Wednesday, June 7th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 7.
(The Role of Faith - 4).

"And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread."(2nd Kings 4:.

We are still on the role faith plays in launching us into our wealth which is one of our inheritance in Christ. The opening text is an encounter a rich woman from Shunem had with Prophet Elisha. From the passage, it seems Elisha went frequently to that town for a purpose which was not stated. And the woman took it upon herself to take care of his meal whenever he comes.

After a while, she decided to provide him with a furnished accommodation with the permission of her husband. I believe she must have noticed some blessings she received by providing his meal even though it wasn't stated. So, she decided to do more than just providing his meal. She also took care of his accommodation.

Elisha inspired by her good works asked her through his servant, Gehazi if she has any need. He even promised to connect her with the King or Captain of the host. But she refused to state any specific need. Then, he asked Gehazi, his servant what should be done for her. Gehazi said that she has no child. Immediately Elisha said to her; "...About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son..." (2nd Kings 4:16). The declaration by Prophet Elisha was too good to be true by her reaction but it happened just the way she was told.

The Shunammite woman put her faith to work by ministering to the man of God. Most of the time, when God wants to change the ugly situations of people, he sends a man of God to them. Men of God carries an anointing that is designed to break yokes in people's lives. But you connect with that anointing with your seed. And whatever he declares concerning your situation comes to pass.

Quite a lot of Christians go to church and receive prophetic blessings from men of God but they don't sow any seed to seal that blessing. This is why things have remained the way they are in the lives of so many believers. So, be smart like the Shunammite woman if you want to see changes in specific area of your life. Look for something to do for the men of God placed over your life. Ensure it's a quality seed that will inspire him to bless you. And whatever he declares concerning your life will come to pass.

Prayer: My Father in heaven, I thank you for your mercy and faithfulness towards me. I thank you also for your word that enlightens me. I thank you for your Spirit that comforts me. Direct my path this beautiful day in accordance to your purpose for my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Kings 4:8-17, Numbers 6:23-27, Genesis 27:7.

Thursday, June 8th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 8
(Principle of Firstfruit).

"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10).

We have established the fact that we have a rich inheritance in Christ. And we have used a few examples on how to obtain your inheritance with respect to financial and material wealth. Today, we will begin to study in details some of the principles that governs prosperity and how to put them to work so you can experience financial liberty with time.

The first principle we will look at is the principle of firstfruit. Firstfruit is the first ripened harvest from your farm produce. It is expected that you honour God with a good portion of it if you want to experience bountiful harvest next season.

The church is more familiar with the principle of tithing but firstfruit principle was first revealed in the Bible before tithing. It was unveiled in the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis. The scripture said; "And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his Offering." (Genesis 4:4).

Firstling is the first born child of an animal. The first of everything belongs to God, whether it's your agricultural produce, animals or even humans. This is why under the Old Covenant, the Lord laid claim on the firstborn male child of the children of Israel; "... the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me" (Exodus 22:29).

The principle of firstfruit can still applies today even if you are not a farmer or a cattle rearer. When you get a new job, your first salary is your firstfruit. But your firstfruit offering is the best from it. It is not necessarily the whole as it is taught in some churches. Even under the Old Testament, God never demanded the whole of the firstfruit. What he demanded was the best (Exodus 23:19) or a bundle (Leviticus 23:10). However, you can choose to give all of it to God. It is purely at your discretion.

Your first salary in a new year is your firstfruit of the year. You are also supposed to give your best to God from it. The same applies to those in business. Your first profit in a new business is your firstfruit. Give your best to God from it.
When you learn to honour God with the best of your firstfruit, you are securing your financial future. You will continue to grow in your career or business. You will never experience a sack in your job or the closure of your business.

And it is meant to be presented to your Pastor who will bless you in return. Thus the scripture said; "And the first of all the firstfruits of all things, and every oblation of all, of every sort of your oblations, shall be the priest's: ye shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough, THAT HE MAY CAUSE THE BLESSING TO REST IN THINE HOUSE." (Ezekiel 44:30).

Prayer: Everlasting God, I thank you for keeping the night watch for me. I thank you also for unveiling the principle of firstfruit to me. As I apply it in my life, I declare that you will cause me to experience increase and durable riches in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Exodus 34:22, Numbers 18:2, 1st Kings 17:13.

Friday, June 9th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 9
(Principle of Tithing - 1).

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. "(Malachi 3:10).

Today, we will look at the principle of tithing as another principle we must put to work if we want to enjoy our rich inheritance in Christ. Tithe is 10% of your income or increase. In other words, it is not limited to your income or salary. It also includes gift items. Value the gift item and give or pay a tenth of the value as your tithe.

Tithing was first revealed in Genesis when Abraham gave Melchizedec tithe after he returned from a battle where he rescued Lot and his family from the hands of his captors. In addition, he recovered all the goods that they took - Genesis 14:18-20.

His grandson, Jacob also practiced tithing. This is evident in the vow he made which reads; "And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee." (Genesis 28:22).

The references given above shows that tithing preceded the Law of Moses and transcends it in principle. Under the law, it was instituted primarily to support the Levites who serve in the house of God. Thus, the scripture said; "And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation." (Numbers 18:21).

When you receive your salary or a cash gift, separate your tithe first before you begin to spend the money. And do not delay to remit it the very next service to avoid the temptation of making use of it under pressure. The same thing applies to those in business. Separate your tithe from the profit you make before you reinvest the money. This is the honour that God deserves.

And the scripture says that you should prove God if he will not open the windows of heaven and pour out his blessings such that there will not be room enough to receive it. This talks about prosperity. It will certainly not happen overnight but God will gradually bring you out of poverty to supernatural abundance over time if you are faithful in your tithing.

In addition, the scripture says that he will rebuke the devourer for your sake. Devourers are unforseen expenses such as money you spend on critical health issues, police cases and even fixing an accident car. Faithful tithers will have less of such issues.

