POWER THROUGH THE SPIRIT

But ye shall receive power, after that, the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Some Christians assume and believe that prayer produces power. So, they say, “a prayer-less Christian is a powerless Christian,” but that’s not stated anywhere in the Bible. 
Notice our theme scripture; Jesus didn’t say you’ll receive power after you’ve prayed. I believe in prayer, but prayer doesn’t bring power. Power comes from the Holy Ghost.

Power is the dynamic ability to cause changes. That means we can effect changes in our lives and that of our loved ones, and even in places where we desire to see changes. We’re not supposed to be victims in the earth, but many Christians live as victims; they’re captives of adverse circumstances. But Jesus said you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you. Jesus was never a victim, yet many of God’s children have been victims in one way or the other.

1 John 3:2 says, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” When you were born again, you were born as an offspring of God; through the Holy Spirit, you have power. No need to ask Him for power, for the power is already resident in you. All you need to do for the power of God in you to be manifested is to stir it up (2 Timothy 1:6). Glory to God!

SEPARATED UNTO BLESSINGS

Over the years, Christians have been erroneously taught that many of their problems are connected to generational, family, or ancestral curses. But that’s not true! In as much as these curses exist and can influence one who isn’t born again, they ought not to affect a Christian. Some Christians have nevertheless found themselves victims of so-called ancestral or generational curses because they lack knowledge of their new identity in Christ.

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Powerful, Loving, And Sound

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

As Christians, we have an extraordinary amplitude of comprehension because the wisdom of God is in our spirits.  Our minds are anointed to produce excellence.  We've also been anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, and the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5).  All these are by the Holy Spirit.  He has made you powerful, loving and sound.  What an excellent life!

Some people are powerful, but not loving.  For us Christians, these three qualities are complete.  Acts 1:8 says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you... "Every Christian who has received the Holy Spirit has received power, because the Holy Spirit is the power of God. 1 John 4:4 says, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. "The One who resides in you is greater and more powerful than all the forces in the world! Therefore, be bold to say, "...truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD..."(Micah 3:8).

The same Holy Spirit has caused the love of God to be shed abroad in your heart.  it's natural for you to walk in love, because love is the life of the new creation.  The Bible says God is love (1 John 4:8); and as He is, so are you (1 John 4:17).

Declare always that you're full of power, love, and have a sound mind; and use your sound mind for excellence in all you do

Grace And Peace In Increasing Measure

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).

From the verse of scripture above, we can understand that the way to have grace and peace multiplied in your life is through the knowledge (Greek: epignosis) of God, and of Jesus, our Lord. Someone may lament, “Please pray for me; my life is in a mess. I don’t have peace at home; I don’t have peace where I work. There’s no peace in my heart; I really need prayers.”

You may pray for such a person, but it might not work, because the Word is clear as to how to enjoy greater peace in your life: It’s through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus, our Lord. God wants you to know, and live by His Word, because the more you know Him, the more grace and peace you stand to enjoy in your life.

Moreover, “peace” here, isn’t just referring to ordinary peace of being quiet or mere solitude. The Greek word for peace is “eirene,” which is akin to the Hebrew, “shalom,” which means peace with rest and prosperity put together. In other words, through the knowledge of God, you’re at home with prosperity! Everything about your life works out right. You’re not fretful or agitated over anything! Irrespective of what happens, you’re unperturbed, you’re in charge, and in control.

As you learn more about Jesus and meditate on His Word; as you learn about the Father through fellowship, more revelations will come to you. The knowledge of His Word makes us masters, causing your life to be filled with immeasurable grace and peace.
Notice the Bible doesn’t say, “Grace and peace shall be ADDED unto you,” but that they’ll be “multiplied unto you.” In your life, it’s possible to keep heaping up grace and peace in increasing measure. John 1:16 says of His fullness have we all received, grace heaped upon grace. So, enjoy grace and peace in your life, by increasing your knowledge of Him. Praise God!

COURAGE THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Something wonderful happens when you receive the Holy Spirit; He makes you bold and courageous! If you look through the Bible, you’ll find this trend in the lives of all those who had an encounter with Him. Even if they were timid and unstable at the beginning, the moment the Holy Spirit came into their lives, they became bold and courageous! To be courageous means to be willing to undertake or seek out new and daring enterprises. It means to step out of your “comfort zone” and do the things the Lord wants you to do.

After the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven, all the disciples were quietly assembled in an upper room in fear (Acts 1:13). But when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they threw the doors open. Peter, who had been calm and quiet, and out of fear denied Jesus before a young girl, preached boldly and led about 3000 souls to Christ in one meeting. From that point on, they became bold and adventurous with the gospel, healing the sick, casting out devils and shaking up the whole land with the power of God.

