Saturday, March 4th.

How To Use God's Word As A Weapon In Spiritual Warfare - 4.

"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."(1st John 3:.

Today we will look at the fourth way we can use God's word in our spiritual warfare; You can destroy the works of the wicked ones using spoken words consistent with God's word. We know that the devil has been defeated and the opening text says that his works have been potentially destroyed by our Lord Jesus by putting an end to the reign of sin in our body. But he still afflicts those who give him the opportunity through the activities of wicked men and women who visit evil altars.

However, you have the authority to destroy his evil works and make them ineffective through spoken words in line with the word of God. Whenever these wicked people gather together in the realm of the spirit, they project affliction and make enchantments against people. But the scripture says; "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel..." (Numbers 23:23).

In addition, it said; "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17).

Words are containers of power. Don't keep quiet especially when you perceive that things are not just working right as expected. Sometimes, God reveals these evil works of darkness through visions and dreams. Whether, they are revealed or not, constantly destroy every evil works of darkness projected against you through words. Always use what God's word says as a basis for your declarations.

Remember that you are seated together with Jesus on the right hand of God the Father. You are far superior to the the devil and his cohorts. So, speak words like one who knows he has authority. As you consistently release words backed up by scriptures, every evil works of darkness against you will all be destroyed to the glory of God.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for your love and faithfulness towards me. You have been my strength and refuge from the storms of life. I thank you for the victory I have in Christ Jesus because I know that every evil works of darkness projected against me are destroyed in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 54:15, Luke 10:19.

Sunday, March 5th.

The Role of Prayers in Spiritual Warfare.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:18).

Consistent and fervent prayers is not negotiable if you must successfully stand your ground against the evil schemes of the wicked one. Those who pray always and rightly are less venerable to the attacks of the evil one. So, the first thing prayer does is it protects or shield you from the devil and his cohorts.

However, you must know how to pray and what to pray for your prayers to command attention in the realm of the spirit. There are different kinds of prayers and each kind has the rules that govern it. For instance, we have the prayer of faith. In this kind of prayer, you must believe that what you are asking God for is already yours even before you see the manifestation.

This is why our Lord Jesus said; "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, BELIEVE THAT YE RECEIVE THEM, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11:24). But why you are waiting for the manifestation, you might be tempted to quit if the answer seems to delay. Thus, the scripture says; "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." (Hebrews 10:35-36).

There are other kinds of prayer such as the prayer of intercession that you must persist in your request until you see the desired change. This was the kind of prayer Elijah made when he prayed for it to rain again after three and a half years of drought. And it did rain.

Above all, the most effective way to pray is in tongues which is referred to as praying in the Spirit in the opening text. When you pray often in tongues, tremendous power is released to effect changes and the power of darkness trying to stop you from entering into your rest will be broken. Tomorrow, we will throw more light on how praying in tongues helps you to triumph over the evil schemes of darkness.

Prayer: Dear Lord God, I thank you for the opportunity to commune with you this glorious day. You deserve the glory, honour and adoration. I thank you for being with me in my trying moments. And I know you will cause me to come out triumphantly in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Luke 18:1-8, James 5:17-19, Romans 8:26.

Monday, March 6th.

Benefits of Praying in Tongues - 1.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication IN THE SPIRIT, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:18).

We emphasized the need to pray consistently and fervently yesterday if you want to win your spiritual warfare. Today, we will begin to look at some of the benefits of praying in tongues in connection with your spiritual warfare.

Praying in tongues is the physical manifestation of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It is the first noticeable sign that follows the baptism with the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Ghost came down on the day of Pentecost, the scripture said; "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4).

There are other evidence of the Scripture that attest to the fact that speaking in tongues is the first physical sign that you have received the baptism with the Holy Spirit. And the gift is for every believer - Acts 2:38-39.

What then are you benefits of speaking in tongues and how does it enhance your chances of winning your spiritual warfare? The first benefit is that it builds you up or emboldens you. In other words, it strengthens your inner man. And such strengthening gives you the grace to carry on in trying moments. Thus, it is written, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself..."(1st Corinthians 14:4).

Jude puts it this way; "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost." (Jude 20). The second benefit is that it helps your weakness in prayer. So many times you don't lack the right vocabulary to present your requests to God in prayer. This is where speaking in tongues helps you. Hence Paul said, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26).

So, pray often in tongues. It gives you an added advantage as you engage in spiritual warfare. If you don't speak in tongues yet, receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit who will give you the utterance to speak in tongues. You can receive him two ways; You either ask God to fill you or hands can be laid on you. Immediately you ask or hands are laid on you, open your mouth and speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit will give you utterance. We will look at more benefits tomorrow.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for watching over me and keeping me safe throughout the night. I also thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I pray that you will continually strengthen me by the power of the Holy Spirit to patiently wait for my change as I engage in my spiritual warfare in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 3:16, Luke 11:11-13.

Tuesday, March 7th.

Benefits of Praying in Tongues - 2.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication IN THE SPIRIT, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:18).

Yesterday, we began to discuss some of the benefits of speaking in tongues. First, we said that it helps your weakness in prayers. Second, we said that it emboldens you. The third benefit is that it's the most effective way to intercede for the saints, families, communities and nations.

This is the emphasis in the opening text. Apostle Paul didn't just ask us to pray for the saints, he said the prayer should be done IN THE SPIRIT. To pray in the Spirit also means to pray in tongues. Interceding in tongues is very effective because the Holy Spirit who gives you the utterance knows the need of everyone.
This doesn't mean that you shouldn't pray with your understanding for people but it means that you should pray more in tongues.

Thus, Apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Corinth said, "What is it then? I will PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." (1st Corinthians 14:15). You can see from this verse that he gave priority to praying in tongues (with the spirit) first before he mentioned praying with the understanding.

The fourth benefit of praying in tongues is that the Spirit of God who gives you the utterance helps you to pray in line with God's will. As it is written; "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD.

So, spend more time praying in tongues for the saints, your loved ones, our leaders and even our nation. God is still in the business of answering prayers and he will certainly hear and answer us even as we stand in the gap for others.

Prayer: Dear Lord God, I worship before your presence this beautiful morning. I use this opportunity to commit my brethren, loved ones, our leaders and our nation into your mighty hands. May your counsel concerning them all stand in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Romans 8:26-28, Luke 22:31-32.

Wednesday, March 8th.

Benefits of Praying in Tongues - 3.

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." (Joel 2:28).

So far, we have discussed four benefits of speaking in tongues which are; 1. It emboldens or charges you up. 2. It helps your weakness in prayer. 3. It's the most effective way to intercede for people. 4. It helps you to pray in accordance to God's will.

The fifth benefit is that it can take you to the realms of prophecies. Prophecy in this context is speaking forth God's word under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Pray in tongues to the point that prophecies begins to roll out of your lips. At such moments, whatever you say will surely come to pass though it will take a process of time.

The sixth benefit is that it will open the eyes of your spirit to visions and revelations. Through these visions, you will be shown things about your life and even your ministry that are yet to happen. One of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to show you things to come. But it is made easier when you speak more frequently and fervently in tongues.

The seventh benefit is that it helps you to pray for the unknown. There are so many things that is happening in the realm of the spirit world that we are not aware of. For instance, wicked people project evil things against God's children and their families. And the Holy Spirit sometimes gives you an inner witness of such impending danger. At such times, just pray in tongues until you receive a note of victory in your spirit and peace of mind. And that evil projection will be thwarted.