So, make effort to remit your tithe as God blesses you. Do it correctly and faithfully. You can give more than 10% but it shouldn't be less. As you do, the Lord will take you from one level of glory to another in your finances that his name alone might be glorified. Tomorrow, we will look at the claim by some people that tithing is not compulsory in the New Testament and x-ray it under the light of God's word.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, who is like unto you? Amongst the gods, who is like thee? You are glorious in holiness and fearful in praises, doing wonders, hallelujah. I thank you for the revelation of your word concerning tithing. I ask for mercy in manners and ways I have been unfaithful in remitting my tithes. As I do so from this day, open the windows of heaven and pour out your blessings on me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Malachi 3:8-11, Matthew 23:23.

Saturday, June 10th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 10.
(Principle of Tithing - 2).

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: THESE OUGHT YE TO HAVE DONE, and not to leave the other undone." (Matthew 23:23).

We introduced the principle of tithing yesterday and said it's important you remit your tithes if you want to enter into the rich inheritance already prepared for you in Christ. There are however so many people and even some notable preachers who preach against tithing. Their main point is that it is not part of the New Testament teachings.

The opening text is a remark our Lord Jesus made concerning tithing. He acknowledged that they pay tithe even of a little plant like mint but they neglect more important aspects of the law. Notice, he didn't condemn tithing but he said that there are other more important things they are neglecting. He ended his remark that they ought to pay their tithes but shouldn't leave the more important things.

What are these more important things? He summarized them as judgment, mercy, and faith. Judgment and mercy simply refers to the kindness we show to others especially those in need and those who are oppressed. Our Lord Jesus made this remark because there are so many people who pay their tithes faithfully but don't give to the poor and needy people in their midst. Even Apostle Paul said the same thing in the thirteenth chapter of the book of First Corinthians. No matter what you do for God, without love for the brethren, you are nothing.

The first submission I have made here is that Jesus did not condemn tithing. He rather said that there are more important aspects of the law they should not neglect.

Besides, the teachings of Jesus concerning giving places more demands on us than tithing. Our Lord Jesus wants us to give 100% of what we have to help the poor. He said that we should do it even if we have to sell what we have - Luke 12:33. He knew this is where the Jews were missing it. They were faithful to tithing but hardly help those in need. And the story hasn't changed even in our days.

It's true that it's difficult to find anyone today who gives his 100% to God. But there are quite a few that gives far above their tithes. The early church practiced the instruction of our Lord Jesus on two recorded occasions - Acts 2:44-7 & 4:34-37. It will be useless telling such set of believers to pay their tithes because they already gave their all.

There are so many professing believers who are faithful in remitting their tithes and even support several church projects and programmes with huge amounts but they don't make budget for the needy. Even when people go to them for help, they are reluctant to give. The few that respond to the cry of the poor do it grudgingly.

He met a young rich ruler on an occasion who boasted he keeps all the commandments of God. But Jesus told him; "....One thing thou lackest: go thy way, SELL WHATSOEVER THOU HAST, AND GIVE TO THE POOR, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." (Mark 10:21).

So, if you are of the opinion that we shouldn't remit our tithes because it was not emphasized in the New Testament, then be prepared to do that which was emphasized. And this will demand you to give away all that you have to help the poor. But how can someone who is reluctant to give away 10% as tithe give all he has for benevolence?

You can't stand on a fence. If you don't want to pay your tithe, then sell your property and help the poor. Common sense should tell you that tithing is just the minimum requirements of our financial commitment to God. Give it willingly and make extra sacrifice from the remaining amount for the poor and needy brethren in your midst. As you do, you will experience increase in every area of your life and the grace to do more over time will be given to you.

Prayer: My heavenly Father, I am grateful for the opportunity to see another glorious day. I thank you also for unveiling the truth of your word to me concerning tithing. I receive grace to faithfully remit my tithe while at the same time make provision for those in need in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Hebrews 7:4-9, Luke 12:33, Mark 10:17-30.

Sunday, June 11th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 11.
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 1).

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings." (Malachi 3:.

It matters how we give our offerings as it affects your prosperity. You may never be able to enter into your rich inheritance in Christ if you don't give your offerings in accordance to the principles and demands of God's word.

We usually quote the opening text when rebuking tithe defaulters but the verse also mentioned offerings. So, we can also rob God in the offerings we give. In what ways can we rob God in the offerings we give?

First, when we give unworthy offerings. God had earlier rebuked the children of Israel through Prophet Malachi in the first chapter of the book of Malachi. Thus he said; "And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts." (Malachi 1:.

Second, when we give deceitfully. In verse 14 of the same chapter, God said; "But CURSED BE THE DECEIVER, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen."(Malachi 1:14).

In terms of physical cash, you dishonor God two ways; first, when you give an amount of money far less than what you have proposed to give not because you don't have it but because you don't value Him enough to remit what you had planned to give. Second, when you give turn or mutilated notes that can't be accepted in the open market. But, you want God to accept it.

So, always give God your very best and learn to give clean notes. He deserves to be honoured even with your offerings. And when you honour him, he will honour you in return. Tomorrow, we will look at the third way we rob God in our offerings.

Prayer: Dear Lord, it's another beautiful day and I thank you for the privilege to be alive to witness it. I ask for your mercy in ways and manners I have dishonoured you in the past with unworthy offerings. I am resolved from this day henceforth to give you my very best. I just just ask for your enabling grace in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Samuel 2:30, Malachi 1:6-14.

Monday, June 12th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 12.
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 2).

"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." (1st Corinthians 16:2).

We said yesterday that we can rob God in offerings according to the word of God. It happens when we give him an unworthy offering. We also said that it's wrong to give to God torn or mutilated notes. Another way we rob God in offering is when we give far less than how he has prospered us.

When Apostle Paul wrote to church in Corinth concerning their offerings for the saints in Jerusalem, he said they should do it in accordance to how God has prospered them. The same principle applies when we give to God.

For instance, a person on a salary of about a N200,000 monthly income who gives an offering of N200 in a service can be said to be robbing God. He should give far more than that. And another person who earns about 10,000 monthly income and gives the same N200 as offering has done much better.

Millionaires in our churches should be giving in tens of thousands while billionaires should be giving their offerings in hundreds of thousands and even in millions. Otherwise, they could fall down from their financial status. This is one of the reasons so many people lose their wealth.

If you don't like your average monthly income, give more so that God can lift you up to a higher level. If you continue to give very little because you earn a low income, you have signed up for poverty. Give your way out of poverty by giving even more offering than is expected of you.

