OVERCOMING THE ENEMY

MEMORY VERSE: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death,Revelations 12:11

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Num 1, Ps 35, Eccl 11, Titus 3

Who is the enemy? The enemy is not that brother or sister at work who does not give you overtime or who is against you. And definitely your enemy is not that fellow you are not in talking terms with. 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. That fellow that is against you is actually a well wisher. He is only mean to you because he is starved of two things: 1) – your attention and 2) your love. This is why the bible advises that we love them and pray for them, Matthew 5:44. The enemy is the devil. John 10:10 calls him a thief, murderer and a destroyer. Revelations 12:10 calls him the accuser of brethren. John 8:44 calls him the father of lies. He is the tempter and author of all the wars and hunger in the world. He is a very terrible devil. The devil is everything we call him except a fool. He is extremely smart and full of all sorts’ trickery. He is very cunning. He does not like you and he is the only one the Lord permits you to hate with a passion.

I want to also add that the enemy is not a respecter of achievements, political posts, contacts or possession.How can one overcome the enemy? James 4:7 says submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. The first thing you need to do is submit yourselves to God. When you submit yourself to God, you become God’s property. The devil knows his boundaries; he never comes near what belongs to God. This is why you must really give your life to Christ and stop pretending. If you refuse to give your life to Christ, you are at the mercy of the devil and he can do all he pleases with you. After you have giving your life to Christ, you can then tell the devil to get lost and he will run with his tail between his legs.

Another way to overcome the devil is through testimony. The devil rob many believers of their breakthrough because they fail to testify. Revelations 12:11 says they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Immediately God does something in my life, I share with it at least five people because I don’t want him to rob me of what the Lord has done in my life. When you share your testimony, the Lord perfects your miracles and makes it permanent. Any breakthrough or miracle that has not been testified about can be lost at anytime. After the healing of the mad man of Gadara in Matthew 5:1-20, Jesus told him to go and testify to his family of what the Lord has done for him? Why? So that he would not lose his deliverance.

Action: The Lord has laid on my mind, to create a Facebook page called testimony board. This page is dedicated to testimonies alone. The page is up and running and the link to is below:
https://www.facebook.com/TestimonyBoard

You can share your testimonies freely on there. Please add your first name and the first letter of your second name to your testimony. We would also like to know where you are from. Remember your testimony can build the faith of others. If you are also feeling down, please visit the page and I can assure you that your faith would be fired up.

NO CHARACTER, NO FUTURE

MEMORY VERSE: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Num 1, Ps 35, Eccl 11, Titus 3

God has good plans for your future. According to Psalm 37:37, He wants you to have a future of peace. Not only that, He plans to give you an expected end, Jeremiah 29:11. Do you know that you will not die young? Psalm 118:17 says I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord. Do you know that it will be well with you? Isaiah 3:10 says say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Your present circumstances may not bear resemblance of your proposed future but don’t worry, all is well. Job 8:7 says though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

Good character is required to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for your life. There are many who work tirelessly to get to the ‘top’, only to come crashing back after a while due to lack of character. There are many women who have lost their places has a result of lack of character. Queen Vashti was replaced; the remains of Jezebel were not found because dogs ate her up; Michal lost her place in the palace. There are many mighty prophets to be who became a leper as a result of lack of character. This was the case of Gehazi, he was on his way to become one of the greatest prophets in Israel. The heavens had planned to give him double portion of the spirit of Elisha but because of a little lie and greed, instead of been anointed he became sick; instead of a blessing he received a curse. The man who the whole nation was meant to look up to began to live in the jungle alone.

Lack of integrity, lie telling, inconsistency in character, lack of patience, non- payment of tithes e.t.c reveals lack of character. You may be wondering how non- payment of tithes reveals lack of character. According to Malachi 3:8, those who do not pay their tithes are robbing God. Now tell me a fellow who robs God, who can he not rob? Lack of character could also be not knowing how to talk. A lot of people have lost great opportunities because they do not know how to talk. Many of them talk rudely to everyone one even their parents. Let me tell you a fact, a child who talks rudely to his or her parents is playing with fire! I know you will not be cursed because you will not talk rudely to your parents. The problem with not knowing how to talk is that once you say it , it is the end. You cannot take it back again. People can forgive but they will never forget what you have said.

PRAYER POINT: Father, pleased do not let lack of character rob me of my glorious future.

WORKERS IN GOD'S VINEYARD

MEMORY VERSE : I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive,Acts 20:35.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Num 2, Ps 36, Eccl 12, Phm 1

Just as organizations and companies recruit staffs from time to time, heaven also recruit staffs. Who are the staffs of God? They are workers in the vineyard of God . The moment you become a worker, heaven opens an employee file under your name. Earthly employment offer many benefits some which are good pay packages, pension schemes, insurance to mention a few. There are a lots benefits in working for God. According to Isaiah 40:31, those who wait on the Lord i.e serve, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with Eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. 

