Glory In The Highest! Peace On Earth!

Hallelujah! The curtain is about to be drawn over this year! What would you remember this year for? How are you ending it and how are you entering the New Year?

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV)

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit (Ecclesiastes 7:8, NKJV)

You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance (Psalm 65:11, NKJV)

The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord (Proverbs 16:1, NKJV)

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14, NKJV)

What will you remember this year for?

A grateful heart will remember all the good things God did during the year, challenges notwithstanding. You must always remind yourself that if not for God, it would have been worse. If not for anything else, remember the breath in your nostrils. Hallelujah! A living dog is better than a dead lion.

It calls for thanksgiving and high praises unto God. The scripture says you should give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Count your blessings and name them one by one and you will be surprised at what the Lord has done.

How are you ending it?

Are you ending this year in regrets, bitterness, anger and frustration or in joy and gladness of heart?

The year is not over yet; you still have a few hours left. The end of a thing is better than its beginning, so be patient in spirit, for God crowns the year with His goodness and His paths drip with abundance.  You need to be expectant, your heart filled with faith and thanksgiving. Is there anything too hard for God? (Jeremiah 32:27) Surely, nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26) Read more...

Celebration of the Gift of Life

Christmas celebration is the celebration of God’s gift of life to humanity. It is the celebration of God’s love for man. An understanding of the essence of Christmas gives you access to the Lord’s abundance of life. Embracing it is to embrace the Master’s victory over darkness. This post enlightens you on the reason for Christmas.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16, NKJV)

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:11-12, NKJV)

Jesus Christ is the Lord’s gift of life. He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6), and whoever receives Him receives the way, truth and life.

He is a value-added personality to anyone who receives Him. He is the Prince of peace and giver of peace (Isaiah 9:6, John 14:27). He has come to give you life in abundance (John 10:10)

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the birth of all that He came to give us. The enemy comes to steal, kill and to destroy but Christ comes to give you life and to give it to you in abundance. Wherever, Jesus appears, life appears. Jesus makes all the difference!

Christmas day is the day of thanksgiving unto God, who has made way for man’s redemption and victory over the enemy. God’s abundant and eternal life is in Christ. And if you are a believing Christian, it is a time to celebrate your salvation in Christ, for having Christ is the assurance of eternal life with God the Father. Read more...

PEACE MONEY CAN'T BUY

Hi, Jesus loves you.

Compliments of the Season my wonderful readers!

God has been faithful throughout this year as He has always been. By the grace of God I have published my first eBook called “Peace Money Can't Buy". Praise God! I believe it will be a blessing to you as it is to me.

It is a description of peace that is freely given though the world struggles to experience it. It enlightens you of the peace freely given, though sleep eludes many.

If it is your heart desire to have peace even in the midst of storms or the cry of your inner being to have all round peace, challenges notwithstanding, then, you need to read this eBook.

Peace Money Can't Buy shares the possibility of having this kind of peace. The valuable lessons contained in this book are guaranteed to restore hope if you feel hopeless and to direct you to the source of eternal peace that transforms your life.

It empowers you to take charge of your life and not allow circumstances and situations dictate your heart pulse. Also, this book will inspire you, put a smile on your face; cast off all fears; cause you to stand as a victor and not a victim; and make you a peacemaker.

In this book, you will learn among other things:
• The source of this peace
• How to access it
• How to maintain it

The Prince of Peace desires to give you this peace that passes all understanding and Peace Money Can't Buy will open you up to receive this free gift of God.

To get your own copy CLICK HERE

 

–
Ngozi Nwoke
Grace and peace of God be unto you.

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What do you do with the 24 hours of your day? How many seconds or minutes or hours daily do you allot to the giver of your life? The time you give to God, your maker, determines what happens to the rest of the day. One reason why God made man was for fellowship and whoever satisfies this will be satisfied by Him. This post encourages you to make a choice to fellowship with God.

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord – (1 Corinthians 1:9, NKJV)

 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” – (Genesis 3:8-9, NKJV)

You can have time for anything you want to create time for. Many people are really busy, with work, family, business, career and or academics, that they actually wish the day has more than 24 hours. Time management gurus have told us that 24 hours are really enough if we know how to manage it well. Unfortunately, most people will first of all eliminate their time with God when they are shedding their activities for the day.