And never give an offering that is far less than the value of a plate of meal you eat. If you do so, it means that you value food more than God. This is why so many Christians remain poor for life. They give amount of offerings as low as N50 that can't even buy a bottle of soft drink and expect God to lift them out of poverty. In the same sense, don't give your children amount of offering less than the value what you spend in providing a plate of meal for them.

We have been called to live by faith. Don't be afraid to give God your very best. Trust him as your source. As you do, he will supernaturally supply your needs and lift you out of poverty into prosperity. Thus, it is written; "But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that GIVETH THEE POWER TO GET WEALTH, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Prayer: My dear Father, I thank you for your faithfulness and lovingkindness towards me. You kept the night watch for me. You give your angels charge over me to protect me night and day. I thank you for supplying my needs according to your riches in glory. I receive grace to always give you quality offerings. As I do, I know you will multiply it back to me and increase my capacity to give more in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Luke 12:48, 21:1-4, 2nd Corinthians 8:12.

Tuesday, June 13th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 13.
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 3).

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2nd Corinthians 9:7).

The opening text unveils other principles that governs how we give to God. The first part says that you should give as you have purposed in your heart to give. Whether we like to acknowledge it or not, we all make solemn pledges in our hearts of what we want to give to God before every service. Apostle Paul said that will should give as we have purposed.

For instance, you planned in your heart to give a certain amount of money to God in an upcoming service. No matter the pressure of other needs that comes on you, don't spend from that money. If you do, you will lose the blessing you should have received.

So, whatever value of offering you plan to give to God, don't allow any circumstances to tempt you to change the value. You can give more but not less. There are a blessing tied to every offering you give in faith. From experience, each time I am under pressure to spend part of my offering and I refuse to yield, I have always received uncommon favour that same day or week when I don't yield to the pressure.

Whether you like it or not, temptations will always come to attempt to make you spend part of the offering you purposed to give. Don't yield to it. Never spend from any amount you have purposed to give to God. And you will be amazed at the financial favour you will receive within a short period of time especially if the offering is a worthy one.

Prayer: Dear Father, I worship you in the beauty of holiness. I thank you for always being there for me. I ask for your mercy for the many times I have tampered with the offering I had planned to give to you. I am resolved to refrain from doing so from this day hence. Thank you for enabling grace in the mighty name of Jesus.

Further Study: Hebrews 10:38, Matthew 6:13, Galatians 5:16.

Wednesday, June 14th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 14.
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 4).

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2nd Corinthians 9:7).

There is a correlation between how you give to God and your prosperity. You also receive blessings when you give to people especially those of the household of faith. This has been our focus in this series. You have a rich inheritance in Christ and one thing you must do to enter into it is give in accordance to the principles of God's word.

Today, another principle we will look at is your willingness to God. The opening text says that we should not give grudgingly or of necessity. Put in another way, give to God willingly.

This was what God also instructed Moses to say to the children of Israel when he raised a freewill offering for the work of the house of the Lord. God said; "Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that GIVETH IT WILLINGLY with his heart ye shall take my offering." (Exodus 25:2).

In another place, Moses emphasized it again saying; "Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: WHOSOEVER IS OF A WILLING HEART, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass." (Exodus 35:5).

Don't give out of emotion or compulsion. This is what quite a few people do after hearing an inspiring message. Messages are supposed to inspire you to give but it shouldn't be against your will. And don't give to please anyone. God sees our hearts and knows the motives behind our offerings. You will only be blessed if what you give is done willingly from your heart.

Closely connected with your willingness to give is your mood. The last part of the opening text says that God loves a cheerful giver. In other words, apart from giving willingly, get excited each time you give to God. This is why it is good to sing and dance whenever we give to God.

In summary, see the rendering of the opening text in the the amplified version; "Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it" giver [whose heart is in his giving]."(2nd Corinthians 9:7).

Prayer: Holy God, you alone are worthy of my praise and adoration this glorious day. You are great and greatly to be praised. I thank you for your many blessings in my life. I celebrate every opportunity to give to you. As I willingly and cheerfully do so, I trust you will shower more blessings upon my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ezra 3:5, Deuteronomy 27:7, 2nd Corinthians 8:12.

Thursday, June 15th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 15.

(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 5).

"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).

So far, we have discussed the need to give quality offerings to God. In addition, we said that you should give according to how God has prospered you. We also said that you should give as you have purposed to give. In other words, don't give less than you planned to give. Instead, give more.

Yesterday, we emphasized the need to give willingly and cheerfully. Today, our focus will be on diligence. Whatever amount of offering you have chosen to give to God, maintain that amount as much as possible. You can of course give more in the event of an unexpected financial miracle.

However, there are moments you may not have the said amount that you have chosen to give in a particular service. You can always make up for it in subsequent services. Just try and keep to a particular value of offering for a reasonable period of time.

God rewards diligence as stated in the opening text. So many people are not diligent in the amount they give as offering. Today, they give x amount. Another day, it's a different figure. It happens because they don't plan their offerings. Quite a few others allow the challenges they are facing to alter the amount they chose to give in each service.

It's important to note here that giving is never done at convenience. There are times you will have to miss a meal or deny yourself something very important just to ensure you are able to give the said amount you have purposed to be giving at the level of your present income.

The Christian life is a faith life. And the faith lifestyle is the only lifestyle that pleases God. You can't give for instance, N500 today, then give N50 another day. There is no consistency in this manner of giving. It also points to instability in your faith.

So, try as much as possible to maintain a particular level of offering you give in every service even if it's the only money left in your pocket or account at that time. As you discipline yourself to maintain a particular level of offering, God will certainly bless you such that your capacity to give more will increase after a while.

Prayer: Dear Father, I give you glory, honour and praise this beautiful day. I thank you for watching over me as a shepherd watch over his flock. May your word continue to be my guiding light on the subject of giving and every other subject in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Proverbs 28:20, 1st Corinthians 15:58.

Friday, June 16th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 16.
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 6).

"Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness." (2nd Corinthians 9:10).

Every wise farmer reserves the best part of his harvest as seeds to plant against the next season. This brings us to another principle that governs how we give our offerings. Always plan your seed first before you make plans for what you want to spend on yourself and family.

