FIGHT FROM BOTH SIDES

MEMORY VERSE: And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. Exodus 17:9

BIBLE READING: Number 24-27

There are two sides to any battle. There is the physical side, and there is the spiritual side. To win a battle, one must fight physically and spiritually. Jesus alluded to this when He encouraged His disciples to watch and pray. Luke 21:36 says: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” In Exodus 17:8-13, the Amalekites attacked the children of Israel. The children of Israel fought them spiritually and physically. Exodus 17:9-11 says, “And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy, and they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”

To win any battle, you must watch/ fight and pray. To pass an exam, you must read, and you must pray. To apply for a visa to travel abroad or regularize your status in the country you currently reside, you must make an application and pray. To marry, as a brother, you must pray and then propose to the sister. The sister too must pray and also accept the proposal. The children of Israel prevailed when Moses held up his hands, and the Amalekites prevailed when Moses let down his hands. The spiritual controls the physical. John 6:63 says: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The power you need to win the battles of life will be released when you spend quality time in prayer. These two sides – physical side and spiritual side – are important. Prayer alone will not solve the problem. You need to pray and take decisive steps. In addition, you need to play your part for God to play His part. You need to report the matter to Him for Him to deal with it.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please rise against all those who have risen against me.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

HONESTY STILL PAYS

MEMORY VERSE: The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

BIBLE READING: Number 24-26

Noah Webster Dictionary 1828 edition defines honesty as “an upright disposition; moral rectitude of heart; a disposition to conform to justice and correct moral principles, in all social transactions. In fact, upright conduct: an actual conformity to justice and moral rectitude.” If you look around today, you will observe dishonesty being celebrated and encouraged; meanwhile, honesty is frowned upon. Actually, honesty is not rewarded in some organisations. In such organisations, you will be bullied, mistreated, denied promotion, and ultimately sacked if you are honest. Today, a dishonest man is seen as a sharp man or a fast man. To celebrate dishonesty, we even categorise lies; viz., white lies, black lies, etc. The Lord’s definition of a lie has not changed, neither has His attitude towards lying changed.

Aside the obvious fact that God abhors dishonesty, honesty pays. Firstly, honesty brings peace. Proverbs 28:1 says: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Knowing that you have no skeleton in your cupboard brings peace. Lying about your age to your fiance will not bring you peace. Also, not coming out clean to your fiancee will not bring you peace, either. Secondly, honesty breeds an atmosphere of trust. People will trust you with things if you are honest. Thirdly, honesty brings influence. You cannot exercise influence when you dishonest. Fourthly, honesty brings authority. Fifthly, honesty commands respect. Most importantly, God personally rewards honesty. Several years ago, a Christian brother was sent on an errand to another part of town with a token for his transport fare. When he returned, he gave his boss what was left of the transport fare. The boss was shocked! None of his staff had ever done that. The brother’s colleague called him a stupid boy. Months later, the boss set up a branch in another part of the country. He needed someone trustworthy to manage the new branch. One day, whilst thinking of what to do he suddenly remembered the honest brother and offered him the job as the branch manager.

NOTE: Honesty will bring you in favour with God and man. It will unlock doors for you.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

FIGHT FROM BOTH SIDES

MEMORY VERSE: And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. Exodus 17:9

BIBLE READING: Number 24-27

There are two sides to any battle. There is the physical side, and there is the spiritual side. To win a battle, one must fight physically and spiritually. Jesus alluded to this when He encouraged His disciples to watch and pray. Luke 21:36 says: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” In Exodus 17:8-13, the Amalekites attacked the children of Israel. The children of Israel fought them spiritually and physically. Exodus 17:9-11 says, “And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy, and they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”

To win any battle, you must watch/ fight and pray. To pass an exam, you must read, and you must pray. To apply for a visa to travel abroad or regularize your status in the country you currently reside, you must make an application and pray. To marry, as a brother, you must pray and then propose to the sister. The sister too must pray and also accept the proposal. The children of Israel prevailed when Moses held up his hands, and the Amalekites prevailed when Moses let down his hands. The spiritual controls the physical. John 6:63 says: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The power you need to win the battles of life will be released when you spend quality time in prayer. These two sides – physical side and spiritual side – are important. Prayer alone will not solve the problem. You need to pray and take decisive steps. In addition, you need to play your part for God to play His part. You need to report the matter to Him for Him to deal with it.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please rise against all those who have risen against me.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

