Tuesday, December 6th.

How to Judge Prophecy - 2.

"When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:22).

Today we will look at prophecies with regards to foretelling. According to the opening text, when the prophecy of a prophet does not come to pass, it wasn't from the Lord. There are however sometimes the fulfillment of a prophecy might be delayed. So, it's important we distinguish between unfulfilled prophecies and delayed fulfillment of prophecies.

For instance, God told the children of Israel that he will take them to the promised land after they left Egypt. But the fulfillment took much longer time than expected because of the rebellion and unbelief of the generation that left Egypt. But the prophecy was fulfilled after they wondered for 40 years in the wilderness.

Another reason why prophecies appears to be unfulfilled is misinterpretation of the revelation given to the prophet. For instance, Prophet Jerimiah said that 70 weeks will be accomplished before Jerusalem will be completely desolate. It took Daniel's prayer to get an answer from God concerning the 70 weeks. It is not the literal week that we know. One week represents seven years. The fulfillment of that prophecy is still in the future.

That a prophecy even came to pass is not an endorsement that it's from God. A further test for prophecy is determined by the instructions given by the Prophets. If he instructs you to go against God's will and follow after idols, the prophecy certainly can't be of God. This is what Moses told the Jews in Deuteronomy 13:1-5. It's important to note here that agents of darkness disguised as prophets also have the ability to see into the future and know certain things about people. But they have a limit.

Sometimes, prophecies can be altered like the case of Hezekiah. God had told him to put his house in order for he will certainly die. "Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore."(Isaiah 38:2-3). God responded by adding fifteen more years to his life through the mouth of the same prophet.

So, you sometimes have a role to play to either cancel or enforce certain prophecies concerning your life. If it delays, wait for it, it will come to pass if the prophecy is of God. And if the prophet directs your heart away from God, know that the prophecy is not of God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your infinite wisdom. You are the God who declares the end from the beginning. I ask you bring to pass every good plans you have for me and frustrate every evil schemes of darkness that is projected against my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Corinthians 11:13-15, Revelation 13:11-18.

Wednesday, December 7th.

Prophecy as Foretelling Does not Necessarily Bring Comfort.

"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (1st Corinthians 14:4).

The opening text is often used to judge prophecies. It is commonly believed that if prophecy does not edify, exhort and comfort, it's not from God. Well, this is true for prophecies that has to do with forth telling. But it's not the case when it has to do with foretelling. We will look at two examples in the New Testament to buttress my point.

In the days of the early church, a Prophet by name Agabus foretold of a severe famine that will affect the world. Thus, it is written; "And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that THERE SHOULD BE GREAT DEARTH throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius." (Acts 11:28). This of course is prophecy and it certainly didn't bring comfort to those who heard it. And it was fulfilled as it was spoken.

The second occasion was an encounter the same prophet had with Apostle Paul. The narration goes thus; "And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. "(Acts 21:10-11).

The passage above is another prophecy that neither edified nor brought comfort to Apostle Paul who the prophecy was meant for. He was however not moved by it as he said; "...What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 21:13).

So, don't ignore warnings that comes through prophecy that is spoken under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. There are certain dangers you can avoid if you give heed to prophecies concerning you that unveils an evil scheme of darkness. But if the prophecy is part of God's plan for your life, you cannot change it. But something good might come out of it at the end of the day.

Prayers: Dear Father, who is like unto thee? Besides you, there is no other God. I bless your name this glorious day and I know you have good plans for me. Expose every evil schemes of darkness targeted on me and bring them to nought in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Genesis 15:13-14, Acts 9:15-16, Revelation 2:10.

Thursday, December 8th.

Why Two Prophecies of Jesus Were Unfulfilled - 1.

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, THERE BE SOME STANDING HERE, WHICH SHALL NOT TASTE OF DEATH, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."(Matthew 16:27-28).

Our Lord Jesus gave two prophecies that were unfulfilled with regards to the time frame they were supposed to happen. First of all, it's important to note here that our Lord Jesus didn't operate as God on earth even though he is fully God in human flesh. He functioned as man on earth. This was why he had to be anointed by the Holy Spirit to carry out his ministry.

So, as man, he didn't know all things. The prophecy he gave as contained in the opening text was with clarity of terms. He said that some of his audience standing with him will not taste death till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. Jesus is yet to come as foretold but that generation are long dead. Now, the question is, why wasn't it fulfilled as spoken?

It's because of the present church age which was still a mystery at that time. The word mystery in this context means hidden secret. Before the death of Christ, salvation was only for the Jews because they were the only nation on earth in covenant relationship with God. At that time, the Gentiles had no covenant with God - Ephesians 2:12. So, salvation was not yet extended to the Gentiles. This is why Jesus instructed his disciples when he sent them out to preach; "... Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: BUT GO RATHER TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL." (Matthew 10:5-6).

On another occasion, he said to the Canaanite woman who requested him to heal her daughter; "... I am not sent BUT UNTO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL."(Matthew 15:24). Salvation extended to the Gentiles after his death when the children of Israel rejected him as their Messiah. Thus, it is written; "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." (John 1:11-12).

So, if not for the opportunity given to the Gentiles which constitutes the present day church, the prophecy would have been fulfilled within the specified time frame. Isreal as a nation is partially blind with respect to the salvation Jesus brought. The blindness will only be removed when God is through the Gentiles - Romans 11:25-26. We will look at the second prophecy tomorrow.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity given to me to be a part of your kingdom. I am your son and an heir of your kingdom. Fill me with joy and peace as I look forward to the glorious return of our Lord Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 3:4-6, Romans 11:15-24.

Friday, December 9th.

Why Two Prophecies of Jesus Were Unfulfilled - 2.

"So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS, till all these things be fulfilled." (Matthew 24:33-34).

On an occasion when Jesus and his disciples left the temple, his disciples drew his attention of Jesus to the temple. And Jesus responded by predicting the destruction of the temple. This prompted the disciples to ask him three questions. The first was, when will the destruction take place. The second is the sign of his coming. The last is when will this present world (age) end.

Our Lord Jesus immediately began to foretell the events of the further in chronological order. Notable amongst the predictions are; wars and rumours of war, famine and earthquakes in divers places. Furthermore, he said false prophets and teachers will arise and they will be hated by all nations which will result in their persecutions.

In addition, he predicted that the abomination of desolation that Daniel spoke about will stand in the holy place. The abomination is the image of the anti Christ that the false Christ who they will accept as their Messiah will erect in the temple of God. And everyone on earth will be forced to worship that image.

The Jews because of their adherent to the Law of Moses which forbids the worship of any other gods will refuse to worship this image. This will result in their persecution. And they will pass through a great tribulation, a kind that has never happened in the history of the world.

At the end of the great tribulation period, Jesus will come back and the elect (144,000 Jews) will first be raptured. He will defeat the anti Christ and the false Christ who are revealed as the first and second beast respectively in Revelation, chapter 13.