This is the message conveyed in the opening text. The first part says that God ministers seed to the sower and bread for your food. It didn't say that God provides bread for your food and seed for you to sow. It is the other way round. The seed comes before your bread. By bread, I mean personal needs.

This is why Apostle Paul wrote; "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." (Ephesians 4:28). Notice the phrase, 'working with his hands the thing which is good, THAT HE MAY HAVE TO GIVE to him that need'.

The mentality of every worker is that he or she works to eat. But Apostle Paul said that you should work to give. He gives priority to your giving than your food or personal needs. This is one of the secrets of continuous supply. When you always plan your giving first and do it, God will ensure that you will never run into lack.

So, don't spend your money on your personal needs first and give the left over to God. You should actually set your offerings apart for each service that week even days ahead. But in most cases, we exhaust all our monies on our personal needs only to find out that you don't have enough money left to give a good offering.

We know that we are living in a trying moment where the income of most people is far less than the cost of living. This is why you must trust God to meet your needs. And one sure way to do so is to sow your seed first before you begin to spend the money on personal needs. When you do so, the scripture says that God will multiply it back to you and increase your capacity to give more.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, who is like unto you in all the earth? Besides you, there is no other God. You are the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. I thank you for providing my needs. As I release my seeds to you represented by my offerings, multiply it back to me so I can have more to give in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 55:10-11, 2nd Corinthians 9:8-10, Genesis 26:12-14.

Saturday, June 17th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 17
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 7).

"Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness." (2nd Corinthians 9:10).

Giving is an act of righteousness. In other words, whether it's offering that you are giving or you are giving to help the poor, you are doing the right thing. The opening text says that after God will multiply our seeds sown and increase the fruit of our righteousness. This brings us to another principle that governs how we give our offerings to God.

The phrase, 'increase the fruit of our righteousness' simply means that God will increase your capacity to give more. Thus, The New Living Translation puts the opening text this way; "For Go, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you." (2 Corinthians 9:10).

If you are truly blessed by the offerings you give, you will notice that your income has increased over time. And when that happens, you ought to also increase the value of the offerings you give.

You shouldn't be at the same level of offering for a very long time. For instance, you can't still be giving the same value of offering you gave five years ago. It's either you don't acknowledge that God has blessed you or you haven't really experienced increase. If the former is the case, then check the way you have been giving your offerings to God. God doesn't accept all offerings. Remember that Cain's offering was rejected and this destroyed not only his financial future, it also affected his lineage.

If God has blessed you and it doesn't show up in a new value or offering, you are breaking one of the principles that governs how we give our offerings to God. And this could hinder you from receiving further increase in your income. It could even open the door for the enemy to attack you such that you will begin to experience financial bankruptcy.

So, try as much as possible to raise the level of your giving as you notice that God has increased you financially. As you do, God will ensure that you will continue to experience increase in your finances from one level of glory to another.

Prayer: Immortal and Invisible God, I give you thanks for another glorious day. I commit my going out and my coming in this day into your mighty hand. Direct my path in accordance to your predestined plan for me. Deliver me from every evil schemes of the wicked one in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Genesis 13:1-2, 24:1, 1st Kings 3:3-5, 8:63.

Sunday, June 18th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 18.
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - .

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (Proverbs 18:21).

Another important principle concerning how you give your offerings or sow your seeds you must be acquainted with if you want to enter your rich inheritance in Christ is your confession of faith. Our words are containers of power. Put it to work even as you give your offerings or sow special seeds.

Under the Old Covenant, the Jews were instructed to make confession of faith whenever they brought their tithes. Thus, the instruction read; "THEN THOU SHALT SAY before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them"(Deuteronomy 26:13).

The confession of faith they were told to make continued; "I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away ought thereof for any unclean use, nor given ought thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded me." (Deuteronomy 26:14).

Notice the phrase, 'I have nor eaten thereof in my mourning'. The word translated mourning also means trouble. God is honoured when we do not allow our challenges or trouble to make us eat our offerings.

After they made their confession of faith, they made a justified demand to make God pour out his blessings on them; "Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey." (Deuteronomy 26:18).

So, as you give your offering, acknowledge God as the source of all you have, ask Him to accept your offerings and remind him of his promises. Give him a reason why he should bless you. And declare that the harvest of your offerings are coming back to you in multiple proportions. He will certainly do exceeding abundantly above all that you say, ask or think, according to the power that works in you.

Prayer: Dear Father, I bow before you and worship at your feet. You deserve the glory, honour and adoration. Remember all my offerings and look down from heaven and bless me in the mighty name of Jesus.

Further Study: Psalms 20:3, Isaiah 56:7, Matthew 12:37.

Monday, June 19th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 19.
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 9).

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrew 11:1).

Giving is an act of faith. Just as the scripture said; "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11:4).

And the first part of the opening text says that faith is the substance of things hoped for. So, before you put your faith to work, you must have a hope or an expectation. This brings us to another principle that governs how you give your offerings. You must give in expectation. Expect your harvest to come to you in multiple proportions of the seeds sown.

And the kind of expectation you want will determine the kind or quality of seed you sow. For instance, you can't sow a seed of N100 when you are expecting N1,000,000 naira from God. The bigger your expectations, the bigger your seed should be.

One of the reasons so many people don't receive when they give their offerings is because they are not expecting to receive anything from God. Your expectation doesn't have to be money. It could be a breakthrough in your relationship or health challenges.

I attended a meeting recently where a young lady gave her full month salary as a seed offering because she wanted God to intervene in the her life and that of her four sisters that were unmarried. And within two months of sowing the seeds, her four elder sisters got into relationships and also got married. She is eagerly waiting for her own miracle. And it will certainly come to pass.

So, what are your expectations that you know you definitely need a divine intervention? Sow a special seed commensurate with that expectation and watch God do his miracle. "For surely there is an end [to that affliction or challenges you are faced with]; and thine expectation shall not be cut off." (Proverbs 23:18).

Prayer: Great and mighty God, how excellent is your name in all the earth. I thank you for your mercy and grace upon my life. I put my absolute trust in you concerning all my expectations. As I back them up with special seed offerings from time to time, receive them and grant my requests in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Proverbs 24:14, Psalms 62:5, 2nd Corinthians 9:10.