So, spend time praying in tongues as the Spirit gives you utterance. Pray to the point you don't feel like stopping. At such point, you are releasing tremendous power to effect changes in the realm of the spirit which will translate into positive changes in the physical world over time.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I give you thanks for your mercy and grace upon my life. I use this opportunity to thank you for the precious gift of your Holy Spirit. I pray that you will continually strengthen me through the power of the Holy Spirit to live a victorious Christian life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: John 16:13, Acts 2:16-18.

Thursday, March 9th.

Benefits of Praying in Tongues - 4.

"Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest." (Isaiah 32:15).

We are still on the subject of the benefits of speaking in tongues. So far we have mentioned seven benefits of speaking in tongues which space will not permit us to mention here. The eight benefit is that it brings prosperity. In other words, you make faster progress in life in whatever you choose to do when you pray often in tongues.

If this is not your testimony, then check your attitude to giving. Your prosperity could also be hindered even though you pray often in tongues if there are foundational powers that have not been dealt it. In any case, if you consistently speak in tongues, those foundational powers will eventually be broken and the door of financial prosperity will be opened to you.

The same applies to those called into the ministry. If you want your church or ministry to grow faster, spend more time praying in tongues. Tremendous power that cause positive changes is released when you pray in tongues. This is why our Lord Jesus said; "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:.

So, if you a business man or woman, pray more in tongues if you want to see your business grow to enviable heights. But at the same time, put into practice principles that governs prosperity such as the first fruit offering, tithing, giving quality offerings and seed sowing.

The word of God works. Don't give up. Don't be moved by the temporal setbacks. Keep that tongue rolling in the spirit. There is no power of darkness that can stop you from entering into your financial rest. Just as the scripture says; "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37).

Prayer: Dear Father, I give you praise for your faithfulness and love. Thank you for watching over me and keeping me as the apple of your eye. I pray that your will cause all I lay my hands on to proper by the power of your Spirit in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Zechariah 4:6, James 5:16.

Friday, March 10th.

Benefits of Praying in Tongues - 5.

"So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19).

The Spirit of God is the power of God. He was there at creation. God never said a word until his Spirit moved. In just the way wicked people are stirred up to do evil things because of the influence of demonic spirit working through them, the Spirit of God also anoints God's children to do supernatural things to the praise of God.

This brings us to the ninth benefit of speaking in tongues. It puts the enemy to flight especially when your tongue begins to release rivers of living water like a flood out of your belly. The scripture likens baptism with the Holy Spirit to rivers flowing out of your belly - John 7:38-39. And you initiate the flow when you speak or pray in tongues. And we know what rivers does. Apart from the blessing of ensuring supply of water for various purposes, it can also cause destruction when it becomes a flood.

The last part of the verse of the opening text should actually read, "When the enemy shall come in, LIKE A FLOOD THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD shall lift up a standard against him." The position of the coma has been shifted to bring out the true meaning of the verse. So, it's not the enemy that comes like a flood, it is the Spirit of God that moves like a flood.

So, as you speak in tongues, the rivers of water from your belly becomes a flood that sweeps away the evil schemes of darkness. It puts the enemy to flight. This is what it means to lift up a standard against the enemy.

The devil and wicked people dread those who pray in tongues consistently and fervently. They flee and look for where to take cover when your tongue starts rolling. And you do so much damage to the kingdom of darkness when you make such prayers at midnight hours.

This is why the devil tries as much as possible to discourage believers from receiving the baptism with the Holy Spirit. They lie by saying it's not important. They use every means to make God's children despise the gift of Holy Spirit. Even quite a few who have received the gift don't know how to activate the power.

If you are already baptized with the Holy Spirit, spend more time praying in tongues and do it fervently. The result is that the enemies that attempt to come against you will all be put to flight. And every form of their wicked devices against you will all be swept away.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the opportunity to become your son. And I also thank you for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. I receive fresh unction to function in the supernatural through the power of the Holy Spirit in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Deuteronomy 28:7, James 4:7.

Saturday, March 11th.

Benefits of Praying in Tongues - 6.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14).

God leads us primarily by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. The Holy Spirit is in every believer to a certain measure because we are all born of the Spirit of God. But when you receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit, you are full of the Spirit to overflow.

Speaking in tongues makes you more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is the tenth benefit. As you consistently and fervently speak in tongues, it makes you more conscious of his indwelling presence. And as such, you are more likely to hear him speak to you.

Most of the times, he gives you a word of wisdom which unveils his plan and purpose for you at such point in time. At other times, you just receive an impression on your spirit on what to do to move to your next level or get a desired breakthrough.

A child of God cannot be stranded. It might look so tough at certain times that it seems there is no way out. Most of the times, even people you thought would come to your aid will despise you. But God is always there for you. And the gift of tongues is the most effective way to communicate with him. It doesn't matter if you can't interpret what you are saying. What matters most is that the Holy Spirit is giving you the needed utterance that God himself perfectly understands.

And he will lead you in the right way you should go. He will orchestrate your footsteps to meet with your destiny helpers over time. The benefits pointed out in the course of this study are definitely not exhaustive. But I believe the few ones we have discussed are enough to keep you motivated to keep praying in tongues and look forward to a great future. So, keep your tongues rolling in the Spirit. Your breakthrough will eventually come and the name of God alone will be glorified.

Prayer: Dear Lord God, I am grateful for counting me worthy to be a partaker of your kingdom and all the blessings that comes with it. I thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who has come to comfort me and guide me through life. I pray that you will continue to lead me in the path that I should follow and overcome every seeming hindrance I am faced with in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 48:17, Acts 16:16.

Sunday, March 12th.

Winning Spiritual Warfare With The Power of Praise - 1.

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."(Acts 16:25-26).

There are times in life you face seemingly hopeless situations. And you have prayed every form of prayer you are acquainted with but nothing seemed to have changed. Try giving God the best of your praise and worship. There is power in praise.

Paul and Silas were both put in prison for preaching the gospel. And it is not just the convectional prison. It's a prison where they were stocked in one position. Their feet were placed in a hole of a log of wood and fastened to it so they can't move their legs.

But in that ugly situation, they lifted up their voices in praises to God. Quite a few professing believers will likely ask God, why me? There are those who will even stop the preaching of the gospel to avoid further persecutions.

But Paul and Silas gave God the best of their praises at midnight. And the scripture said that there was a great earthquake and all the doors were opened and every chain was loosed. This is the power of praise. Their praises didn't just set them free, it set every prisoner free.

Praise attracts the presence of God and when God shows up, anything is possible. Thus, the psalmist wrote; "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." (Psalms 22:3). To get a better understanding of this verse, let's look at the rendering in the International Standard Version; "You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.". In other words, your praises builds an altar where God sits as King in that arena of praise.

It doesn't matter what you are passing through presently. It may have even lingered longer than you thought. Take your attention away from your situation and give God the best of your praise and worship. Yours may not attract an earthquake like it happened when Paul and Silas sang praises to God. But it will certainly attract God's presence and at the right time, you will experience your breakthrough.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you are worthy of my praise and adoration. I thank you in spite of what I am going through. I am fully persuaded that I will come out victorious. I therefore take my attention away from my troubles and give you my highest praise. Accept it and show yourself mighty on my behalf in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 100:1-4, Habakkuk 3:17-19, 1st Thessalonians 5:18.

