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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“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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