Tuesday, June 20th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 20.
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 10).

"Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and NONE SHALL APPEAR BEFORE ME EMPTY." (Exodus 23:15).

There are quite a few professing believers who attend church services without giving offerings. Some of them do so because of the challenges they are faced with while a few others do it as an habit.

Under the Old Testament, the children of Israel where told not to come before the presence of God empty. Though, we are not under the Law of Moses, there is a spiritual principle we can take from it.

No matter how difficult things are, never go to the presence of God empty. Situations where you find yourself without a single dime happens occasionally to most people especially in this trying period in this part of the world. But try as much as possible not to go into God's presence without an offering. It's an honour that God demands and deserves.

Another thing you can do when you find yourself in a situation where you don't have an offering to give is to sell any valuable item and give. This instruction first came from the very lip of our Lord Jesus when he was teaching the disciples and his audience how to help the poor. He told them; "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).

He said the same thing to a young rich ruler - Mark 10:21. Though the young rich ruler went away sad because he didn't want to lose his possessions which was great. He never knew that Jesus was showing him the way to true riches. He made this clear to his disciples after the young rich ruler left that whatever you give away for his sake and that of the kingdom will come back to you in hundredfold increase in this life - Mark 10:29-30.

So, whenever you find out that you don't have any offering to give in a particular service, look for something valuable to sell and give. Such sacrifice gets the attention of God easily and could be rewarded by uncommon blessings. Remember that when you sow nothing, you reap nothing. So, as much as possible, ensure you have a worthy offering to give whenever you appear before the presence of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord God, I am grateful for the opportunity to witness another beautiful day. It's not because of my righteousness but because of your mercy. I appreciate your protection and provisions in my life. I declare from this day hence that I will never lack offerings to present before your presence in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Deuteronomy 16:16, Acts 2:43-47.

Wednesday, June 21st.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 21.
(Principles That Governs How We Give Our Offerings - 11).

"When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed." (Ecclesiastes 5:4).

Another principle that governs how we give our offerings has to do with vows. A vow is a solemn promise to give to God certain amount of money or things usually based on conditions specified by the one who makes the vow. It is not however uncommon to see God's children make vows they do not fulfill. And the opening text cautions against such attitude.

Two things emphasized in the opening text concerning vows are; first, do not delay to pay the vows you make. There are so many who though they redeem their vows, but they don't do it promptly. This shouldn't be your attitude. When you make a vow, pay that which you have vowed promptly. It will ensure the prompt release of your harvest also.

Second, pay what you have vowed. There are quite a few people who never pay their vows not because they don't have it to pay. They just choose not to pay it. The opening text calls people who act in such manners fools. The verse that follows the opening text adds; "Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay". (Ecclesiastes 5:5).

One of the consequences of unpaid vows is unanswered prayers. Thus, the psalmist said; "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." (Psalms 50:14-15).

Besides, you miss the opportunity of uncommon miracles which only God can give. Remember Hannah gave birth to five children in one conception after she fulfilled her vow of giving her first male child to God - 1st Samuel 2:21.

So, ensure you pay your vows to God whether or not a third party is aware of it. God knows even the vows you promise to give in your heart that nobody else is aware of. Pay that which you have vowed and do it promptly. You will be a living testimony that God is indeed faithful and rewards those who fulfill their vows with mind blowing miracles.

Prayers: My Father in heaven, hallowed by thy name. May your kingdom be established in our hearts and be seen in our lives. I use this opportunity to ask for your mercy concerning unpaid vows I have made in the past. It will not repeat itself. As I pay any further vows I make, receive them and open doors of miracles for me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Samuel 1:9-28, Psalms 66:13, 76:11.

Thursday, June 22nd.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 22
(Principles That Governs How We Give To The Poor - 1).

"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 6:1).

Our Lord Jesus during his earthly ministry emphasized the need to give to the poor. He said that we should be it even if it means selling our possessions - Luke 12:33. Ironically, a large percentage of the church is not responding to this passionate plea by our Lord Jesus.

It is my earnest prayer that the church will experience revival in this aspect of our faith as it was in the days of the early church. We will now begin to look at the biblical principles in the next few days on how to give to the poor. It should be noted at this point that it's one act that can launch you into the rich inheritance you have in Christ.

The first principle we will look at is learn to give secretly. This is the remark our Lord Jesus made in the opening text. He went further to say; "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."(Matthew 6:2-4).

Notice the phrase, 'when thou doest alms'. It didn't say, 'if thou does alms'. In other words, almsdeed should be part of our life. But try as much as possible not to draw the attention of a third party when you are giving to someone in need. If you do so, you have lost your reward.

Secondly, don't turn away a brother in need when it's within your power to help. Thus, our Lord Jesus said; "GIVE TO HIM THAT ASKETH THEE, and from him that would borrow of thee TURN NOT THOU AWAY." (Matthew 5:42). The word borrow is not in the sense of how the people of the world borrow money. Just give whatever you can lend without expecting anything in return - Luke 6:34-35.

In practice, most believers do just the opposite of what our Lord Jesus instructed us to do. They turn people away when it's within their power to help. There are those who do so simply because they have budgeted the money for what it's more important to them.

Sending a needy brethren away is as good as denying Jesus help and it could stand against you on judgment day. Our Lord Jesus made this very clear in the narration of the parable of the sheep and goat. He will tell the goats who refused to help the poor and needy brethren; "...Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:41).

So, let's learn to show compassion for the poor and needy brethren in our midst. Remember that the scripture says; "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. [And] Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." (Proverbs 19:17, 21:13).

Prayer: Merciful and gracious Father, I thank you for your mercy and grace upon my life. You have been my help in need and shelter from the storms of life. I ask for your mercy in moments I have ignored the cry of the poor. I ask for grace to always help the poor when it's within my power to help in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 41:1-3, Galatians 2:10, Matthew 25:31-46.

Friday, June 23rd.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 23
(Principles That Governs How We Give To The Poor - 2).

"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, THOU SHALT NOT HARDEN THINE HEART, nor SHUT THINE HAND from thy poor brother: But thou shalt OPEN THINE HAND WIDE unto him, and shalt SURELY LEND HIM SUFFICIENT for his need, in that which he wanteth."(Deuteronomy 15:7-.