But it is your time with God that will make your other activities for the day meaningful and fruitful. Some people think God will understand and overlook. I’m sorry to say that though His mercy will speak for you now and then, you will be losing out from the best He can offer you. Certainly, it will be unjust for God to give you the same things He gives someone who puts Him as his number one priority in life and satisfies the fellowship calling.

At new birth, you enter into a relationship with God but it is a matter of choice to fellowship with God. You are called into fellowship of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9) and it is your choice to answer the call. When God made man, He was always fellowshipping with them (Genesis 3:8-9) just like He still desires to even now. At the fall of man, this fellowship was severed but was restored through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) Read more...

It's Time To Declare The Word

What have you not done to get your answers? Situations around you are not bulging despite your efforts. You have worked hard, prayed, praised and danced unto God but nothing has changed. What else can you do? This post tells you what else you should add to what you are doing presently.

I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries – Psalm 81:10, 13-14 (NKJV)

I said, “You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High. But you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.  – Psalm 82:6-7 (NKJV)

You may have done so many things with no result, and the challenge is still there. The question is, “What are you saying or what are you not saying?” There is tremendous power in the use of our mouth. The scripture says that you will eat the fruit of your lips (Proverbs 12:14) and that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21)

And in Proverbs 81:10, 13-14, God expressly told us to open our mouths wide so that He can subdue our enemies. A wise man said that a closed mouth is a closed destiny. Ironically, God states in Psalm 82:6-7, that though you are a god, you will die like men. Why is it so? This is because you are not using the power that is naturally yours as a god, one of which is the power of the tongue.

God created the whole world by His words, and when He made man, He made him in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). So, you also create your environment and future by your words.  The scripture says that you will have what you say (Mark 11:23). What are you saying, or what are you not saying?

By redemption, all that Adam lost at the fall including our godlike nature was restored back to us, (Galatians 3:13-14, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19). God expects you to manifest who you really are, so that He can put your enemies under your feet. You give him the license to do so through the words of your mouth. Read more...

Hand Over Your Battle In A Dance

Are you crying or shouting over the challenges in your life? If you are, how far have you gone in solving them? One thing I am sure of by experience is that crying over challenges never gets it solved. But there is a way to get it solved: in a dance! This post tells you how to win a battle by dancing. Come along with me.

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation (Psalm 149:3-4, NKJV, emphasis mine)

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:6-9, NKJV)

The storms of life will surely come, but how you respond to it is what really matters. There are times; you will feel that you don’t know what else to do; everything seems to be crowding you and wanting to choke you. The wisest thing to do at such a time is to get up and shout “Halleluiah!” And start digging it in a dance unto God.

Sing praises unto God from your heart and dance vigorously.

Why praise in a dance?

This is an act of your faith in God who is King of kings and is above all. In a praise-dance you hand over your battle to God. You are saying, “God I can’t handle this, I can’t defeat them but you can handle and have defeated these, (John 16:33)” Your fight is not a physical fight but a spiritual one (Ephesians 6:12) and so requires a spiritual approach. A praise-dance is a spiritual weapon for warfare. The enemy is powerless when you engage it because it gets God involved and who can stand our God! Read more...

Run through a troop and leap over the wall

What is that mountain before you that is posing insurmountable? What is that impossible case that has kept sleep away from you? No matter what the case may be, there is a higher force greater than it that is for you. By this higher power you can run through a troop and, if you need to, leap over a wall. This post tells you how to engage this mighty force for your victory.

For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall – Psalm 18:29 (NKJV)

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)

Is anything too hard or too wonderful for the Lord? At the appointed time, when the season [for her delivery] comes around, I will return to you and Sarah shall have borne a son – Genesis 18:14 (AMP)
God is the mighty force that you can’t ignore if you want to live a victorious life. No matter how thick a troop may be, with God you can run through it. And no matter how high a wall may be, with God you can leap over it, for there is nothing impossible or difficult for God.  And if God is for you, no one can be against you – Romans 8:31

If God can cause a ninety-year old Sarah to conceive, carry the pregnancy for nine months and deliver safely (Genesis 21:1,2,7), there is nothing of His will that God cannot do for you. If He could part the sea so that the Israelites could walk on dry ground (Exodus 14:29), He will level any mountain before you.
But for you to keep enjoying God’s mighty power and strength, you need to have the following virtues:

• Fear of the lord - Psalm 25:12

The fear of God in you pulls God to teach you the way you should go to overcome any obstacle before you. David was a man who greatly feared God and he never lost a battle. He would always enquire from God for each battle and God would give him directions on what he should do at every point in time. So, David could run through troops and leap over walls because God helped him – Psalm 18:29. Read more...