Monday, March 13th.

Winning Spiritual Warfare With The Power of Praise - 2.

"And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." (2nd Chronicles 20:22).

Yesterday, we unveiled the power of praise. It's one sure way to triumph over the evil works of darkness. It opens the prison doors and set the captives free. God is enthroned in our praises. Each time we praise God, he comes down in his power to do miracles.

Today, we will look at what praise does to the enemy and the kingdom of darkness. The opening text reveals how the three nations that gathered together against Judah fought themselves until they were all destroyed.

King Jehoshaphat who was the king of Judah at that time knew he didn't have the strength to face the three nations that were gathered together against him. So, he proclaimed a fast and in the process received a word of wisdom through Jahaziel the son of Zechariah. The Spirit of God spoke through him and gave them divine direction and let them know that they will not need to fight in this battle.

So, as they got ready for battle the next day, he put singers in front who began to praise and worship God in the beauty of holiness. And as they began to sing, it was God himself who laid an ambush on the enemies. And confusion was set in their midst and they fought one another until every one of them was destroyed.

Praise creates confusion in the kingdom of darkness. It destabilizes the evil forces of darkness arrayed against you. The devil and his cohorts cannot stand the power in praise.
This reminds me of a book titled, 'Deliverer from the Power of Darkness' written by Emmanuel Eni several years ago. He was one time the chairman of Africa wizard. He was given an assignment to kill a young Christian lady who according to them always sang praises to God. And her praises was causing havoc in the kingdom of darkness.

He took the assignment. On a certain day the young lady was traveling, he caused the driver of the bus she was traveling on to overspeed and in the process had a fatal accident. Virtually everyone in the bus died except the young lady who was their target. She came out of the bus unhurt and began to sing praises again.

So, don't let your challenges weigh you down to the point where the devil can steal your joy and make it difficult for you to praise God. Lift your voice and give God the best of your praises at all times. As you do, the devil, principalities and powers arrayed against you will all be confused and confounded. And this will turn out to your victory over their evil schemes.

Prayer: Wonderful and Marvelous God, I magnify you this glorious day. You deserve my praise and worship. I thank you in spite of the challenges I am faced with. I am fully persuaded that you will cause me to triumph over them all. I am therefore resolved to praise you at all times for your saving grace in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 18:3,46; 34:1-3, Hebrews 13:15.

Tuesday, March 14th.

Winning Spiritual Warfare With The Power of Praise - 3.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. THEREFORE WITH JOY shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." (Isaiah 12:2-3).

We are still on the subject of praise in relationship with our spiritual battles. One of the result of praise is a joyful spirit. Your praise is meaningless if it is not accompanied with joy. Unfortunately, there are quite a few people who sing praises to God with gloomy countenance and such countenance can be a hindrance to your miracle.

Ensure your praise is fully expressed by a bright and joyful countenance. It's a doorway to your breakthroughs. Thus, the opening text says, '... WITH JOY shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.' The word salvation implies the idea of safety, deliverance, healing and prosperity. The scripture says that the way to access them is through the vehicle of joy.
This is why the devil tries as much as possible to steal your joy. It's however your responsibility to maintain a joyful state of heart. Hence, the psalmist said; "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation." (Psalms 95:1).

Sometimes, your joy is expressed with loud singing. As it is written; "Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them SING ALOUD upon their beds."(Psalms 149:5). It doesn't stop here. It can also be accompanied with a shout. Just as the psalmist wrote; "O clap your hands, all ye people; SHOUT UNTO GOD with the voice of triumph." (Psalms 47:1).

Finally, back it up with dancing. And dance with your strength like King David did when the ark of the Lord was brought to back. King David danced to the point where he was uncovered and mocked by Michal, Saul's daughter, "And David danced before the LORD with all his might...And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself." (2nd Samuel 6:14, 20).

On account of this mockery, Michal become barren till her death. So, don't be overwhelmed by your challenges to the point that you can't praise God with joy and dancing. He is a faithful God and can be trusted. "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15).

Prayer: Dear Father, I praise you for your faithfulness and goodness. I reject every spirit of heaviness. And I put on the garment of praise in its place trusting you for your intervention in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Habakkuk 3:17-19, Philippians 4:4, James 1:2-4.

Wednesday, March 15th.

Winning Spiritual Warfare With Special Seed Offerings - 1.

"And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel." (1st Samuel 7:10).

Generally speaking, if you want to make progress in life, you must have the right attitude to giving. In the mind of God, he has already made you rich but whether you eventually enter into your financial rest depends on how you give. And this includes your regular offerings, tithes and your financial contributions to the advancement of the kingdom.

Giving also has a role to play in your spiritual battles. Deities, whether God or devils responds to sacrifices. There are certain interventions you can never get until you offer a quality sacrifice.

The Israelites on one occasion were faced with a battle with the Philistines and they were afraid. They asked Prophet Samuel to cry to God on their behalf. But Prophet Samuel knew that if they must win that battle, sacrifices must be offered first. So, the scripture said; "And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him." (1st Samuel 7:9).

According to the opening text, as Samuel was offering the burnt offering, the Lord struck the Philistines with thunder as they came near for battle. And they were all destroyed.

It's good to pray and praise God when you are engaged in spiritual battles. But there are times you must back it up with a special seed offering to secure your victory. As you release unusual offerings to God, he will fight for you and every evil power or evil altar that is against you will all be destroyed.

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I glorify you this beautiful day. You are the Alpha and Omega. Besides you there is no other God. I thank you for giving me victory over every works of darkness in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Genesis 8:20-22, 1st Kings 17:9-16.

Thursday, March 16th.

Winning Spiritual Warfare With Special Seed Offerings - 2.

"Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land." (2nd Kings 3:27).

After the death of King Ahab of Israel, the King of Moab rebelled against Israel. He used to pay tribute to the King of Israel which included 100,000 male lambs and the wool of 100,000 rams - 2nd Kings 3:4.

So, in anger, the King of Israel asked the King of Judah to join forces with him to fight against the King of Moab. He agreed. The King of Edom also joined forces with the King of Israel in the fight.

When the fight started, the three kings were having the upper hand in the fight such that the armies of the Moabites were thoroughly defeated. He tried to breakthrough to the King of Edom with his reserved 700 trained soldiers but he could not.

So, the King of Moab decided to offer his first son who should have reigned after him as burnt sacrifice upon the wall. And the scripture said; "...And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land." (2nd Kings 3:27).

The battle the King of Moab couldn't win with the strength of his army was won through unusual offering. However, you are not supposed to use your children as offering. This example was used to illustrate the power in unusual sacrifices. And this explains the reason why the wicked devices of evil men sometimes prevail against the children of God. They offer unusual sacrifices at their evil altars while God's children offer very little or nothing at the altar of God.

Don't play light on the power of offerings. If you are facing a battle that appears to be too strong for you, take a worthy offering to the altar of God and cry to him for help. God will use that seed to fight your battles for you and you will certainly come out victorious.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for keeping the night watch for me. I thank you for the comfort of your word and your Spirit in my trying moments. As I offer the best of my special offerings to you, I declare that every scheme of darkness against my life will be brought to nought in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ecclesiastes 7:12, 2nd Samuel 24:24-25.

Friday, March 17th.

Winning Spiritual Warfare With Special Seed Offerings - 3.

