UNDERMINING THE ENEMY

UNDMEMORY VERSE: give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts, Proverbs 31:6. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 22, Gal 2, Ezek 29, Ps 15-16 

The wife of Potiphar approached Joseph and told him I want to destroy you (Genesis 39:7-12). Wait a minute… she said ‘lie with me’ not ‘I want to destroy you’. Well Proverbs 2:14 says the mouth of a strange woman (adulterous woman or immoral woman) is a deep pit and he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein. Proverbs 22:22 compares anyone going after strange women to an ox taken to the abattoir for slaughter. So anyone inviting you to fornicate with them is politely offering to destroy you. The wife of Potiphar did not hide her intentions, she made it known from the start that my mission is to bring you down and Joseph did not take her serious. 

Joseph undermined her; he thought within himself ‘I carry the grace of God so I can’t fall’. When he least expected, the wife of Potiphar grabbed him and said today is today; although he escaped, he ended up in the king’s prison. Joseph had ample time to put measures in to place but he didn’t. He could have brought the attention of people to the conduct of this woman but he didn’t. He knew the wife of Potiphar was in the house, he could have brought someone along with him but he didn’t. This boy just threw caution into the wind and went inside the house when no one was at home. 

There are several believers today who are undermining the enemy. That brother or sister who always wants to be alone with you in a secluded area is an enemy. Those little white lies are enemies; the moment you are caught you become a liar. Those late night movies tagged ‘adult only’ are enemies, one can become addicted to them. Those so called bottles of beer you call source of iron e.g. Guinness are enemies. I even heard it is called blood tonic and people make punch with it. According to Proverbs 31:6 , only those who want to perish are permitted to drink. Alcohol is far more dangerous than any drug you can think of. The effect of drugs is immediate but alcohol settles in first before causing harm. Whilst sitting and consuming alcohol everything seems fine, you smile and chat as normal. The moment you stand to walk, its effect kicks in. If you are not careful, you may fall and sustain injuries. Statistics have shown that alcohol kills more than drugs and guns.  

PRAYER POINT: Father. Please open my eyes to see the enemies of my soul and give me the wisdom to deal with them.

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus

‘POTIPHAR’S WIFE’ – THE STRATEGY

MEMORY VERSE: And it came to pass about this time that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.And she caught him by his garment, saying, lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out, Genesis 39:11-12.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 21, Gal 1, Ezek 28, Ps 13-14

‘Potiphar’s wife’ represents enemies whose sole objective is to destroy men and women with great potentials before they are discovered. There are one or two things we need to know about her. She is subtle and very cunning. I have always wondered how she managed to seduce Joseph day by day and no one around noticed. She is also very patient and persistent. She never takes no for an answer. Joseph would say no today, the next morning she would return with a smile saying , “dear Joseph what about what we discussed yesterday”, and this continued for days. ‘Potiphar’s wife’ never gives up until she accomplishes her mission. Despite the fact that Samson kept on saying no, Delilah kept coming back. At a point Samson got tired and gave in, before you know it he was in chains (Judges 16:4-23). 

‘Potiphar’s wife’ attacks when one is most vulnerable. She kept an eye of Joseph’s movement, she watched him for many days. The bible records that and it came to pass about this time that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out (Genesis 39:11-12).

Potiphar’s wife attacks when no one is watching. This is why the bible admonishes us to walk circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15). How does one deal with ‘Potiphar’s wife’? How does one deal with a brother or sister who is always pestering one to go into sin with them? The answer is flee! 1 Thessalonian 5:22 says flee from all appearance of evil. Don’t rebuke Potiphar’s wife because it is ineffective; don’t abuse her because she knows no shame; don’t threaten her because she is determined. The only solution is flee from her. If you are in a relationship where the other party is asking you to lie with them carnally , flee from them! If you remain in that relationship he or she will continue to pester you and one day you will fall. Many instead of fleeing, remain in the relationship and keep saying no. At a point they become tired and give in, few days after that the relationship breaks down and before you know it is over. If you have been in that position, I pray that the Lord almighty will heal you in Jesus name, amen.

ACTION POINT: Rebuke demons but flee from ‘Potiphar’s wife’

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus

BEWARE OF POTIPHAR'S WIFE

MEMORY VERSE: And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured, Genesis 39:6

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 20, 2 Cor 13, Ezek 27, Ps 11-12

The enemy is always after individuals with great destinies – prime ministers, heads of state, presidents, kings, queens, governors, lawyers, bishops, CEOs, pastors, entrepreneurs, scientists, inventors’ e.t.c in the making. So if you are always experiencing challenges, it could be that you are a great man or woman in the making.  Potiphar’s wife represents enemies whose sole objective is to destroy men and women with great potentials before they are discovered. The wife of Potiphar recognized the potential in Joseph and began to lure him to bed in other that he might sin against God. Thank God Joseph was wiser.

