WHO YOU ARE VS WHO YOU CAN BECOME

MEMORY VERSE: The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.1 John 4:8

Who you are (today) is not who you really are. You are who you are because of how you were raised, the area you grew up, the schools you attended, your current environment i.e. where you live, where you work, the church you go to if you a Christian, your circle of friends, to mention a few. You would have been a different person if you were raised differently, attended different schools, and are in a different environment. Your view of life will be different, your accent could be different, the language you speak will be different, how you pronounce certain words will be different, how you react to situations will be different, your religion could be different, to mention a few.

As you have seen, who you are right now is not who you really are. You can become a totally different person with the help of the Holy Spirit and your determination. You can become a better version of you. For instance, let us look at Apostle John, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. Jesus named him and his brother (James) the son of thunder because of their thunder-like qualities. The author of Luke recorded an incident where they displayed their thunder-like quality. Jesus and His disciples were traveling through the village of the Samaritans on their way to Jerusalem, and the Samarians did not receive Him. The brothers out of anger approached Jesus for permission to call down fire from heaven to destroy the village (Luke 9:52-52). Jesus rebuked them sharply.  Through determination and working on themselves, they changed themselves. Today, we refer to John as an apostle of love because of the book of 1 John, 2 John and 3 John.

You too through hard work and determination can become a better version of yourself. The fact that you do not know how to cook today does not mean you were created not to know how to cook. You can work on yourself and learn how to cook and become the best cook in the world. You too can work on yourself to develop all those good qualities you see in people. The fact that you do not know how to do something does not mean you were created not to know how to do that thing. It will not be easy; it will not be achieved overnight. However, it is doable through the power of Holy Spirit and a rugged determination to become a better version of yourself.

Remember: All things are possible to him that believes.

Samuel Oluwatoki

KNOWING JESUS IV

MEMORY VERSE: That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. Ephesians 1:17

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Chronicles 15-20

In Luke 24:13-21, two disciples of Jesus, whilst on their way to Emmaus, talking about the death of Jesus and the news of His resurrection, were joined by Jesus and they couldn’t recognise Him. Luke 24:15 says: ‘And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.’ I wonder if we can blame these disciples for not recognising Him. When in the 31st verse their eyes were opened, they recognised Him.

There are one or two lessons we can learn from this story. Firstly, a personal revelation of who Jesus is and all that He is comes from God alone. Matthew 16:15-17 says: ‘He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.’ Secondly, knowing Jesus does not come through simply reading the Bible. It comes through prayer and the spirit of wisdom and revelation. No wonder Paul the Apostle prayed: ‘That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 1:17).’ Friend, you can be a Christian but lack the spirit of wisdom and revelation and therefore not know the fullness of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation that I may know all about Jesus.

Bro Samuel Oluwatoki

KNOWING JESUS III

MEMORY VERSE: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Chronicles 13-14

After the death of Jesus, two disciples were on their way to a village known as Emmaus and were talking about the death of Jesus and the news about His resurrection. Jesus joined them and talked with them on the seven miles journey but we are told that they were kept from recognizing Him (Luke 24:13-31). Verse 16 says:’ But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.’

Who is Jesus? Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 says: ‘Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ Firstly, these disciples were kept from recognizing the way because Jesus is the way. A man who is kept from recognizing the way will definitely miss the way. Also, such a man will waste his resources and fall into the hands of thieves. Secondly, they were kept from recognizing the truth because Jesus is the truth. A man who is kept from recognizing the truth will definitely fall for lies. Worse still, such a man will end up in chains, his progress hampered, because the truth sets one free. John 8:32 says: ‘And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ Lastly, they were kept from recognizing ‘the life’ because Jesus is the life. As death is the opposite of life, a man who is kept from ‘the life’ will end up in the cold hands of death.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me a deeper revelation of Jesus.

Bro Samuel Oluwatoki

KNOWING JESUS II

MEMORY VERSE: When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? Matthew 16:13

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Chronicles 9-12

Why is it important to know who Jesus is? How you see Jesus will determine what He will do for you and through you. Jesus asked His disciples, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? ( Matthew 16:13-20).’ Some said, ‘a great teacher, prophet,….’ If you see Him as one of the prophets only, you will not be able to taste of His salvation. If you see Him as your saviour only, so will He be to you.