"And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son."(1st Kings 17:13).

A certain widow from the city of Zarephath was going through a financial battle to the point that she was ready to prepare her last meal and wait for death. However, she had an unusual encounter with Prophet Elijah that changed the story of her life.

God had said to Elijah to go to the city of Zarephath during the period of famine to meet with a widow that will sustain him for that period. I believe Elijah thought he would meet a very wealthy woman. But when he got there, he saw the widow and said to her; "...Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink."(1st King 17:10). I believe he made this request to confirm if she was really the widow. Under the Old Testament, it was permissible to ask God for a sign in matters you are not so sure of.

And the scripture said; "And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand." (1st Kings 17:11). The widow responded thus; "As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die." (1st Kings 17:12).

Her statement unveiled the source of our financial challenges. She had been selfish in the management of her finances. Her budget was only for her and her son. No budget for God and no budget for others. This is why she became broke. So many Christians are like this widow. They hardly give God the honour due to him. They hardly pay their tithes and they go to the house of God empty. In other words, they do not give offerings and even when they do, it's a far cry from what is expected of them.

Prophet Elijah knowing the source of her financial situation, instructed her to prepare the meal for him first. After that, she could prepare for herself and her son. He is trying to get her to know the order of priority. It must be God first. And Elijah was standing in the place of God.

And the scripture said; "...she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah." (1st Kings 17:15-16).

Her story changed not just because she came in contact with Elijah but because she did the right thing. She honored the man of God first. Ironically, so many professing believers have the same opportunity to be blessed like the widow of Zarephath but refuse to take advantage of it. They despise the Pastors placed over them instead of giving them due honour.

Your man of God placed over you is the change agent God has given to you. You cannot win your spiritual battles over financial challenges if you despise your man of God. Make a deliberate plan to start giving to men of God placed over you. In addition, always pay your tithes and give quality offerings. This is the key to winning your spiritual battles that bothers on your finances and many other challenges you might be faced with.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I give you thanks for the opportunity to be called your son. I also thank you for the blessings you have given to me in Christ. I ask for your grace to always give you due honour by the manners and ways I minister to servants placed over my life. As I do, may I experience financial breakthroughs in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Kings 4:8-17, Matthew 6:33, Galatians 6:6.

Saturday, March 18th.

How to Take Advantage of The Power in the Blood of Jesus in Your Spiritual Battles - 1.

"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).

Our physical body is sustained by blood. Thus it is written; "For the life of the flesh is in the blood..."(Leviticus 17:11). Under the Old Covenant, the blood of animals were used to atone for the sins of the children of Israel. So, instead of man dying for his sins, animals died in his place.

Before the children of Israel were finally delivered from the land of Egypt, they were told to kill one year old lambs and apply the blood on the lintels and side posts of their doors. The angel of death was to pass through the land of Egypt to kill all the firstborn both of man and animals of the Egyptians. But when the angel see the blood on their doors, he will passover their homes.

The children of Israel did as the Lord commanded. At midnight, the angel of death passed through the land of Egypt and slayed all the firstborn of man and animals. But there were not a single death among the children of Israel.

In the same sense, Christ has become our passover lamb. You can apply the blood of Jesus by faith on the doors of your house and when death is projected against you and your family, it will passover your household. You can also just say, 'my household is covered by the blood of Jesus'. And it will be so.

Reject untimely death. It is not your portion. Wicked men and women are everywhere looking for how to destroy lives with their witchcraft manipulations and enchantments. But they can't take your life because Jesus already died that you might live.

So, don't be afraid of their evil schemes. They will not prosper against you. You are under divine cover through the redemption in the blood of Jesus. Always cover yourself and your household with the blood of the lamb. And when death places a demand on your soul, the blood of Jesus will speak mercy for you. Hence, it is written; "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony..."(Revelation 12:11).

Prayer: Mercifully and Everlasting Father, I thank you for the redemption I have through the blood of the lamb. Lord Jesus, thank you for dying in my place. I therefore declare that untimely death will never happen to me and members of my family in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Corinthians 5:7, Ephesians 1:7, Psalms 118:17.

Sunday, March 19th
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How to Take Advantage of The Power in the Blood of Jesus in Your Spiritual Battles - 2.

"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."(1st Corinthians 11:24-25).

Yesterday, we said that Jesus is our passover lamb. As such untimely death or any form of evil is not permitted to come near you and your family. Always cover your life and that of your family with the blood of Jesus especially when you are taking your night sleep.

Another way to take advantage of the power in the blood of Jesus is to partake of the communion of the body and the blood of Jesus which was instituted by our Lord Jesus himself. Apostle Paul reminded the church in Corinth how the communion was instituted by our Lord Jesus. And he said that the purpose is do it in remembrance of Jesus.

What are the things we should remind ourselves about our Lord Jesus? There are quite a lot but we will just mention a few here. First, our Lord Jesus took our sins and in exchange gave us his free gift of righteousness. So, on account of this, you have a right standing with God and this qualifies you to partake of the inheritance reserved for us. This inheritance includes, divine health, prosperity and long life.

So, as you partake of the communion, you are also reminding yourself that you are entitled to good health, wealth and long life. Secondly, Jesus delivered us from the power of darkness. Darkness is anything that is of the devil. As you partake of the communion, resist anything that is not of God in your life. The list is endless.

Above all, the bread you take in the realm of the spirit is the body of Christ. And the wine you drink is the blood of Jesus. As you take them, you are taking life into you. You are destroying every evil works of darkness over your life.

The communion can be taken as often as you wish. It can be taken in your home as long as there are two or three people gathered in the name of Jesus. Through the blood of Jesus, you overcome every accusation the devil brings against you. And it deprives him of the power to continue to oppress or afflict you.

So, don't be moved by the lying symptoms you still feel. There is no power or chains that can hold you down. You have been redeemed from sickness, poverty and untimely death through the blood of the lamb. Take advantage of it and live the victorious life that you are destined to live. Remember, the scripture says; "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37).

Prayer: Dear Father I glorify you adore you for the wonders of your works. The whole earth is filled with your glory. I thank you for the redemption I have through the blood of Jesus. May the blood continue to speak mercy over my life. And as often as I partake of your body and blood, I declare that every evil works of darkness is destroyed in my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 26:26-29, John 6:53-58.

Monday, March 20th.

Power in The Name of Jesus - 1.

"Then the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!”(Luke 10:17, New English Translation).

On an occasion, our Lord Jesus sent out 70 disciples to preach the gospel. And he commanded them saying; "...heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." (Luke 17:9).

When they were through with the preaching, they came back with a praise report rejoicing that the demons submitted to them in the name of Jesus. There is something about the name of Jesus. An understanding of the power in the name of Jesus is one sure key to winning your spiritual battles.

Generally speaking, some names are respected in our society today such that people are compelled to act in certain ways when they hear such names. For instance, if someone comes to you and said that your boss in the office request your presence urgently, you will immediately respond because you know the consequences that will follow if you don't. It doesn't matter if he didn't come himself. As long as it was his name that was mentioned, it will command your immediate response.

In the same way, names mean a lot in the realm of the spirit. Powers in the realm of the spirit honour names that are superior in ranks. And greatness in a name can be gotten three ways according to Kenneth Hagin of blessed memory. A name can be great by inheritance or birth. Names can also achieve its greatness through conquest. Thirdly, the greatness of a name can be bestowed on you.

