THE BLOOD OF CHRIST AND TESTIMONY

THE BLOOD OF CHRIST AND TESTIMONY

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11"

Devotion : The blood of Jesus Christ is a very effective weapon against the devil and his cohorts of darkness. Even in heaven Archangel Michael and his angels used the blood of Jesus to overcome the devil and his cohorts of darkness. Any time we use the blood they are powerless before us; as a Christian never stop using the blood of Jesus. Another weapon at our disposal is the word of our testimony; testimonies are not meant to be quiet over. Our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ want to hear our testimonies; when they do anything for us, be it small or very great, we must not be quiet over it and take it for granted. The more we testify the more Jesus Christ keeps doing more miracles for us so that we can glorify Him. Our testimonies also expose the works of the enemy and make them feel ashamed and powerless. Hallelujah! Share your testimonies here!

GOD’S WORDIS HIS TRANSFORMING TOOL!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY AUGUST 6, 2020.

SUBJECT: GOD’S WORD IS HIS TRANSFORMING TOOL!

Memory verse: "For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4 vs 12.)

READ: Jeremiah 23 vs 29; John 15 vs 3; 17 vs 17:

Jeremiah 23:29: “Is not My word like a fire?” Says the LORD, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock into pieces?

John 15:3: You are already clean because of the word which I spoken to you.

17:17: Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth."

INTIMATION:

God has specialized tools for transforming us. These tools are used by the Holy Spirit to help mold us into Christlikeness. These tools cannot be operative on you except you are willing and submissive to allow Him work on you. One of these tools is the Word of God—the Truth. The Word of God is a tool that transforms us. It can make you into what God wants you to be, and give you everything you could possibly need. This transformation by the Word, through believing and obeying the Word, is called sanctification.

Our memory verse defines the Truth— the Word of God. It is not simply a collection of words, nor a doctrinal guidebook for communicating ideas. It is living. life-changing, creates faith, and is dynamic as its work in us; frightens the devil, causes miracles, heals hurts, build character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, overcomes adversity, defeats temptation, infuses hope, releases power, cleanses our minds, brings things into being, and guarantees our future forever! 

The Word of God reveals who we are and what we are not. It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life. It discerns what is within us, both good and evil, and consequently, the Holy Spirit uses it for our cleansing. Therefore, in transforming us, God’s Word require decisions of hearing, obeying, and practicing; we must not only listen to the Word; we must also let it shape of our lives.

The Word transformation occasions spiritual growth in us, and it is the process of replacing lies with truth—the truth found in the Word of God.  A follower of Jesus Christ has already accepted forgiveness through Christ's sacrificial death. But daily application of God's Word has a purifying effect on our minds and hearts. The Word in the Scripture points out sin, motivates us to confess, renews our relationship with Christ, and guides us back to the right path.

The Spirit of God uses the Word to make us like the Son of God. To become like Jesus, we must fill our lives with His Word. The Bible, in Second Timothy 3 vs 17, says, "That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. God's Word is unlike any other word. When God speaks things happen. All of creation was spoken into existence by God. The apostle James, in James 1 vs 18, points this out; "Of His own Will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." God decided to give us life through the Word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things He made—"first fruits of His creatures."

God's Word is the spiritual nourishment you must have to fulfill your purpose in life. Therefore, never take it for granted. You should consider it as essential to your life as food. Job said, "I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." (Job 23 vs 12.) The Bible calls the Word of God milk (First Corinthians 3 vs 2; First Peter 2 vs 2), bread (John 6 vs 48), solid food (First Corinthians 3 vs 2), and sweet dessert (Psalm 119 vs 103). This four-course meal is the Spirit's menu for spiritual strength and growth. 

Therefore, Knowing that in the Word there is everything, crave for it like no other food, because in it all other things exist. Jesus said; "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4 vs 4). The Word of God is the all-encompassing nourishment we need for the good life. Jesus quoted the Scripture in Deuteronomy 8 vs 3; "...man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." Many people think that life is based on satisfying their appetites. If they can earn enough money to dress, eat, and play in high style, they think they are living "the good life." But such things do not satisfy our deepest longings. In the end they leave us empty and dissatisfied. 

Prayer: Abba Father, Your Word gives, transforms, and grows life. Let the entrance of Word, already settled in heaven, transform my life by the renewal of my mind and heart that I may live completely for You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen. 

PRAISE THE LORD!

KEYS TO BREAKTHROUGH

KEYS TO BREAKTHROUGH

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6"

Devotion : Prayer is so essential that it cannot be over emphasized. Sometimes you hear people say this thing is not about prayer or that situation does not need prayer, but they are not right in saying that. Apostle Paul in his walk with the Lord Jesus Christ came to believe that everything is about prayer; there is nothing too small or too big to pray about. In the opening Scripture he says in everything by prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving make your request to God. Hence, he has given us the three keys to our breakthrough: prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. He said if you try these keys every time you pray, your request will definitely be granted. Dear beloved, have you tried these keys in your prayer? What was the result? Share your thoughts and comments here!

THE GRACE OF PROSPERITY IS IN REAL STEWARDSHIP!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5, 2020.