There’s one thing I know for sure: if you’ve received the Holy Spirit and you’re not bold, courageous and adventurous for Him, chances are you’re not listening to Him! He doesn’t come into your life to reside there quietly till you go to heaven; He makes you reach out and go beyond the limits! He makes you an agent of change; He makes you venture out to win for Jesus!

So reject timidity and fear in your life; step out boldly and trust Him to do something new and exciting with your life!

DON’T IGNORE THE SPIRIT!

The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is one of the greatest blessings we have as Christians. He is our advantage and the secret to a glorious and successful life. Thus, you must recognize and take advantage of His ministry in your life. Some Christians ignore the ministry of the Holy Spirit, hence their lives are out of joint; full of ups and downs.

It’s the ministry of the Holy Spirit to guide and lead in all affairs of life; it’s His ministry to grant you the wisdom and counsel you need to win every day in life. Consciously acknowledge His presence with you and in you, and learn to yield to Him always. Never ignore His counsel. The Bible says in Isaiah 30:21, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Whose voice do you think that is? It’s the voice of the Holy Spirit. He speaks to us daily on life’s issues through God’s Word, but many ignore His counsel because His voice is never strong and harsh against us. It matters that in whatever you do, you honour the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. Don’t wound his tender compassion by consistently rejecting His counsel.

Perhaps you talked to someone rudely and the Holy Spirit corrected you, be quick to heed His correction and make the necessary amends. Otherwise, His voice that used to be clear to you may soon become faint and distant if you continually ignore Him. Live your life in a way that brings honour to the Holy Spirit; appreciate His presence in your life and you’d be glad you did. Praise God!

MAINTAIN A DISCIPLINED PRAYER LIFE

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4 KVJ)

It’s such a wonderful privilege to know that we can commune and fellowship with our heavenly Father through prayer, and that we have His full attention when we speak to Him (1 Peter 3:12). As emphasized, prayer isn’t just a way to get God to do something for you; it’s also a time to hear from the Lord and receive instructions on everything that concerns you.  

Christians must strive at having effective prayer lives. Prayer is not only a fellowship, it’s also a labour. That’s why I think it’s ridiculous to think we should pray only when we feel like. Then again, because prayer doesn’t appeal to our minds and senses, our bodies and minds may not enjoy praying and can even rebel against it. Many times we put off praying till the end of the day but by the time we’re through with the activities of the day, we’re tired and drowsy and our thoughts start wondering while we’re praying. This is where the labour comes into prayer, this is where the fight is, but it’s not a fight with devils or men, neither is it a fight with God. It’s a fight to keep yourself on track against the dictates of the flesh. Romans 8:26-27 says “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what the mind of the Spirit is because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God”

This takes training and so you must be resolved to stick with your personal prayer schedule. Some Christians find it almost impossible to do this simple because they’ve not been able to discipline their flesh. They go to work everyday of the week without ever considering getting to work late, much less not going at all. If you can train your mind and body to do this then you can train yourself to pray regularly and on time too. The problem is that too many aren’t willing to make such a sacrifice for their prayer lives, and that’s because they don’t know the important of prayer. But when trouble comes, they’re the first to cry, “Please, pray for me!” Don’t depend on ‘emergency prayers,’ consistency is the key. Make a fresh commitment to your personal prayer life today. There are so many things that will compete with your prayer time, but there’s so much you can achieve on your knees. So, stays connected to God, and maintain a disciplined prayer life. 

We’re God’s Habitation Through The Spirit

    Moses implemented God’s instruction. He rallied the children of Israel, to bring all the necessary offerings, and they built a beautiful sanctuary in accordance with the pattern and plan that God gave to Moses. However, that wasn’t good enough. God wanted a new sanctuary and showed David a vision of the new sanctuary; He gave him every detail of what it should be like.

    David was excited, and laid down a lot of gold and silver for the building of the temple. Nevertheless, it was Solomon, David’s son, who was approved of God to build the temple, and he built for God a magnificent temple. The Bible says, “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet” (Acts 7:48).

    Then Jesus came on the scene and said, “…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The word translated “Church” means “Assembly or Congregation of the called out ones.” It’s therefore not a physical building, but a living tabernacle of human beings.

    Let’s read Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV. It says, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” We’re God’s habitation through the Spirit! His vision to dwell in the midst of His people has been realized in us, the Church.