HONESTY STILL PAYS

MEMORY VERSE: The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

BIBLE READING: Number 24-26

Noah Webster Dictionary 1828 edition defines honesty as “an upright disposition; moral rectitude of heart; a disposition to conform to justice and correct moral principles, in all social transactions. In fact, upright conduct: an actual conformity to justice and moral rectitude.” If you look around today, you will observe dishonesty being celebrated and encouraged; meanwhile, honesty is frowned upon. Actually, honesty is not rewarded in some organisations. In such organisations, you will be bullied, mistreated, denied promotion, and ultimately sacked if you are honest. Today, a dishonest man is seen as a sharp man or a fast man. To celebrate dishonesty, we even categorise lies; viz., white lies, black lies, etc. The Lord’s definition of a lie has not changed, neither has His attitude towards lying changed.

Aside the obvious fact that God abhors dishonesty, honesty pays. Firstly, honesty brings peace. Proverbs 28:1 says: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Knowing that you have no skeleton in your cupboard brings peace. Lying about your age to your fiance will not bring you peace. Also, not coming out clean to your fiancee will not bring you peace, either. Secondly, honesty breeds an atmosphere of trust. People will trust you with things if you are honest. Thirdly, honesty brings influence. You cannot exercise influence when you dishonest. Fourthly, honesty brings authority. Fifthly, honesty commands respect. Most importantly, God personally rewards honesty. Several years ago, a Christian brother was sent on an errand to another part of town with a token for his transport fare. When he returned, he gave his boss what was left of the transport fare. The boss was shocked! None of his staff had ever done that. The brother’s colleague called him a stupid boy. Months later, the boss set up a branch in another part of the country. He needed someone trustworthy to manage the new branch. One day, whilst thinking of what to do he suddenly remembered the honest brother and offered him the job as the branch manager.

NOTE: Honesty will bring you in favour with God and man. It will unlock doors for you.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

SHARE THE GOOD NEWS

MEMORY VERSE: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4

BIBLE READING: Number 21-23

The gospel of Christ is nothing to be ashamed of. Romans 1:16 says: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The gospel is good news. It is one of the best news you will ever get. It is news which makes people happy and excited. If what you have heard about Jesus Christ does not make you happy and excited, then you have not yet truly heard and understood the gospel as it is meant to be understood. The basic outline of the gospel is Jesus Christ took your place in judgement, paid the penalty for all your sins, and gave you the blessing He deserved because of His perfect sinless life. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says: “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.”

The news that Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, loves you enough to die for you is good news! Not only that, He took what you deserved and gave you what He deserved. This is not limited to you alone, He died for all mankind. The deliverance from sin, its effects, and penalty is available to anyone who will accept Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour. The news that God is for you, not against you, is good news. The news that Jesus has overcome the world for you is good news. John 16:33 says: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” The news that you are more than a conqueror is good news. The gospel is good news because it is news of hope. Colossians 1:27 says: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” The news that you have a glorious future is good news. The fact that Christ rose is a proof that you and I are going to rise. However, the enemy has an agenda to keep many from hearing the gospel. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says: “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” This is where you and I come in. We must share the gospel, the good news, with everyone.

QUESTION: How many people have you shared the gospel with this year? How many souls have you won for Christ this year?

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

HE UNDERSTANDS

MEMORY VERSE: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

BIBLE READING: Number 12-16

Jesus is a priest. The role of a priest is to offer sacrifices. Hebrews 8:3 says: “For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.” What kind of priest is He? He is a priest after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 5:6 says: “As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” He was not a levitical priest i.e. a descendant of Aaron. What kind of sacrifices does He offer? He offers prayers and supplications. Hebrews 5:7 says: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.” The three successive sacrifices of Jesus in His priestly role are: First, on earth, He offered prayers and supplications; Second, on the cross, he offered Himself; and, third, in heaven, he offers the continuing priestly ministry of intercession.

