Wednesday, March 21st.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 2.

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you".(Matthew 5:11-12).

The opening text was an exhortation Jesus gave in one of his longest sermon he delivered during his earthly ministry. It's about how we ought to respond to persecution and character defamation. Whether you like it or not, these are things we experience virtually on a daily basis especially by those in the fore front of the kingdom business.

Our Lord Jesus said we should be happy when we face persecution and when people defame us. Persecution and character defamation is one way the enemy fights the believer and our Lord has prepared our hearts on how we ought to respond to them when they come. The Scripture says, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.".(2nd Timothy 3:12).

It sounds foolish to the carnal mind to be happy when you are facing persecution and when people say all manner of evil against you falsely. However, you do it because of the reward that awaits you in heaven. You also do it to protect your joy. Never permit anyone or any situation to steal your joy. If you do, you will open more doors for the enemy to attack and also hinder the blessings of God in your life.

The people of the world can take a legal action on those who defame their character but it shouldn't be so for us. Don't take anyone to court because of character defamation. It is one of the things we will suffer for his name sake. "[But[ ...the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us".(Romans 8:18).

Prayer and Confession of Faith: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity to be reproached for your name sake. I ask for your grace to endure all forms of persecutions in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Corinthians 12:10; 1st Timothy 4:10.
Daily Scripture Reading: Joshua 12-13; 1st John 1-3.

Thursday, March 22nd.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 3.

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof".(Matthew 6:34).

It is an understatement to say that we are all faced with one form of challenge on a daily basis that tends to get us sometimes anxious. But our Lord Jesus exhorts us not to allow anxiety to get the best of us. Before his concluding remark on the subject as indicated in the opening text, he had earlier said, "...Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?".(Matthew 6:25).

It is a normal thing for the people of the world to bother about the things of this life. But God doesn't want his children to worry about anything. Worrying demonstrates lack of faith in God. It is a critical appraisal of God. Someone who worries frequently has a pessimistic view of life. All he sees is failure.

You are born of God and as such cannot fail in life. Jesus has already procured the victory for us when he rose from the dead. God never said there will be no troubles but he promised us victory in every circumstances.

Our Lord Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world".(John 16:33). One sure therapy for worry is singing praises to God. Hence James said, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing".(James 1:2-4).

In addition, meditate on God's word constantly. God's word will keep your faith alive and keep you in perfect peace. Also learn to cast your cares on God for he really cares for you. Above all, be committed to the advancement of God's kingdom. Let it engross the totality of your being. As you do, every good thing you desire for life will locate you.

Prayer and Confession of Faith: Dear father, I thank you for your care and concern for me. I am fully persuaded that you can do what you promised to God. I therefore refrain myself from anxiety of any form. I declare I am more than a conqueror through Christ that strengthens me in the might name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Peter 1:7; Isaiah 26:3.
Daily Scripture Reading: Joshua 14-16; 1st John 4-5.

Friday, March 23rd.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 4.

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity".(Matthew 7:22-23).

God has given to the church ministers that functions in one or more of the five fold ministry gifts. The ministry gifts are, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers. However, not everyone who calls himself an Apostle or a Prophet is truly sent by God. And the fact that you are even called of God is not an automatic ticket to heaven.

Every believer including ministers will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Our Lord Jesus said the opening text that some ministers will be disqualified on that day. You are first a Christian before you are called into ministry and you must have a proper foundation on the life in Christ.

The Christian call is a call to a holy living. And ministers are even expected to be more disciplined in the manners and ways they live their lives. Hence Apostle said, "...I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway".(1st Corinthians 9:27).

It doesn't matter the number of crowd a minister draws through deceitful prophecies. It is not the ticket to heaven. Even if the prophecies are genuine, it will not acquit you before God if you live a life not worthy of your calling. You can be heavily anointed that people even fall at the least touch of your hands. It still will not justify you on that day.

If you are involved in ministry, keep your emotion under control. You are the target of the devil and any mistake from you will bring greater reproach to the body of Christ. Even if you are able to conceal any ungodly act you engage in, you cannot hide it from God.

The quest for ministers to succeed in ministry is leading so many to do strange things that are outside the Scripture. The unhealthy competitions among some ministers are uncalled for. The focus should not be on driving the most expensive car or owing a private jet. Just be faithful to your calling and God will certainly make provisions for your needs. Also keep your flesh under control so you will not be disqualified on that day.