Jesus first asked His disciples what the people thought about Him. After that, He then asked what they thought about Him. You see, your personal revelation of Jesus is more important than what people say or think about Him. Your personal revelation of Jesus attracts a blessing. Matthew 16:15 says: ‘He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.’ The more you know about Jesus, the more blessed you will be. Also, your personal revelation of Jesus brings about elevation. Peter was elevated after he caught this revelation of Jesus because there is elevation in revelation.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I pray that I will grow in my personal relationship with you through knowledge.

Bro Samuel Oluwatoki

KNOWING JESUS

MEMORY VERSE: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Philippians 3:10

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 25-29

After the death of Jesus, two disciples were on their way to a village known as Emmaus and were talking about the death of Jesus and the news about His resurrection. Jesus joined them and talked with them on the seven miles journey but we are told ‘they were kept from recognizing him (Luke 24:16).’ These men talked about Jesus and then walked and talked with Him but they did not know it was Him. They knew Jesus and believed Him; yet, they could not recognize Him.

There are different levels of revelation about Jesus. There are four categories of people in this regard. Category one: Those who are yet to hear about Jesus. Whether you believe it or not, there are people who have never heard about Jesus. These people don’t know anything about Jesus. We need to go into the world, leave our comfort zones and witness to them. Category two: Those who have heard about Jesus. These people have heard about Jesus through Bible stories, their parents, a friend, media, etc., but they have not accepted Jesus Christ so they don’t have a personal relationship with Him. They don’t really believe in Jesus and have not encountered Him. We need to continue to witness to them and pray for the salvation of their souls. Category three: Those who know and believe in Jesus. This group refers to those who have gone beyond hearing about Him to believe in Him; therefore, they have had a personal encounter with Him. A personal encounter with Him is not enough. Category four: Those who have a deep revelation of Him; as such, they can recognize Him at any time and anywhere. They can identify when He is present, when He speaks, His likes and dislikes. They understand why He came and what they stand to gain from His coming. Philippians 3:10 says: ‘That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.'

PRAYER POINT: Father, please open my eyes that I may recognize Jesus and His presence in every area of my life.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

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CREATE YOUR WORLD WITH YOUR WORD

MEMORY VERSE: Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Numbers 14:28

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 21-24

We live in a word’s world. It is a word’s world because of the reasons listed below. Firstly, the world was created by the Word. Who is the Word? Jesus Christ is the Word (John 1:1-3). Secondly, the world was created using the word (Genesis 1:1-3). Everything in the world responds to the word. For instance, mountains respond to the word (See Mark 11:23). In Mark 4:37-39, a great storm arose and beat against the ship. Meanwhile, Jesus was sleeping in the ship. His disciples woke him up in the middle of the storm and He rebuked it ( See Mark 4:39). Even the sun and the moon responds to the word. In Joshua 10:12-13, Joshua commanded the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon, over the Valley of Aijalon; and they stood still.

With your word, you can create your world. What you confess is what you will have (See Numbers 14:28). David said to Goliath, ‘this day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (1 Samuel 17:46).’ Do you know that all David had when he spoke to Goliath was a sling and few stones? Before the end of that day, he severed the head of Goliath as he had prophesied. He slung a stone that knocked Goliath down. He ran to his unconscious body, grabbed his sword, the only sword big enough to cut off his head, and cut off his head. Your word can change or alter the chemical composition of things. As a result, the weak should say 'I am strong (Joel 3:10)'.

NOTE: When you say there are no good jobs, you are indirectly creating a scarcity of good jobs for yourself. If I were you, I will confess what I want, not what I see.
 
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FOR THEY SAID, HE IS OUR BROTHER’

MEMORY VERSE: And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother. Judges 9:3

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 17-20

After the death of Gideon, one of his sons, Abimelech, hatched an evil plan to kill his brothers and become the king. Because he didn’t have the resources to carry out his evil agenda, he approached his mother’s relations for help (Judges 9:1-3). His mother’s relations spoke to the men of Shechem who agreed to help him because he was their brother (See Judges 9:3). These men contributed money and gave it to him. He hired some thugs and made his way to his father’s house. He killed his step-brothers; only Jotham, the youngest, escaped.