Out of all the young men serving under Potiphar she picked Joseph, why? Firstly, Joseph was in a position of authority and trust. His master entrusted him with all that he had. Genesis 39:6a says and he left all that he in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not out he had, save the bread which he did eat. Potiphar’s wife is always after people (especially young men and women) who are in the position of authority or people who are holding a position of trust. She is always after youths who the Lord has entrusted great assignments into their hands. She is aware of their potential and would do anything to ensure that she destroys them before they are discovered. This is why I always warn young people occupying positions of authority to be wary of the opposite sex.

Secondly, Joseph was a goodly man, Genesis 39:6b. Portiphar’s wife is always looking for young innocent youths to destroy. They are present in the church.They are not ready to give their lives to Christ. They only come to get a brother or sister to marry. Thirdly, Joseph was well favored and things were working for him, Genesis 39:6c. ‘Potiphar’s wife’ is always invisible when one is struggling, the moment things begins to work in one’s favor they begin to appear. When Joseph was a nobody, she didn’t trouble him but immediately he became the head she tried to befriend him. I want you to know that the Lord who protected Joseph is still alive and He will protect you in Jesus name, amen.

PRAYER POINT: Father, protect me from the hunters of destiny.

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.

LOVE.. A DEFENSE MECHANISM

MEMORY VERSE: doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, 1 Corinthians 13:5

 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 19, 2 Cor 12, Ezek 26, Ps 10 

 

Love is the first fruit of the regenerated human spirit, Galatians 5:22. When you truly walk in love, sinning against God becomes impossible. Romans 13:10 says love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. When you love your neighbor, you won’t gossip about them. When you truly love your neighbor, you won’t cheat him or take advantage of him. When you are truly walking in love, you will live at peace with your neighbors.

 

Anytime the enemy wants to destroy a fellow, he plays on his lack of love. It does not matter the level of anointing on a brother or sister, if he or she does not abide in love within a short period of time that bro or sister will fall. When the enemy wanted to destroy Judas Iscariot, he played on his lack of love. A fellow who abides in love will never betray his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil- talking of love. It wasn’t that Judas was not anointed. As a matter of fact, Judas was one of the twelve disciples Jesus gave power to in Matthew 10:1. He had a healing ministry and was also an evangelist. Judas was part of the twelve Jesus told not to rejoice because spirits are subject unto them but to rejoice because their names were written in heaven in Luke 10:20. It will shock you to know that the name of Judas Iscariot was written in the book of life until he betrayed Jesus and the heavens blotted it out. 

 

The majority of the nightmares and bad dreams people have are as a result of not walking in love.1 John 2:11 says but he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not wither he goest, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. God made darkness i.e. night for the beasts of the forest to move around, Psalm 104:20 -25. If you see yourself been chased by a dog or leopard or other beasts in your dreams, it may be a sign that you are walking in darkness (not in love). If you are not in talking terms with your neighbor, don’t be surprised if you find them chasing you in the dream. When you wake up, you do not need to rebuke any demon because it is not a demon matter. All you need to do is ask God to forgive you for not living in peace with your neighbor. After that go and settle with your neighbor.

 

PRAYER POINT: Father, please let your love be shared abroad in my heart.

 

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.

NO VESSEL, NO OIL

MEMORY VERSE: and it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, there is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed, 2 Kings 4:6

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 18, 2 Cor 11, Ezek 25, Ps 9

BIBLE STUDY: 2 Kings 4:1-7

The oil in our bible study represents God’s blessing and anointing. The borrowing of vessels represents tasks or divine assignments. As long as the widow kept on borrowing vessels, the oil kept flowing. The moment the empty vessels ceased, the oil stayed. 

The task of borrowing empty vessels was not an easy one for the sons of the widow. The task involved taking actions and obeying divine instructions from the prophet. They had to leave their comfort zone (home) to go and knock at the door of their neighbors and strangers. At first they started with nearby neighbors (those on the same streets) and later moved on to the next street. The farther they traveled to borrow empty vessels, the more effort was required to bring these empty vessels back home. In the process of going from house to house to borrow empty vessels, the boys experienced abuse, rejection , some even harassed them but these boys ignored all these and kept on making efforts to borrow empty vessels. At a point, these boys became satisfied with the number of empty vessels they had borrowed and went back home. Sadly their oil stayed when their vessels ceased.

Friend, I want you to know that life is a continuous motion. You are either moving forward or going backward, there is nothing like been stagnant. The moment these boys stopped borrowing vessels, they began to go backwards. They frustrated the agenda of God for their family and threw away the opportunity to become a blessing to their nation. This is the exact thing that happens in the life of many believers today. They get satisfied with the little things the Lord has done for them and stop pushing themselves. The reason why many are not experiencing God the way they should experience Him is because they have either stopped pushing themselves or they don’t want to be pushed anymore. Many only want to fast once or twice in a week; nobody wants to wait before God in fasting and praying for seven days. Many of us do not want to memories bible verses anymore, we want to depend on Google. Many of us are satisfied with functioning in one department of the church, we do not want to join any other departments. The moment we stop pushing ourselves to be better in the Lord, the oil dries. Many are satisfied with the one or two gifts of the Holy Spirit they have. As far as they can speak in tongues or dream once in a while they are satisfied. We no longer covet other gifts like interpretation of tongues or word of wisdom.