The crux of the narration of this event was the prediction that the generation he was addressing with witness all these events. But that generation is gone and most of the events are yet to be fulfilled. This is because of the church age which was a mystery at that time. God, the Father hid this mystery even from his Son, Jesus at that time. This is why the prediction in Matthew, Chapter 24 didn't include the church. It's about the nation of Israel. The mystery was unveiled after the resurrection of Jesus.

But after the rapture of the church, the events will all be fulfilled. The anti Christ will come and reign in a revived and revised Roman Empire. It will be a confederalism of ten European Countries. And it will be the new world power. He will only reign for seven years. The last three and a half years will be the period of great tribulation. But at the end of the seven years, Jesus will come back, defeat them and establish his millennium reign on earth. The faithful saints will be given various responsibilities and leadership over nations. We will reign with Christ on earth for 1,000 years.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the great plans you have for us as unveiled in your word. A plan that will be consummated at the appearance of our Lord Jesus. I pray that I will be counted worthy to reign with Christ when he comes to establish his kingdom on earth in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Daniel 9:27, Revelation 13:1-18; 19:11-21.

Saturday, December 10th.

Conquering Through Love - 1.

"So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children." (Genesis 20:17).

It's an understatement to say that we are living in the days where evil schemes of darkness is on the increase. Most of us have experienced one form of betrayal from trusted friends and even family members. On account of this, most people toll the path of revenge to frustrate the devices of these wicked and unreasonable people. And most of the times, the battles appears to be an endless one.

However, one weapon that is hardly employed in battle is love. Walking in love towards perceived enemies can give you your most desired breakthrough faster than you think. Besides, the love arena is an environment the devil cannot penetrate. Rather, God's presence is made manifest in an environment of love. And when God's presence shows up, anything is possible.

We will look at two examples of Saints of old who conquered through love and draw a lesson from them. The first is Abraham, who the scripture regards as the father of faith. He went to sojourn in Gerar in the course of his journey. And the king of Gerar, Abimelech took wife supposing her to be his sister.

God appeared to Abimelech in the night and ask him to restore Sarah back to Abraham otherwise, he will be a dead man. He quickly did that with gift items which included sheep, oxen, menservants, womenservants and money.

Abraham in response prayed for him for God to heal him and open the womb of his wife and maidservants which was closed up because of Sarah. It takes love to do this. Besides, most people will not pray for others to have what they don't have. And this was a king who hurt his emotion at least for the night the wife was with him. Abraham certainly would have had a sleepless night that day.

And it was immediately after Abraham made this prayer that Sarah his wife conceived. Just one act of love broke the yoke of 25 years barrenness. The verse that followed this incident reads; "And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him." (Genesis 21:1-2).

There are certain miracles that may not come your way until you pass the love test. So, instead of always raining fire and brimstone on perceived enemies, why not show them love when you have the opportunity to. Hence, the scripture says; "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." (Romans 12:20).

According to the verse above, God himself will judge them on your behalf. As it is written; "... Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19). We will look at the second example from the scripture tomorrow.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of life and the opportunity to be called your son. I also thank you for the love nature that is deposited in my spirit. I ask for your grace to show love to everyone including those who have made themselves my enemies. As I do, I know you will open doors of favour for me and give me my desired breakthrough in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 5:43-48, Galatians 5:6.

Sunday, December 11th.

Conquering Through Love - 2.

"And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before." (Job 40:32).

Yesterday, we discussed how Abraham's demonstration of love to Abimelech through prayer broke the 25 years barrenness of Sarah. It wasn't a coincidence that Sarah conceived just after Abraham prayed for King Abimelech who had taken his wife.

Job is another example of someone who conquered through love. He had the worst recorded afflictions in the Bible. And his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar came to comfort him. But on the contrary, they tormented him. God wasn't happy with them and told Eliphaz; "My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. "(Job 40:7-

They did as they were commanded and Job prayed for them. He didn't take revenge against them but he prayed for them. And the scripture said; "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before." (Job 42:10).

Job just like Abraham got his miracle after he prayed for his friends who were as good as his enemies. Showing love to perceived enemies does not mean you endorse their evil schemes. You can still cancel their evil schemes through prayers and bind the evil spirits working through them. But, when you have the opportunity to show them love, do it.
It is the fastest way to judge them if they continue in their evil schemes. God himself will arise for you and judge them like he did against King Saul who made life miserable for David for several years. Remember, King David had two good opportunities to kill Saul, but he spared him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your loving kindness towards me. I also thank you for your protection and deliverance from the evil schemes of darkness. None of their weapons formed against me shall prosper. I pray that your light will continue to shine through me by the demonstration of the love nature you have deposited in my spirit in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st John 4:7-8, 1st Peter 3:9.

Monday, December 12th.

Conquering Through Love - 3.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1st John 5:4).

Christianity is a revelation of God's love. God is love and love is of God. Believers in Christ have this love deposited in their spirit. The new nature you received when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour is the nature of love. So, those in Christ are born of love. And to be born of love is to be born of God.

And according to the opening text, whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. The love nature in you overcomes the hatred, strifes, envy and bitterness that is in the world. Walking in love is the sure way to a victorious Christian life. It's the only solution to the crises we face in our homes, relationships and even in our communities. In addition, walking in love is the key to most of the breakthroughs we desire in life.

Kenneth Hagin of blessed memory wrote about a woman who had a stubborn son who always go to parties and comes back drunk most of the times. She tried all she could to get her to attend church services but he never responded. So, she went to Kenneth Hagin for prayer. She was however counseled to show him love no matter what he did.

So, one night, as usual, her son came back drunk. Instead of scolding him, he prepared hot water for him to bath and also prepared a good meal for him at that late hour. The young man though was drunk noticed the kind treatment by his mother even in his drunken state.

The next morning, she just told him she was going to church. The young man told her to wait for him so they could both go together. He got to church that morning, responded to an altar call and got saved. What years of prayers, yelling and scolding could not do, just one unconditional act of love did it. She conquered through love.

So, learn to walk in love towards even those you think don't deserve it. Whether he is your difficult husband, stubborn wife, wicked boss in your place of work, walk in love towards them all. Don't render evil for evil. Rather, overcome evil with good. You will be shocked to see that even hearts of stone can be melted by genuine act of love.

Prayer: Dear Father, I appreciate you for your word that guides me daily. I ask for your mercy in moments I have failed to walk in love. I say no to all forms of bitterness, envy and strifes. Thank you for your enabling grace to love even those who hurt me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Romans 12:21, 1st Thessalonians 5:15, 1st Peter 3:9.

Tuesday, December 13th.

Relationship Between Your Seed and Love.

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; FIRST BE RECONCILED To THY BROTHER, and then come and offer thy gift."(Matthew 5:23-24).