Your Full Joy Is In Fulfilling Your Destiny

Have you ever sat down and wondered what you are doing in this world? Days turn to weeks and weeks to months and then years, and you wonder, “When will this end?”  But it ought not to be so! God made you and gave you breathe to work and enjoy His creation (Genesis 1:27-30), and to give Him praise (Psalm 150:6). Everyday of your life should be full of joy and peace and this post tells you how to achieve this.

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” – Luke 2:49 (NKJV)

Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” – Genesis 41:44 (NKJV)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV)

Many people, when that emptiness comes and they wonder what they are doing on earth, don’t look for the answer from the right place. And when the hopelessness continues, suicide sometimes becomes an option for them, in order to end it fast. This I tell you is one of the worst decisions one can make on earth, because it is “first class” ticket to hell! Truly, you won’t want to go there.

We are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) but God has different plans for every one of us. For Abraham, the Lord called him to be a great nation and a blessing through which all the families of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3); for Joseph, He called him to save many people alive during the famine (Genesis 50:20); for Jeremiah, He called him to be a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5), and for Jesus Christ, God called Him to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21). And for me, I am called to write for Him online. Read more...

Change Your Mind And Change Your World

Do you wish to change the happenings around you? Can you make a lasting impact in this world? The answer is yes! You can set the pace that others will follow with time. But it all starts with the renewing of your mind. This post emphasizes the power of changing your mind to change your world.

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

“For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” (I Corinthians 2:16 NKJV)

“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27 NKJV)

Many times people look at the happenings around them and wish they can do something about it. Then they stop at wishing, instead of finding out how they can do it. The good news is that God has the answer.
 Man was made in the image of God, according to His likeness. We are made to be co-creators with God. God created the world by His words (Hebrews 11:3) and the creation is still obeying the laws governing it. Adam was operating in the realm of God until sin was found in him and he became ordinary.

However, when Christ came He paid the price for our restoration to the original state, that whosoever believes in Him and receives Him also receives this restoration. Human mind is exchanged for Christ's mind at redemption (1 Corinthians 2:16). At new birth your mind changes to divine mind / mind of Christ. You receive the ability to break off the human limits and operate like the god you are (Psalm 82:6). Read more...

The Apple Of God’s Eye?

Can you imagine someone touching the pupil of your eye or the pupil of God's eye? Your eye is dear to you and so is the pupil (apple) of your eye. Likewise, the apple of God's eye is dear to Him. This post gives a description of what it means to be the apple of the Lord's eyes.

“He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:” (Deuteronomy 32:10-11 KJV)

“For thus said the Lord of hosts, after [His] glory had sent me [His messenger] to the nations who plundered you–for he who touches you touches the apple or pupil of His eye:” (Zechariah 2:8 AMP)

The phrase "apple of my eye" is used to describe something or someone that another cherishes dearly above others. God has people who have become the apple of His eyes, people He cherishes above others.

At one time, the Israelites were the apple God's eye. He watched over them as an eagle watches over her young (Deuteronomy 32:10-11). He fought for them, gave them the best of all and the rest of the world feared them because of God. Any nation that touched them touched the pupil of God's eye (Zechariah 2:8) and they always paid dearly for it.

When Egypt acted wickedly towards the Israelites that were in their country, they paid for it with plaques and eventually with the death of their firstborns. And the Israelites were released to go with great riches (Exodus 7-12) Read more...

Lord Trouble them That Trouble Me

Are you troubled by some people or forces unjustly? I have good news for you; you can lay your petition against them before the Judge of all judges and you can be rest assured that your case will be duly attended to. This post tells you one thing you can do to have peace from your adversaries.