Our Lord Jesus got the greatness of his name through these three ways. We will discuss them one after the other. First, the name of Jesus became great by inheritance or by birth. Thus, the scripture says; "Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:4). The word 'excellent' here means superior or surpassing in comparison with the names of angels.

Jesus is the Son of the most High God. He was made flesh and dwelt among us because of the mission he had to accomplish. When a demon possessed man saw him, he cried out saying; "...Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God."(Luke 4:34).

The devils dread Jesus because they know who Jesus is. So, whenever the name of Jesus is mentioned, they are obliged to submit. Powers recognize spiritual authorities higher than them. As such, lower powers bow to higher powers with superior names. The scripture says that; "... ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:10). In other words, Jesus is the supreme power over all powers.

So, when the disciples were sent out to preach, they exercised authority in the name of Jesus to cast out devils and heal the sick. The devils couldn't resist the power in the name of Jesus and sicknesses were also healed in that name.
Use the name of Jesus in faith as you engage in your spiritual warfare. There is no power on earth that can stand that name. And diseases are healed at the mention of the name of Jesus. Tomorrow, we will discuss the last two ways Jesus got the greatness of his name.

Prayer: Great and mighty God, hallowed be your name. I thank you for the privilege to use the name of Jesus as I engage in spiritual battles. I therefore resist every works of the evil one projected against me in the mighty name of Jesus. They will not prosper in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Mark 16:17-18, 1st John 3:23.

Tuesday, March 21st.

Power in The Name of Jesus - 2.

"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:15).

Yesterday, we said that the first way Jesus name became great was by inheritance. His name also became great by conquest. He went to the very domain of Satan after death and defeated him there. He did not only defeat him, he made a public spectacle of Satan and his cohorts in the very domain of hell. Before he resurrected, he collected the keys of hell and death from the devil.

And immediately after his resurrection, our Lord Jesus Said, "... All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18). He continued, "Go ye therefore [in the consciousness of this truth], and teach all nations [that the devil is defeated], baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. "(Matthew 28:19-20, emphasis mine).

What are the things he commanded us to do? He said; "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8-9). He has given the church authority to heal the sick and cast out demons in his name - Mark 16:17.

The devil dreads the name of Jesus not only because he is the Son of God, but also because he has been defeated. So, be conscious of his conquest over the devil and exercise the authority given to you as occasion demands. And the devil has no option than to submit to you because of the power in the name of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, I give you thanks for another glorious day. I use this opportunity to thank you for the authority you have given to me to exercise in the name of Jesus. I step out today in the consciousness of this authority and I know that every power of darkness will bow in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Acts 3:1-8;16, Revelation 1:18.

Wednesday, March 22nd.

Power in The Name of Jesus - 3.

"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name." (Philippians 2:8-9).

In our previous studies on this subject, we said that the first way Jesus got the greatness of his name was by inheritance. The second way was by conquest. The third way was that God bestowed the name on him on account of his humility which he showed even to the point of his death on the cross. This will be our focus of discussion today.

It's imperative to mention here that Jesus is deity. He has the very nature and essence of God. Thus, it is written; "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Put in another way, Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.

But he left his glory in heaven and took up the form of a man in order to redeem us from the power of darkness. In addition, he took the form of a servant as exemplified by the ways he served his disciples.

Furthermore, his humility was taken to the point that he willingly offered himself to be crucified like a common criminal on the cross. On account of this humility, God bestowed on him a name that is above all names; "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).

We have been given the power of attorney to use the name of Jesus. In other words, we have been legally authorized to act on behalf of Jesus. If devils dreaded the name of Jesus while he was on earth, how much more now that he is glorified.

So, use that name in faith against demons and sicknesses. They will bow at the mention of his name. Remember, the 70 disciples came back with praise report on how the devils submitted to them in the name of Jesus. Peter also healed a crippled man at the gate called beautiful through the power in his name. Your case will not be different and your testimony is sure to the praise and glory of God.
Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the living hope you have given to me in Christ Jesus. I also thank you for the victory that I have in Christ over the devil and his cohorts through the power in the name of Jesus. As I continue to exercise my authority in the name of Jesus, confirm it with notable signs and wonders in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Luke 10:19, Acts 3:16, 1st John 3:23.

Thursday, March 23rd.

Spiritual Warfare and Vengeance - 1.

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, VENGEANCE IS MINE; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19).

It's a common trend in most of our church gatherings during prayers for people to take vengeance against their perceived enemies. As such prayer languages such as die, fall and die, etc are common amongst most believers in the days we are living.

It's true that there are wicked men and women everywhere who device or project evils against people and so many have fallen victims to their evil schemes. As such, so many believers therefore adopt the approach of kill them before they kill you. They even hinge their actions on the scripture which reads; "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." (Exodus 22:18).

But that instruction was part of the Law of Moses which has been abolished. The church is not under the Law of Moses. On account of the death of Christ, everyman has the legal right to be saved. And I have seen God saved quite a few people who were deeply involved in witchcraft activities and are now servants of God.

Besides, we have been instructed not to take vengeance into our hands as contained in the opening text. God said that vengeance is his exclusive right. So, if you ignore this instruction and still insist you must kill your perceived enemies, you are equally acting more like a witch because you are rebelling against the word of God. Rebellion according to Prophet Samuel is the spirit of witchcraft -1st Samuel 15:23.

Instead of taking vengeance against your enemies, 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. So, let God do the punishment himself. Apostle Paul thus concluded; "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Tomorrow, we will throw more light on this subject.

Further Study: 1st Peter 3:9, Romans 7:6, Galatians 3:9-11.

Friday, March 24th.

Spiritual Warfare and Vengeance - 2.

"And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary." (Luke 18:3).

Our Lord Jesus gave a parable of a widow who went to an unjust judge to vindicate her as contained in the opening text. According to the parable, she told the judge, 'Avenge me of mine adversary'. The word avenge is translated from the Greek word, 'ekdikeo' which means; first, to vindicate one's right, do one justice, to protect or defend one person from another. It also means, to avenge a thing or to punish a person for a thing.

Our focus will be on the second definition. Jesus used this parable to affirm the fact that God is the one who takes vengeance on our adversaries. And he also used the parable to let us know we can ask God to punish our enemies. How then can we reconcile this with the instruction to feed our enemies and give drinks to them?

God didn't ask us to carry food and start looking for our enemies to feed. But if any of them come to you you hungry and ask for food, you should feed them. But it will not exempt them from being punished if they don't repent of their evil works.

Even Apostle Paul demanded a recompense on Alexander the coppersmith when he wrote; "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works."(2nd Timothy 2:14). So, it's not out of place to demand that God should repay those who do evil to you.

There are times however you may have to forgive some people for their evil acts against you especially if they did it in ignorance. Thus, our Lord Jesus prayed for those who crucified him saying; "...Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34).

Above all, don't take vengeance into your hands. Let God do the punishing. But try as much as possible not to give the devil an open door to attack you. Just as John the beloved wrote; "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not." (1st John 5:18).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you deserve the glory, honour and adoration this glorious day. I thank you for your provisions and protection. I commit this beautiful day into your mighty hands trusting that you will judge those who device evil works against and deliver me from their evil schemes in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Thessalonians 1:6, Revelation 6:10, 18:20.

Saturday, March 25th.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith - 1.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1st Timothy 6:12).