REMEMBER: The moment we stop pushing ourselves to be better in the Lord, the oil dries.

AND THE OIL STAYED

MEMORY VERSE: and it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, there is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 2 Kings 4:6

 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 17, 2 Cor 10, Ezek 24, Ps 7-8

 BIBLE STUDIES: 2 Kings 4:1-7

 A particular widow in the bible owed some money. As she was unable to pay, the creditors decided to take her two sons as slaves. She ran to the prophet of God who then gave her three instructions. He told her to go and borrow as many empty vessels as possible, shut the door and pour the little oil she had at home into the empty vessels. She and her son got some vessels, shut the door and poured the oil in the vessels. After they had filled all the available vessels and there was none left, the oil stopped following. 

 The oil in the passage represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the borrowing of vessels represents God given task. As long as they kept borrowing empty vessels, the oil kept on flowing. The moment the empty vessels ceased, the oil stayed. As long as you keep making yourself available for God to use, He will continue to release His anointing on upon you. The moment one stops, the pouring of anointing too stops.

 The anointing of the Holy Spirit can turn a debt-ridden man to a debt free man (2 Kings 4:1-7). The anointing of the Holy Spirit on a fellow can turn him into an agent of joy. Jesus was able to impact many lives because of the anointing on Him (Acts 10:38). That widow could not take advantage of the flowing oil because of lack of vessels. She had the opportunity to borrow all the vessels in the neighborhood, but she brought only a few. The task of borrowing vessels was not an easy one as it involves a lot. For example it involves leaving one’s comfort zone (home). It involves carrying of heavy empty vessels around. If care is not taken it  may lead to embarrassment from rude and unwelcoming neighbors. These boys didn't want to go through all that so they brought the few they could lay their hands on thereby missing the opportunity to keep the oil flowing. Working for God or serving in the vineyard of God may be boring and tedious but guess what,  the reward is trans- generational.  As the Lord begins to pour His oil on you, you will begin to experience turn around in all spheres of your life. There is enough anointing of the Holy Spirit to make you outstanding in that endeavor, are you ready to undertake God’s tasks?

 PRAYER POINT: Father, as I begin to make myself available for your use, pour your anointing upon me.

Bro Samuel - Reaching the world for Jesus 

AND WE SHALL SEE WHAT WILL BECOME OF HIS DREAMS

MEMORY VERSE: come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams, Genesis 37: 20 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 15, 2 Cor 8, Ezek 22, Ps 3-4 

BACKGROUND: In Genesis 37:5 – 8 Joseph had a dream; he saw himself and his brothers binding sheaves in the field. All of a sudden his brother’s sheaves began to bow to his own sheaf. When he woke up, he told this dream to his brothers and the bible records that they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. He had another dream, this time around the sun, the moon and eleven stars bowed down to him. When he woke again he told the dream to his family as usual and the brothers decided that enough was enough. One day his father sent him to his brothers, when they saw him afar off they conspired to throw him into a pit so that he might perish with his dreams. 

From studying the story of Joseph, the Holy Spirit helped me to understand that the brothers of Joseph were not after his coat of many colors. The coat of many colors simply represented God’s favor and blessing. The enemy cared less about his coat of many colors; one thing they were after was his dreams. Friends I want you to understand that the enemy is not concerned about your bank balances, booming business , growing ministry , well paid job, nice car , lovely house , academic qualifications ,  caring wife , obedient children , growing ministry ,etc. One thing the enemy is after is your dreams. The enemy understands that a fellow without vision or dream is as good as dead. The enemy will not waste his resources on such. Proverbs 29:18 says where there is no vision, the people perish. The enemy knows that the key to realizing your potential in Jesus is through dreams and vision, and he does not want that. 

Have you been wondering why ever since you gave your life to Christ, the enemy has been waging war against you? The reason for all these is because of your dream to make it to heaven and reign with Christ forever. There are few things you need to know. Those mighty dreams the Lord has shown you are not for all ears so you need to watch who you share them with. Joseph made the mistake of discussing God’s plan for his life with his brothers and that almost cost him his life. Do not boast with God’s plan for your life. Every dream you have had, every great prophecies you have received are just your potential in Christ. You have a role to play in bringing them to reality. The fact that God has promised to do something mighty in your life does not mean you should rest on your oars. Lastly there are two people responsible for the fulfillment of your dreams, you and God. God is ready to play His part but you must be ready to play your part. Playing your part includes working hard and running away from sin. 

POINT: Your dream and visions makes you a terror to the enemy.

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.