“And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the LORD went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh.” 2 Kings 19:35-36 (NKJV)

“Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,” 2 Thessalonians 1:6 (NKJV)

You don't have to do anything wrong for the enemy to trouble you. If you allow him he will continue and increase his oppression. However, as a child of God you have a higher power, God Almighty, to report him to and secure your freedom and peace. But you need to have good standing with God, otherwise the enemy will accuse you before Him (Revelation 12:10)

When the enemy came through Sennacherib king of Assyria to trouble King Hezekiah and his people, King Hezekiah reported him to God and the Lord sent an angel to the enemy's camp to trouble the Assyrians. And afterwards, Sennacherib King of Assyria departed and ceased to trouble King Hezekiah and his people (2 Kings 18:13-37, 2 Kings 19: 1-37) Read more...

You Need A Sower’s Mentality

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest shall not cease” - (Genesis 8:22). This law is so true, yet many don’t walk in it and so lose out in the blessing it carries. Things hoped for are things expected and faith only delivers what is hoped for. This post encourages you to have a sower’s mentality; to think and expect like a sower would for returns.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap – Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry – Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)

A sower sows his seeds in hope that after a while, the seeds sown will give a bountiful harvest. He patiently waits for it in great expectation. And because his expectation shall not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18), the good Lord honours his expectation and releases his bountiful harvest in due season.

Service unto God are seeds sown that will return with harvest; even if it tarries, wait for it for it will surely come. God says in Galatians 6:7 that whatever you sow you will also reap. So, sow in hope that you will reap in due season.

Not that you will now serve God for what you can get from Him instead of because of love. But you need to have it at the back of your mind that God has not called you to serve Him in vain (Isaiah 45:19), and again the Lord is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)

Joseph feared and served God faithfully, but things seemed to be getting worse instead of better, yet he never quit on God. At the end, his labour of love spoke for him. In one night, God moved him from the prison into the palace (Psalm 105:17-22). It pays to serve God!

The challenge is that people forget that rain falls only when the clouds are full of rain (Ecclesiastes 11:3). Until your cloud is full your harvest will tarry. So, keep plowing in hope (1 Corinthians 9:10), for surely your clouds will soon fill up and pour out your harvest for you. Read more...

The Power of Abiding in God’s Love

Can you imagine the wonders of abiding in God’s love?  In a world full of wickedness, abiding in the love of God is the escape route from being a victim of wickedness. God is committed to protecting those who abide in Him. This article explains why you should dwell in the love of the Lord.

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love – John 15:10 (NKJV)

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him – John 14:23 (NKJV)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence – Psalm 91:1-3 (NKJV)

Many people have done so many things in order to protect themselves from the wickedness in this world but to no avail. Some of the things they do give temporary protection while others disappoint woefully. But abiding in the love of God never disappoints!

Abiding in God’s love not only gives you the good things of life and ultimately eternal life in heaven, but also makes you untouchable by the enemy (Psalm 105:15). Surely, they will try but they will fall for your sake (Isaiah 54:15)

What does it mean to abide in the love of the Lord?

It is to keep God’s commandments, His words (John 15:10). It’s letting God’s words dwell richly in you to the point of it guiding you in what you think, say or do. It’s letting His words be a lamp unto your feet and light unto your path (Psalm 119:105). Read more...

While Men Slept The Enemy Sowed Tares

Why is there so much wickedness and trouble in this world now? Why are situations getting worse instead of better? These are questions which if you are able to identify and adhere to their answers, your life and destiny will take a new turn for the better.  This post aims at answering these questions.

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way – Matthew 13:25 (NKJV)

Tremble, you women who are at ease; be troubled, you complacent ones; strip yourselves, make yourselves bare, and gird sackcloth on your waists. People shall mourn upon their breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine….until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest - Isaiah 32:11-15 (NKJV, emphasis mine).

When God created the world, everything was very good (Genesis 1:31), but when sin came in (through Adam’s disobedience), everything started changing from very good to worse. The more the iniquity on earth the more things will become worse.

What can be done to change the situation?

Jesus Christ gave us the answer in Matthew 13:25: while men were sleeping, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. That is while men were spiritually sleeping, the enemy the devil came and sowed iniquities that gave rise to troubles and chaos everywhere. And the more they remain asleep, the more freedom he has to do more evil.

There is a strong need for men to cease being at ease and complacent about what is happening and choose to take the responsibility to call down the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on earth in prayers so that wilderness will become a fruitful field and the fruitful field be counted a forest (Isaiah 32:11-15).

A fervent prayer of faith avails much (James 5:15-16). Prayer of faith will always ward off the enemy and instill the will of God (which is always for your good) on earth. The more you pray, the farther away the enemy from your territory, and vice versa.