Giving to the poor or needy is one sure way to get blessed or prosper. But it must be done secretly as much as possible if you want to get rewarded. In addition, don't deny anyone in need if it's within your power to help. These were the points raised yesterday.

We will use the instructions God gave to the Jews to unveil more principles that governs how we ought to give to the poor and needy brethren. The opening text contains some of the instructions. It says that we should not harden our hearts. To harden one's heart is to ignore God's word and even the voice of the Holy Spirit. The result is that you shut your hand from helping a brother in need. This is another way of explaining what it means to turn the poor away.

The latter part of the opening text says that we should open our hands wide and lend him sufficient for his needs. This brings us to the third principle; Give the poor enough to meet his demand if it's within your power. In other words, don't give less than what he demands if you are capable.

Don't be hesitant to give a needy brother a huge amount of money if that is what will solve his present challenge. The bigger you give, the greater the blessing. When you give him far less than you can afford, you will reap the same manner of harvest when you want financial favour from others. They will also give you far less than you are demanding for.

The instruction continued; "Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and THOU GIVEST HIM NOUGHT; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee." (Deuteronomy 15:9).

The emphases in verse 9 is that even if you can't meet his demand probably because you don't have the said amount, don't send him away empty. In other words, give him something. The verse says that those who don't give anything to the poor brother have a wicked heart. In addition, it will count against you as sin if the brother cries out to God against you.

So, learn to give big to the poor especially the needy brethren that ask for help. If you honestly don't have the much he requested for, give whatever you can give. Don't send those in need away empty. If you do, one day, you might be in need and no one will respond to you. Even if you think you have passed the line of lack, denying your brother help when it's within your power to help could cost you your salvation.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, be thou exalted above all heavens and let your glory be over all the earth. You have reminded me on the need to give big to the poor. I ask for overflowing blessing so I will always have more than enough to do so in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Isaiah 58:3-11.

Saturday, June 24th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 24
(Principles That Governs How We Give To The Poor - 3).

"Thou shalt surely give him, and THINE HEART SHALL NOT BE GRIEVED when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto." (Deuteronomy 15:10).

We are still on the subtopic on how we ought to render help to the poor and needy brethren in accordance with biblical principles. In continuation of the instruction God gave to the Jews concerning ministering to the poor, he said that their heart should not be grieved when they give. In other words, they should give cheerfully.

There are so many who render help to the poor but they are not happy doing it. Sometimes, it shows in their countenance. Such attitude does not attract the blessing of God. You are putting smiles on people's faces and you are not happy doing it. It's ironic to have such attitude.

Plan your life with a mindset that people will come to you for help. And be ready to render help when the opportunity comes. This is the responsibility we owe one another in Christ. Thus, the scripture says; "Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law."(Romans 13:8, New Living Translation).

The church should spend more time teaching members how to love one another. We usually focus more on demanding money for one project or the other which is not wrong. But our number one project should actually be the welfare of the brethren.

In fact, our love is not perfected until we begin to demonstrate love for the brethren. Hence John 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. No man hath seen God at any time. IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, God dwelleth in us, and HIS LOVE IS PERFECTED IN US. And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God LOVE HIS BROTHER ALSO. "1st John 4:7,8,12,21).

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I bless your name this beautiful day and give you all the glory. I thank you for the love you have shown to me even in the death of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary. You have placed that same love in my heart. Give me the grace to love my brethren as I ought to that your name alone might be glorified in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st John 3:16-18, James 2:15-16, 1st Peter 4:8-9.

Sunday, June 25th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 25
(The Place of Work).

"Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall BLESS THEE IN ALL THY WORKS, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto." (Deuteronomy 15:10).

So far, our emphasis has been on giving in different areas which includes; firstfruit offerings, tithes, regular offerings, giving to honour your pastor and ministering to the poor. Those who are faithful in these different aspects of giving are most likely going to enter into their rich inheritance in Christ over time.

However, your prosperity does not come by giving alone. You must have something doing if you want to launch yourself into your rich inheritance in Christ. Many a time, the reward of your giving comes by God's blessings on your works of your hands. In other words, God blesses the works of your hand as you give in accordance to biblical principles. So, if you don't have a job, God has nothing to bless.

At this point, I like to state here that God does not run a casino shop. Yes, it's true that our harvest comes back to us in multiple proportions of the seed sown. But most of the time, God uses the job you do as an avenue to pass through to bless you.

Put in another way, God does not run a ponzi scheme where you sow x amount and it comes back to you in 100x amount without doing anything. If this is what actually happens, there will be no need for anyone to work. Just sit back and watch God multiply your seed sown and the circle continues. It doesn't work that way.

You must have something doing that God will bless as you give. This is exactly what the opening text says. So, find something to do no matter how small. Then begin to give in line with God's word. The supernatural power of God will take that small job or business and lift it from one level of glory to another. And you will be a living testimony that God's word is indeed true.

Prayer: Merciful and gracious Father, I thank you for your protection throughout the night hour and the privilege to see another day. As I put the principle of your word concerning giving to work, bless the works of my hands that I may have more to give in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Deuteronomy 14:29, 24:19, 28:12, Ephesians 4:28, Philippians 4:19.

Monday, June 26th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 26.
(Divine Health and Divine Healing).

"And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee."(Exodus 15:26).

Today, we will begin to deal with the subject of divine health and divine healing which is also part of our inheritance in Christ. Divine health is a state of well being where you do not fall sick. This is God's perfect will for us. However, if you fall sick, healing is also available for you.

Under the Old Covenant, God entered into a covenant of divine health with the children of Israel as contained in the opening text. This is a covenant that gives them assurance of divine health on the condition that they keep his commandments and statutes.

After the Ten Commandments was given, he entered into another covenant of healing. He said; "And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee." (Exodus 23:26). This is a covenant of divine healing which is different from the covenant of divine health. In this second covenant, they already opened the door of affliction by sickness through disobedience. But God still had mercy on them and made provision for their healing.

Under the New Covenant, God's will is for us to be in health also - 3rd John 2. In fact, the scripture says that Jesus already took our sicknesses away. Thus, it is written; "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. "(Isaiah 53:4-5).