As we all know, different jobs carry different pay package. The same happens in the Kingdom of God. One of the highest paid jobs in the Kingdom are sanctuary keepers (church cleaners) and prison evangelist. When an individual is obsessed with making sure that the house of God is clean and tidy, God will ensure that such life is free from mess. When a fellow takes it upon himself to ensure that the house of God is always in order ( talking of ushers) , God will ensure that the life of such fellow is always in order. When a fellow engages in spiritual battle for the church (prayer warriors), God will engage in Spiritual battles for such fellow. When a bro or sister begins to tell the world about Jesus ( evangelism team), just as they go about telling the world about the name Jesus, the Lord will ensure that there names will be heard all over the world for good . Whatever you do for God, is what He will do for you. Malachi 3:7 says if you return to God, He will return to you. Proverbs 8:17 says those who loves Him, He loves them in return. 

There is a lot to touch on this matter but for a reason or two I will quickly go to one of the most important section. Just as organizations have codes of conducts, the heaven has a code of conduct. There is an expectation on every staff to perform. Every non performer is on his way out of the job sooner or later. There is also an expectation on every staff to conduct themselves well both at work and outside work. That's why once you go to jail, your employer will automatically terminate your employment.I pray you will not go to jail. A staff who fails to abide by the code of conduct is either guilty of a misconduct or a gross misconduct. A gross misconduct attracts a heavy penalty, nine out of ten the end is dismissal. An offence classed as a gross misconduct is stealing from your employer. The same applies in the employment of God. Stealing from God is classed as a gross misconduct. How does one steal from God? By not paying your tithes, Malachi 3:8. A worker who does not pay his tithe his stealing from his employer - God. The pastor may keep quiet but heavens have taken note. I pray you will not work for God in vain. 

ACTION POINT : If you are owing God tithes, as a worker you better pay up so that you don't loose your reward. This is also an opportunity for those who are not yet workers to join the workers in their church.

WHAT IF?

MEMORY VERSE: Yea, before the day was I am He; and there is none that deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? Isaiah 43:13

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Lev 27, Ps 34, Eccl 10, Titus 2

What if Moses had not heeded to the call of God on His life (Exodus 3:2-22)? The Lord would not have killed the firstborn of the Egyptians and drowned Pharaoh in red sea. If Moses had refused to be used by God, the red sea would not have been parted; the children of Israel would not have eaten manna for forty years; the wall of Jericho would still be standing; Rahab – the prostitute would not have received salvation and become the great grandmother of David (Matthew 1:5-6) and David would not have killed Goliath. If Moses had said no to God, the children of Israel (the Lord's firstborn) would still be slaves till today in Egypt. By refusing to be used by God or witness about Jesus to your friends, do you know the pain you are causing Jesus? Do you know what is at stake by deciding not to witness about Jesus to that colleague or family member of yours? 

What if Mary had abortion, our Lord Jesus Christ would not have been born. What if Joseph disobeyed the angel of the Lord when he was told to take Jesus to Egypt because Herod sought to kill him (Matthew 2:13). Herod would probably have gotten hold of the baby and killed him. Had it been Joseph remained in Israel when he was instructed to take Jesus to Egypt, the woman with the issue of blood would not have received her healing (Mark 5:21-34); the man with the withered would have not received his healing(Luke 6:6-11); the woman who had a bent back for eighteen years would have died in that pain (Luke 13:10-17); the widow of Nain who lost her only son would not have known joy again( Luke 7:11-17). Let’s just imagine for a second that Mary had an abortion because she became pregnant out of wedlock, the man who had been sick for thirty eight years at the pool of Bethesda would have died waiting for the pool to be stirred (John 5:1-16); Peter would have remained a failure all his life (Luke 5:1-7); the woman caught in adultery would have been murdered (John 8:1-11).

The fact that you got pregnant out wedlock is not a reason to commit an abortion.You have made a mistake but don’t make a bigger one by becoming a murderer. Before you go for that abortion think twice and ask yourself, what if my parents had an abortion would I be alive today? Before you abort those lovely ideas you are pregnant with, think twice . If Moses had not heeded to the voice of the Lord, the Lord would have called somebody else. If Mary had had an abortion, the Lord would have used another virgin to bring the savior into the world. No one can hold God to ransom. Isaiah 43:13 says Yea, before the day was I am He; and there is none that deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? What He would do , He would do .

KEY WORD:No one can hold God to ransom.

WATCH YOUR ASSOCIATION

MEMORY VERSE: He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Lev 26, Ps 33, Eccl 9, Titus 1

There are several reasons why you - a heaven bound believer needs to watch your association or the circle of friends you keep. The type of friends you keep speaks a lot about your personality. Amos 3:3 says can two walk together except they agree? The elders have a saying ,' show me your friend and I will tell you who you are. Lazy people make friends with fellow lazy people whilst hardworking people make friends with hardworking people like them. People who smoke or use drugs always get along with fellow smokers or drug users because they speak the same language and if care is not taken they might have the same end.

One of the reasons why you need to watch your association is because bad company spoils good morals. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. It is easier for a fellow who is on the ground to pull down the fellow who is standing than the fellow who is standing to pull up a fellow who is on the ground. It is easier for an unbeliever to make a believer backslide than for a believer to make an unbeliever receive salvation. Bad company always spoils good morals. If your friends are the type that abuse their husbands very soon you will begin to do that. If your friends are the type that beat up their wives, God help your wife. If the type of friends you keep are the ones that make dirty jokes, unconsciously you will join them and before you know it you too will start making dirty jokes.

