OCCUPY TILL I COME

Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ex 23, John 2, Job 41, 2 Cor 11

 

Occupy till I come can be a request which simply means be in charge until I come. An example of such request is found in John 21:15 which says so when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. Occupy till I come can be an instruction for example, Mark 16:15 says go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Occupy till I come can also be a call to take over. One of God’s plans for His children is that they will be the head and not the tail. According to John 16:33 , Jesus has overcome the world for us so all we need to do is take over our place at the top as the head. 

 

The fellow asking you to occupy till He comes must be the owner of what He has asked you to occupy. According to 1 Corinthians 10:26, the earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof. Not only that, all authority in heaven and on earth are His, Matthew 28:18. The fellow asking you to occupy till He comes must be able to take care of every obstacles on your way. He must also be able to deal with forces that may prevent you from occupying what He has told you to occupy. Psalm 62:11 says God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth to God. Psalm 33:8-9 says let all the earth fear the Lord, for He sake and it was done, He command, and it stood fast. There are one or two things you need to know. The fellow who will occupy must be ready for battle. John 16:33 says in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Psalm 34:19 says many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all. The fellow who will occupy must be ready to leave everything to occupy. Matthew 16:24 says if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Before Elisha received the double portion of the spirit on Elijah, he had to let go of his farm and follow Elijah. James 4:4 says ye adulterers and adulteresses know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. The fellow who will occupy must be ready to spend for God and be spent by God. The problem with most believers today is that they do not want to be spent by God.1 Samuel 2:30 says be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Proverbs 8:17 says i love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Before Peter caught so much fish that two boats began to sink, he spent for Jesus and was spent by Jesus

 

PRAYER POINT: Father, please deal with obstacles on my way to fulfilling destiny.

CONFESSION BRINGS PROSPERITY

Proverbs 28:13 he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ex 22, John 1, Job 40, 2 Cor 10

 

BIBLE STUDIES: Genesis 3:6-13

 

In Genesis 3:6-13 is a story we all know. Adam and Eve sinned against God by disobeying Him; they ate from the forbidden tree. Suddenly their eyes were opened and they saw that they were naked. They began to run from the same God they use to sit and fellowship with. The Lord knew what they had done so He asked Adam if he had eaten from the tree He commanded them not to eat from. Instead of Adam answering in the affirmative, he tried to cover up his sin by telling God that it was the woman He gave to him that gave him of the tree and he ate. He tried to play a fast one on God by trying to shift the blame on God. Eve (wife of Adam) did exactly the same thing when the Lord asked ‘what is this that thou hast done?’ Instead of confessing and asking for mercy she tried to cover her sins by blaming the serpent. Because they refused to confess their sins, their relationship with God began to suffer. Instead of blessings they received curses.

 

Proverbs 28:13 says he that covereth his shall sins not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. A man cannot cover his own sin. It is only God who can cover a man’s sins and it would be an instance of His grace. It is also right in one good man to cover the sins of another, reproving him secretly and forgiving him; but it is wrong in a man to cover his own sin. What God expects is when a fellow is charged with sin, and reproved for it by his fellow Christian; such fellow should not cover it to save their honor. He expects them to own up to it. Failure to acknowledge a sin you committed when confronted is an attempt to cover the sin. Denying the sin you committed which is covering a sin with a lie is like adding sin to sin. Justifying sin as if you have done the right thing is an attempt to cover up a sin. Worse still giving excuses for a sin you committed or imputing it to others that they made you sin is an attempt to cover up sin like Adam did.Prospering in soul or body, in things spiritual or temporal is almost impossible for a fellow who covers us his sin. Such a fellow would not have peace of mind and conscience. Every covered up sin robs one of God’s mercy. How much can a man achieve without God’s mercy? If you successfully manage to cover it on earth, it will be reveal on the Day of Judgment. Luke 8:17 says for nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. On the Day of Judgment every secret will be revealed. If you have cheated on your partner or stolen from the church, you better go to your pastor and confess to Him. Not only that also confess to your partner because whether you like it or not he or she will know one day. The reason why many have not been able to walk in to their prepared prosperity is because of covered up sins.  

 

KEYWORD: Every covered up sin robs one of God’s mercy. How much can a man achieve without God’s mercy?

CONFESSION BRINGS PROSPERITY

Proverbs 28:13 he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ex 22, John 1, Job 40, 2 Cor 10

 

BIBLE STUDIES: Genesis 3:6-13

 

In Genesis 3:6-13 is a story we all know. Adam and Eve sinned against God by disobeying Him; they ate from the forbidden tree. Suddenly their eyes were opened and they saw that they were naked. They began to run from the same God they use to sit and fellowship with. The Lord knew what they had done so He asked Adam if he had eaten from the tree He commanded them not to eat from. Instead of Adam answering in the affirmative, he tried to cover up his sin by telling God that it was the woman He gave to him that gave him of the tree and he ate. He tried to play a fast one on God by trying to shift the blame on God. Eve (wife of Adam) did exactly the same thing when the Lord asked ‘what is this that thou hast done?’ Instead of confessing and asking for mercy she tried to cover her sins by blaming the serpent. Because they refused to confess their sins, their relationship with God began to suffer. Instead of blessings they received curses.