Judges 9:3 says: ‘……and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.’ His mother's relations knew that what Abimelech was about to do was wrong; however, they supported him because he was their brother. They knew that Abimelech was going to kill innocent people, but they supported him because he was their brother. They knew that Abimelech did not deserve to be the king because he was not the firstborn; yet, they encouraged him to carry out his evil agenda regardless. Don’t support an evil cause because it will favor your brother. Even, if that evil cause will favor a Christian and disfavor a non-Christian, please don’t support it. God is a righteous judge and He will not support evil. The men of Shechem could have rebuked Abimelech, instead,  they supported him because his evil action won’t affect them. Many of us don’t speak against evil practices because we will not be affected by them. If you are in the position of authority, and you are a Christian, God expects you to represent Him there. He expects you to be His mouthpiece, speaking against evil practices and fighting for the weak.

NOTE: You are indirectly supporting what you don’t speak against.

REMEMBER: What is wrong is wrong regardless of who is doing it.

Samuel Oluwatoki

FEAR, A ROBBER

MEMORY VERSE: Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. Judges 7:3

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 9-12

After the children of Israel repented of their sins and cried to God for help, He raised a judge for them, Gideon. Thirty thousand men volunteered to fight alongside Gideon. Judges 7:2- 3 says: ‘And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.’ There are one or two lessons we can learn from this story. Firstly, victory is decided by God, not by the size of an army. Proverbs 21:31 says: ‘the horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.’ As far as God was concerned, the twenty thousand were not needed.

Secondly, boldness and courage are 'must-haves' for anyone who will work for God or work with God. God used ‘the presence of fear or absence of faith’ as a yardstick in deciding those He will use and those He won’t. Judges 7:3a says: ‘Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead.’ Hebrews 11:6 says: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ To rephrase this, with fear (without faith) it is impossible to please God. Fear is a robber. It robbed the twenty thousand of an opportunity to be used by God. Fear robbed them of an opportunity to be everything they can be for God. It robbed them of an opportunity to be numbered among the greats, the 300 God used to deliver Israel. It robbed them of an opportunity to become record breakers and pacesetters. Fear robbed them of an opportunity to become a victor.

NOTE: Fear – fear of failure, fear of the unknown, etc. – can rob one of greatness or good things.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I receive the spirit of boldness.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

BEHOLD, I THOUGHT

MEMORY VERSE: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 24-27

Naaman went to see Elisha, the prophet, for healing from leprosy. When he arrived, Elisha sent a messenger to tell him to go to River Jordan and wash seven times and he will be healed. 2 Kings 5:11-13 says: ‘But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?’

Naaman came to Elisha with an expectation of how he should be healed; he expected Elisha to lay hands on him but God had a different plan. Many have missed their healings or miracles because they came to God with an expectation of how He should heal them. Isaiah 55:9 says: ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ A lot have missed God because they expected God to operate in a certain way or answer their prayers in a certain way. Jesus cured leprosy in different ways. In Luke 5:12-13, a leper approached Him for healing; He laid hands on him and his leprosy disappeared. In Luke 17:11-19, some lepers approached Him; He told them to go and show themselves to the priests. Luke 17:14b says: ‘And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.’

NOTE: Don’t approach God with an expectation of how you want Him to provide a help meet (wife) for you or how you want Him to provide a husband for you. Don’t approach Him with an expectation of how you expect Him to solve your problem(s). When it comes to hearing from God, don’t expect Him to speak you in a certain way. Don’t expect Him to speak to you the same way He spoke to others. He might decide to speak to others through dreams and you, an audible voice. Don't limit the Holy One of Isreal in your thoughts!

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

A NEW WAY TO LOOK AT CHALLENGES 4

MEMORY VERSE: And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. Mark 5:21

BIBLE READING: Judges 21- Ruth 3

We have been looking at challenges from a different perspective. Whether you believe or not, challenges can be a blessing in disguise especially when you are in Christ.

The size of your challenges is a reflection of your destiny. The bigger your destiny, the bigger the challenges the enemy will throw your way. So, if you are facing unusual challenges, it could be because you have an unusual destiny. Take for instance the mad of Gadara (Mark 5:1-20). The Bible records that a legion demon took possession of him. A roman legion is between 3,000 and 6,000 troops. The question is, what is it about this man that made Satan fill him with so many demons? A demon or two would have sufficed, why that many demons? Satan somehow figured out that this man was destined to be a mighty evangelist who would cause problems for his kingdom. Mark 5:19-21 says: ‘Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.’ He knew this man had the potential to cause him trouble so he attacked him to stop him, but he failed.

