered and said in vs 28-29...I have heard the voice of the words of this people which they have spoken and they are right. Oh! That they would FEAR me and always keep my commandments, that it might be well with them and their children forever! Halleluyah!

The only guarantee for your success is the FEAR of God! It guarantees blessing upon you and upon your fruits. In vs 30, God declared to the children of Isreal because they fear Him thru Moses; Go and say to them, return to your TENTS! Tent means to cover, secure & framed, fastened, to protect, to extend and to stretch. You can't fear God and be stranded on the journey into your promised land.

Because you fear Him, He is saying to you, Go! Go is an action word, very active! He is not only telling you to keep moving but to your tent. There is a place of covering, that stretches, that is extended,fastened, framed and secured that He has provided for you.

When you fear God; He gives you superior wisdom and understanding to find solutions to the issues of your generation. The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge- Prov1:7. When you fear God, you become a fear to your generation- 1Chrn 14:17.

I pray for you today, may the fear of God envelope you now in Jesus name!

Shalom!
I REFUSE TO LOOK BACK

Pls read Deut.4:23-30.
"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God..." vs. 24. For every new level you attain in your journey into destiny, there is a new devil. Take heed, that your don't forget the God that have led you hitherto through all the challenges of life into a good place.

Human memory is often very short and we often forget where we are coming from. See vs 25..."In the future, when you have children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time, do not corrupt yourself by making idols of any kind. This is evil in the sight of the Lord your God and will arouse His anger...". It is ironical that man will be steadfast when situation is unpleasant but after the blessing of God, when you are now comfortable, you know more see God as your all in all.

It is a very dangerous trend that can only lead to destruction. The devil is going about roaring like a lion looking for whom to devour, the moment you take your hand off the plough, you give the devil room to enter. Idols are not only carved images but anything you hold in your heart above God. When you turn money, position, attainment, educational status etc into your idol, it is a dangerous trend.

God is a jealous God. He will not share His glory with any man or deity. You must remain steadfast, even when you get to your promised land. In fact, that is when you need Him most. See vs 30..."Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven, above and on the earth beneath; there is no other". Halleluyah!

Declare with me, I refuse to look back in Jesus name!

Shalom!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

LANDMARKS FOR YOUR JOURNEY

Deut 4:1-10. The statutes, judgement, laws and the Word of God is to build us up and to put landmarks on our journey into destiny. When you hold tenaciously to the Word of God without adding to it or taken away from it, it remains the strength you need to keep following His lead on your way to your promised land.

See vs. 3, His word has the ability to do wonders and to help you destroy all the enemies that has positioned themselves on your way to destiny fulfilment. This landmarks (wonders) keeps your eyes on the goal. God is using it to assure you that if I can do this, trust me to do bigger things in the future that would make you a wonder to your generation.

Vs.6..."Therefore, be careful to obey completely & you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all this statutes, they will exclaim, How wise, prudent & understanding are the people of this great nation". " You are a city set on high that cannot be hidden!"

Your ability to trust Him, His Word and His deed are what guarantee your flying on eagles wing. The world will see you and know for sure that this is the hand of God. Your destiny is to be a wonder to your generation, the solution to the problem of your society.

I challenge you today to remember His works and how far He has brought you. Hold on to His word! It is time to 'turn', and say; God, I am ready! I will hold unto your hand and I will stay with you through the journey.

Shalom!
THE FALL OF MAN
God’s creation is grouped into three (3):
1. Some things God created by ‘speaking’ them into existence. This are inanimate things like the Sun and the Moon, these things have a BODY.
2. Some things He created by ‘speaking’ and ‘forming’ them. This are animals, they have a BODY and a SOUL.
3. He created man by ‘speaking’, ‘forming’ and ‘breathing’. That is, man came into existence with a BODY, a SOUL and a SPIRIT.
What set man apart from all other creation is the BREATH of God – Gen 2: 7. “RUACH” or “RUWACH” which means; WIND/SPIRIT. Man is distinguished from all creation because he has the Spirit of God within him- Gen 1: 26, that is, man functions like God.
5 ways in which man is like God are:
1. God is a Spirit likewise man is a spiritual being.
2. God is a rational being, that is, man also has knowledge, wisdom and the ability to think and make decisions. God and man can also appreciate beauty.
3. God is a moral being. He knows right from wrong, and good from evil. Likewise, man too knows right from wrong and can discern good from evil.
4. God is eternal just like eternity has been imputed into man.
5. God has power and dominion over all things in heaven and on earth, like wise, God gave man the capacity to have power and dominion over all the creation of God on the face of the earth.

Why did God create man?
1. God is love and we are the object of His love.
2. To worship Him.
3. Man is created for His glory.