 

Proverbs 28:13 says he that covereth his shall sins not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. A man cannot cover his own sin. It is only God who can cover a man’s sins and it would be an instance of His grace. It is also right in one good man to cover the sins of another, reproving him secretly and forgiving him; but it is wrong in a man to cover his own sin. What God expects is when a fellow is charged with sin, and reproved for it by his fellow Christian; such fellow should not cover it to save their honor. He expects them to own up to it. Failure to acknowledge a sin you committed when confronted is an attempt to cover the sin. Denying the sin you committed which is covering a sin with a lie is like adding sin to sin. Justifying sin as if you have done the right thing is an attempt to cover up a sin. Worse still giving excuses for a sin you committed or imputing it to others that they made you sin is an attempt to cover up sin like Adam did.Prospering in soul or body, in things spiritual or temporal is almost impossible for a fellow who covers us his sin. Such a fellow would not have peace of mind and conscience. Every covered up sin robs one of God’s mercy. How much can a man achieve without God’s mercy? If you successfully manage to cover it on earth, it will be reveal on the Day of Judgment. Luke 8:17 says for nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. On the Day of Judgment every secret will be revealed. If you have cheated on your partner or stolen from the church, you better go to your pastor and confess to Him. Not only that also confess to your partner because whether you like it or not he or she will know one day. The reason why many have not been able to walk in to their prepared prosperity is because of covered up sins.

 

KEYWORD: Every covered up sin robs one of God’s mercy. How much can a man achieve without God’s mercy?

FEAR: A LIMITER

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. 

 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ex 22, John 1, Job 40, 2 Cor 10

 

Anyone who will possess his or her possession in Christ must first deal with fear. Not only that, anyone who will reach the top must deal with fear. One of the tools the enemy has been using to keep the children of God at the same position year after year Is fear. Proverbs 29:25 says that the fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Despite all the measures God put in place to protect Job, he managed to get himself into trouble by engaging in fearful thoughts. Job himself said for the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me, Job 3:25. There are many who the fear of witches and wizards have prevented from making progress. They believe if they make any progress, the enemy will come after them. Have you forgotten the bible says that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world, 1 John 4:4? According to Luke 10:19, He has given you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

 

To realize one’s potential in Christ, there are two types of fear we need to deal with. Firstly – Fear of failure. This was what hindered eleven of the twelve disciples of Jesus from walking on water. Everything was set for them; Jesus himself was on the water. All they needed to do was take a step of faith out of the boat but they did not because of the fear of failure. The fear of what if robbed them of their opportunities. The next time the enemy tells you what if you fail, reply him and say what if I don’t fail or what if i succeed. Secondly – fear of responsibility. From the story of Gideon, we will notice that he was born a great man. According to the register in heaven he was a mighty man. That was why the angel asked him to go in his might to deliver his nation from the hand of the Midianites, Judges 6:4. The fact that he was the last born of his father had nothing to do with his divine assignment. He was just using it as an excuse to run away from the responsibility of leading his nation to victory. The fear of responsibilities has robbed many of great future. People suffering from the fear of responsibilities are easy to know, anytime they are sharing duties in the church you will see them running away or giving excuses. The reason why many do not want to work in the vine yard of God is because of fear of responsibilities. The question is how can you become what God has created you to be without taking responsibilities. The higher you go, the more the responsibilities. Until we deal with these fears, we will remain at the position.

 

PRAYER POINT: Father, please uproot the root of fear in me today.

GOD’S DRESS CODE

Genesis 3:21 unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ex 20, Luke 23, Job 38, 2 Cor 8

 

After Adam and Eve sinned, their eyes were opened and they found out that they were naked. The Lord made coats of skin for them to cover their nakedness. Let us briefly focus on what type of clothes was made for them. The bible records that He made coats of skin or tunic for them. There are three things about these coats of skin or tunic. Firstly, it was not transparent; secondly, it was not tight or it did not reveal their body shape; thirdly and most importantly it covered their nakedness. The fashion world advises otherwise but the reason why God created clothe for man was to cover his nakedness. Bible scholars have actually pointed out that the coat was from their shoulder to their ankle. This is the first occasion in the bible we see God giving humans a dress code. As a child of God, whatever we wear must satisfy at least these three: 1- not transparent; 2- not tight fitting or expose body shape & 3- must cover our nakedness.