SUBJECT: THE GRACE OF PROSPERITY IS IN REAL STEWARDSHIP! 

Memory verse: "So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you." (Exodus 23 vs 25.)

READ: Genesis 12 vs 1 - 3:

12:1: Now the Lord 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. 

12:2: I will make you a great nation; I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. 

12:3: 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.

INTIMATION:

A lot of Christians say they know God is the source of everything, but their lives don't reflect an understanding of that truth. For instance, when you think that money comes by your own sweat and tears, then you keep a much tighter hold on it. You become attached to your money, and it actually becomes your master. But when you see yourself as a steward and recognize money as God's blessing, even though you work for your paychecks, it totally changes the role money plays in your life. It ceases to control you and simply becomes a tool for service to the Owner. This simple change in mindset from owner to steward will make a tremendous difference in your life.

Many people see making a living as resulting from the sweat of their brow, and they don't see God as their source. They separate their lives into spiritual matters and personal matters. When it concerns spiritual matters they rely on God, but when it comes to private or personal matters, it becomes their baby. For instance, when it come to money, they think it's all up to them. As a result many Christians are struggling financially. God wants to be the source of everything in your life. The Lord never intended you to carry the burden of financial responsibility, or any other burden, and He wants to lift that burden from you.

Many Christians have made a firm commitment of their lives to the Lord concerning spiritual things, but when it comes to possessions, they see them as a private to them. The pressures of life lead them to view possessions as something they must control, and that kind of ownership mentality leads to a lot of problems.

The first step toward becoming responsible with your possessions is to get this mindset that they do not belong to you. Instead of clinging to your possessions, you need to think: ‘I am a steward of what God has entrusted to me.’ ‘God has blessed me with these talents and abilities.’ ‘God has blessed me with my job.’ ‘God is blessing me, and God has given me all the resources I have.’ ‘It is not up to me to run my finances the way I want to.’ ‘I'm a steward.’ ‘I have the responsibility to serve God with all He has given me; my talents, my money, my abilities, my wisdom’ and so on.

People with an ownership mentality end up trying to do everything themselves, but stewards freely receive God's blessing. Look at how blessed Abraham was in the passage we read today. God said here that He would bless Abraham, and that He would make Abraham's name great. When you read the entire story of Abraham, you see that God wasn't talking about intangible spiritual benefits. He was talking about physical earthly blessings: “Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.” (Genesis 13 vs 2.)

Abraham didn't become rich through his own hard work. He became wealthy because the blessing of God was on his life (Hebrews 6 vs 13 - 14). Abraham was blessed in everything he did, even when he made mistakes. He was to be a blessing, and all the families of the earth will be blessed in him.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of real stewardship, that I may serve You with all my heart, my soul, my strength, my mind, and with all the resources You pit in my care, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

LOVE IS ETERNAL AND WE ARE EVALUATED ON IT!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY AUGUST 4, 2020.

SUBJECT : LOVE IS ETERNAL AND WE ARE EVALUATED ON IT! 

Memory verse: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (First Corinthians 13 vs 13.)

READ: Matthew 25 vs 31 - 46:

25:31: When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
25:32: All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
25:33: And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
25:34: Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
25:35: For I was hungry and you gave Me food: I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and you took Me in:
25:36: I was naked, and you clothed Me: I was sick, and you visited Me: I was in prison, and you came to Me.’
25:37: Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and gave a You drink? 
25:38: When did we see You a stranger, and take You in? Or naked, and clothe You?

25:39: Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?
25:40: And the King shall answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, Inasmuch as you’d I’d it to one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it to Me.’
25:41: Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
25:42: For I was hungry, and you gave Me no food: I was thirsty, and you gave Me no drink:
25:43: I was a stranger, and you you did not take Me in: naked, and you did not clothe Me: sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’

25:44: Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we You hungry or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You?’
2545: Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

25:46: And they will go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

INTIMATION:

God tells us to make Love a top priority in our life because it has eternal value. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God Himself. Today people are still confused about love. Love involves unselfish service to others, to show it gives evidence that you care. Love leaves a legacy. How you treated other people, not your wealth or accomplishments, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth. As mother Teresa said, "It's not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters." Love is the secret of a lasting heritage. In our final moments we all realize that relationships are what life is all about. Wisdom is learning that truth sooner rather than later. Don't wait until you're on your deathbed to figure out that nothing matters more than love.

It is a common knowledge that people only remember their loved ones when they are in critical conditions of ill health or near death. This is the time they stand on the edge of eternity, and they never ask of any other thing than their loved ones. I have never heard that anyone said, "Bring me my money in the bank! I want to look at my degrees, and awards one more time. Show me my medals, that gold trinkets I acquired! I want to see all my possessions that I can feel them again." When life on earth is ending, people don't surround themselves with objects. What we want around us is people—the loved ones and those we have relationships with.