Why you must pray

You may wonder why God won’t just stop the enemy instead of you praying. The truth is that God can’t stop the devil expect you pray. Man is in charge on earth (Genesis 1:28). What he says stands, what he allows stays, whom he invites comes. So, just like the enemy was invited initially by Adam (Genesis 3, Luke 4:5-6) and is still welcomed on earth through man’s thoughts, words and actions; so also, God needs to be invited before He can manifest on earth.  Read more...

 

He Cried And They Did Not Hear

Have you ever cried to God and it is as if He didn’t hear? If it is true, what could be the problem? God is not deaf, so if your cry seems not answered there must be a reason. This post explains one of the reasons why God would not hear you.

Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts – Zechariah 7:13 (KJV)

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded – James 4:8 (NKJV)

A one-sided love will not produce the best in a relationship. When one person is the only one giving in a relationship, a day will come when he will cease to give. So also, in your relationship with God, He says draw near to Me and I will draw near to you (James 4:8); take one step towards me and I will take steps towards you. Make a move to please God and He will surely make a move to please you; give to God and He will give to you, and you know that when you give God with your little hand, He will give you with His big hand.

Interestingly, God has taken the first step towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, God gave His only Son to die for us that whosoever believes will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16, Romans 5:8). Now, God expects you to take your own step towards Him.

God, in the scriptures, has given us His expectations of us, things He would want us to be doing and there too He has promised to release great blessings to us for obeying His instructions. Also, in the scriptures, the Lord has tabled His heartbeats and passion, such that whoever causes them to be fulfilled touches His heart and certainly enjoys overwhelming favours from God. Read more...

The Unfailing Great Provider

Do you worry how your needs will be met? Do you have a deadline ahead of you and you are afraid you won't be able to meet up with your financial obligations or agreement. I have good news! You need not worry or fear, for there is one who is more than able to supply all your needs and on time.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? - Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV)

The almighty God, is the unfailing great provider, His riches are unlimited and the universe is at His beck and call to ensure that He delivers on time. He is never late and there is nothing hard for Him!

There is no need that you may have now that God cannot supply. The obstacles between you and your answered prayers are doubt and unbelief. God has proven times without number in the scriptures, in people's lives and even in your own life that He is more than able to meet all your needs. If you can believe all things are possible to you - Mark 9:23. With men, it may be impossible but not with God for all things are possible to God - Mark 10:27

Let's look at some scriptural examples of God's provision:

After Elijah proclaimed drought in Israel, he went and stayed by Brook Cherith and God sent a raven to feed him with bread and meat morning and evening till the brook dried up because of no rain. Then God sent him to the woman of Zarephath who fed him with a handful of flour and little oil that never finished - 1 Kings 17:1-16. Also, when Elijah was running away from Jezebeel, God sent an angel to feed him with baked cake and water twice, enough to keep him for forty days and forty nights - 1 Kings 19:5-8. God can supply your needs from anywhere and by anything or any person.

Furthermore, when the temple tax collectors inquired from Peter whether Jesus pays tax, Jesus asked Peter to go and collect the money from the mouth of the first fish he catches. Peter went and truly there was money in the mouth of the fish, which he used to pay his tax and the Lord's tax as He instructed - Matthew 17:24-27. And when Jesus was faced with the challenge of feeding five thousand men, besides women and children, he fed them with only two fishes and five loaves - Matthew 14:13-21 Read more...

How To Prevail In Prayer

Only those who prevail in prayers prevail in life and only those who travail ever prevail in the altar of prayers. Prevailing prayers require that you engage your entire being in prayers. It is a process of invoking divine intervention in prayers

Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children – Isaiah 66:7-8 (KJV)

…the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months – James 5:16-17 (KJV)

Many people are praying but few are prevailing and returning with their testimonies. It takes prevailing in prayer to have dominion over that challenge in your life. And knowing how to travail in prayer empowers you to prevail at all times.

How to prevail in prayers

1. Engage your heart to provoke divine intervention

Travail begins from the heart. It is pouring your soul unto the Lord. Engaging your heart will result in explosive answered prayers. Hannah poured her soul unto the Lord and God remembered her and she received Samuel. Her mouth was not moving but her heart was fully engaged, (1 Samuel 1:13-19) 

2. It takes groaning in the Spirit to travail in prayers

This is engaging the help of the Holy Spirit in prayers. He makes intercession for saints with groaning and according to the will of God, (Romans 8:26-28). And when you pray according to the will of God, He hears you and grants you the petitions that you desired of Him, 1 John 5:14-15. The ultimate purpose of groaning is a supernatural change of level in life. Read more...