It is an understatement to say that there is power in seed sowing. Seed sowing is when you give a sacrificial offering to God. You can also sow seeds into people's life. And whatever you sow is what you reap. It can be in cash or kind.

However, there are quite a few people who have given up on seed sowing because they have never experienced any miracle of harvest from the seeds they have been sowing. One of the reasons could be that they are not walking in love.

Our Lord Jesus said in the opening text that when you bring your gift (seed) to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, make reconciliation with your brother first before you offer your seed. The message is clear. Your seed will not be accepted until you reconcile with your brother.

There are people who hurt the emotions of their friends, family members and even brethren in the church and try to run away with it. People who act in such manners are not walking in love because the scripture says; "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law." (Romans 13:10). The International Standard Version renders this verse thus; "Love never does anything that is harmful to its neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the Law."

There are many ways people's emotions are hurt. When you deliberately speak evil against your brother or neighbour in such a way as to tarnish his reputation, you are hurting him or her. Abusive words also hurts the emotion of the one you abuse. Parents or Guardians who neglect the welfare of their children are also hurting their emotions.

Ministers who mistreats younger ministers working under them hurts their emotions as well. The same goes with employers who cheat on their workers. Husbands and wives are not left out of the list.

If you hurt the emotion of anyone such that the person is not happy with you, make effort to reconcile with him or her, otherwise your seeds or gifts will not be accepted. This could be the reason you have not been reaping harvest from seeds you have been sowing.

So, avoid speaking evil of others as much as possible if you don't want your life to end in poverty and ruin. Don't sit down with ungodly people who love saying negative things about others. Remember, life is governed by principles. Walking in love is one sure way to live a victorious Christian life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I magnify your glorious name. I ask for your mercy in many ways I have hurt people's emotions. I choose from this day to walk in love and treat people kindly. Thank you for giving me the grace to do so in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 1:1-3, Job 42:8, Ephesians 4:29.

Wednesday, December 14th.

Relationship Between Brotherly Love and Eternal Destiny.

"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:41).

Brotherly love is a special kind of love directed to the brethren or fellow believers in Christ. The New Commandment of love Jesus gave says we should love one another the way he loved us - John 13:34. He added, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35).

How you respond to the need of the brethren around you determines your eternal destiny. The parable of the sheep and goat unveiled this truth even though a large percentage of the church ignore the warnings of neglecting brotherly love. Jesus wasn't insane or drunk when he gave this parable. So, we must be sensitive to the need of those around us.

The sheep are those who respond to the need of the brethren around them. According to the parable, he will tell the sheep after setting them on his right hand, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. "(Matthew 25:34-36).

And to the goats on the left hand he will say; "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not."(Matthew 25:41-43).

The goats raised an objection and insisted on a witness to the accusations. Then the Lord will answer; "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me." (Matthew 25:45). Ignoring the cry of the needy around you when it's within your ability to help is rehearsing for hell.

It's true you certainly can't help everyone in need around you, but try as much as possible to do the best you can. God blessed you so you can be a blessing to others especially your fellow brethren. It doesn't have to be convenient for you. In fact, the scripture says that we should lay down our lives for the brethren even to the point of liquidating our assets - Luke 12:33.

Your love for God is demonstrated by the love you show to the brethren. Don't turn blind eyes to your brethren in genuine need. Ignoring brotherly love could land you in the pit of hell. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10).

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the new life I have in Christ Jesus. I ask for your forgiveness in any way I have neglected my brethren in need. I ask for your grace to support the needy brethren around me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 5:42, Acts 2:43-47, 4:33-37, Galatians 2:10.

Thursday, December 15th.

Relationship Between Love Walk and Your Health.

"And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman." (Numbers 12:1).

One aspect of love walk has to do with the way we talk about others especially our fellow brethren. So many people have gotten into trouble even in the secular world because of wrong utterances. This is why the police often say during arrest; 'you are permitted to remain silent for whatever you say can be used against you in the law court'.

The opening text is an account of how Aaron and Miriam his sister spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman he married. And the anger of God was kindled against both of them such that Miriam became leprous. God never even bothered to address the allegation against Moses.

Those who speak evil of their fellow brethren are not walking in love. Hence, Apostle Paul wrote; "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and EVIL SPEAKING, be put away from you, with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31). James also said; "SPEAK NOT EVIL ONE OF ANOTHER, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother..." (James 4:11).

Many a time, we do it in a bid to condemn the wrong doing of others. However, you don't have the moral right to do so as we all have our shortcomings. Thus, it is written; "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:4).

So, if you want to enjoy good health, be mindful of the things you say about others especially your fellow brethren. And the kind of health challenges it brings are those that defy medical cure. Instead, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt...that it may minister grace unto the hearers." (Colossians 4:12, Ephesians 4:29).

Prayer: Holy God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I worship you in the beauty of holiness. Your word is right and your ways are just. I refrain my lips from evil speaking against my brethren from this day henceforth in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Peter 2:1, Titus 3:2, 2nd Peter 2:20.

Friday, December 16th.

Why Did Jesus Come? - 1.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree."(Galatians 3:13).

We are presently in a festive mood in preparation for Christmas celebration all over the world. Ironically, so many people who celebrate Christmas don't even know why Jesus came and it's significance in their lives. It's therefore imperative we look at this topic so as not to miss the very essence of Christmas.

It's true there are quite a few professing Christians who don't believe in Christmas. But that is not the point of discussion here. What is most important is to use this opportunity to enlighten us on the mission of Jesus and its eternal value in our lives. It's difficult to state in one single sentence why Jesus came. We will however itemize them in sub topics, most of which are related to one another.

First, JESUS CAME TO REDEEM THE JEWS FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW OF MOSES. The first part of the opening text says that, 'Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law..' The word 'us' in this context refers to the Jews because the Gentiles were never under the Law of Moses.

The Law of Moses was never God's plan for mankind. When God called Abraham, he made a promise to him that in him, all the families of the earth shall be blessed - Genesis 13:3. This promise was made clearer after he attempted to offer his only son Isaac for sacrifice. God told him; "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:18).

The seed referred to here is Christ - Galatians 3:16. But before Christ came, the Jews were given the law to keep to regulate their lives. The law however had conditions spelt out in Deuteronomy, Chapter 28. It promised the children of Israel blessings (verses 1-14) if they keep it and curses (verses 15-68) if they break it. But they couldn't keep them. So, they incurred curses instead of blessings. They died in their thousands whenever they committ sin. Hence, Apostle Paul wrote; "And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death."(Romans 7:10).

So, Jesus came and was made a curse for the Jews to redeem them from the curse of the Law of Moses. This also opened up the door of salvation to the Gentiles so that together we can all be a part of God's kingdom through the free gift of salvation offered on the platform of grace.