    Each one of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit. He lives and walks in us (2 Corinthians 6:16). You’re God’s holy temple (1 Corinthians 3:16); this, the Bible says, is the mystery that was hidden from ages and generations, which has now been made manifest. The mystery is, Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:26-27). Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Precious Father, I worship and adore you; thank you for making me your dwelling place. I acknowledge your Spirit living in me, protecting, guiding, and leading me in your perfect will.
Thank you for beautifying my life with the glory of your presence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Believe In Your Prayers

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name (Psalm 86:11).

Do you believe in the efficacy of your prayers? Or do you always look for someone to help you pray? The Bible says, “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). He’s telling you that the prayer of a righteous man works! It produces results. When you pray, never think it’s not working. As long as you’re born again, it’s wrong to think you’re not qualified to receive answers to your prayers! Your prayer works. God wants you to know this.

One of the challenges that many have with prayer is the lack of focus. When you pray, you must have focus. We read in our opening verse, “…unite my heart to fear thy name.” The New International Version puts it this way: “…give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” It’s talking about an undivided heart. So, in prayer, focus your attention on the Lord, and be conscious of what you’re praying about.

There’re lots of Christians who pray about so many things, and a moment later, don’t remember what they prayed about. They say so many things to God, and even when God answers, they don’t know, because they never take record of what they say to God; they don’t pray with focus or a clear direction.

Maintain a diary of prayer! The things you’re concerned about that you’d like to pray about, write them down in a diary, and have scheduled times when you pray about those things. Then as you pray, receive. Believe in your prayer; believe that you’re making an impact; for God is always willing to grant you your heart’s desire: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24).

Equipped For The Mandate

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established (Romans 1:11).

    Hosea 12:13 tells us that “…by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.” Notice, He didn’t say, “…by an angel,” but “…by a prophet.” God preserves or establishes His people through His servants; His chosen and anointed ministers. He
equips them and sends them to those He wants to bless. Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

    This lets us know why Paul could affirm boldly in his letter to the believers in Rome, “…I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift to the end ye may be
established” (Romans 1:11). He knew he was a custodian of divine verities; he knew he had something to give.

    One of the reasons there’re weak Christians today is that they never received any spiritual impartation. Read again,the reason Paul said he wanted to impart some spiritual gifts
to the brethren in Rome; it was so they might be established. Through the ministry of the Word, and impartation of the Spirit, God’s people are strengthened and established on the truth.

    1 Corinthians 4:20 says, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” The Gospel is more than mere words; its power must be demonstrated. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:4, “And my speech and my preaching was not Equipped For The Mandate with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” So, as Christians, and as ministers
of the Gospel, we have something with which to bless and transform our world. We’re dispensers of God’s blessings.

    God has endowed you with grace and special abilities according to His own will, and according to His calling on your life. He’s equipped you for what He called you to do. You have what it takes. Therefore, do something with what you have. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels….” Do something with the anointing; in ministering to others, do so in the power of the Holy Ghost!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me a perfect heart that responds to your Word. As I receive your Word, my heart is imparted with spiritual gifts and I’m duly equipped to do great exploits through the Gospel of Christ, to your praise and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bearers Of His Divine Message

 

For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts (Malachi 2:7).

In Christ, we’ve been made kings and priests unto God (Revelation 1:6). Thus, we have a ministry in Christ as king-priests of God. The priest’s tongue should keep knowledge. That means your lips should flow with the knowledge of God, to teach others the ways and life of Christ.The Living Bible Translation renders the latter part of our opening verse thus: “The priests are the messengers of the Lord Almighty, and men should come to them for guidance.”

1 Peter 4:11 says, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” If anyone wants to know something about God, they should come to you. They should find the Word of God and the knowledge of the Lord in your mouth. You should be a custodian of divine knowledge and of kingdom information.

The Bible says God spreads the beautiful and pleasant fragrance of His knowledge through us, in every place: “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14). It’s our ministry, calling, and responsibility to make the Word known to the world. So, keep teaching the Word.Jesus sent us to the whole world, to make pupils of the nations, to teach them everything about the God-life (Matthew 28:18-20). Go into the malls, the shops, the
marketplaces, your neighbourhood, estate, place of work; everywhere, and teach the people how to live for God.


PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for making me the bearer of your divine message; a minister of
reconciliation. I take the message of Christ’s salvation to my world, making known the mysteries of your glorious kingdom, touching lives, and bringing the oppressed out of bondage and darkness into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Celebrate Your Uniqueness!