The word grief is from the Hebrew word, 'cholı̂y' which also means sickness. Jesus took our sicknesses away and qualified us to enjoy divine health. For one reason or the other, we sometimes fall sick. And his healing power is available for us if we fall sick.

There are however things we must do to stay healthy. This will be the focus of our study in the next few days. We will also learn how we can receive our healings if we fall sick. And if you are presently sick, it is my earnest prayer that the Lord will heal you as you apply the principles of faith you will learn in this devotional study in the next few days. Remember that the scripture says; "...all things are possible to him that believeth." (Mark 9:23).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I give you praise for your mercy, goodness and faithfulness in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness a brand new day. I thank you also for taking my sickness away. I declare that I healed of every disease and infirmities in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 107:20, Matthew 8:17, 1st Peter 2:24.

Tuesday, June 27th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 27.
(How To Stay in Divine Health - 1).

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2).

The greatest wish by God concerning our health was expressed in the verse of the scripture which reads; "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and BE IN HEALTH, even as thy soul prospereth." (3rd John 2). Notice the phrase, 'be in health'. God wants you to be in health. He wants you to enjoy divine health above all things.

The first step to enjoying divine health is to renew your mind on this subject. In other words, change your mentality. Don't think the way the people of the world think. The people of the world see sickness as a normal part of life. So, they expect to be sick. They don't see anything wrong with being sick. If you think this way, you may never be able to enjoy divine health.

Know that God has made provision for you to enjoy divine health in Christ. You must believe it with all your heart and be ready to say no to any form of affliction that the devil brings against you. The word of God will only profit those who believe or mix it with faith - Hebrews 4:2.

There was a time in the history of Jews when there was not a single sick person amongst them. The scripture said; "He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes." (Psalms 103:37). The word feeble has multiple usage and one of them is weak. In other words, there was not even a weak person among them talk more of being sick. They opened the door to sickness through disobedience after the Law of Moses was given.

It's possible for you to enjoy divine health because Jesus took your sickness away on the cross. Thus, Peter wrote; "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: BY WHOSE STRIPES YE WERE HEALED." (1st Peter 2:24).

Therefore, do not accept sickness as a normal part of life. It will off course show its ugly head from time to time but keep believing that you can enjoy divine health. Over time, if you stand on the word of God concerning your health, you will get to a point in your life where you will hardly fall sick.

Prayer: My God and redeemer, be thou exalted this glorious day. Lord Jesus, I thank you for taking my sickness away on the cross. Father, I believe divine health is my inheritance in Christ according to your word. Therefore, I say no to sickness and refuse to be moved by my feelings. I stand on God's word and agree with it that I am healed by the stripes of Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:17. 1st John 4:4.

Wednesday, June 28th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 28
(How To Stay in Divine Health - 2).

"Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted." (Psalms 107:17).

We said yesterday that you must change your mindset if you want to stay in health. Don't see sickness as a normal part of life. It's possible for you to enjoy divine health or at least overcome frequent illness which befalls the people of the world.

Another thing you must do to stay healthy is to abstain from sinful habits especially sexual immorality. It is true that you can fall into errors as a believer but don't permit sin to have dominion over you. In other words, do not commit sin at the slightest temptation. If you are easily lured to sin, you are breaking the hedge of protection around you which makes it easy for the devil to afflict you with sickness.

After Jesus healed the man who had a spirit of infirmity for 38 years, he said to him when he saw him in the temple; "...Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." (John 5:14). This warning affirms the fact that sin opens the door of affliction just as the psalmist said in the opening text.

It does not mean each time someone falls sick, he has committed a sin. But it does mean that if you continue to indulge in sinful act, you are certainly opening the door for the wicked one to afflict you with sickness. Thus 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).

So, if you want to enjoy divine health, stay away from sin as much as possible. Sometimes, the punishment for deliberate act of sin comes from the Lord himself. Hence, he in his letter to the church in Thyatira, he said concerning prophetess Jezebel who was seducing some God's servants to commit fornication; "And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. "(Revelation 2:21-23).

So, if you continue to indulge in sinful acts, it does not only open the door for the devil to afflict you, our Lord Jesus himself will judge you to the point that children can also be affected. His grace is sufficient for you. You can say no to sin. Just as the scripture says; "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:12,14). And if you fail into sin, be quick to repent, ask for forgiveness and you will be forgiven - 1st John 1:9.

Prayer: My dear Father, I thank you for your keeping me safe under the shelter of your wings even through the night hours. I thank you taking my sin, shame and sickness away. I ask for your grace to overcome every temptation that is designed to lure me to sin in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st John 3:8-9, Romans 8:12-13. Ecclesiastes 10:8.

Thursday, June 29th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 29
(How To Stay in Divine Health - 3).

"Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."(Psalms 91:9-10).

Another way to stay in divine health is to dwell in the secret place of the most high God. This was revealed by the Psalmist in the first verse of the first chapter of the Psalms 91 which reads; "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."(Psalms 91:1).

God is in heaven but his presence is everywhere. However, not everyone has access to his presence. You must first have a relationship with God and that relationship is established the day you made Jesus your Lord and Saviour. Secondly, you must know how to access his presence.

You access God's presence by faith and by the blood of the lamb. Thus, the scripture says; "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:19, 23).

Thirdly, you must develop the relationship through intimate fellowship and trust. This brings us to the place of worship. Spend quality time worshipping God on a daily basis. Our Lord Jesus said; "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24).

Fourthly, be conscious of God's presence at all times. There are so many who are more conscious of the presence of the devil. As such, they live in fear which opens doors for the devil to afflict them. But the consciousness of God's presence drives away fear and brings protection even against sickness.

Spend quality time in God's presence daily through praise and worship. Put your absolute trust in him and be conscious of his abiding presence. Then, according to the psalmist, "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague (sickness) come nigh thy dwelling.