Thus, the scripture says; "For he is our peace, who hath made both [the Jews and the Gentiles] one [body], and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us [caused by the Law of Moses]; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain [that is, of both Jews and Gentiles] one new man, so making peace."(Ephesians 1:14-15, Emphasis mine).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the redeeming the Jews from the curse of the Law of Moses and at the same time gave us the opportunity to be a part of your kingdom. I celebrate this glorious opportunity. I thank you in the name of Jesus that I am no more a stranger or a foreigner but a fellow citizen with the saints and of the household of faith. Amen.

Further Study: Galatians 3:23-29, Romans 4:13-16; 7:6.

Saturday, December 17th.

Why Did Jesus Come? - 2.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. THAT THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM MIGHT COME ON THE GENTILES THROUGH JESUS CHRIST; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13).

Yesterday, we said that one of the reasons Jesus came was to redeem the children of Israel from the curse of the Law. The second reason why he came is that we (formerly called Gentiles) might partake of the blessing of Abraham. But the Jews had to be redeemed first from the curse of the Law before this could happen.

Thus it is written; "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. The Jews are the physical descendants of Abraham but we are the faith seed of Abraham. As such, Abraham's blessing is ours.

This was the blessing Esau sought for with tears but couldn't get it. But it has been given to us on the platform of grace. It's important to note here that the children of Israel who are the physical descendants of Abraham couldn't get this blessing by keeping the Law of Moses. But the generation of the children of Israel before the law was given enjoyed the blessing of Abraham.

This blessing is obtained by faith; "Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all." (Romans 4:16).

Abraham's blessing includes material wealth, physical well being and fruitfulness. It's an all round blessing. It doesn't matter if you are not rich yet. If you walk in obedience to God's word, over time, the wealth that is yours will locate you. The circumstances you are faced with presently is a mirage. God will cause you to triumph over them and his name alone will be glorified.

Prayer: Merciful Father, I thank you for the privilege to witness a new day. I am grateful for including me in your eternal plan of blessing and favour. I declare that the blessing of Abraham is resting upon me such that everything I lay my hands to do turns into success in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Genesis 24:1; 28:4, Romans 15:29.

Sunday, December 18th.

Jesus Came to Fulfill the Law and The Prophets.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Matthew 5:17-18).

The passage above is about the most misunderstood passage in the Bible. Quite a lot of ministers use it to back up their claim that the Law of Moses is still in force. This is because of the wrong meaning ascribed to the word fulfill.

It's important to note here that scriptures must be interpreted in harmony with other passages of the Scripture that addresses the same issue. There are several passages in the Bible that unveils the fact that the Law of Moses has been abolished. So, it's not rational to think that the statement credited to our Lord Jesus as contained in the opening text teaches otherwise.

The first part of the statement reads, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets". To destroy the law in this context means to arbitrarily annul it without following due process. The Law of Moses was never God's original plan for the children of Israel. They were given the law which served as a school master until Jesus came to unveil faith. "But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster (Law of Moses)." (Galatians 3:25).

What did Jesus mean when he said he came to fulfill the law and the prophets? The word fulfill has different meaning depending on the context it is being used. In this context, it means to bring the law to a justified end by meeting its requirements. The law laid a curse on anyone who does not continue to keep them. And Jesus came and was made a curse for the Jews by hanging on the tree thereby redeemed them from that curse - Galatians 3:10-13.

He also came to fulfill or bring to pass what the prophets said. Prophet Jeremiah foretold the abolition of the Old Covenant for a new one - Jeremiah 31:31-33. The writer of Hebrews confirmed the cancellation of the Old Covenant when he wrote; "For there is verily a DISANNULLING OF THE COMMANDMENT going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God." (Hebrews 7:18-19).

Christ has fulfilled the law not only by bringing it to a justified end but also by depositing his love nature in us when we believed, thereby giving us the ability to meet the righteous requirements of the Law. Thus, it is written, "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (Romans 13:10).

Prayer: Glorious and merciful Father, I extol your holy name. I thank you for the revelation of your grace which has brought salvation to mankind. I trust that the same grace will continue to strengthen me to serve you in an acceptable manner in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Romans 8:3-4; 10:4, Hebrews 8:7-13, Colossians 2:14.

Monday, December 19th.

Jesus Came To Save Us From The Dominion of Sin.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21.

Sin crept into this world through the disobedience of the first man, Adam. He was told not to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. He was also warned of the consequences. His wife, Eve was deceived by the devil who spoke through the serpent. She gave of the fruit to him and he ate of it. Immediately after that, they both discovered that they were naked.

They both died spiritually that day. Spiritual death is separation from God and alienation from the life of God. It was the spiritual death that later resulted in physical death. Man was never supposed to die at all. Sin from that day began to dominate man and the sin nature was inherited by everyone born on earth. Hence the scripture says; "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12).

This is the main reason Jesus came. He came to save us from our sin. According to the scripture, the wages of sin is death - Romans 6:23. So, Jesus had to first die for our sins so that mankind can be legally free from the wrath of God. Thus it is written; "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1st John 2:2). Jesus himself became the atoning sacrifice for our sins. His blood has to be shed; "... for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul [for]... without shedding of blood is no remission [of sin]. "(Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22).

But for it to be vitally yours, you must accept Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Saviour. The moment you do that, God himself takes away the sin nature in your spirit and gives you a brand new heart that is created in righteousness and true holiness.

However, we still make mistakes from time to time because of our flesh that is not yet saved. And when you fall into error, forgiveness is available for you - 1st John 1:9. You should not however abuse this grace by living in sin habitually. It's your responsibility to put your flesh or body under control. And you can do it through the power of the Holy Spirit who supplies the grace to live right. Hence, the scripture says; "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the redemption I have in Christ Jesus. Have mercy on me and wash me thoroughly from every sin I have committed knowingly and unknowingly. I ask for your grace to put my body under control so I will not be disqualified on the day of Judgement in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 1:7, Titus 2:14, Romans 8:1-13.

Tuesday, December 20th.

Jesus Came To Give Us Eternal Life.

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1st John 5:11-12).

If you are in Christ, you have eternal life, which is the very life of God in your spirit. Eternal life is not a promise. It's what you have now. The word life in the passage above is translated from the Greek word, Zoe, which is the very life of God.

Those who are not born again have the ordinary human life known as psuche in the Greek language. And there is a marked difference between both kind of lives. This God life in us cannot be destroyed. This is why our Lord Jesus said; "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."(Mark 16:16-17). On the contrary, the ordinary human life cannot survive deadly poison.

This new life in Christ is why Apostle Paul was unhurt by the viper that fastened itself on his hands on an occasion - Acts 28:3-5. This life makes you supernatural. It upgrades your life from the ordinary human life to the God life. And because you have eternal life in you, the wicked one can't harm you. God's ability is at work in you. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Walk in the consciousness of this new life. You are now a partaker of God's divine nature. Even death has no power over this life. As such, you are not supposed to die by accident, brief or protracted illness because of this life in you. This is the abundant life Jesus promised. Receive this new life into your spirit by making Jesus the Lord of your life if you are yet to be born again.