Jesus is also a high priest. A high priest is an individual who holds the office of the ruler-priest. According to Revelation 1:5-6, through the forgiveness of our sins and the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, we have become kings and priests. As such, Jesus is our high priest. High priests are taken among men to represent them to God (Hebrews 5:1). The best person to represent you to God is one who knows what you are going through. What makes Jesus the perfect high priest is that He understands what you are going through. Hebrews 4:15 says: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” He knows what it is like to be hungry, tired, lonely, hurt, hated, beaten, persecuted, misunderstood, mistreated, mocked, laughed at, betrayed by a friend, tempted to sin, responsible for employees, etc. He knows what it is like to feel forsaken or hopeless. He knows what it feels like to have no spouse or earthly father (there) to help. He knows what it feels like to loose a loved one. He knows what it feels like to pay taxes; have money stolen from you; have the responsibility to provide for a family; live under an oppressive government or experience extreme pain. This is why the author of Hebrew says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need ( Hebrews 4:16).” Friend, don’t be afraid to talk to Jesus about any thing. Not only does He understand, He knows how to help you overcome and have victory. Remember, Jesus died for you because He loves you and He lives to intercede for you.

Father, please lead me to victory.

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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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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

“THEN I KNEW THAT THIS WAS THE WORD OF THE LORD”

MEMORY VERSE: So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD. Jeremiah 32:8

BIBLE READING: Numbers 21-24

The spirits in the world are the Spirit of God and the spirit of Satan. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of truth and the spirit of Satan is the spirit of error. 1 John 4:6 says: “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” Satan has the ability to transform himself into angels. 2 Corinthians 11:14 says: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” As such, check every Word or divine guidance before acting on them. 1 John 4:1 says: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Today, I will be talking about ways of checking the source of the Word you have received. Firstly, God’s Word is always in-line with the Scripture. Psalm 119:105 says: “NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” What you have received is most likely from God if it is in line with Scriptures. For instance, a strong impression on your heart to call a friend and pray with him or her is in-line with scriptures (Ezekiel 22:30 ). Secondly, watch out for confirmation of circumstances. Whenever God speaks, 9 out of 10, there will be confirmation of circumstances. Jeremiah, a prophet of God, received a Word from the Lord to buy Hanameel’s land. Meanwhile, he had earlier prophesied that will Isreal will be captured by Babylon. The land the Lord told him to buy will be worth nothing in terms of real estate since the land will soon be taking over. Instead of rushing to buy the land, he waited for a confirmation of circumstances and the Lord gave him one. Jeremiah 32:8 says: “So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD.” Thirdly, God’s Word brings about God’s peace (Colossians 3:5). You will experience a peace of heart when God speaks to you. If you feel pressured to act hastily, 9 out of 10 times, it is not from God. Fourthly, God will confirm what He has told you through fellow believers. The Holy Ghost called Paul and Barnabas into ministry in the secret (Galatians 1:1). However, He confirmed their calls publicly in Acts 13:1-3. Our God is not an author of confusion.

NOTE: Three relationships you can expect to hear from God are the pastor and the people (Hebrews 13:7), husband and wife ( Ephesians 5:22-24) and parents and child (Ephesians 6:1). The Lord will confirm what He has told you in secret through your pastor , your marriage partner or parents (if they are believers).

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

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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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

FAMINE: RESPOND, DON’T REACT

MEMORY VERSE: 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. Deuteronomy 8:3

BIBLE READING: Numbers 14-16

One of the things the Lord hates with a passion is pride. Proverbs 6:16-19 says: “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” As a result, He humbles the proud. One of the tools God employs in humbling the proud is famine. 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.” The world, out of pride, thinks it does not need God. It has moved away from God; as such, the Lord has decided to bring it to its knee through famine. This explains why there are a lot of graduates with no job ( famine of jobs), lot of eligible bachelors and spinsters with no one to marry ( famine of marriage partner), lot of churches with few genuine shepherds and sheep ( famine of shepherd and sheep) and lot of church goers but few Christians ( famine of the Word).