Prayer and Confession of Faith: Dear father, I thank you for the opportunity given to serve you. As I do, I ask for your grace to overcome every temptation that could disqualified me on judgment day in the might name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Romans 6:12-14; 2nd Timothy 2:22.
Daily Scripture Reading: Joshua 17-18; 2nd John - Jude.

Saturday, March 24th.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 5.

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets".(Matthew 7:12).

This opening text is also known as the golden rule. It is one of the statement our Lord Jesus made during the delivery of his Sermon on the Mount. Prior to making this statement, he just exhorted his audience on some of the principles governing prayer. He had said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you".(Matthew 7:7). Then, he adds, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?".(Matthew 7:11).

He connects this last verse with the opening text with the conjunction 'therefore'. In other words, good things that the heavenly father gives to you is through the application of the golden rule. God will not rain down money from heaven. It is people that will give you money. But if you want people to bless you financially, you too ought to give to those in need within your ability.

For instance, you want a financial miracle of 50,000 naira, but you are in possession of 5,000 naira or more. If someone ask you for a favour of 500 naira, don't hesitate to release the money. If you do, you invariably hinder the miracle of 50,000 naira you are expecting. Hence Jesus said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again".(Luke 6:38).

This golden rule applies to virtually everything we do in life. If you want people to visit you, you should also make effort to visit people. If you always flash instead of making calls, you will also receive more of flashing.

This rule also applies in the negative things people do. The Scripture says, "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword...".(Revelation 13:10).

So, be conscious of the things you do. Whatever good you want to receive from men, make deliberate effort to do same to others. And every evil you do to people will certainly come back you one way or the other. Live your life showing kindness to people and you will also receive kindness from people. "...for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".(Galatians 6:7).

Prayer and Confession of Faith: Gracious Father, I thank you for the revelation your word that guides my actions. I declare that every good seed I sow into the lives of people will come back to me in multiple proportion in the might name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 125:4; Matthew 26:52.
Daily Scripture Reading: Joshua 19-21; Revelation 1-3.

Sunday, March 25th.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 6.

"Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them".(Matthew 21:2-3).

Today marks a memorable event in the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus. Our Lord Jesus knew his time was very near for him to be crucified. He also knew who was going to betray him. Few days before he was crucified, he requested for a donkey and a little male horse. He used his authority to get one that no one ever rode upon as indicated in the opening text.

The Scripture says, they "...brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest".(Matthew 21:7-9).

The Gospel of John specifically said the branches used was that of a palm trees - John 12:13. Hence, the memorable event is popularly known as palm Sunday. What then is the significance of palm Sunday?

It was a day our Lord Jesus publicly declared himself as king of the Jews by riding into Jerusalem triumphantly on a donkey. And it was done in fulfillment of prophecy. As it written, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass".(Zachariah 9:9).

The Jews for several decades had sought for a king that will deliver them from their enemies. And as they saw Jesus riding on a donkey, it brought great celebration to them. Hence they sang, "...Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest".(Matthew 21:9).

The word hosanna actually means 'save now' or 'save us'. It is also an exclamation of adoration to God. Ironically, instead of the salvation they were expecting, "Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves".(Matthew 21:12-13).

Then, the chief priests and the elders were moved with envy which was a sign of rejection. Jesus sensing the rejection "left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there."(Matthew 21:17). And it was few days later that he was arrested. The same crowd that shouted hosanna now shouted crucify him.

His crucifixion which happened days after is what actually brought deliverance to the Jews and salvation to mankind. The rejection of Jesus as their Messiah is what opened the door of salvation to us. It is thus the best time to indeed shout hosanna in the highest, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord. Now, he is not riding on a donkey to enter into Jerusalem, he wants to enter into your heart and reign supreme as a king. And he will save you from every oppression of darkness if you allow him in.

Prayer and Confession of Faith: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the precious gift of your son. He has indeed procured my redemption through the blood he shed on the cross of Calvary. I therefore declare that I am saved from every oppression of darkness in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: John 1:11-13, Mark 11:9.
Daily Scripture Reading: Joshua 22-24; Revelation 4-6.

Monday, March 26th.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 7.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live".(John 5:25).

Man is an eternal being. Physical death is not a cessation of existence. The spirit and soul of man does not die. There is therefore an afterlife. There is also the resurrection of the death as revealed by the statement credited to our Lord Jesus in the opening text.

However, there is going to be three future resurrection. The first is the resurrection of the saints that died in Christ when Jesus comes to take the faithful saints home. The Scripture says, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord".(1st Thessalonians 4:16-17).