In addition, don't forsake the gathering of the Saints together. The scripture calls it sin which can also expose you to affliction if you do so habitually - Hebrews 11:26. Also learn to maintain a cheerful state of heart. Thus, the scripture says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..." (Proverbs 17:22). Space will not permit me to include many more ways to stay health. But as you put to work the few ways unveiled in this study, you will certainly stand a better chance of enjoying the divine health that is yours in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: My God, my refuge and fortress, be glorified this beautiful day. I thank you for the glory of your presence that keeps me safe from every evil works of darkness including sickness. As I continue to abide in your presence, I know that I am safe and secured from every form of affliction in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 91, Hebrews 4:15-16, 10:25-31, Psalms 22:3.

Friday, June 30th.

Our Inheritance In Christ - 30
(How To Receive Divine Healing).

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

Divine health is part of your inheritance in Christ as we discussed in previous days study. However, healing is also available for you if you fall sick. But do not take sickness as a normal part of life. You are different from the people of the world. God has delivered you from the power of darkness and translated you into his kingdom that cannot be dominated by sickness.

How then are you supposed to receive divine healing if you fall sick? I will like to mention here first that it's not a sin to take drugs when you fall sick. But it's far better to learn to exercise your faith to receive divine healing. There are some healings that drugs can't cure and there are hurts that x-rays don't see. So, if you keep depending on drugs, what will you do if the sickness doesn't have cure? But faith can heal any form of sickness and deliver you from any form of oppression.

So, let's examine the few steps you can take to receive your healing if you fall sick. First, know that you have authority over every power of darkness. And since sickness is one of the works of darkness, you have authority over it. Second, exercise your faith by using your authority against the sickness. Authority not exercised is meaningless.

Lay your hand on that part of your body that is under affliction and rebuke the sickness. Command it to leave in the mighty name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. Thus, the scripture says; "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(Philippians 2:9-11).

It is important to note here that most of the times, the symptoms persist even after prayer. Just take your attention away from the symptoms and begin to thank God for your healing. Stand on the word of God and reject every contrary feelings. As you hold on to your faith, the healing which has already taking place in the realm of the spirit will manifest in your body and the name of God alone will be glorified.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to witness another glorious day. Thank you for assigning your angels to watch over me even through the night hours. I also thank you for the authority you have given unto me over every evil works of darkness. I therefore declare that I am healed from every form of sickness and afflictions in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Mark 16:17-18, Acts 3:16, Mark 11:24.

Good morning my reading fans, I will like to use this forum to ask for your support.

I know you will find it difficult to believe. I have been going through severe persecutions from a leading ministry I faithfully served for many years. I faced serious oppression while serving. When I couldn't cope with the oppression, I decided to leave peacefully and the head pastor was informed.

I started my church ministry 2009 but met with severe opposition. In 2016 when I started doing well, assassins were sent to my church but God protected me.

Somehow, they were able to intimidate my members to leave my ministry one by one but it took about three years before the full effect showed. My attendance dropped and I eventually closed it up.

From 2917, I started focusing on church growth ministry which is one ministry God has given me. But they are also fighting that ministry.

It was late last year I knew the strategies they were using.

They employed internet gurus to monitor my calls, chats and locations. Whenever I go to churches and ministry to introduce my seminars, they make contact with them and defame my character and also intimidate them.

So, on account of this, they have temporarily frustrated both my church ministry and seminars I should be holding.

The attempt on my life is even more frightening as they are using a neighbour I share the same block with to encroach into the roof of my flat and injet poisonous gas for me to inhale and die. I have actually passed out about five times but God brought me back.

But in the midst of all these, I still encourage people through my daily devotional which I believe is blessing those who care to read.

I don't have to mention the name of the ministry because I don't want to damage their reputation as not necessarily everyone there is bad. But just a few of the top leaders who feel that the evil they did against me will one day be exposed if they let me grow.

The most urgent help I need now is a new apartment for my personal safety. I intend to start an online church from there and hold zoom seminars for my church growth ministry.

Please, whatever you can contribute, I will appreciate.

My account details are 0730821132 GTB Samson Ken Macaulay.

I am also sorry to inform you that this daily devotional will be temporarily suspended until I am able to sort myself out of this ugly situation caused by wolves in sheep's clothing.

May God reward you for your anticipated kind support.

Ken4Christ:
Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 26 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement - Continued).

"And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." (Revelation 9:13-14).

After the five months torment of the special breed locust is over, the sixth angel will sound its trumpet. And the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates will be loosed as contained in the opening text.
These four angles which will be loosed are assigned to slay one third of men in the space of one year, one month and one hour - Revelation 9:15. But they will achieve this feat with an army of two hundred million - Revelation 9:16. Details of the identity of these armies were not given.

In addition John saw the weapons that will be used by these armies. The description fits modern day armored tanks. He described them as horses from which issued fire and smoke and brimstone out of their mouths.

It should be noted that the sixth trumpet judgment alone will take over a year to execute. And these events are part of what will happen after the rapture of the church. At this point the anti Christ who will rule for seven years is not yet revealed. So, it's impossible for anyone to correctly predict the year Jesus Christ will come back to establish his millennium reign on earth.

John concluded the narration of the sixth trumpet judgment thus; "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet REPENTED NOT of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: NEITHER REPENTED THEY of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts."(Revelation 9:20-21).

Notice the phrase, 'repented not'. There will be no repentance after rapture. Now is the time of salvation. Every believer should wake up and preach the gospel to lost souls. Believers who are not involved in soul winning activities may not make heaven. So, don't think all these punishment are for sinners alone. God's wrath will also fall upon the children of disobedience.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for waking me up this morning to see another glorious day. It's not because of my righteousness but because of your mercy. I ask for mercy in my shortcomings especially in the aspect of soul winning. I ask for fresh grace and boldness to reach out to lost souls in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Further Study: Psalms 9:7-8, Colossians 3:6.

Revelations 9 happened over 1900 years ago during the last days described by the Prophets. The prophet Joel is noted to have recorded many of the details of that contained in Revelations 9 in Joel chapters 1 - 3.

Kobojunkie:
Revelations 9 happened over 1900 years ago during the last days described by the Prophets. The prophet Joel is noted to have recorded many of the details of that contained in Revelations 9 in Joel chapters 1 - 3.

You don't have the capacity to receive the truth of God's word. You must be born again first. Second, you must receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit. It's only after then, your spirit will be ready to receive God's word. For now, it will sound foolish to your carnal mind.