If you are already saved, tell others about it. Don't keep it to yourself. This is one of the good works you were created to do. In addition, you have the authority to lay hands on the sick and cast out devils by virtue of the superior life of God in you. And as you walk in the light of this truth, God's glory will be seen upon you such that lost souls will be motivated to serve the only true living God.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the new life I have in Christ Jesus. I am a partakers of your divine nature. I ask for boldness to spread this good news to lost souls so they too can partake of this glorious new life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: John 3:16, Romans 6:23, 1st Timothy 6:12.

Wednesday, December 21st.

Jesus Came To Unveil The Reality of Heaven and Hell to Us.

"And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." (John 3:13).

The saints of old had limited knowledge of how heaven looks like and even hell because they have never been there. But our Lord Jesus repeatedly said he came down from heaven on several occasions. So, he was in a better position to tell us few things about heaven. He also unveiled the reality of hell us as a place of torment where lost souls go to.

The language Jesus used in the opening text is beyond human understanding. He affirmed he is still in heaven even while he was on earth. This explains the fact that him and the father are one. He represented God the Father on earth and the Father in heaven represented him. They are inseparable. No wonder he said; "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30).

He called heaven his Father's house on one occasion and let his disciples know that there are mansions there. He repeatedly said his Father is in heaven so his audience will not think he was referring to Joseph, the husband of Mary.

He gave several parables to unveil what the kingdom of heaven could be likened to. In addition, he said we should lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven - Matthew 6:20. So, everyone will not be at the same level of wealth in heaven. Furthermore, he talked about the Father giving us reward to us in heaven on a few occasions. He couldn't reveal so much about heaven because of the unbelief of the people of his days - John 3:12.

However, the book of Revelation which Jesus gave to John reveals that the streets of heaven are paved with gold. So, if it can be viewed with a powerful telescope, it will appear like a golden planet.

Everyone who is born again is a citizen of heaven. And Jesus is coming back very soon to rapture faithful saints to that glorious city. There is no death, sickness, poverty or pain there. And we will never grow old. Though, at the close of this age, God will create a new heaven and a new earth. The new heaven will come down to earth as a glorious city known as the New Jerusalem - Revelation 21. The buildings will have skyscrapers that reaches beyond the clouds - Revelation 21:16. We will talk about the reality of hell tomorrow as unveiled by our Lord Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I thank you for the wonders of your works revealed through your creations. I thank you also for qualifying me to be a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. I ask for your grace run the race to the end and keep the faith in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: John 6:38, Philippians 3:20.

Thursday, December 22nd.

Jesus Came To Unveil The Reality of Heaven and Hell to Us - 2.

"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom." (Luke 16:22-23).

We talked about the reality of heaven yesterday as unveiled by our Lord Jesus. Today, we will look at the evidence of the Scripture from the very statement of our Lord Jesus that points to the fact that hell is real.

The opening text is part of the narration of the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Some professing believers and even quite a few religious sects assert it's a parable. It's not a parable but a true life story. In parables, actual characters or names are not mentioned. But in this story, two names were mentioned, Abraham and Lazarus.

Calling it a parable is as good as saying that every beggar is named Lazarus and every one who answers Lazarus is a beggar. We know that this is far from the truth. Jesus narrated a true life story by the gift of the word of knowledge in just the same way he knew that the Samaritan woman he met st the well had five husbands before cohabitating with the man she was living with at the time of their meeting.

Even, if it's a parable, it doesn't change the message because parables are short narratives using illustrations or events that could actually happen in real life from which we draw a moral lesson. So, you can't use events that are not real to make parables. All the parables Jesus gave are things that are real and familiar with the audience of his days.

The story of the rich man and Lazarus clearly reveals the existence of hell where lost souls are tormented. It also unveils the fact that lost souls are conscious and have their memories intact. The rich man remembered all that happened while he was on earth. He even remembered he had five brothers and requested that Abraham should permit someone to rise from the dead and warn them so they will not come to this dreadful place.

Lazarus on the other hand was in Abraham's bosom. Abraham's bosom also known as paradise was a compartment underneath the earth where the spirit of saints of old went to after death. It is separated from hell by a deep gulf as indicated by the story. But while hell is hot and unbearable, Abraham's bosom had a supernatural air-condition even under ground.

It was after the resurrection of Christ that these saints were released from Abraham's bosom and taken to heaven when Jesus ascended back to heaven - Matthew 27:52-53, Acts 1:9. They were the cloud that received Jesus when he ascended back to heaven. The revelation Jesus gave to Mary Baxter about hell revealed that hell has taken over what used to be Abraham's bosom because of expansion. Tomorrow, we will look at more evidence of the Scripture concerning the reality of hell.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity to witness another glorious day. It's not because of my righteousness but because of your mercy. I am also grateful for pointing out the reality of hell to me. I ask for grace to live right and be kind to others so I will not end up like the rich man who went to hell in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 5:29, 2nd Peter 2:4.

Friday, December 23rd.

Jesus Came To Unveil The Reality of Heaven and Hell to Us - 3

"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:43-44).

We are still on the reality of hell as unveiled by our Lord Jesus. This is a subject that is hardly taught in most of our churches and so many people do not even want to hear about it. But, if the subject is not important, Jesus wouldn't talk about it repeatedly. It's for your safety that you get acquainted with the reality so you can make a quality decision not to go there.

The text above unveils further details about hell. Our Lord Jesus says that the FIRE IN HELL IS NOT QUENCHED. In addition, it says that the WORMS THERE DO NOT DIE. There is a sect that assert that Jesus was referring to a valley in south of Jerusalem known as Gehenna where the filth and dead animals of the city were cast out and burned.

It is true that the word hell in the opening text was translated from the same Greek word, Gehenna but it was used symbolically. He couldn't have been referring to that physical place because the description he gave does not fit it. First, he said that the fire is not quenched. There is no longer any form of fire burning in that valley. Second, he said that the worms there do not die. We do know that every living thing dies. Even science are yet to discover any living thing on this present earth that does not die.

On another occasion, he used the phrase, furnace of fire to describe hell; "The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a FURNACE OF FIRE: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:41-42).

The Greek word from which fire is translated from in the passage above it pur which is the word used for literal fire. And the statement of Jesus is devoid of ambiguity here. He told his audience what will happen at the end of this age.

Please, be warned, hell is real. You can make a quality choice to avoid it. It was created for the devil and his angels and not for you. But anyone who refuses to accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour makes himself a candidate for hell. God is a God of both love and judgment. He used Sodom and Gomorrah as an example to us that he destroys with fire.

One more description Jesus gave about hell is that the tormented souls will weep and gnash their teeth day and night - Matthew 8:12. The last point I love to make here is that hell is not even the final destination of lost souls. All lost souls in hell will on the final judgment day be released to stand before the judgment throne of God. And those whose name are not found written in the book of life will be cast into the Lake of Fire. This is liquid fire where lost souls will swim in and be tortured for the rest of their lives. It is far worse than hell.