When the trumpet sounds, only the dead in Christ will hear the sound of the trumpet and be resurrected. The second resurrection is the resurrection of the Jews that were persecuted to death during the period of their great tribulation. It is written, "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years".(Revelation 20:4). The Scripture actually called this the first resurrection - Revelation 20:5. It is called the first in the sense that they will be the first set to rise and live on earth. They will reign with Christ for a thousand years.

The third and last is the resurrection of all the dead to stand before the great white throne judgment - Revelation 20:11-15. Hence our Lord Jesus said, "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation".(John 5:28-29).

Where you spend eternity is a function of what you did with the gospel of our Lord Jesus and how you lived your life on earth. Don't be deceived. There is life after death. Embrace the gospel now and live a life worthy of your calling if you don't want to end up in the Lake of fire.

Prayer and Confession of Faith: Dear father, I thank you for the hope of salvation I have in Christ Jesus. I reaffirm the Lordship of Christ over my life and pledge my loyalty to him for the rest of my life I ask for your enabling grace to run the race with patient to the end in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Corinthians 15:51-52; John 14:2-3.
Daily Scripture Reading: Judges 1-3; Revelation 7-9.

Tuesday, March 27th.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 8.

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?".(John 11:25-26).

The opening verses is perhaps one of the most profound statements Jesus made during his earthly ministry. It's an understatement to say that death is the greatest enemy of man. And it is an experience that virtually every living thing encounters. But the statement of Jesus as contained in the opening text is an aberration from the realities people face.

The first part of the statement says, 'he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live'. This talks about the hope of resurrection that all believers have in Christ. It also refers to the ability of Jesus to raise the dead like it happened to Lazarus. And those who believe in Jesus can do the same thing.

When Jesus sent out his disciples, he told them to "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give".(Matthew 10:. In another place, he said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father".(John 14:12).

The second part of the statement reads, 'And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die'. This is the part that the ordinary man cannot comprehend. Is there anyone that will not really die is the question often asked by skeptics.

It is important at this point to define what death really means. Death occurs when your life is cut short without your permission. It is therefore not uncommon to hear people die through accidents, brief or protracted illness. If you are a child of God, you are not supposed to die these ways. In actual sense, we don't die. We sleep in the Lord. And it happens with our permission.

You are not supposed to depart this earth accidentally. When you are ready having fulfilled your purpose on earth, you ought to gather your family you are about to live behind and notify them you will soon be with the Lord. After that, you can take your sleep and go and be with the Lord. This is the higher life we have been called to live. Refuse to die by accident, brief or protracted illness. Remember, you are not ordinary. The divine life of God flows in you.

Prayer and Confession of Faith: Dear Father, I thank you for the new like I have in Christ Jesus. I believe in Jesus and therefore declare I will never die in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st John 5:4; Hebrews 11:35.
Daily Scripture Reading: Judges 4-5; Revelation 10-12.

Wednesday, March 28th.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 9.

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you".(Luke 10:19).

The ministry of Jesus brought something completely new to mankind. Decades before Jesus came, the Jews and even the heathen suffered oppression of all forms which included sickness. Only very few could receive healing miraculously under the old covenant.

We thank God for health centres and hospitals set up to attend to health issues. But their are cures that the doctors don't know, hence the need for miracles.

The ministry of Jesus was characterized by divers healing and miracles that are unmatched in history. And he accomplished it with just a short command. This prompted some of the Jews to ask, "...What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him".(Mark 1:27).

The interesting part is that he delegated the same authority to his disciples and they got the same result. Today, we have the honour to exercise same authority. This authority is exercised in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. It's a name that is above every name. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father".(Philippians 2:10-11).

Take advantage of this authority and rebuke every sickness in the name of Jesus. Cast out devils whenever you have the opportunity to do so. The kingdom of God is not meat and drink but a demonstration of the power of God.

Prayer and Confession of Faith: Great and mighty God, I thank you for the authority I have in Christ Jesus to heal the sick and cast out devils. I hereby declare that I am healed with the stripes of Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus. And anyone I lay my hands upon shall be healed in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Mark 16:17-18; Acts 3:1-7.
Daily Scripture Reading: Judges 6-8; Revelation 13-15.

Thursday, March 29th.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 10.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".(John 3:16).

This verse above is undoubtedly the most popular of all the statements our Lord Jesus made. It is the Scripture often used when communicating the gospel of our Lord Jesus to lost souls. We will however unveil some of the details often overlooked in this verse.