One aspect that is often not addressed concerning spiritual warfare is our salvation. And this is the area that the devil is more interested in. His ultimate goal is to ensure you miss heaven and be with him in hell. And this is the worse thing that can happen to a believer who devoted part of his time on earth in service to God.

Don't just be interested in how you can get breakthroughs in your finances, marriages, health issues and even in your career pursuit. Breakthroughs in any of these areas we just mentioned that you achieve at the expense of your salvation is meaningless. Thus, our Lord Jesus asked; "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36).

It is in this context that Apostle Paul gave his admonition in the opening text. Ironically, the opening text has often been taken out of context. It is usually applied to how faith wins with reference to laying claim to what we are trusting God for. But in actual context, Paul is talking about making effort to ensure that you are not lured away from the faith in the midst of divers temptations. He called such efforts you put in 'the good fight of faith'.

It is an understatement to say that so many professing believers and even ministers of the gospel fall into temptations that lures them away from the faith during periods of trials. For instance, there are quite a few ministers who seek fetish powers to grow their churches. Some of them have been caught using people for sacrifices just because they want growth, wealth and fame.

Quite a few others make merchandise of their members by packaging substances which they use as healing media and sell them at cut-throat prices. There are those who even join secret cults to get wealth and fame. This is why Apostle Paul said; "But 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." (1st Timothy 6:9).

He went on to add; "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 6:10). Thus, he admonished ministers in particular saying; "But thou, O MAN OF GOD, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (1st Timothy 6:11).

God is not against you having money but don't attempt to get rich at the expense of losing your soul. Rather, follow after godliness, faith, love, patience, good works coupled with willingness and readiness to share what God has blessed you with others. Tomorrow, we will look at a few other things that can lure us away from the faith.

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I give you thanks for your mercy and grace that has kept me thus far. I reject every form temptation that is designed to lure me away from the faith. I ask for more grace to follow after righteousness, godliness, love and give generously to others in need in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Timothy 6:17-19, Titus 1:7.

Sunday, March 26th.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith - 2.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1st Timothy 6:12).

It's true that we are engaged in a warfare. But there is the wicked one who attempts to derail us from the faith through the trials and evil he projects against us. He does everything within his power to make us disbelieve what God has said concerning us. It's however our responsibility to resist him and stand on God's word in spite of contrary evidences.

We said yesterday that the ultimate goal of Satan is to make you miss heaven and end up in the pit of hell. So, the good fight of faith is the fight that after the warfare is over, you are still standing in the faith. We also mentioned yesterday that one thing that lures most believers away from the faith is their attitude towards money. Money competes with God in the heart of so many believers. 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 (money)." (Matthew 6:24).

The second thing that lures many believers away from the faith is the weakness of their flesh. Our flesh was not redeemed at new birth. It still has the nature of sin in it. And most of the times, it controls the child of God who permits it. Apostle Paul mentioned some of the works of the flesh in his letter to the Galatian church and it reads; "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."(Galatians 5:19-21).

The list is quite a long one and we can't certainly deal with all for want of space. Most of the works of the flesh mentioned are not knew to us and will therefore not require further explanation. For the purpose of illustrating how these things lure us away from the faith, let's discuss idolatry, hatred, wrath (anger), strife, envying and drunkenness.

Idolatry is not just the worship of idols but anything that takes more of your attention than God. To some people, their business is their idol. They prefer to be in their business premises when they are supposed to be in church. To others, it's the internet or their phone. They spend hours daily on their phones such that it has becomes an idol to them. To yet a few others, it is one game or the other. They hardly find time to study the Bible and even pray because of these idols. It's a subtle road to hell. Never permit anything in your life to take the place of God.

Do whatever you must do to ensure that God has the number one place in your heart. Draw out a schedule for prayer and Bible study and stick to it. Stop using the time you are supposed to be in fellowship for your business or one form of pleasure or the other. Remember, the scripture says; "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Hebrews 10:26-27). We will continue tomorrow.

Prayer: Glorious Father, who is like unto you? Besides you, there is no other God. Have mercy on me in ways and manners I may have given attention more to other things than you. I reaffirm my love for you and give you preeminence in all that I do from this day henceforth in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Exodus 32:6, 1st Corinthians 10:7, Colossians 3:5.

Monday, March 27th.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith - 3.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1st Timothy 6:12).

So far, we have discussed how money and idolatry can sway you away from the faith. Like we said earlier in the previous studies, your warfare victory is meaningless if you lose your soul in the process. The good fight of faith is a fight that ends well.

The third character trait that can lure you away from the faith is hatred. Hatred is a dislike for someone which can degenerate into hostility and murder. It is the direct opposite of love. As God's children, we have been admonished not to hate. You cannot be engaged in spiritual warfare and walk in hatred at the same time. Hatred gives the devil a foothold in your life.
The gate to eternal life is too narrow to grant entrance to those who walk in hatred. Thus the scripture says; "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." (1st John 3:15).

The one sure way to overcome hatred is to consciously walk in love even towards your perceived enemies whenever you have the opportunity. Hence, our Lord Jesus said; "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44).

Kenneth Hagin of blessed memory gave an account of how a fellow man of God spoke so much evil against him and his ministry. One day he had the opportunity to be a blessing to him when he was building his house. He offered to wallpaper his house. When he was through, the man of God asked him how much he owed him. He said nothing that he just decided to do it for him. The Pastor and his wife broke down in tears and began to confess all the negative things they have been saying against him.

Another way to overcome hatred is to avoid keeping records of things people do against you. If you do, each time you remember them, it will stir up hatred in you. Learn to forgive and let go of the past. Don't give the devil an opportunity to accuse you and make your spiritual battles look like an endless one. Tomorrow, we will look at anger as another work of the flesh that can ruin your Christian testimony and even cost you your salvation.

Prayer: Dear Father, I give you thanks for your goodness and wonderful works in my life. I thank you for yet another glorious day. Lead me in the path of righteousness for your name sake. I ask for grace to love those who hate me and do good to them in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st John 2:9-11, Titus 3:1-3.

Tuesday, March 28th.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith - 4.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1st Timothy 6:12).

We are so far dealt with three factors that can ruin your Christian testimony and make you a misfit for the kingdom of heaven. They are the love of money, idolatry and hatred. Make effort to ensure they don't ruin your Christian testimony at the end of your journey on earth. Such efforts you put in is what Apostle Paul calls the good fight of faith.

So, you must guard your faith against them if you want to win your spiritual warfare and still be counted worthy to be a part of the kingdom of heaven. The fourth factor which is also one of the works of the flesh that can derail you from the faith is anger.

Anger itself is not a sin but it can lead to sin if it's not properly managed or controlled. Anger is an emotional issue which most people find it difficult to manage. It has ruined so many relationships, separated best of friends, led to lost of lives, resulted in wars and has created tension in many homes. It can cause you to also make wrong decisions which you might later regret.

Moses couldn't enter the promised land partly because of anger. Some parents in anger curse their children. News of wives killing their husbands in anger because of infidelity are common these days. The converse is also true.

It's however your responsibility to control your anger. One of the attributes of the new nature you have in Christ which the scripture calls the fruit of the spirit is self control. Let that new man be in charge. Don't permit the emotion of anger to control you. Thus, it is written; "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31).

In addition, the scripture says; "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools." (Ecclesiastes 7:9). You are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Don't permit anger to ruin your chances of entering into the kingdom of heaven. Make a quality decision never to allow anger to control you. God will certainly supply the grace you need to put it under subjection.