Many years ago, a man had an unusual immigration challenge. He met all criteria, ticked all boxes; still, the Home Office insisted that he must return to his country. They didn't even take into consideration that his wife and children were citizens of the country. One morning, he went to sign in at the police station and they took him to the airport to deport him, but God intervened. Today, he is a pastor, an author, and a successful immigration lawyer whom God had used to deliver many from the clutches of immigration. Why was the enemy doing everything to get him out of the country? He somehow knew that this pastor was destined to deliver many, so he attacked him to prevent that from happening and failed.

NOTE: Those unusual challenges could be an indication that you have an unusual destiny. Don’t give up. God will see you through and you will fulfil destiny!

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

A CALL TO SERVE LEADERS PART 2

 MEMORY VERSE: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Exodus 18:20

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 11-14

Moses’ father-in–law visited him and observed that he would sit all day judging the people, settling minor disputes, answering questions, teaching the people the statutes and law of the Lord, etc.( Exodus 18:13-23). His father-in-law counselled him to appoint qualified men, teach them the ordinances and laws, and make them rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Moses listened and did all his father-in-law advised.
There is a lot to learn from this story. Firstly, it pays to be open to criticism. No one knows it all. Nobody has a monopoly of knowledge, not even the professors at the leading universities in the world. Many of us are yet to realise our potential in Christ simply because we are not open to (constructive) criticisms. Many of us don’t like being told that we are wrong. If there is no one to tell you that you are wrong, how will you correct your mistakes? It will be difficult for anyone who rejects correction to have a breakthrough. Moses was open to criticisms. He didn’t mind being told that he could have done things better. Because Moses was opened to criticism, Jethro analysed his working methods and gave him a constructive feedback. Despite his 40 years military training in the courts of Pharaoh and 40 years at the back of the desert, there were still things Moses didn't know.

Another lesson we can learn from this story is that regardless of how close you are to God, at times, God will speak to you through people. God had been speaking to Moses all these while. On this particular occasion, He chose to spoke to him through Jethro. Please, don’t look down on anyone. Shortly before I re-dedicated my life to Christ, a friend of mine invited two ladies into my room. As we drank and they smoked "weed (marijuana)" , one of them, a non-practising Muslim, looked around my room and said, " Sam, you have a lot of books but you don't have a Bible." I bought a Bible the next day and not too long after that, I re-dedicated my life to Christ.

NOTE: Don't look down on anyone because God can speak to you through anyone.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

A CALL TO SERVE LEADERS PART 1

MEMORY VERSE: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Exodus 18:20

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 9-10

BIBLE STUDY: Exodus 18:13-23

Jethro (Moses’ father-in–law) was visiting when he observed how Moses was carrying out the gigantic task God had put in his hands. Exodus 18:13 says: “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.” Jethro called him aside and gave him a piece of advice. Exodus 18: 18-22 says: “Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” As advised, Moses appointed men to lead.

There are few things we can learn from this story. Firstly, right things can be done in a wrong way. Instead of appointing qualified men and training them to be leaders so that he could spend time seeking the face of God for direction, Moses did everything by himself; thereby, wasting the resources God had given to him. Many of us are guilty of this, too. At times, we go about leading sinners to Christ in the wrong way. For instance, we tell sinners to confess their sins before salvation. 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The author, here, was addressing Christians, not sinners. It is the Christian, not the sinner, who is told to confess his sins. In the first place, it would be impossible for the sinner to remember them. Secondly, if we were to tell a sinner to confess his sins, we would be putting salvation on a basis of works. Salvation is not of works, but by faith. When a sinner wants to be saved, you do not tell him to get down and start working by confessing his sins. You simply point him to the Lord, Jesus Christ.

NOTE: All that a sinner has to confess is that he is a sinner and that he needs salvation. Remember, the publican cried: “God be merciful to me, a sinner ( Luke 18:13)”. He did not confess his sins. He simply admitted that he was a sinner and needed mercy.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

GOD’S WORD AS RAIN & SNOW

MEMORY VERSE: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it brings forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. Isaiah 55:10

BIBLE READING: Number 28-32

God’s Word brings His ways and thoughts to us. 2 Timothy 3:16 says: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” The Bible contains God’s view on various issues facing us today. For instance, God’s view on divorce is clearly documented in Scriptures. Malachi 2:16 says, “For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” How about tattoos? Leviticus 19:28 says, “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” There is a need to study and meditate on Scriptures regularly because it is a vehicle that brings God’s word.