Man is the crowning glory of God’s creation. Man is the creation made in His likeness. We are the object of His love, the object of his affection – Psalm 8: 1-6. In vs. 4, “what is man that thou art mindful of him? Mindful means ‘care’. God anticipates our need and provided for it. In vs 5,’Elohim’ means God. God puts all the works of His hand under the dominion of man. He made man second to Himself.

Lucifer did not like this; therefore he decided to get back at God. He knows how much God hates sin – Job 15:15, Hab. 1: 13. He decided to put what God hates the most into what God loves the most thereby creating enmity between God and man. God gave a clear instruction when He puts man in the Garden of Eden – Gen 2:7-8, 15-17. All this was while man was innocent – Gen 2: 25.
• Innocence is purity due to lack of exposure to sin
• Holiness is purity in spite of exposure to sin.

In Genesis 3: 1-3 – Serpent is used to personify the nature of the devil i.e. beautiful yet dangerous, sly, cunning and crafty. “DIABOLOS” which means; deceive or diabolical, he does not confront but highly deceptive – John 8: 44.

In Genesis 3: 2 – “ And he said to the woman” The devil isolates people before destroying them. He knows there is power in togetherness therefore his first weapon is to isolate his target – Ecl. 4: 8-12. We are vulnerable when we walk alone, if you are not talking to God or God’s people, the devil is definitely talking to you.

Why Eve?
1. God gave instruction directly to Adam, Eve must have received the message second hand. It goes to show that someone else’s revelation will never be useful to you until it becomes your revelation.
2. Eve’s understanding of what God said was not accurate. Compare Gen 2: 17 with Gen 3:3. A lot of Christians are raised on wrong assumptions concerning what God’s word says. It is important to search the scripture yourself at all times.
3. Eve was the closeness Adam. When the devil can’t get you, he attempts the one closest person to you that is why it is important to cover your loved ones in prayer.
The 3 strategy of the devil against Eve are:
1. He questions God’s word - “Has God indeed said” “Did God really say?” You must be grounded in the Word of God without any doubt in your mind as to what God said or meant.
2. He challenged God’s faithfulness in Gen. 3:4-5 by telling Eve that there is something good for her and God does not want her to have it. In whatever you are doing don’t doubt God’s faithfulness.
3. The devil attacked Eve’s self esteem. He deceived her by telling her; she’s not good enough and that eating the fruit will give her what she’s lacking. He tried this trick on Jesus in Matt. 3:17 – 4:3. You must have no doubt whatsoever about who you are in Christ Jesus.
Note 3 things above:
1. The process of temptation is always a gradual one.
2. Proximity – Sin is geographical. We become more susceptible to sin when we put ourselves in the location where it is very easy to sin. The greater the distance, the more likely you are to overcome sin.
3. Two common words describe what our attitude should be to temptation:
(a) ABSTAIN – 1Thess. 5:22....Refrain!
(b) FLEE – 1Cor.6:18, 10:14. Tim2:22....”Phengo” – to escape, run away and to vanish.
NOTE: In all this the devil never told Eve to do anything, he gave her no instruction. All he gave her was a suggestion; “If you eat your eyes will be opened.” Eve acknowledged it was her decision n Gen. 3:13.
The devil has no power to force you to sin, he can only deceive you. You can’t fall into temptation until you believe the devil’s lie. God never gives us suggestions. God will tell you in plain language what He expects you to do.

As a result of the devils deception, Eve drew three conclusions:
1. It was good for food
2. It was pleasant to the eyes
3. It was desirable to make one wise
Every temptation of the devil falls into one of the 3 categories – 1John 2: 15-17.
The lust of the flesh desires pleasure, the lust of the eyes desires possession and the pride of life desires position.

The devil tempted Jesus on each of these 3 categories in Luke 4:1-13, vs.3 & 4 deals with flesh, vs. 5-8 deals with pleasure of the eye and possession and vs. 9-12 deals with pride of life, that is, position.
The moment Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they fell.

4 consequences of the fall are:
1. A sense of shame, guilt and fear came upon them. Compare Gen 3:7-10 to Gen 2:25, the glory of God, man’s covering departed- Psalm 8:5. The righteousness of God was gone- Isaiah 61:10. From this time, man has to come up with his own covering which is not adequate- Gen3:7, Isaiah 64:6.
2. They died spiritually and this have 3 implications:
(a) Separated from God- Gen 3:23
(b) Their spirit became dormant and
(c) Sense of moral judgement was perverted- Isaiah 5:20
3. Man becomes a slave to the devil:
(a) By obeying the devil, man forfeited his authority and dominion over the earth to the devil- Romans 6:16
(b) By deceit, the devil took over rulership of this world- Luke 4:5-6.
4. Man incurred the curse of the law- Gen 3:16-19. As a result man incurred sickness, poverty and death- Deut. 28:15-68.