Prayer: Mighty and Everlasting Father, hallowed be your name. I thank you for keeping me safe through the night and the opportunity to witness a brand new day. I ask you for grace to be slow to anger and never stir me up to say the wrong things or commit acts that could hurt someone in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 4:26, Colossians 3:8, Titus 1:7.

Wednesday, March 29th.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith - 5.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1st Timothy 6:12).

The scripture says that the just shall live by faith. Faith is only way to appropriate God's promises in your life. But so many professing believers are so engrossed in how they can possess their possessions through the principle of faith and in the process make themselves a misfit for the kingdom of heaven.

It’s on this background that Apostle Paul wrote a letter to Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. He told him to lay hold on eternal life. And he used money as an example of how many people make shipwreck of their faith.
In addition to money, we have mentioned three other things that can ruin your Christian testimony. They are idolatry, hatred and anger. Today we will deal with strife and envy. We have to discuss both subject together as they are like conjoined twins which is difficult to separate.

Where there is envy, there is also bound to be strife and the converse is also true. Envy can be defined as an ill feeling about someone who seems to be doing better than you or is in a more favoured position. And most of the time, you wish it was the other way round. While strife though very broad in its application can be defined as unhealthy competition, disharmony, contention, or quarrel.

They are about the worst works of the flesh that causes division and confusion in the church. Thus, it is written; "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." (James 3:16). As such the scripture cautions against them in so many passages of the Scripture. Apostle Paul in one of his letters wrote; "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, NOT IN STRIFE AND ENVYING." (Romans 13:13).

You must make effort to get rid of them if you don't want to be disqualified from the heavenly race. Just as Apostle Paul warned the church in Galatia; "...that they which do such things SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD." (Galatians 5:21).

One sure way to overcome these vices is to walk in love. The scripture says that love is kind, patient, not selfish, does not envy, not arrogant and does not hurt others - 1st Corinthians 13:4-5, Romans 13:10. The whole commandments of God is hinged on love."...let us therefore cast off the works of darkness[which includes envy and strife], and let us put on the armour of light [by consciously walking in love]."(Romans 13:12, Emphasis mine).

Prayer: Merciful and Gracious God, I am grateful for the opportunity to be called your son. And I thank you for the opportunity to be a part of my local church. Have mercy on me in manners and ways I have walked in envy and strife. I ask for grace to walk in love towards the brethren and reject every form of envy and strife in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Corinthians 3:3, 2nd Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:26.

Thursday, March 30th.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith - 6.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1st Timothy 6:12).

The list of things that can ruin our journey of faith to the kingdom of heaven are inexhaustive. But we will attempt to address one more thing that could make you miss heaven. It's your attitude towards the love you have for the brethren.

Our Lord Jesus let us know that the real evidence that you are his disciples is unveiled in the love you show to your brethren. Thus, he said; "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35).

John the beloved also wrote; "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (1st John 4:7-. Notice verse 8:says that if you don't walk in love, you don't know God.

So, it doesn't matter if you have built cathedral singularly or you are the highest giver in your local church, if you neglect to help the poor brethren in your midst, you make yourself a misfit for the kingdom of heaven.

The new commandment of love Jesus gave us is different from the commandment of love in the Old Testament which says that we should love our neighbour as ourselves. But Jesus said that we should love the brethren the way he loved us. How did Jesus loved us? He laid down his life for us.

In other words, you don't help your brethren out of convenience. It must be done in sacrifice. Even if you have to liquidate an asset to help your brethren in need, do it. This is why our Lord Jesus told the young rich ruler; "...SELL WHATSOEVER THOU HAST, and give to the poor..."(Mark 10:21). On another occasion, he said to his disciples; "SELL THAT YE HAVE, AND GIVE ALMS, provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth." (Luke 12:33).

Liquidating an asset to help the poor doesn't make you poor. Rather, it opens up the door to greater riches. After the young rich ruler who was told to liquidate all his assets went away sad, our Lord Jesus said to his disciples; "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, BUT HE SHALL RECEIVE AN HUNDREDFOLD NOW in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."(Mark 10:29-30).

Jesus was actually showing the young rich ruler the way to true wealth but he missed the opportunity. Whatever you give away from your heart to help your brethren will come back to you in hundredfold measure.

So, don't be hesitant in giving to the needy whenever you have the opportunity to do it. Do it in sacrifice even if you have to sell an asset. The early church practiced it on two recorded occasions. It's the heart cry of our Lord Jesus to the church. The church should teach this message often. Your fight of faith is meaningless if you neglect brotherly love cause it could stand against you on judgment day.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your loving kindness towards me. You gave up your only Son just to save me. I ask for grace to help the needy brethren in our midst from the much you have blessed me. I commit my day into your mighty hands trusting you for protection, provision and deliverance from all forms of evil in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Acts 2:44-47, 4:34-37, 1st John 3:14-18, 1st Timothy 6:17-19.

Friday, March 31st.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith - 7.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1st Timothy 6:12).

Yesterday, we emphasized the need for us to love the brethren. And we are supposed to love them the way Jesus loved us. Those who neglect brotherly love stands the results risk of being disqualified from the heavenly race. We will throw more light on this subject of brotherly love today. Remember that we said that any effort you make to ensure you don't lose your salvation is tagged 'a good fight of faith'.

Our Lord Jesus put forth a parable, known as the parable of the sheep and goat to illustrate the danger of neglecting brotherly love and the blessings that awaits those who do it. He said; "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left."(Matthew 25:31-33).

He will tell the sheep on the right; "...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 the sheep (righteous) asked when they did all these to him. And he answered, "...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(Matthew 25:40).

"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: 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 protested and asked for a witness. And the King said; "...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."(Matthew 25:45).
So, don't neglect brotherly love if you don't want to be classified as a goat on judgment day. Put smiles on the faces of the needy brethren by giving generously to them. Whatever you give will always come back to you in multiple proportion. Remember, givers don't lack and the scripture says that it's more blessed to give than to receive.

Prayer: Dear Father, I worship you in the beauty of holiness. And, I thank you for the entrance of your word that illuminates my understanding. I ask for grace to always show mercy to those in needs especially my brethren. As I do, I know that you will multiply the seed I sow and increase my capacity to give in the mighty name of Jesus.

Further Study: Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Isaiah 58:7-11.

Saturday, April 1st.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 1.

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John." (Revelation 1:1).

The book of Revelation is the last book of the Bible. It was given to John the beloved when he was banished to the Isle of Patmos after a few attempts to kill him failed. The opening text says that the things revealed to John by our Lord Jesus must shortly come to pass. There is a blessing to those who read and keep the words of the prophecies contained therein - Revelation 1:3.

John was commanded to present what is revealed to him in this book to the seven churches in Asia - Revelation 1:11. Notice, he didn't ask John to deliver the letters to the nation of Israel who are actually God's chosen nation. This is because Israel rejected Christ and this opened up the door of salvation for the Gentiles. So, right now, God's dealing with the children of Israel is temporarily suspended.

We are living in the times of the Gentiles.
His dealing with the children of Israel will resume after God is through with the present church age which is made up of the Gentiles. Thus, Apostle Paul wrote; "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." (Romans 11:25).