Famine elicits a response. The three responses are: Do nothing, React and Respond. Doing nothing is not the best way to respond to a famine situation. Problems don’t just go away. They must be worked through or else they will remain forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit. Reacting to a famine situation is also not the best way to respond to a famine situation. Crying, moaning, playing the blame game will not solve the problem. The best thing to do in a famine situation is to respond. You can respond by doing what you think is good or seek the face of God and do what He tells you to do. Let me warn you against doing what you think is good (in your eyes) in a famine situation. The fact that something is good or make sense does not mean it is from God. It made perfect sense for Abram to go to Egypt, however, that was not the best course for his life. The following happened to Abram when he went to Egypt: Firstly, he went down (Genesis 12:10); secondly, he was forced to compromise his faith (Genesis 12:12-13); thirdly, he lost his wife (Genesis 12:15) and fourthly, he was embarrassed by a pagan king ( Genesis 12:18-20). Imagine an unbeliever accusing father Abram of telling lies.

NOTE: The best way to respond to a famine situation is to seek the face of God and do whatever He tells you to do. Also, praise God in a famine situation

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

THE CHRISTIAN RACE

MEMORY VERSE: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

BIBLE READING: Numbers 11-13

Paul, the author of the book of Hebrews, likened Christianity to running in athletics. Hebrews 12:1 says: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Running events are divided by distance into sprints (short-distance), middle-distance, long-distance, as well as by type, which includes hurdles and relays or team races. The Christian race is a long- distance race as such it must be run with patience.

The Christian race and the marathon are similar. For instance, both have a start point and a finish point. We start the Christian race on earth and finish in heaven. There is a prize to be won in both. Revelations 3:21 says: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Both have organisers. Jesus is the organiser. Hebrews 12:2a says: “looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of our race.” The organisers of both determine the track and the length of the track. Jesus sets the track on which Christians run. He designs the bends, the turnings, the hills, the slopes, etc.

Participants of both have to follow laid down rules. One of the laid down rules of the Christian race is "love your neighbour as yourself" . Mark 12:31 says: “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these greater than these.” You will find it hard to lie to your neighbour if you truly love him. You will find hard to steal if love your neighbour . Do you know that if you truly love your neighbour as yourself you won’t fornicate, commit adultery, oppress people, delay your staff's salary, etc.? Another laid down rule is you must not harbour unforgiveness. Matthew 6:15 says: “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Most importantly, you have to register to participate in both. You have to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. John 3:3 says: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “What if I don’t,” someone asked. If you don’t you will go to hell. This afternoon, a brother I had been witnessing to for months complained that I was too hard on him. I asked him a simple question, “you expect me to scream at the top of my voice and call you back if I see you walking towards fire don’t you?” He nodded. I told him that’s what I am trying to do. The rules have not changed. Jesus is the only way!

QUESTION: Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and saviour?

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

A SPIRITUAL DIET

MEMORY VERSE: He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly. He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him. Job 20:15-16

BIBLE READING: Numbers 8-10

READ: Job 20:12-19

Challenges are part and parcel of life. Christianity does not exempt you from challenges. Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” In the world, ye SHALL have tribulation, not ye MAY have tribulation. The good news is Jesus has overcome the world for us. We are assured of victory over every challenge the enemy will send our way. How we respond to challenges matters, it will go a long way in deciding if and when we will overcome the challenges. One of the ways we respond to challenges or the loss of a loved one is we grief. Job, when his faith was tested, fed on his grief and could not eat. Job 3:24 says: “For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.” Another way we respond to challenges or trial of faith is we cry. David, when he faced challenges, fed on his tears. Psalm 42:3 says:“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?” One thing you must never do to anyone who is facing challenges is mock them. The friends of Job fed him with his sins when he was facing challenges ( Job 20:12-19). They accused him of sins instead encouraging him. Verse 15-16 says: “He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly. He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him.”

Feed on God’s words when you face challenges. Jeremiah 15:16 says: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Matthew 4:4 says: “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Feed on God’s will when you face challenges. John 4:34 says: “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” One thing I try to do is I record every promise He has given to me in a book. From time to time, I go through them and my faith is strengthened. I am reminded, as I go through them, that all will be well. Also, I read through my dream book and I am greatly encouraged. Do you have a dream book? If you don't have one yet, get one today and start recording your dream.