First, this verse reveals God's unconditional love for a sinful world. Hence the Scripture says that, "...God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us".(Romans 5:. His love is so deep that it can pardon even the worst sinner.

Second, he gave his only begotten Son. This is the peak of love in action. It is one thing to give up his son but it is another thing to give up the only son he had. However, Jesus is no longer the only begotten Son of God because God now has many children. He is now more appropriately referred to as the first begotten from the dead.

Third, the salvation is for whosoever believes. Just as Apostle wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek".(Romans 1:16). And you have to believe in your heart and confess with you mouth for you to be saved - Romans 10:9-10.

Last, the result is everlasting life which you receive instantly. Everlasting life also known as eternal life is not a promise. It is a present reality. It is the very life of God. So, the moment you believe in Jesus, the very life of God is impacted to your human spirit. Your life becomes upgraded from the ordinary human life to the divine life. And this life is devoid of sickness and any for of infirmity. It is a higher life that is not subject to Satan and that cannot be destroyed.

You cannot get this life just by joining a Church or through water baptism. It is not through your self righteousness or good works. It is by exercising your faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. Embrace the gospel now and receive eternal life. "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God".(John 3:18).

Further Study: John 3:1-7; Ephesians 2:8-9.
Daily Scripture Reading: Judges 9-10; Revelation 16-18.

Friday, March 30th.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 11.

"No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father".(John 10:18).

It's Good Friday. Today marks an historic event that shook the very foundation of the faith of Jesus disciples. It was the opportunity the kingdom of darkness had to unleash their attack on Christ which they supposed should have thwarted God's plan to save the world.

However, before the betrayal of Jesus, he remarked that no one could take his life. This is because the life he has is from above. And the Scripture says; "He that cometh from above is above all..."(John 3:31). It has to take the permission of God for Jesus to be put to death. Hence he said, "...Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin".(John 19:11).

So, our Lord Jesus willingly laid down his life for us. It wasn't easy but he did it because of his love for us. He was brutally assaulted by the soldiers. "And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him".(Mark 15:15;19).

For the first time in history, the father turned his back on Jesus. Hence Jesus cried with a loud voice "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?".(Mark 15:34). Even the sun couldn't look at the face of its Creator as there was darkness for about three hours (12 noon to 3:00 pm).

All these happened just because of you and me. The death on the cross is what procured our complete redemption from the kingdom of darkness. Good Friday was indeed a day that the kingdom of darkness thought they were in charge. The whole incident turned out for our good as it was through his death the redemption came to us. Use this day to remember all that Jesus did for you and make up your mind that his death will not be in vain in your life. It's time to say no to sickness, poverty and death. His death has redeemed us from all these and you are now qualified to enjoy the best things of life.

Prayer and Confession of Faith: Dear Father, I thank you for the sacrificial death of your Son on the Cross of Calvary. I reaffirm the Lordship of Jesus over my life and therefore declare I am saved, healed and delivered from every oppression of darkness in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Thessalonians 5:9-10; Acts 4:12.
Daily Scripture Reading: Judges 11-13 Revelation 19-21.

Saturday, March 31st.
Some Profound Statements of Jesus - 12.

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?".(Mark 8:36).

The most important issue on earth is the salvation of mankind. Ironically, so many don't take it as an issue because of their spiritual blindness. Quite a few other attempt to find salvation outside Christ through religious devotion. The Scripture declares, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved".(Acts 4:12).

Our Lord Jesus said, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me".(John 14:6). "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus".(1st Timothy 2:15).

There are however factors that hinders people from receiving salvation. Top on the list of these factors is the deceitfulness of riches. Wealth is power and as such so many are ready to do anything just to be rich. But they forget that they will live this wealth behind one day when death knocks on their doors. And they are blind to the fact that "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God".(Psalms 19:7).

Hence our Lord Jesus asked the question, "...what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?".(Mark 8:36). Your salvation is very precious. Don't mortgage it for the temporal riches and pleasures that this world has to offer. "[For] ...they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows".(1st Timothy 6:9-10).

Prayer and Confession of Faith: I thank you heavenly Father for the salvation I have received in Christ Jesus. I refuse to allow the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches sway me away from the heavenly race. I ask for your mighty grace to stay focused on my divine assignment and live a life worthy of my calling in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 16:26; Hebrews 2:3.
Daily Scripture Reading: Judges 14-16. Revelation 22.