God’s word is like water (Ephesians 5:26). God’s word comes down to us in two ways: Snow and rain. Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Whenever rain falls, it soaks immediately, enters the earth, and starts to produce results. However, whenever snow falls, it does not soak into the earth immediately. Many a time, it takes time; the temperature has to change to melt the snow to make the earth capable of receiving it. We are told that snow benefits the earth more than the rain. When God’s word comes as a rain, it is easy to bear. It is pleasant and soothing. However, whenever God’s word comes as a snow, it is difficult to receive. An example that comes to mind is when the disciples of Jesus heard one of His hard teachings (John 6). Verse 60 says: “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” My counsel is this, don’t react negatively to the “hard word”. Leave it. Let the grace and sun of God melt it. God’s Word produces bread and seed to anyone who receives it.

PRAYER POINT: Father, let Your Word produce results in my life.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

A SOLUTION TO THE WORLD

MEMORY VERSE: And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? Genesis 41:38

BIBLE READING: Number 9-11

Pharaoh had two disturbing dreams (Genesis 41). He saw seven (7) gaunt cows and seven (7) fat cows standing by River Nile. The gaunt cows ate up the fat cows. In the second dream, he saw seven (7) thin ears (of grain) and seven (7) plump ears (of grain). The thin ears devoured the plump ears. The next morning, he invited his wise men (astrologers,magicians,etc.) to interpret these dreams. Genesis 41:8 says: “And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream, but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.” On that day, everything failed - philosophy failed, astrology failed, astrophysics failed, even metaphysics failed. Human knowledge is limited.

I perceive in my spirit that the world is edging close to a time when the wisdom of men would fail. Already, economic policies, G8 arrangements, NATO arrangements are beginning to fail. God is going to humble man very soon because of his pride. Unless man repents and turns back to God, God is going to bring man to his knee using hunger. Deuteronomy 8:3 says: “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” Some countries have already begun to clone cows and sheep to meet their food demands.
On that day when everything failed, the Lord sent Joseph to solve the problem. As believers, we are called to be a solution to the problem of the world. Unfortunately, some of us are part of the problem. Pharaoh said after Joseph interpreted his dreams, “ Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is ( Genesis 41:38)?” Pharaoh recognised that Joseph had something no other man had. Although Joseph was not a graduate, the professors of economics at that time could not argue with his policies because they were divine. This is the level God wants His children to operate at. Pharoah handed his government to Joseph because of the wisdom God gave to him. A day is coming when organisations, banks, and governments will pass the running of their economies and businesses to children of God. At that time, Head of States will say, “according to thy word shall Great Britain, USA, Pakistan, etc., be ruled.” What will happen is that God will humble the world and put the solution in the hands of His children.

NOTE: Father, please make me a solution to this generation.

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THE SOURCE OF WEALTH

MEMORY VERSE: Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Proverbs 13:11

BIBLE READING: Numbers 17-20

Wealth can come from the devil, get-rich-quick schemes, and God. There are several lessons to learn from the third temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4). Firstly, Satan is rich. Secondly, he gives riches to those who will bow down and worship him. Verse 8-9 says: “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Satan still makes people rich. One of the disadvantages of taking things from Satan is that he gives a penny and takes back a billion in return. Someone once said, “An apple from the devil contains enough worms to kill a man.” Wealth can, and does, come through get-rich-quick schemes, e.g. drugs, frauds, internet scams, and so on. Wealth can come from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 says: “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.” The power to get wealth consist of ideas, abilities, special skills, and so on. The bible is littered with examples of persons whom God prospered financially,e.g. Job, Abraham, King Solomon, King David, the great woman of Shunem, etc. One encouraging thing about the story of Job is that one can be rich and still be holy.