How to pray when your prayer must be answered

Answering prayers is what God wants to be doing for His children. He said in Matt 7:7,”Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”  (NKJV) Furthermore, to prove His willingness to answer all our prayers, He said in Matt 7:1,”if ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”. (NKJV) As a child does not need to do anything special for his father to meet his needs, so also we do not need to do anything special for our father in heaven to meet our needs.

However, the challenge is that many do not see God as their father, but as that man up there in heaven waiting to hit us with the sledge hammer any time we do wrong. If this were so, we would all be gone by now. He is merciful and loving, bearing our weaknesses and sometimes chastises us so we can be better children. An understanding of the father – child relationship between us and God will eliminate the tension, doubts and fears that crowd our minds when we approach God in prayers. We ought to come with confidence, with expectation to receive whatsoever we ask of God. This is assuming your position as a child not as a servant. God is a good God and Father.

Murmuring and complaining, coupled with anxiety also limit answers to prayers. We are expected to approach God with thanksgiving, reminding Him of His words concerning those issues that need His intervention. In the multitude of words that we say to God in prayer, God is itching to hear us declare His words (scriptures) back to Him. God says in Isaiah 43:26 that we should put Him in remembrance that we may be justified. Christ, when He was tempted in the wilderness, overcame the devil by declaring what was written in the scriptures concerning the temptations presented by the devil. Therefore, it’s not ‘how many words’ but ‘what words’ were declared in prayers that matters. Read more...

What Is Prayer Altar? (Part Two)

How long you stay in God's presence determines the results you get. The prayer altar enables you to dwell in the Lord's presence and enjoy the wonders of His presence. It is the express access to all that God can ever give to man.


He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him - Psalm 91:15 (NKJV)

If you desire answers from God, then you have to call upon Him, and altar of prayer enables you to do so. Today we will continue with "what is prayer altar?"

What is prayer altar?

• It is the altar of turnaround - In Acts 16:25-34, Paul and Silas prayed unto God and the prison doors were opened, the chains of the prisoners were all loosed. When the keeper of the prison saw the doors open, he wanted to kill himself and Paul restrained him and spoke the word of God to him and his family. This led to a big turnaround in the life of the man and family: they were saved.

•  It is the altar of divine intervention - on mount Zion there is deliverance and holiness and the people of God possess their possessions (Obadiah 17). At the altar you come to a place of appointment with God for divine intervention, to possess what belongs to you in Christ. Read more...

What Is Prayer Altar?

Prayer is a must if you are to live a victorious life. God is calling people to build prayer altars in their lives. God is looking for a man who will stand in the gap that evil will not befall men. An understanding of what to expect when you rightly build a prayer altar will energize you to do so.

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one – Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV)

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” – Acts 6:4 (NKJV)

So what is prayer altar?

• It is the altar of testimonies - Those who pray always will have testimony. Prayer is the processing plant for testimony.
• It is the altar for speed accomplishment – Abraham’s servant enjoyed divine speed after he prayed to God. Rebecca came out and did everything as the servant prayed (Genesis 24:12-27)
• It is the altar of strength – Men of prayer are men of supernatural strength (Luke 22:40-43)
• It is the altar of sanctification – The more you look at God in prayer, the more you look like Him. If you keep seeking the face of God in prayer, your desire for sin will disappear. In all probability, the more prayerful you are the more sanctified you become (Luke 9:28-29, Malachi 3:3)
• It is the altar of possibilities – God is the God of possibilities. When you pray and stay on the altar you will see the glory and get the answers (Jeremiah 32:27, Mark 10:27, Mark 9:23)
• It is the altar that alters things – It is the control room to press switches for change. Elijah prayed and there was no rain for three years. He prayed again and rain came (James 5:17-18) Read more...