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I bless you for your righteous judgment. I thank you for making a way of escape for us from that horrible pit of hell. Have mercy on me and forgive my sins. I receive grace to serve you in an acceptable manner in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 25:30, Revelation 20:11-15.

Saturday, December 24th.

How to Celebrate Christmas.

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem."(Matthew 2:1).

The argument about whether Jesus was born on Christmas day is baseless. What is most important is that he is celebrated. In addition, those who have never heard about Jesus will have the opportunity to hear and be saved. This is a plus for the kingdom of God. The devil is the one fighting Christmas celebration because it reminds him of Jesus who came, saved us, defeated him and disgraced him.

However, it matters also how you celebrate Christmas. When Jesus was born, wise men from the east saw his star and came to Jerusalem in search of the child. It's important to mention here that the actual numbers of the wise men were not stated even though we have been told growing up as children that they were three in number. But there is no scriptural proof to that. They only presented three kinds of gifts. I am sure they were very many in number, hence the actual number could not be ascertained.

So, just like the wise men, you must first locate Jesus. Jesus is not physically here on earth but his manifest presence is in the gathering of the saints. He said; "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20). You must be in the local church where you have chosen to identify on Christmas day. You can't stay at home to celebrate Jesus. Ensure you locate him like the wise men did.

And as they journeyed, the star followed them and stood over the place where the baby Jesus was laid. The scripture said; "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (Matthew 2:10). The next thing you should do to celebrate Christmas is to get excited and sing for joy. It should be one of the happiest moments in your life. That Jesus was born so he could reconcile us back to God through his death should spur you up to rejoice. The wise men didn't just rejoice, it was an exceeding great joy.

The next thing the wise men did was to worship the baby Jesus. So, Christmas day is a day we should worship Jesus like never before. After they worshipped him, they presented him with precious and costly gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. So, prepare your gift as you go to celebrate Christmas. The servant of God placed over you will receive it on behalf of Jesus. And you will certainly not lose your reward.

Lastly, remember to share whatever you prepare with the less privileged, the fatherles, orphans, widows and even those in the correctional centres. Above all, use this opportunity to reach out to lost souls and tell them about Jesus. He is indeed worth celebrating.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus to the world. And I am glad I am saved. May your glory fill your house and your presence fill our hearts as we get ready to celebrate and honour your Son in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Corinthians 10:31, Romans 14:4-6, Luke 2:1-14.

Sunday, December 25th.

One Great Lesson of Christmas.

"For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A LIGHT TO LIGHTEN THE GENTILES, the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:30-32).

There are many lessons of Christmas but I want to dwell on a lesson that is hardly mentioned but carries a great message. It's about a man named Simeon whom the Holy Spirit told that he will not die until he sees Jesus. So, he waited until Jesus was born.

And when Jesus was born, his parents brought to the temple for dedication. Simeon went to the temple by the Spirit of God. Nobody told him. The Holy Spirit did. The Holy Spirit is real and he is a person; the third person of the Godhead.

When Simeon got there, he spoke prophetically about the ministry of Jesus. The part that was striking was when he said that he will be a light to lighten the Gentiles. Even Joseph and Mary were shocked by the things he said. I am sure they wondered why he had to include the Gentiles in his prophecy. The Jews have already seen themselves as the only nation that God relates with because of the covenant he had with them.

It's important to note here that the Gentiles were not part of God's people at that time and no one knew how it was going to happen that we will be a part of God's family. The Jews don't have anything to do with the Gentiles which refers to every other nation apart from Israel. We were called the uncircumcised.

Apostle Paul made a remark about it when he wrote; "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, WHO ARE CALLED UNCIRCUMCISION by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, BEING ALIENS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world."(Ephesians 2:11-12).

He continued; "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us."(Ephesians 2:13-14).

Simeon saw our day. The sonship right we now enjoy was not an accident. God planned for us to be included in his family. Even the children of Israel he came for primarily rejected him till date. Their rejection opened up the door of salvation for us. We ought to be thankful for the birth of Jesus and shout for joy at the remembrance of God's mercy that has included us to be a part of his family. Jesus indeed is worth celebrating. Merry Christmas.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus as we remember his miraculous birth. Lord Jesus, I celebrate you. I reaffirm your lordship over my life. I will live the rest of my life to your praise and glory. Thank you Father for the grace to keep the faith and run the race to the end in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: John 1:11-13, Ephesians 2: 13-19; 3:3-6.

Monday, December 26th.

Things That Hinder Us From Achieving Our Yearly Goals - 1.

"And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do." (Genesis 11:6).

This year is just few days away and we will witness another glorious new year. It is an understatement to say that virtually everyone has things he loves to achieve each year. But most of the time, the results we get is far less than our expectations. Where are we really missing it? This is the best time to begin to reflect on the events of this year; things you achieved and things you couldn't achieve and the possible reasons for the successes and seeming failures of the year.

This is to ensure that next year will be a much better year for you. We do know that we are living in difficult times partly because of the bad economy of our nation occasioned by bad and corrupt leadership. The inflation rate is increasing daily but our income isn't for those who live on salaries. Besides, we live in days where activities of wicked and unreasonable people have increased.

However, God's word has promised us success even in most difficult times if we live by the principles contained therein. So, in the next few days, we will be looking at areas we have missed it, things we should do doing that we are not doing and how we can plan for next year to ensure we achieve much better results.

It is important to note here that success is not an accident, it is planned for. It is not an event, it's a process. And every right step in the right direction will bring you closer to your dreams and goals in life.

The first attitude you must put up as you reflect on the event of this year and the shortcomings, is that of the mentality of a champion. You are born to win in Christ. God doesn't sponsor failure. He can take you beyond your plans and dreams. Just like the opening text remarked, no one but God can stop you from achieving whatever you have imagined. And if God is on your side, you are good to go. Tomorrow, we will begin to look at things that hinder us from achieving our yearly goals and ensure we do the needful to minimize our errors come 2023.

Prayer: Dear Father, I am thankful for the opportunity to witness the last week of this year. I thank you for what I have achieved this year. I also thank you in spite of some of my goals that were not achieved. I ask for your wisdom to achieve much better results come 2023 in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 23:18.

Tuesday, December 27th.

Things That Hinder Us From Achieving Our Yearly Goals - 2.

"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." (Habakkuk 2:2).

The first question you should ask yourself if you didn't achieve your goals this year is, did you really have written goals? So many people don't write down their goals. They just have them in their hearts and minds. For any goal to stand a chance of being achieved, it must be written down.

God told Habakkuk in the opening text to write the vision down. Nothing happens by coincidence, you make things happen through carefully planned goals. So, sit down and begin to write down your goals for 2023 if you haven't done that yet.