Another reason why you need to watch your association is because your association determines your future. A wise man once said, ‘show me your friends and I will show you your future’. Proverbs 13:20 says he who walks with the wise shall be wise. When you see a fellow whose circle of friends fears the Lord, you are looking at a fellow who will inherit glory. 

ACTION POINT: I saw this somewhere and I think it is very valuable . Write down the names of 7 people who influences your life or people whose counsel you listen to. Look at the 7 people carefully because you are looking at your future.

NB: The single greatest influence on your life is the people you allow to influence you – your life will never be better than the average of the people you associate with.

VIRTUOUS BRIDE

Memory Verse: Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies, Proverbs 31:10.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Lev 1, John 20, Prov 17, Phil 4

The word ‘virtuous woman’ is loosely used these days without many really understanding what it means to be a virtuous woman. Proverbs 31:10-31 paints a clear picture of a virtuous woman. A virtuous woman is a woman that her husband can trust with his life. One thing with trust is that you don’t buy it, you earn it. Not only that, a virtuous woman is a woman that always does her husband good and not evil all the days of her life. A woman that does her husband good will do everything possible to always make her husband happy. A virtuous woman is a woman who the fear of the Lord is deeply rooted in her. She is hardworking not lazy, the bible actually says she rises at least an hour before everyone at home to prepare breakfast. Because she conducts herself in these ways, her children will call her a blessing. Her husband will praise her and the work of her hands will speak for her wherever she goes.

Many of us have read Proverbs 31:10-31 and thought God was speaking to ladies alone. Many have thought the qualities listed are for women alone. It will amaze you that God was actually speaking to the church /believers (men and women) – the supposed bride of Jesus. It is a virtuous lady that grows to become a virtuous woman. Without a virtuous spinster, you cannot a have virtuous bride because it is a virtuous spinster that becomes a virtuous bride. It is this virtuous bride that gets married and becomes a virtuous wife. This virtuous wife matures and becomes a virtuous woman. It is impossible to be a virtuous woman without first been a virtuous lady. 

We all know that the coming of our Lord Jesus is at hand and He is not coming for just brides but virtuous brides. As virtuous brides, the qualities highlighted in Proverbs 31:10-31 must be evident in our lives. Jesus must be able to safely trust us with Kingdom assignments. We must do Him good all the days of our lives i.e. do everything to please Him at all times. How can we do Jesus good? By doing what He commands. John 15:14 says you are my friend if you do what I command. Not only that we must ensure that we are not against Him. Luke 11:23 says He that is not with me is against Me, anyone who does not gather with Me scatters. If you are not witnessing about Jesus, you are not gathering with Him which means you are scattering what He is gathering. As virtuous brides we must be very hard working and as a matter of fact we must be ready to wake up early to have a quiet time with Him. Proverbs 8:17b says only those who seek Him early will find Him. Also as virtuous brides the fear of the Lord should be deeply rooted in us. When we conduct ourselves in this manner, before Father in heaven He(Jesus) will heap praises upon us. 

QUESTION: Can Jesus measure you against the standards expected of virtuous brides and praise you before God the Father? If not ask Him to help you today.

HOW FAR?

MEMORY VERSE: So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 

 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Lev 25, Ps 32, Eccl 8, 2 Tim 4

 

Proverbs 29:18a says where there is no vision, the people perish. The simple interpretation of this verse is where there is no ambition, the people become a nobody. Where there is nothing to achieve, the people amount to little or nothing. Where there are no goals, the people will not plan and those who fail to plan are simply planning to fail. The question is what are your visions in  Christ? How many souls do you intend to win for Christ before He calls you home? How many missionaries do you intend to sponsor to go and preach  before the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ? How many churches do you intend to build for the Lord? How many TV programmes or radio programmes do you intend to sponsor for Jesus? How many evangelism outreaches do you intend to organize? How many less privilege children or widows do you plan to assist? How many cities do you plan to take for Jesus?

 

One thing I have learnt in life is that those without vision end up serving those that have vision. It is those without goals that work for people with goals. Whilst those with goals and visions are resting, those without goals will  be working and laboring. Today get yourself a goal! Think of something major you want to do for the Lord  this year. Think of the contribution you want to make to the body of Christ before the Lord calls you home.

 

Psalm 90:12 says teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. When we all started this year, many of us had goals – personal goals, family goals, spiritual goals e.t.c. The question is this, how far with those goals? Have you started to work on them? Or you have shelved them? How many of those goals you wrote down at the beginning of the year have you achieved? We are in the fourth month of the year, how many souls have you witnessed to? How many follow ups have you done? How many people have you invited to church? How many souls have you brought to Christ? How many lives can you say the Lord has used you to bless? What efforts have you made so far to witness to that member of your family that is yet to give his or her life to Christ?

 

QUESTION : What have you achieved for Jesus this year?