How To Qualify For God’s Reward

Many are working for God but seem not to be getting any rewards, what could be the problem? Acceptable service unto God always attracts rewards from God. God owes no man but handsomely rewards anyone who qualifies for it. This post gives a summary of how to obtain God's reward.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him - Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

Do not look upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has tanned me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards, But my own vineyard I have not kept - Song of Solomon 1:6 (NKJV)

'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me - Matthew 15:8 (NKJV)

It's one thing to qualify for a reward in the sight of men and another to qualify before the Lord. God, who is the rewarder, knows those who are due for rewards at any point in time; and when your cloud is full, surely your showers of blessing will pour down.

How to obtain God's reward for serving Him

1. Do it rightly and acceptably

God rewards you for doing things according to His word and purpose, not according to your own way. When Uzzah tried to steady the ark when the oxen stumbled, God struck him and he died - 2 Samuel 6:6-7. He did a good thing but not the right thing; it was not acceptable before God. Also the lady in Song of Solomon 1:6 was working but not her own work. The work that would fetch her rewards she left undone. There is no pay for unassigned work done.

2. Do it joyfully

Serve God with joy and gladness of heart; otherwise, instead of rewards you will get sorrows and losses - Deuteronomy 28:47. God loves cheerful givers - 2 Corinthians 9:7. Give your service with joy and cheerfulness and it will be acceptable before God.

3. Serve with all your heart

God's reward is for those who serve Him with their heart. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart - 1 Samuel 16:7. God knows if your heart is not in what you are doing (Matthew 15:8); man may reward you for it but not God. And God's rewards are far better than man's rewards. Read more...

Men And Brethren What Shall We Do?

Knowledge is powerful and its application most profitable. Knowing the impact names have on your life is one thing and doing something about it is another. You have the choice to choose life or death, choose life that you may live. This post stresses the need for you to exercise the power at your disposal to determine how names impact your destiny.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? – Acts 2:37 (NKJV)

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live – Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves – James 1:22 (NKJV)

When Peter finished preaching to the multitude, they asked him and the other apostles what they should do. Every word of God you hear will only benefit you when you act on it. James charges us in James 1:22, not to be hearers only but also doers of the word. The knowledge of the power of names that you have now has set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; and is encouraging you to choose life that you and your generation may live – Deuteronomy 30:19. Truly, the choice is yours!

What should you do?

• Prayerfully choose the names you give a person, place or event.

“Any name” is not accepted. You need to seek God’s face before naming a person, place or event. You have the power to put that person, place or event on a pedestal; don’t jeopardize the subject’s destiny. God has a plan and purpose for every individual, place and event He sanctions; a name from Him will give you the summary of this plan and purpose. Impact names are worth the time spent to get them from God.

Read more...

 

God And Names Of Places And Events

What effect does a name of a place or an event have on it? Every place or event has a name, which is either carefully or carelessly thought of and given. As a name influences the life and destiny of the bearer, so also a name influences the happenings in a place or an event which bears it.

Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name - Genesis 2:19 (NKJV)

A name effectively describes a place or an event. It gives a good picture of what to expect from it; it is its name. And like a name on a person, the higher the frequency of its use the greater the effect on the place or event. And God respects and honours whatever name given to it.

God has given man the power and authority to fill and subdue the earth - Genesis 1:28. How you use this power determines what you get. Whatever Adam called each living creature was its name - Genesis 2:19. Whatever you call a place or event is its name.

The name will inevitably directly or indirectly affect people involved with it. Those living or working in a place will be affected by its name and those attending an event will be affected by its name. So, where do you live or work and what events do you attend?

BETHEL

This means house of God and was named by Jacob. The scriptures recorded that indeed people were having encounters with God there. In Genesis 12:7, God appeared to Abraham and promised to give him and his descendants the land where he was, and Abraham built an altar there.

When Jacob (Abraham's grandson) appeared on that land, God visited him and told him that He would give the land on which he laid to him and his descendants - Genesis 28:13. When Jacob woke up, he declared the place house of God and called it Bethel - Genesis 28:17-18. The name was then transferred to the city which was previously called Luz - Genesis 28:19

When Jacob left Laban and got to Canaan, God asked him to return to Bethel where He originally met with him, and there God reaffirmed His promise to give him and his descendants the land - Genesis 35:1-15

Furthermore, Bethel was the first place where the ark of the covenant of God was set up, and where the priests carried out the sacrifices and inquired of God - Judges 20:18, 26-28  Read more...