In the passage we read today, Jesus tells about The Final Judgment. We will be evaluated on love in eternity. One of the ways God measures spiritual maturity is by the quality of your relationships. In heaven God won't say, "Tell Me about your career, your bank account, your titles, your possessions, and your hobbies." Instead He will review how you treated other people, particularly those in need. No wonder all the “Ten Commandments” of God are relationship based. Those who have done well in their love and relationships He will keep on His right side, and declares rather righteous. He will tell them: “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; For I was hungry, and you gave Me food: I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in. Naked, and you clothed Me: I was sick, and you visited Me: I was in prison, and you came to Me.”

And the righteous will answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, ....or thirsty....or a stranger....or sick....or naked....or in prison, and come to You.' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in; naked and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You, hungry or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Now look at these statements, "Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying,.." (Vs 37), "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Vs 46). Have you seen that showing love is also counted to you for righteousnesses. Those who showed love—cared for other people, Christ called the righteous on His right hand, and He crowned them with eternal life with Him. When you transfer into eternity, you will leave everything else behind. All you're taking with you is your character, your relationship with God, and people. That is why the Scripture says, "In Christ Jesus nothing avails anything except faith expressing itself through love." (Galatians 5 vs 6.) 

Faith is the base or substructure and substance of God's message. Without faith in the Word (message), you can't go far with God, and His things. (Hebrews 11 vs 6.) Hope is the positive attitude and focus on God and His Word. Love is the action proper. When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand now God and His love nature. 

Prayer: Abba Father, Your love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us. Engrace me, O Most High God, to lead a life Your nature, and obtain Your approval, in Jesus’ most wonderful Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

GO FOR HIS KNOWLEDGE

GO FOR HIS KNOWLEDGE


"Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Philippians 3:6"

Devotion : There are basically two kinds of knowledge: divine knowledge and temporal knowledge. Divine knowledge is the knowledge of Christ Jesus and this knowledge is above temporal knowledge and any other knowledge there is. This kind of knowledge was what Apostle Paul tasted, and he came to the conclusion that it is incomparable to the other kind of knowledge he had acquired. He counted all the knowledge and wealth he had acquired in the world as dung. Our Lord Jesus Christ will say what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul (Mark 8:36)? Dear beloved, let us go for the knowledge of Christ; the wealth, riches, status, degrees, fame, etc. cannot be compared to it. To what extent do you know Jesus Christ? Share your thoughts here!

DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY AUGUST 3, 2020.

SUBJECT : DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD! 

Memory verse: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."(First John 4 vs 8.)

READ: First John 4 vs 12 - 16:

4:12: No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 

4:13: By this we know we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us His Spirit.

4:14: And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.

4:15: Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

4:16: And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

INTIMATION:

Drawing closer to God is the best of life for any believer. And it is in doing so that God draws closer to us! (James 4 vs 8.) God is invisible, and a Spirit. How then do we draw closer or nearer to Him, and develop intimate relationship with Him? We only draw closer to Him if we love one another—the ones we can see. When we abide in love with one another we abide in God. Therefore, in leading a life of intimacy with God, love is what matters most. God is love, and to know God is to know how to love. The Bible, in First John 4 vs 7 - 8, says "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 

Because God is love, the most important lesson He wants you to learn on earth is how to love. It is in loving that we are most like Him, so love is the foundation of every command He has given us. The Owner and Giver of life is God. God is love. And the best use of anything is in the hands of the producer, and owner. God is the Producer and Owner of life, and God is Love, therefore, the best use of life is in God—inLove.The Bible, in Galatians 5 vs 14, says, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "you shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Therefore, in drawing closer to God, love should be your top priority, primary objective, and greatest ambition. Love should, and is not, a good part of your life; it's the most important part of your life. The Scripture in First Corinthians 14 vs 1, says, "Pursue love, ...." To "pursue" means to "chase after," "strive for," "to work hard at," "persist in." It is not enough to say, "One of the things I want in my life is to be loving," as if it's in your top ten list. Relationships must have priority in your life above everything else.

Learning to love unselfishly is not an easy task. It runs counter to our self-centered nature. That's why we are given a lifetime to learn it. Of course, God wants us to love everyone, but He is particularly concerned that we learn to love others in His family. The apostle Peter, in First Peter 2 vs 17, tells us, "Love the brotherhood." He says we should show special love for God's people, that is 'other believers in Christ.' The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Galatians 6 vs 10 that says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of God."

Why does God insist that we give special love and attention to other believers? Why do they get priority in loving? Because God wants His family to be known for its love more than anything else. Jesus said our love for each other—not our doctrinal beliefs—is our greatest witness to the world. Jesus said in John 13 vs 35, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Love is much more than simply warm feelings. It is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loved us? By helping when it is not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others' welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back. This kind of loving is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source. You have to be around people - imperfect, frustrating, irritating people to learn how to love in action, and as Jesus loved.

In heaven we will enjoy God's family forever, but first we have some tough work to do here on earth to prepare ourselves for an eternity of loving. When we are not motivated by love we become critical of others. We stop looking for good in them and see only their faults. Have you talked behind someone's back? Have you focused on others' shortcomings instead of their strengths? When you begin to feel critical of someone, make a list of that person's positive qualities. If there are problems that need to be addressed, it is better to confront in love than in hate or to gossip.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of love for You and others, that I will draw closer to You, and You to me, and have the best of life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!