The wealth from God is sorrow-free. Proverbs 10:22 says: “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” Wealth gotten from Satan or through get-rich-quick schemes come with sorrow attached. It comes with pain, embarrassment, shame, headache, etc. A story that comes to mind is that of a man who was caught trying to smuggle cocaine into the country . He was forced to pass out the cocaine wraps, he swallowed, as faeces. The wealth from God brings peace. Isaiah 48:22 says: “There is no peace, says the LORD, unto the wicked.” The wealth from God is protected by God. He will protect you and everything He has given to you. Job 1:10 says: “Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.” You can only take what you give to me. If it is given by God, you are only wasting your time trying to take it. Whatever God gives will last forever as far as you continue to obey Him and live holy. There is a popular saying, “nothing lasts forever.” Things (marriage, wealth, ministry, promotion, etc) given by God last forever. However, wealth gotten through get-rich-quick schemes does not last forever. Proverbs 13:11 says: “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”

NOTE: God will not prosper a lazy person. If you want divine wealth then you must be ready for work.
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THE POWER TO CREATE YOUR WORLD

MEMORY VERSE: And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. Genesis 2:15

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 29-34


Genesis 2:15 says: “And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof." The task of giving names to the creatures God created was not a small one. Firstly, it was a time-consuming task. As of today, according to BBC, there are 8.7 million species of animals. Secondly, it was a task that required a great knowledge of animals and divine wisdom because the names had to be in consonance with God’s purpose for the animals. The Lord brought these living creatures – animals, fishes, birds, etc. - to Adam to give them names for two main reasons: To distinguish one from another, (and point at something in them that was natural to them, and made them different from each other) and to put them into his hands, and give him authority over them.

There are few things I will like to point out in Genesis 2:15-16. Firstly, God gave Adam free hand to give names to the living creatures He was putting under him (See Genesis 2:15a).  Secondly, He didn’t interfere with the whole process. He allowed Adam to give them names that pleased him. Thirdly, the living creatures answered to the names that Adam gave to them (Genesis 2:15b). Just as God gave Adam free hand to give names to the living creatures He was putting under him, God has also given you a free hand to give names to the children He gave or will give to you. Not only that, He has given you a free hand to describe your life and give a name to your situation. God will not interfere with the names you give to your children, yourself, business, company or situation. Lastly, your children, business, company and situation will answer to the names you give to them. If I were you, I will never call a situation a hopeless situation because, as God lives and His Spirit lives, that is what that situation will be –it will definitely become a hopeless one. If I were you, I will never call my child a good-for-nothing boy or girl. You may have done it out of anger but you have also damaged the destiny of that young boy or girl. Thank God, you can reverse those names.

NOTE: The power to define your world is in your words so use it wisely.

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ONLY IN FULL MEASURE

MEMORY VERSE: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 23-28

One of the names of our Lord Jesus Christ is Wonderful (See Isaiah 9:6). Wonderful simply means full of wonders. Another name of Jesus Christ is Merciful (full of mercy). Exodus 34:6 says: “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” He is also called Faithful (1 Thessalonian 5:24).

You will observe from His names mentioned above that He is full of good things. Hence, James said, “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from Him (James 1:17).” The Lord deals only in FULL measures. He gives His Spirit in FULL measures. He anointed the Psalmist with oil and his cup RAN OVER ( See Psalm 23:5). Jesus, BEING FULL of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Luke 4:1). Stephen, BEING FULL of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). The Lord FILLED Bezalel with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship (Exodus 31:3).

He FILLS His children with blessings (See Proverbs 3:10).  He COMPLETELY heals; i.e., He makes whole. Luke 17:19 says: “And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” He gives FULL protection to His children (See Psalm 125:2). He destroys ALL the enemies of His children. The Moabites, the Ammonites and the Meunites waged war against Judah ( 2 Chronicles 20). Verse 24 says: “And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.” He FILLS children with peace. Romans 15:13 says: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” What does the Lord expect in return? He expects His children to love Him with ALL their heart, soul and mind ( See Matthew 22:37). He expects FULL service/ commitment from His children (1 Samuel 12:24).

NOTE: It is either you seek Him with everything in you or you don’t because you will only find Him when you seek Him with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

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ARE YOU WALKING WITH GOD?

MEMORY VERSE: And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech: And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died. Genesis 5:25-27

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 2:11 – 6


The author of Revelation, John the apostle, spoke about a particular book in heaven that contains a record of how you lived on earth. Revelations 20:12 says: “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” A record is opened in this great book the day a child is born and closed the day he dies. His activities, words, etc., are closely monitored and recorded in this great book. On the last day, this book will be opened and every man will be judged from this book.