God has a unique plan for your life, different from that of any other living person. His plans and purposes for your life are distinct, because He doesn’t have, has never had, and will never have a replica of you! You’re the only “you” that God has and will ever have. So, take pride in who you are and in what God is doing in your life; celebrate your uniqueness.
Sometimes, there’s the temptation to feel discouraged when others around you seem to be making more progress than you. However, such a feeling is absolutely unnecessary, because you don’t measure your success with the success of someone else. Rather, you measure your success with how much you’re walking in the will of God for your life. That someone else is succeeding doesn’t mean you’re failing, for God has called us to fulfill different areas of His vision.
The Bible says ‘…Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…’ (Hebrews 12:1-2). John the Baptist, for example, was filled with the Holy Spirit while he was in his mother’s womb and was described by Jesus as the greatest of all men born by women (Matthew 11:11). Yet, his ministry as the forerunner to the Messiah lasted only six months. This was God’s purpose for his life, and he fulfilled it. Learn to celebrate your uniqueness!
Refuse to compete or compare yourself with someone else. Focus on your calling; work on outdoing your past and not somebody else. This consciousness will make your life full of rest, as you learn to look at yourself and measure your success through God’s Word.

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Friday Rhapsody Of Realities

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Walking in the Spirit is walking in the light of God’s Word. When you walk in the Spirit, no matter what your senses tell you, you’ll be able to discern which direction God wants you to go. Many people live in uncertainty. But as a child of God, the Spirit of God is in your life to lead and guide you. He guides you in the perfect will of God, away from defeat, failure, and anything that hurts.

Learn to live according to the Spirit. John said we should walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). And Jesus said, “...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). To follow Jesus is to walk in accordance with the Word; it’s to walk in the direction of God’s Spirit for your life. Let Him guide you. In your job, He can tell you what to do; same as with your family, health, finances, and other areas of your life. All you need is to yield to Him. He’s your protection. He’s your shield. He’s your courage and your strength. He’s your ability. Christians whose lives are full of struggles have one major problem: they’re yet to allow the Holy Spirit fully take over their lives. You were brought into an extraordinary life of rest, glory, endless possibilities and victories when you were born again, and the One to lead and guide you in the path God ordained for you to walk, is the Holy Spirit!

When He’s in charge of your life, circumstances and situations will always work in your favour. He’ll bring perfection to your life. He’ll cause you to grow from strength to strength, from grace to grace, from faith to faith, and from one level of greatness to another. Trust Him with your life. Commit your pursuits in life to Him, and He’ll lead you through victoriously. It’s His joy for you to be a success and live triumphantly every day.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for showing me the path of life, wherein I have glory, abundance, health, peace, and fulfilment. I walk in the light, for your Word is a lamp to guide me, and a light for my path! I’m yielded to the guidance and rulership of your Spirit always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE

READING PLAN:

John 13:1-30

2 Kings 20-22

2 YEAR BIBLE

READING PLAN:

1 Corinthians

13:1-13

Proverbs 23

FURTHER STUDY:

Galatians 5:16

Isaiah 58:11

Romans 8:14

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY, 22ND AUGUST

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURDAY, 22ND AUGUST

HE'S EXCITED ABOUT YOU.

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

Did you know that God is excited about you? You need to take some time today to meditate on that. Some people only think of God’s wrath. They believe He’s always mad at them. They’ve been raised to think that God is only concerned about sin, and because there’s so much sin in the world, He’s mad at everybody; no! He’s not that way. God isn’t concerned about sin as many think. He was concerned about sin, and His concern about it made Him send Jesus.

When Jesus died on the cross, the problem of sin was dealt with forever. Therefore, for the believer in Christ, sin is no longer a problem. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought an end to sin and ushered you into the life of righteousness: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). So you see, God is not mad at you; He settled the sin-problem in, and through, Jesus Christ and said, “…sin shall not have dominion over you…” (Romans 6:14).

What you need to do is to trust His righteousness; trust what Jesus came to do! You’re the fruit, the result of Christ’s redemptive work. Accept and receive His righteousness into your spirit, and live continually in His glory and grace, knowing that He’s not mad at you, but excited about you.

2 Corinthians 5:19 says, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” This lets you know the mind of God. He’s not even mad at the sinner, let alone you that are born again! Therefore, get excited about God, because He’s excited about you.

CONFESSION
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; sin has no power over me. My heavenly Father rejoices over me with singing, and I bring Him joy and gladness today, pleasing Him in all things! I’m His crown and pearl of great value. I’m His outstretched arm of love, joy and righteousness to the world! Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 89:15-17 Job 8:20-21 Psalm 97:11-12

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 7:1-40 Psalms 119:113-176
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 18:9-17 1 Samuel 9

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