NOTE: All suffering people need love, acceptance, patience encouragement not arguments.

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AND LOT ALSO, WHICH WENT WITH ABRAM

MEMORY VERSE: And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. Genesis 13:5

BIBLE READING: Numbers 5-7

Walking with God brings prosperity. A look at Abram’s life, before and after he met God, glaringly shows that it is profitable to walk with God. All he had before he started to walk with God, despite the fact that he was a hardworking man, was a little substance. Genesis 12:5 says:“And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.” Within a short time, Abram went from a man with a little substance to become a man who was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold (See Genesis 13:2). There is a big difference between being rich and being very rich, just as there is a big difference between being a millionaire and being a billionaire. Abram was not just rich; he was very rich.You cannot please God, the Possessor of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:19), the Owner of silver and gold (Haggai 2:8), by obeying and serving Him in spirit and truth, and remain poor. I have a good news for everyone who is serving God in spirit and truth, very soon people will begin to refer to you as a rich brother or sister and you will use the wealth to promote the gospel and help the less privilege.

Lot, Abram’s relative who was living with him at the time, also prospered. Genesis 13:5 says:“And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.” Lot was a young man who prospered as a result of his association with Abram (a man who walked with God). As a result of his association with Abram, he went from being a pagan to become a righteous man. 2 Peter 2:7 says: “And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked.” Let me ask, how many people presently read their Bibles daily as a result of their association with you? How many go to church regularly as a result of their association with you? How many have stopped fornicating as a result of their association with you? How many have stopped committing adultery as a result of their association with you? How many have given their lives to Christ as a result of their association with you? How many men have stopped beating their wives as a result of their association with you? How many wives submit to their husbands as a result of their association with you? How many have stopped accepting bribes or giving bribes as a result of their association with you?How many have stopped telling lies as result of their association with you? Someone said, “but am not a pastor.” You don’t have to be a pastor to make a difference in the lives of the people around you. Naaman, one of the military top brass in Syria, began to serve the God of Isreal because of a little slave girl in his house. Lot prospered as a result of his association with Abram. How many people have prospered as a result of their association with you? Abram gave Lot the opportunity to grow. Do you give the people around you the chance to grow? Brother in Christ, is your wife a better Christian as a result of her marriage to you? Sister in Christ, is your husband doing well as a result of your marriage to him?

QUESTION: What do you want to be remembered for?

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“BUT EVERYONE IS DOING IT”

MEMORY VERSE: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

BIBLE READING: Numbers 1-4

A “way” is simply a path to a destination. The destination can be a physical one, a spiritual one, an emotional one, a mental one, etc. It can be one in your career, marriage, relationship, ministry, personal life, etc. Psalm 32:8a says: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in THE WAY which thou shalt go.” The phrase “the way” implies there are several ways. There are several ways before us; however, not all of the ways lead to God’s destination. There is a “way”, according to Proverbs 14:12, that seems right but the end of it is death. The flesh has its ways. It wants sugary drinks and processed foods. These leads to Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. The flesh hates discipline or exercise. The flesh does not like to pray or fast. This leads to a weak spiritual life. Romans 8:8 says: “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” The world has its ways; e.g., the world dress, talk, behave, raise children, treat husbands or wives, start a relationship and even serve God in a certain way. The Bible clearly teaches that our body is the temple of the living God; the Lord will destroy anyone who destroys His temple ( See 1Corinthians 3:17). You can not be a friend of the world and a friend of God at the same time (See James 4:4).

Some of the ways of the world; include, scheming, using what you have to get what you want, covering up sins, etc. The Bible says, “he that covers his sins will not prosper (Proverbs 28:13)”. Your friends have their ways and most of the time, they are at variance with the Scriptures. Your friends may be fornicating and committing adultery. There is also a popular way; viz, the reigning thing. You do things simply because everyone around is doing it. For instance, you play the lottery or bet on horses because everyone is doing it. Exodus 23:2 says: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.” The fact that everyone is doing a thing does not make it right. Child bride is popular in certain parts of the world, does this mean that child bride is good? NO! The excuse many of us give is “but everyone is doing it.” You, as a sister, should not wear clothes that expose your cleavage because everyone is doing it. You, as a brother, should not engage in sex before marriage because everyone in the choir is doing it. The fact that it is popular does not mean it is right. Your parents may have their own ways. They may want you to put them before your wife which is against the Scriptures. They may even want you to put your brothers and sisters before your wife which is again against the teachings of the Holy Bible. Your manager probably has his ways: he probably wants you to dress in a way that will attract male customers to the bank or the restaurant. There are many ways (before us) but only one will take us to God’s destination for our lives. Psalm 32:8 says: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Search the Scriptures to discover the way you should go. Also, seek Him in spirit and in truth.