In Genesis 5, we see the record heaven kept on some people of old. Looking at the record, many of them lived a wasted life. The oldest man that ever lived was Methuselah (see Genesis 5:25-27).  His life, his achievements, was summarized in four (4) lines. All the Bible had to say about his life was he lived and begat sons and daughters. He may have built houses, bought horses, had a big farm, probably pursued a political post, attended a good school or gotten some education but as far as heaven is concerned, all these things are zero because none of them are of eternal value! This brings me to the question, what are you doing with your life? What will heaven record against your name? In how many lines will your life be summarized on judgment day? Is it the usual ‘he lived and begat’? Thank God for men like Enoch. Although he lived a very short life compared to the people at that time, he achieved much (see Genesis 5:24). Heaven testified that Enoch walked with God. When you return to be with the Lord, will heaven testified that you walked with God? Friend, are you walking with God? Before you say yes, let me explain the question to you. I am not asking if you were born into a Christian family or if you go to church or if you are a worker in the church, the question is are you walking with God? It is possible to be a worker in the church and not walk with God after all we have seen workers in the church, even choir members, who commit abortion. Be honest with yourself, are you walking with God?

NOTE: If you know that you are not walking with God, repent today and start walking with Him. Ask Him to forgive you and don’t return to a life of sin.

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“AND YE SHALL FIND THEM” 2

MEMORY VERSE: In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood from the books the number of the years, of which the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. Daniel 9:2

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 45-50

Daniel 11:32 says: “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” We can glean several truths from this verse. For instance, knowledge ,wisely applied, gives a man influence. In addition, a man who knows (His God) will do exploits and a man who doesn’t will be exploited. A story that comes to mind is that of a lazy brother who paid a false prophet to fast on his behalf. One evening, he passed by the prophet's house and saw him eating when he should be fasting on his behalf. “Sir, aren’t you fasting,” he asked the prophet - “I am fasting my son, I hung the fast to eat this pounded yam; I’ll resume in few minutes,” the prophet replied.

God has invited us to call Him and He has promised to answer and reveal great things to us. This brings us to the question, how? Firstly, He will reveal things to us when we pray ( See Jeremiah 33:3). Secondly, He will reveal mysteries to us when we meditate on the Scripture. The following are benefits of meditating on Scriptures: it reduces blood pressure, lessens heart and brain problems, increases mental strength and focus, increases memory retention and recall, better information processing, better decision making & problem solving, etc. In addition, God will reveal deep things to us when we meditate on the Scripture. The Lord revealed the duration of the desolations of Jerusalem to Daniel whilst he was meditating on the Scripture ( See Daniel 9:2). The desolations of Jerusalem would have gone beyond seventy years had Daniel not discovered it from meditating on Scriptures. Thirdly, He will reveal or speak to us through sermons, tapes, seminars, books written by anointed men and women of God, etc. What we hear on tapes, in seminars and read in books written by anointed men of God are secrets God shared with the authors. Get books written by anointed men of God and you will be amazed at the number of things God will reveal to you as you read them.

NOTE: Develop a habit of reading. There are things God wants to reveal you through books so read.

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“OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES”

MEMORY VERSE: And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? Matthew 21:16

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 23-25

It is impossible for God to be stranded. How can the Creator of the heavens and the earth be stranded? He can create something out of nothing. For instance, He created light out of darkness. Genesis 1:2 says: "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Out of this darkness, God called out light. Verse 3 says: " And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." He called land out of the water. Verse 9 says: “And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so." He can make a way where there is no way. For instance, He made a way in the Red Sea (Exodus 14). Verse 21 says: "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided." I pray that God will make a way for you where you least expect in Jesus name, amen. In 1 Kings 17, God employed ravens to feed Elijah. Anyone who knows about birds will tell you that ravens are the stingiest of God's creation – they are even stingy with their children. Job 38:41 says: "Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat." Yet, God used ravens to feed Elijah.

The Lord will never run out of options (to help you). Why? Isaiah 55:9 says: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” The Lord will never run out of people to use for His glory; He always has substitutes. Elijah, in 1 Kings 19, tried to brag about his love and commitment to God. "I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away," he said. The Lord responded and said, "Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him (1 Kings 19:18)." He can create substitutes where there are none. Jesus, after resurrection, tasked His disciples with taking the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth . What did they do? They remained in Jerusalem because to them, gentiles are unclean. God had to literally use Saul- through persecution - to get them out of Jerusalem. Saul later became Paul, the Apostle, and was sent to the gentiles.

NOTE: Some of us are, now, too big to praise God. We are too big to dance before God or even clap our hands. Matthew 21:16 says: "And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" If the adults refuse to praise Him little boys like us will praise Him.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.