 

God is not only interested in covering our physical nakedness but our spiritual nakedness too. The danger of been spiritually naked is that it exposes one to attack. Ephesians 6:12 says we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. The question is what is our spiritual dress code? Ephesians 6:11 says put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. According to Ephesians 6:14, we should gird our waist with truth and put on a breastplate of righteousness. John 4:24 says God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 2 Corinthians 6:4-7 says but in all things approving yourself as minister of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and left. Ephesians 6:15 says we should shod our feet in peace. James 3:16-18 says where envying and strife (opposite of peace), there is confusion and every evil work. Ephesians 6:16 says our shield should be of faith. The moment our faith weaver Satan wins. Ephesians 6:17 says our helmet should be a helmet of salvation and our weapon which is the sword – a sword of the spirit which is the word of God. The bible records in Matthew 8:16 that Jesus casted out the spirits with His words. To be fully clothed spiritually one need to put on the whole armour of God. Any fellow studying the word of God but not living in peace is spiritually naked because he is not putting on the whole armour of God. Putting on the helmet of salvation without the breastplate of righteousness is as good as  naked. This is why we need to give our lives to Christ; live a life of righteousness; live in peace with everyone; study the bible regularly; build our faith by hearing by the word of God e.t.c. These are our spiritual dress codes.

 

PRAYER POINT: Father, greatly increase my faith.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTIFYING TO THE GOODNESS OF GOD PART 1

Luke 12:48b for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ex 19, Luke 22, Job 37, 2 Cor 7
Many of the great things the Lord is doing in the life of His children are under-reported. God has opened doors to many; He has provided through unbelievable means for countless number of people and they are yet to testify; He has healed many of terminal diseases; He has restored marriages; He has done so many wonderful things and people do not testify of His goodness. When you ask them to come and share their testimony they will begin to give excuse. The reason majority give is ‘I am very shy! I can’t talk in front of people’. The question is this; you were not shy to ask Him for your blessings, were you? So, why should you allow this to stop you from giving thanks to Him? Some say ‘my testimony is not that great.’ Sir, no testimony is too small. It may be small for some, but I can assure you there are people who are in need of exactly what you have received; and your testimony will help them. Few say ‘what if I give my testimony and I lose it later?’ If you are the type that thinks this way, you will probably lose it. Not because we want that to happen (not at all), but because you don’t really believe that God has blessed you. If He gave it to you, who can take it away from you? Definitely nobody.  Others say ‘my testimony is very private and I don’t want to share it with anyone’. This is completely understandable and in this case, you don’t necessarily need to speak in front of all, but you can still let your pastor know, so he can tell people what God has done for ‘someone ’, without mentioning who that person is or revealing your identity.
There should be nothing in this world strong enough to prevent us from glorifying God with our testimony. Luke 6:38 says give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. When you share your testimony, you are giving; and what has our Lord promised to those who give?
ACTION: The Lord has laid it on our mind, to create a Facebook page called ‘Testimony Board’. The objective of creating this page is to share testimonies of what the Lord has done and currently doing in the lives of His children. If you want to testify to the whole world about the goodness of God in your life, please send your testimony to my email address s.oluwatoki@gmail.com. As the admin of this page I will add your testimony to this facebook page and the whole world would be able to see it and praise God. You do not need to add any personal details; all that is required is your first name and the initial of your last name. We will also need the city or town you are from. An example would be Samuel.O, London, UK. The details you provide will be added to your testimony.Remember there are no small testimonies!

FOR WHO?

Proverbs 11:17 the merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ex 18, Luke 21, Job 36, 2 Cor 6

Ecclesiastes 9:10a says whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. Why do we have to do everything with our might? It is because whatever we do, we are doing it for ourselves. When you give a cup of water to a thirsty fellow, you are only preparing a cup of water for yourself in the day you will be thirsty. Proverbs 11:25 says he that waters shall be watered also himself. When the bible talks of been diligent, it is not because God hates us or dislikes seeing us having fun. It is because He wants us to make it to the top. God is not interested in sitting before kings as a matter of fact; it is kings that beg to sit before Him. It is me and you that needs to sit before kings, this is why He admonishes us to be diligent. Proverbs 22:29 says seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. The diligent will sit before kings, if you are diligent and you are yet to sit before kings I can assure you it will happen soon. The diligent will not only sit before kings, they will rule. Proverbs 12:24 says the hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. So if you are diligent, you are doing it for yourself and if you are not well start today.

When you show mercy, you are not doing it for the other party but for your own self. Proverbs 11:17 the merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. When you decide not to forgive because you are hurt, you are only inviting tormentors. The bible says love your neighbor as yourself, Mark 12:31. Many consider it robbery and unfair to love their neighbor as themselves. When you love your neighbor as yourself, it is for your own good. Why? Galatians 5:6 says faith works by love. Faith without love is the equivalent of unbelief or doubt.  Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God. When the bible talks of living a life of holiness, it is for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 says for God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. The main reason why we have to live holy is so that we can see God after death. Hebrews 12:14 says follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Whatever you do for God, it is for your sake. When you join the sanctuary cleaners or workers in the church, to you it might seem as if you are helping the church but in all sincerity it is for your sake and good. What you do is what you will get rewarded for. You can not be a bench warmer in the vine yard of God and expect the reward of a worker. You cannot be serving in the vine yard of God with a carefree attitude and expect the reward of those that are diligent. God does not work that way. When they say come to weekly services, it is not because of offerings it is because of your own good. Everything we do is a seed and whether we like it or not, the seed will grow.

KEYWORD: EVERYTHING WE DO IS A SEED.