The next question is, did you break your goals down into categories? Goals must be broken down into categories. Categories could include, financial, marital, physical, career, spiritual etc. The next step is to be very specific on your goals in each category. In other words, your goals must be measurable. How much do you want to make with regards to your income? Write it down and plan towards it. For those in ministry, what membership strength are you looking at before the end of the year?

Then, break your goals down into quarterly, weekly and daily goals. It is what you do each day, each week and each quarter that will reflect in what you will achieve at the end of the year.

This brings us to the next step which is strategy? Having set goals, you must strategize. What are the required steps you must take to achieve your set goals? Strategy may require you to do things differently from what you have always done. If you are selling a product, think of new ways of marketing it. If you are in ministry, think about what you must do for you to experience the desired growth. It could be investing in training or putting new structures in place.

The last thing is taking the required steps or actions. So many people set goals but don't work towards the fulfillment by taking consisted daily actions. For instance, you want your church to grow, how much do you invest in daily soul winning and follow up activities? How much time do you spend studying the word of God? The cattle will only graze where there is grass.

Finally, do you have multiple streams of income? Don't rely on one source of income. There are many opportunities to earn money online. Attend seminars and learn new ways of earning income.

Space will not permit me to go into more details on how to set goals and achieve them. Just know where you missed it and begin to plan for next year. Sit down and write down your goals now. Map out strategies and above all commit them into the mighty hands of God. Tomorrow, we will look at the hindrances that can come from the spiritual angle and how to tackle them.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for what I was able to achieve this year. I ask for wisdom to plan to achieve much better results next year. I also pray that you connect me with my destiny helpers in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Proverbs 24:3-4, James 1:5-7; 2:26.

Wednesday, December 28th.

Things That Hinder Us From Achieving Our Yearly Goals - 3.

"Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us." (1st Thessalonians 2:18).

We discussed about goal setting yesterday and emphasized on the need to write them down, put them in categories and map out strategies. So many people don't set goals and quite a few that do, don't put them in writing. This is one factor that hinders us from achieving our goals.

Today, we will look at spiritual undertones that influences the achievement of our goals. It's important to note here that the realm of the spirit is real and it controls the physical. So, even if you apply all goal setting strategies, if you don't take care of the spiritual realm, your efforts might be in vain.

Apostle Paul said in the opening text that Satan hindered his team in their planned journey to the church in Thessalonical. And the hindrance was more than once from the tone of his letter. This beats the theology of those who assert that Satan is powerless. No, he isn't but God is all powerful. And we have been given the authority over all his power. But he is still able to temporarily hinder us from time to time depending on the doors of opportunities opened for him. But if you know how to fight spiritual battles, you will eventually overcome.

So, why you set your goals for next year, you must be very prayerful. There are powers of darkness that works night and day to frustrate God's purpose for your life. This is why Apostle Peter wrote; "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: WHOM RESIST STEADFAST in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1st Peter 5:8-9).

So, you must resist him steadfastly. If you stop him today, he will show up another day. Satan doesn't give up. But he is the loser. Even during the temptation of Jesus when he eventually lost, the scripture said; ".. he departed from him for a season."(Luke 4:13). So, there were many other temptations Jesus went through that were not recorded. Hence, the scripture says; "... [Jesus] was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15).

Therefore, take your prayer life very serious if you want to achieve your goals. And the most effective way to pray is in tongues. It releases tremendous power that can change seemingly hopeless situations. Above all, don't give the devil an open door through a disobedient life. Doing that makes you more vulnerable and the result could be catastrophic.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for your mercy and love for me. I know you have a good plan for me. I therefore commit my goals for next year into your mighty hands trusting that they will be fulfilled. I resist every evil works of darkness designed to hinder me from achieving them in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Zachariah 3:1-2, Romans 1:13. Matthew 18:18, Isaiah 54:17.

Thursday, December 29th.

Things That Hinder Us From Achieving Our Yearly Goals - 4.

"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:" (Isaiah 1:19).

The verse above is a very familiar verse to most professing believers but we will take a closer look at it and see how it affects our success in life and ministry. We said yesterday that there are spiritual undertones to our successes and failures in life. If you don't have a divine backing in whatever you are doing, success will elude you no matter the goals you set and strategies you map out to achieving them.

The opening text has two different demands God placed on us if we want to eat the good of the land. The first is we must be willing. The question is, willing to do what? It is willingness to live by the principles of God's word consistent with his provisions for us in Christ. These principles can all be tagged to the instruction our Lord Jesus gave in Matthew 6:33 which says; "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

No matter the goals you have in life that you want to achieve, our Lord Jesus said you must give priority to God's kingdom agenda first. This is where a lot of Christians miss it. They place their businesses, family, studies, careers and dreams above the things of God. You can't get a divine backing with such attitude.

This is why our Lord Jesus said; "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24). God is not against your wealth acquisition but it shouldn't be at the expense of your service to him.

You must place a high premium on your commitment to the advancement of the kingdom of God. And do it willingly. Let it come from your heart. Don't be somewhere else when you are supposed to be in church. It's an act of irreverence to God. You can't dishonour God and expect him to lift you up at the same time. And be faithful to whatever responsibility that is committed to your trust in your local church.

In addition, be involved in evangelical activities. And commit your finance to the things of the kingdom. When you do all these, God will ensure that little efforts you put into your business or whatever you do turns into uncommon success. He can even cause you to achieve far beyond your plans and dreams just because you give him first place in your life.

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I thank you for yet another glorious day. You are worthy of my praise and adoration. I am willing to do your will. I trust in your enabling grace in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Chronicles 16:9, 1st Corinthians 9:17.

Friday, December 30th.

Things That Hinder Us From Achieving Our Yearly Goals - 5.

"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:" (Isaiah 1:19).

Yesterday, we emphasized the need to render service to God willingly to secure a divine backing in the pursuit of your goals and dreams. This is why Apostle said, "For if I do this thing willingly, I HAVE A REWARD but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me." (1st Corinthians 9:17). So, your reward comes only when you serve him willingly.

The second demand of the opening text is obedience. You can do things willingly and yet not obediently. And this will also hinder your blessing. So, your service must be rendered willingly and obediently to secure your reward and divine backing in whatever you do.

For instance, if you willingly join the ushering department to serve but you always go late to meeting, you are not obedient in the discharge of your duty. Even consistent lateness to church meetings and programmes is disobedience. No responsible worker go to work late. It is also an irresponsible act to go late to church consistently. It will make you a misfit for the kingdom of heaven.

Another example has to do with the payment of your tithe. If you willingly pay your tithe but don't pay correctly, you are walking in disobedience. And this in turn will affect the blessing you receive.

Diligence is another attitude you must put on to receive a reward for your service. Diligence is doing what you are supposed to do consistently. For instance, if today you are in church and tomorrow, you are no where to be found, you are not diligent. Or if you attend certain services but you are consistently absent in other meetings, you are also not diligent. God rewards services rendered diligently. This is why the scripture says: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM." (Hebrews 11:6).