Verse 5 of Chapter one unveils some of Jesus personality. It says that Jesus is the faithful witness, the first begotten from the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth. The phrase 'first begotten from the dead' means that Jesus is the first that was born again from spiritual death unto eternal life.

And verse 7 says; "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." No religious leader of any known world religion promised its adherents that he will come back. But Jesus during his earthly ministry gave us assurance that he is coming back. And he reaffirmed it in the revelation he showed to John the beloved.

And he will certainly come back. If the powers of hell could not stop him from rising from the grave, the wicked spirits in the heavenly realms can't stop him from descending. And this event will happen at the end of the seven years tribulation period the Jews will go through. It should be noted that the second coming of Christ is not the same as the rapture of the church which could happen any moment from now.

All the notable events of the future unveiled in the Book of Revelation should cause us to serve God with reverence and fear. These events will our focus in the course of this study. However, from tomorrow, we will first begin to unlock the moral lessons in the letters Jesus wrote to the seven churches in Asia.

Further Study: John 14:1-3, 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-4, Acts 1:9-11.

Sunday, April 2nd.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 2 (Letters to The Seven Churches in Asia Minor).

"Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks."(Revelation 2:1).

According to the World History Encyclopedia, Ancient Asia Minor is a geographic region located in the south-western part of Asia comprising most of present-day Turkey. It was in this region Apostle Paul carried out his missionary work and planted churches. And these are the churches that our Lord Jesus wrote letters to.

The first church that he first addressed is the church of Ephesus. The city of Ephesus was one of the largest city in Asia Minor given to idolatry. The city worshipped a goddess known as Diana. But Apostle Paul did great works in that city for the space of about two years such that the scripture said; "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed." (Acts 19:20).

And it was in that city Apostle Paul had one of the greatest opposition to his missionary work. The opposition was so strong that Apostle Paul said that, "If after the manner of men I have FOUGHT WITH BEASTS AT EPHESUS, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die." (1st Corinthians 15:32).

No wonder it was the first city a letter was addressed to by our Lord Jesus. And it was delivered to the angel of the church of Ephesus. The angel in this context refers to the Pastor or Bishop placed over the congregation in that region. This shows how much God values his servants.

He said to them; "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." (Ephesians 2:2-3).

From the passage above, we can see that the first issue addressed was their works and their labour. Their works represents specific duties they carried out while their labour refers to the effort or energy they put in accomplishing their assigned duties.

It's true that you are not saved by good works but you are saved unto good works - Ephesians 2:10. Every child of God must have at least a specific duty in the house of God and carry it out with all of his or her heart and might. You will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give account of the responsibility committed to your trust. Those who have nonchalant attitude in their commitment might be disqualified on that day. Tomorrow, we will look at other moral lessons we can draw from this first letter.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I bless your glorious name this beautiful day. And I am glad for counting me worthy to serve in your vineyard. I ask for more grace to serve you in an acceptable manner and fulfill my ministry in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Colossians 1:10, 2nd Timothy 2:21, Titus 2:14.

Monday, April 3rd.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 3 (Letters to The Seven Churches in Asia Minor).

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast LEFT THY FIRST LOVE. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."(Revelation 2:4-5).

Yesterday, we said that Jesus acknowledged the works and labour of the Ephesians church. However he rebuked them as contained in the opening verses. He said that they have left their first love and urged them to repent otherwise, he will remove their candlestick out of its place.

What does it mean to leave your first love? It simply means drawing back in your commitment to whatever you are doing. This is what happens to so many believers. In the early days of their Christian conversion, they are always in every church services, always punctual, participate in soul winning activities and always willing to support the church financially. But after a while, they start skipping services, shift sitting positions gradually from front seat to back sit and hardly respond anymore to soul winning activities. And in most cases, they stop attending church services altogether and even quit the faith.

Never allow it to happen you. It's a dangerous spiritual state you shouldn't be found. Jesus warned everyone in this state to repent otherwise your light will be put out. And when your light is put out, life becomes a struggle and the glory of God upon your life will gradually disappears.

Jesus however commended them for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans. The Nicolaitans is a sect that believe in the teachings of Deacon Nicolas who was among the seven chosen in Acts 6 to resolve the conflict in the early church between the Grecian and the Hebrews Christians about daily food ministration. Nicolas was a pagan before he converted to Judaism and then to Christianity. He taught a compromising message that permitted his followers to practice idolatry in Christianity.

Some Christians are like the Nicolaitans. They profess to know God and at the same time visit evil altars. You cannot be a partaker of the Lord's table and that of the devil at the same time. There is no communion between light and darkness.

Our Lord Jesus ended his letter to the church in Ephesus thus; "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7).

Temptations will come and challenges of life are also there to distract you from serving God. There are also friends and family members who will attempt to introduce you to visit evil altars for solutions. Some churches are also evil altars in disguise. It is your responsibility to weather the storm and overcome these temptations so it won't sway you away from the faith. Don't quit the Christian faith no matter what. Repent and do the things you used to do for the Lord if you have left your first love.

Prayer: Lord God, you are worthy of my praise and adoration. Have mercy on me in ways and manners I have left my first love in my walk with you. I ask for grace and wisdom to overcome every form of temptations and distractions that is designed to draw me away from my commitment in your vineyard in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Hebrews 10:38-39, 1st Corinthians 15:58.

Tuesday, April 4th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 4.
(Letters to The Seven Churches in Asia Minor).

"And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."(Revelation 2:8-9).

The second letter our Lord Jesus wrote to the seven churches in Asia Minor was written to the church in Smyrna. The first thing Jesus acknowledged was their works just like he did in his letter to the church in Ephesus. This points to the emphasis Christ places on works. You should therefore take your divine assignment seriously.

He also acknowledged their tribulations and physical poverty. However, he said they were rich by the yardstick of heaven. In addition, he pointed out those who blasphem by saying that they are Jews when they actually belong to the synagogue of Satan.

It's not different from what is happening today. They are so many ministers parading themselves as servants of God when they are actually wolves in sheep's clothing. So, be warned. Most of these ministers draw large crowds by the fake miracles they perform. You are not supposed to seek for miracles. You are the one who should be preforming the miracles.

In verse 10, he continued; "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).

The verse above certainly will unsettle some believers who think that the Christian race is a troubled free race. It's actually the opposite. Our Lord Jesus affirmed this truth when he 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).

The passage also unveiled that it's not everyone that God will deliver from certain tribulation. He said that some of them will be thrown into prison and some will be killed. He added that those affected should be faithful unto death. It means that there are those who are ordained to be martyred. And a great reward awaits anyone who willingly permits himself to be martyred. But if the assignment God gave to you is yet to be accomplished, God will not permit you to be martyred.

Notice, the church in Smyrna was not rebuked for any specific error. Verse 11 concludes the letter to the church in Smyrna and it reads; "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."(Revelation 2:11).

There is a second death. The this will happen immediately after the great white throne judgment. Those whose names are not found written in the book of life will be cast into the Lake of fire. The scripture says that this is the second death - Revelation 20:14. They will be tormented day and night for the rest of their lives. The only way to escape it is to be born again and serve God with reverence and fear.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for your mercy and grace. You are worthy to be praised and adored. I ask for more grace this glorious day to overcome the temptations and trials you permit to happen to me. I commit my day into your hands trusting you to orchestrate my footsteps in the way of peace, progress and prosperity in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Thessalonians 3:2-4, 1st Peter 1:7.