NOTE: The fact that a practice is popular does not mean the practice is right.

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“LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING”

MEMORY VERSE: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

BIBLE READING: Exodus 38-40

Two men lived in a land. Both were shepherds; they served the Lord and as a result, the Lord increased their substances to the extent that the land could no longer contain them. One day,they decided to part ways. The first man lifted up his eyes and chose what he saw. Genesis 13:10-11 says: “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.” Lot leaned on his own understanding and as a result, he became a neighbour to God’s enemies (Genesis 13:12-13). He and his wife were taken captive shortly after their move (Genesis 14:11-12). Out of mercy, the Lord delivered him and he moved to Sodom. Many years later, the Lord destroyed Sodom and he lost all – his wife, home and properties (Genesis 19). Lot became homeless and began to dwell in rocks.

The other person, on the other hand, choose what he was shown. Genesis 13:14 says: “And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward.” As a result, Abram became a deliverer – the Lord used him to deliver Lot. He had children; his lineage continued even to this day. Abram became a blessing to many generation. We cannot run from making decisions (if we want to continue to live). Even plants make decision – they bend towards sunlight when kept in a dark room. Decision-making is inevitable. Deuteronomy 30:19 says: “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.” We have no other choice than to make decisions and face the consequences of our decisions. Many single brothers choose their wives based on sight. They married ladies who could cook, who appeared quiet, etc.; they were not led by God into those marriages. They discovered after marriage that these ladies cooked only when they were happy ( and they are rarely happy). They were quiet only when they had their ways. They (these brothers) discovered all sorts – these women argued a lot, never forgave and complained of everything – after marriage and wished they were single. The same with sisters, they married brothers based on their looks, bank balances and assets. They discovered after marriage that these brothers were wife-beaters, serial womanisers, drug addicts,unusually stingy,etc. Many of us choose careers, jobs, apartments, churches to attend, schools to send our children,etc. by sight. Make sure you are led by God because it is dangerous to choose by sight. Remember, not all that glitters is gold.

NOTE: Things always appear attractive until you move closer. The fig tree looked great until Jesus moved closer and discovered it had no fruit.

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“AND THE IRON DID SWIM”

MEMORY VERSE: And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. 2 Kings 6:6

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 33-37

2 Timothy 3:1 says: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” The perilous times Paul spoke about is here. As such, we must be careful. Guard the things God has given to you, jealously. Why? Firstly, it can be taken from you. Revelations 3:11 says: “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” There are agents of the devil out there who want to empty you of everything the Lord has given to you. Secondly, it can be lost due to carelessness. You may lose your salvation if you play with it or buy into the "eternal salvation" theory. There are several examples of fervent brothers who lost their salvation in the bible e.g. Demas, Hymenaeus, etc. According to Holy Scriptures, a man is known by his fruits (Matthew 7:16). Paul would have selected a co-worker who showed lots of it. Paul instructed Timothy and Titus on how to go about appointing elders, by making sure the selected persons were truly qualified and had a high level of morality, so we can only expect that Paul obeyed his own instructions. For instance, in Acts 15:37, Paul rejected John Mark due to his past. I am sure, Paul would not have appointed Demas as a co-worker in the ministry if he was not saved and bearing fruits. This brother later lost his salvation and went back into the world. 2 Timothy 4:10 says: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”