Make up your mind to serve God willingly and obediently if you want to eat the good of the land. The Blessings will certainly not show overnight. But if you continue to do the right thing in line with the word of God, his blessings will locate you sooner or later and your dreams and goals will receive divine backings.

Prayer: Dear Father, I give you honour and glory due to your name. I thank you for counting me worthy to serve in your vineyard. I am resolved to serve you willingly and obediently. Thank you for supplying the grace I require in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Hebrews 10:25-31, Colossians 3:5-6, Ephesians 6:5-6.

Saturday, December 31st.

Five Important Prayer Points for 2023 - 1.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalms 91:1).

2023 is just a few hours away and as such it's important we know how to properly channel our prayer requests to God, trusting him to fulfill his good plans and purposes for our lives. The first prayer point I strongly recommend we should pray for is DIVINE PROTECTION.

The world is in the era of the fulfillment of the prophetic vision of the pale horse rider of the book of Revelation. As it is written; "And I looked, and behold a PALE HORSE: and HIS NAME THAT SAT ON HIM WAS DEATH, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, TO KILL WITH SWORD, and WITH HUNGER, and WITH DEATH, and with the beasts of the earth. "(Revelation 6:.

This is why the rate of death is higher than it has ever been before. People die mysteriously every day. We are alive today not because we are more righteous than those who have passed away untimely. It's because of His mercy.

However, securing God's divine protection is much more than praying even though prayer has a major role to play. The opening text says that God's divine protection is only guaranteed for those who treasure his secret place.

The secret place is also translated shelter in some Bible versions. It also means hiding place. How do we dwell in God's secret place so we can enjoy his divine protection? Firstly, you must put your absolute trust in Him. Hence, the psalmist said; " I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; IN HIM WILL I TRUST.(Psalms 91:2).

There are quite a few Christians who say they trust God but they tie charms around their waist for protection. If your trust is in God, it must be in Him alone. And the Lord knows those who truly trust him. Secondly, don't be afraid. Fear is an expression of lack of faith in God. And it opens the door for the enemy to attack you. This is why the psalmist also said; "THOU SHALT NOT BE AFRAID for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday." (Psalms 91:5-6).

Thirdly, you must seek him constantly. This is where prayer and diligent fellowship comes in. Don't play light on your prayer life if you want to enjoy God's divine protection. Have a prayer schedule and stick to it. King David prayed thrice daily - Psalms 55:17. This was one of the reasons King Saul couldn't kill him for seven years he attempted to do it.

When you make the Lord your habitation in the place of prayers, evil will be far from you. The same protection is enjoyed when you are constantly in the fellowship of the brethren. Fourthly, be fully committed to His will. Love him and serve him with your life. Thus, it is written, "Because HE HATH SET HIS LOVE UPON ME, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name." (Psalms 91:14). More points will be Unveiled tomorrow.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity to see the last day of this year. I commit 2023 into your mighty hands trusting you that you will continue to protect me and my family in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 91:9-10; 27:1-5, 2nd Corinthians 1:10.

Rhema for Living Devotional 2023 by Samson Ken Macaulay.

Sunday, January 1st.

Five Important Prayer Points for 2023 - 2
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalms 91:1).

Happy new year. Hallelujah! It's our year of amazing glory. Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. The counsel of God concerning you and your household shall stand in the mighty name of Jesus. Your expectations will not be cut short in the mighty name of Jesus.

The evil schemes of wicked and unreasonable people against you will not prosper in the mighty name of Jesus. God will give you supernatural speed in the mighty name of Jesus. Wasted years shall be restored back to you in the mighty name of Jesus. Those who looked down on you will look up to you in the mighty name of Jesus.

We stressed the need to pray for divine protection yesterday. In addition, we said that there are things you must do besides prayer to stay under divine cover this glorious new year. The fifth point is that you must open your mouth and acknowledge God's protection over your life. Thus the psalmist said; " I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalms 91:2).

There is power in your tongue. As you are about to step out of your home, open your mouth and declare God's protection over your life. The sixth point is that you should refrain your lips from evil speaking. There are people who are fond of speaking evil about others. And it is worse when you do it against a child of God. It can send you to your early grave.

Seventh, learn to praise and worship God at all times. It attracts the presence of God. And when God's manifest presence is with you, no power of darkness or any form of evil can harm you. Lastly, be conscious of God at all times and the angels he has sent to keep watch over you. It's quite unfortunate that quite a few of God's children are more conscious of the evil one. It shouldn't be. The psalmist said, " I have set the LORD ALWAYS BEFORE ME: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." (Psalms 16:cool.

So, trust God this year that he will protect you and your household from every form of evil. Sickness and afflictions of any form will be far from you in the mighty name of Jesus. The Lord will deliver you from the hands of wicked and unreasonable people in the mighty name of Jesus. The glory you will experience this year will far surpass the glory of past years in the mighty name of Jesus.

Prayer: My Father in heaven, I thank you for the glorious opportunity to see this new year. I commit my dreams and goals into your mighty hands. I declare that my life will move from glory to glory in the mighty name of Jesus. Above all, keep me from the evil one in the mighty name of Jesus.

Further Study: Psalms 27:1-5, Matthew 6:13, 2nd Thessalonians 3:2.

Monday, January 2nd.

Five Important Prayer Points for 2023 - 3.

"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD, I WILL PASS OVER YOU, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." (Exodus 12:13).

We are still on the subject of five important prayer points for 2023. The first prayer point we mentioned is praying for DIVINE PROTECTION. We also emphasized on things we must do to stay under divine cover some of which are; and putting our absolute trust in God, getting rid fear, seeking him diligently in the place of prayer and fellowship and committing our lives to doing his will.

In addition, constantly declare his protection over your life, avoid speaking evil of others and give him praise and worship at all times. Today, still on the subject of divine protection, learn to cover your household with the blood of Jesus. Always do this before you start the day and before you go to bed at night.

There is power in the blood of Jesus. The scripture says; "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."(Ephesians 1:7). The blood of Jesus has redeemed us from sickness, poverty and untimely death. Apply it by faith on the lintels of your door posts. Every evil projected against you including death will see the blood and passover your household.

When Satan or evil people place a demand on your life, the blood of Jesus will speak mercy for you. Hence, the scripture says; "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." (Hebrews 12:24). Abel's blood speaks vengeance but the blood of Jesus speaks mercy.

Moreover, the scripture says; "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."(Hebrews 12:11). Our Lord Jesus died that you might live. As such, no one can cut short your life. "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee." (Psalms 91:7).

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you once again for this glorious new year. I also thank you for the redemption I have through the blood of the lamb. I hereby declare that I and my household are covered with the blood of Jesus. When death or any form of evil is projected against us, it will passover my household in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Exodus 12:23, Psalms 118:17, John 11:26.