Maximizing The Blessings Of A Name

Do you have a good name and desire that its meaning be fulfilled in your life? Every good name has the potential to deliver what it carries to the maximum point, but how much of it you can get depends on what you do with the name.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit - Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says - Mark 11:23 (NKJV)

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist - Luke 21:15 (NKJV)

The key to the flow of the blessings of a name is the tongue. Those who use their tongues wisely eat life and blessings. Our victory and success in life have a lot to do with our mouth and the level of wisdom we apply in its use. Luke 21:15 implies that when you use your mouth and the wisdom of God, all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist you or what you said.

Your mouth is the gateway to your life and destiny; with your mouth confession is made unto salvation - Romans 10:10. You confirm the meaning of your name with your mouth. God admonished in Psalm 81:10-14 that you should open your mouth wide, so He can fill it and subdue your enemies. Until you open your mouth wide and declare the wisdom of God, your future that your name prophesies about will only be a dream. A closed mouth is a closed destiny - Dr David Oyedepo.

Wisdom for maximizing the blessings of a name

• Call it out

God says in Mark 11:23 that you will have what you say. As often as you call out the name, you are calling out the blessing of that name upon the bearer. The prophecy in the name will come to pass as you affirm it with your mouth. Continuous calling of the name even when circumstances surrounding the bearer are saying otherwise forces the person's life to align according to the meaning of the name. Read more...

God And Names

You are your name and it affects how people and spiritual beings relate to you, including God Almighty. God honours your names and relates to you accordingly too. It calls for examination of your names. This post explains the relationship God has with names.

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them - Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)

Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name - Genesis 2:19 (NKJV)

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins - Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)

Man was created in the image of God, having the will and power to choose and make decisions, and God honours our will. This is why He will never force you to receive Christ as your saviour (Revelations 3:20), though by His Spirit He will give you opportunities to make the right choice, which is to choose Jesus.

Therefore, whatever name you give a thing or person is what he will be called. For instance, God brought all animals to Adam for him to name them, and whatever Adam called each animal, that was its name - Genesis 2:19. God respects your choices.

However, the meanings of these names influence how God relates to the individuals. A name defines you. It is a description of your personality and it interprets your traits. It can be a statement, giving a glimpse to your future or a prayer that you should live up to the potential expressed in the name.

JESUS

When Jesus was to be born, God specifically gave the name he was to be called because His name was to agree with what God was going to use Him to do. He was called Jesus (savior) because God was going to use Him to save people from their sins - Matthew 1:21. And He lived up to His name; He died and men are being saved - Romans 5:6-9 Read more...

What Is In A Name?

What is the meaning of your name? Could your name be contributing to what is happening in your life? Every name is significant, even the one without a meaning means meaningless. This post gives the power and significance of names

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins – Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)

A name effectively describes you in a way more than you can understand with your common sense. Your name does not just represent you, it is who you are. It is not merely a combination of letters to form a word used to refer to you, it actually defines you. It is a description of your personality and it interprets your traits. It can be a statement, giving a glimpse to your future or a prayer that you should live up to the potential expressed in the name.

Significance Of A Name

Your name signifies your person, character, value, reputation, ownership, will and authority.

• Speaking and writing in “the name” means authority – Esther 8:8
• Naming something signifies your ownership of that person or thing – Genesis 2:23, Genesis 48:5-6, 16
• Forgetting God’s name means to depart from Him – Jeremiah 23:27
• Acting in another person(s) name means representing them – Acts 4:7-10
• To blot out someone’s name is the destruction of the person – Deuteronomy 9:14
• A name signifies one’s reputation (Mark 6:14) and character – Genesis 27:36
• To believe in someone’s name is to believe in his person – John 1:12

ADAM

Adam means red earth signifying his origin, for man was formed out of the dust of the ground – Genesis 2:7. It also indicates his end; at death man returns to the ground – Genesis 3:19.

Adam was given the power to name the animals and their names say a lot about them. A lion, legendary ruler, known as the king of the jungle depicts wisdom, self-control, focus, courage and strength.  And Christ is called the king of kings, the lion of the tribe of Judah. Also, the Hebrew name for donkey is chamer from the word “chomer” meaning material, heavy. And donkey is used as a working animal; it can carry heavy materials comfortably.

I AM WHO I AM

When God met Moses at the burning bush and commissioned him to go and deliver the Israelites, Moses asked for His name should the children of Israel ask him – Exodus 3:13. Read more...