Thirdly, the Lord (who gave it) can decide to take it back if abuse it or don't use it. The master of the servant who failed to use his talent took it back from him and gave it to the servant with ten talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The Lord warned the children of Israel whilst on their way to the promise land to run from sin or else, He would drive them from the land like He did to those before them. Leviticus 18:28 says: “That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.” Is it possible for one to lose his or her spiritual gifts? Yes, especially if one falls into the sin of fornication or adultery. An example that comes to mind is that of a sister who fornicated. After fornicating, she lost the gifts of praying in tongues and her spiritual life went down. She had hit rock bottom when we met her. Our of mercy, the Lord restored the gift after she repented and we prayed. Guard the things God has given to you, jealously. If you have lost something due to your carelessness or for any other reason, God can restore it. However, it is better not to have lost it in the first place. I pray that He will have mercy on you and restore what you have lost. The One who retrieved an axe head from the River Jordan, a muddy river, is alive and able to retrieve the irretrievable (2 Kings 6:1-6). Verse 6 says: “ And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.”

NOTE: Don’t give up. If what you have lost is irreplaceable which is rarely the case, He will give you something better. Trust in the Lord. God wants you to be happy.

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PRAYER: A MASTER KEY

MEMORY VERSE: Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5:14-15

BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 5-8

There is a song we used to sing back in Nigeria: ‘Prayer is the key. Prayer is the key. Prayer is the master-key. Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer. Prayer is the master-key.’ How true are the lyrics of this song? Jesus started His ministry with prayer (in the desert) and ended it with prayer (on the cross). One of the secrets of Jesus' success whilst He was on the earth was prayers. He prayed regularly. Prayer is a prerequisite for greatness.

Anyone who wants a change of story, a change of circumstances, victory, a breakthrough, etc., must pray. By praying for the sick, God can heal them. James 5:14-15 says: ‘Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.’ Fervent prayer can turn a situation around. James 5:16 says: ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’ There was a conspiracy at work to get rid of me some years back. At a point, it was certain that I was going to be sacked because they recruited someone to replace me. I reported the matter to God and He turned the table around. The person that led the conspiracy was demoted and she left out of shame. Others were sacked. Prayer draws angels closer to you. Jesus prayed and angels came to minister to Him (Luke 22:39-43). Prayer diffuses fear and imparts unshakeable confidence. Acts 4:31 says: ‘And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.’ However, one thing is required for your prayer to be answered and that is faith. 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.’

NOTE: Prayer draws you closer to God.

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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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SPEAK TO THAT MOUNTAIN

MEMORY VERSE: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Mark 11:23

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 1:1-2:10

Anything that stands between you and the fulfilment of God’s plan and purpose for your life is a mountain (See Matthew 17:20). A mountain can be defined as a barrier standing in your way. One of the things we do with mountains (problems) is we pretend they don’t exist. An example that comes to mind is the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:8-37). This woman had everything except one thing, a child. When Elisha asked her, “Ma, is there any problem in your life you want God to solve?” – she responded and said,” No sir!” She pretended as if she didn’t have a problem getting pregnant. To solve any problem, you must first admit that you have a problem and you need help. That problem you are facing will not be solved until you admit that you have a problem and seek help from God. Remember, it is not weakness to admit that you have a problem or seek help. Thank God for Gehazi (Elisha’s attendant) who told Elisha about her problem. Elisha prayed and God answered.

Another thing we do with mountains is we ignore them hoping they will somehow disappear. Let me be frank with you, problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain forever a barrier to your growth and the development your spirit. Some take pleasure in talking about their mountains and some cry about them. Crying about your mountains (problems) will not bring solutions. I have come to realise (and I must confess that I learnt this the hard way) that talking about problems only make them bigger. I have met people who personalize their mountains. They say things like, “my headache”, “my leg pain”, “my migraine”, etc. It is the devil’s migraine, not yours! Christ commands us to speak to our mountains in faith. Mark 11:23 says: “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Everything God created has ears and they hear when we speak to them. Jesus, whilst He was on the earth, spoke to the trees (Mark 11:12-25) and the wind (Matthew 8:23-27) and they obeyed Him. Joshua spoke to the sun and the moon and they obeyed (Joshua 10:12). There are several examples in Scriptures of people speaking to lifeless objects and they obeyed.

ACTION: Speak to your mountain by faith and it will obey you.

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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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