Lord, We owe You more Thanks

READ: Psalm 26:7
MORE LESSONS: 1 chronicles 16:34
Bible Reading in One Year: Mark 11-13

If you find it difficult to give thanks, then you will find it more difficult to give praise. There is a difference between thanksgiving and praise. Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude to whoever has done you good while praise is an expression of warm approval of who a person is. Here we can see that thanksgiving is easier because you say thanks to the person who gives you a gift or who favours you. Now if you cannot say thanks to someone who favours you, how can you praise somebody for doing nothing. It is important to note here that God is qualified to receive both thanks and praise from us; it is even an act of wickedness to fail to give thanks to Gods.

God did not only give you His Son Jesus Christ, He gives you the breath to sustain your life. Your very life is God's property; let's leave poverty and other problems out of it. God has kept your sanity, you are able to think well, you are not mad; you are not bedridden, you are able to walk, blink your eyes at will. You think it’s because you are beautiful or handsome that you are enjoying these benefits? It's the graciousness and faithfulness of God that make you a perpetual debtor to Him. Therefore you must give God thanks as our text affirms, That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Thanksgiving to God must not be done only in the secret but also in the public and must cost you something. You should be able to tell people what God has done, which is a way of evangelising, because when people see how great your God is they will believe Him faster. Tell it far and near what God has done.

You have no right to deny God thanks for a second; in fact thanksgiving to God should be a hobby for every human being. We owe God our lives no matter what condition we find ourselves. Your problems and deficiencies do not reduce God. He remains the King of kings and Lord of lords forever; no matter what happens in Heaven or on the earth or to any man, God is still God. He is not answerable to anybody.

Your constant gratitude to Him is actually for your benefit because it encourages Him to give you even the things you do not ask for plus the ones you ask for. Lord, I give you all the thanks; for life, for the salvation of my soul, and for all You have given me. Jesus, thanks a million.

Prayer/Action
* Lord, give me the grace to give You thanks in all situations.
* Lord, let reasons for thanking You never cease in my life.
* Begin to thank the Lord for all the parts of your body, mention them one by one.

Ministers by Fire

READ: Heb.1:5-9
MORE LESSONS: Exo.3:4
Bible Reading in One Year: Mark 7-10

As we approach the end of age and iniquity and wickedness increase on a daily basis, God is raising an army of ministers and leaders who are clothed with the fire of the Holy Ghost, I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Matt.3:11. These are men of fire that will deal with the devil. They are men that are in touch with fire by which they will make strangers to defeat destruction and failure.

The sole assignment of the men of fire is, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me: Acts 26:18. It is my earnest supplication that JAWOM ministers and leaders will be part of these ministers of fire, in Jesus' name.

An encounter with fire should be your uttermost desire in 2014 (Exd.3:1-3, 1Kgs.18:24, Isa.6:6-7, Acts 2:2-3). Fire is dependable and you can count on it wherever there is need for its intervention. It is an instrument, a demonstration of God's power and the evidence of God's appearance. So shall you be in 2014. Your life will reflect the glory and power of God.

However, you must prepare yourself for the fire encounter, like Elijah did, And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench: I kgs.18:36-38. In 2014, you must learn to raise an altar and prepare the sacrifice to be offered on the altar. Water is the Word of God which you apply always and the spirit of prayer and intercession must be cultivated. See you at the top (Acts 17:6, Josh.10:12).

Prayer/Action
* Lord, clothe me with Your fire in this end time, in Jesus’ name.

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Let Your Glory Answer

READ: Matt.15:30-31
MORE LESSONS: Num.16:19-33
Bible Reading in One Year: Mark 4-6

The glory of God represents the excellence of God. It is the beauty of God which reflects His presence and His power. In the Bible, each time God shows forth His glory, divinity manifests and the miraculous beyond the realm of the ordinary take place. When the glory of God answers a man, it swallows up shame and terminates all forms of limitation (Exo.24:17, 31:24, Acts 4:21, Matt.9:8).

In 1Kgs.8:11, the glory of God answered Solomon. God hallowed the temple and perpetually put His name, His heart and His eyes upon the temple for His people. In this year of the Lord, 2014, the name of the Lord, the heart of the Lord and the eyes of the Lord will be upon you, in Jesus' name.

The glory of the Lord appeared and answered for Moses and defended him against opposition and rebellious spirits. Consequently there was instant judgment on the enemies of God (Num.12:10, 16:19-33). The people had a new song when the glory answered for them in Matt.15:30-31 and Matt.9:8. The Bible says, But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. Position yourself to receive the glory this season. All it takes is obedience to the instructions of Jesus, ...if you would believe you would see the glory of God: Jn. 11:40(NKJV).

Prayer/Action
* Father, in every situation of my life this year, let Your glory answer for me.

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Rain down Your Glory

READ: Joel 2:18-22
MORE LESSONS: Isa.45:8
Bible Reading in One Year: Mark 1-3

The Scripture passage is the promise of God to Israel through Prophet Joel even before the nation went into exile. God had a foreknowledge of what was going to happen to Israel because of their disobedience and He gave them a promise of restoration. Beyond restoration, God also promised to bring them into prosperity and abundance.

These promises are still very much relevant and available for us to tap into because: 1) They are God's Word which is alive, active and potent in all ages; 2) God's Word being spirit outlives any generation to which it is specifically sent or spoken. If any generation inclines its heart to God, His promises will be very much applicable to them.

Let us examine these promises:
1) God promised to send you corn, wine and oil to give you satisfaction.
2) He will no more make you a reproach among the heathen (v.19).
3) God will remove far from you the northern army, the oppressors (v.20).
4) He promised to do great things and encourage the people not to fear (v. 21).
5) Even the beasts of the field are assured of pasture (v.22).
6) God also promised the former rain moderately, and the latter rain in the first month (v.23).
7) Bumper harvest of grains, wine and oil (v.24).
8) A restoration of the years that the locusts have eaten, the instruments of destruction that God sent among His people.
9) He will give you plenty to eat, and be satisfied, so that you can praise the name of the Lord your God that has dealt wondrously with you.
10) You will never be ashamed.

All these promises can be yours in 2014 if only you will speak to the heavens and the earth in prayer as Isaiah instructs, Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together;...: Isa.45:8.

Prayer/Action
* Wine, corn and oil are mine and I shall live in abundance of them all the days of my life.
* Let the doors of blessing of Heaven and earth be open to me, in Jesus’ name.
* In the name of Jesus, I shall never be ashamed again.

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All-Round Glory

READ: Deut. 28:1-14
MORE LESSONS: Psa. 128:1-4
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 38-42

Our first reading is a vivid description of God's desire for His people. However, the delivery of these blessings depends on your meeting the conditions which are mentioned four times within the short passage (vs. 1, 2, 9 and 13). 1. Listen to the Word diligently. This is very essential for knowing who God is, what He wants, what He hates, etc. It will help one to do exploits and deliver one from destruction (Dan. 11:32, Hos. 4:6). It also helps the development of faith and obtaining direction from God, which brings success (Prov. 3: 6). 2. Be watchful and careful to do ALL. Many hear or are eager to hear but they don't practise what they hear. Partial obedience is disobedience before God (Jam.2:10 ). However, it is possible to do ALL that God expects you to do by His grace. Paul says, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me: Phil.4:13.You too can do all that God expects you to by His grace.

This is indeed a promise of an all-round glory from the Almighty, the King of glory and giver of grace and glory (Ps. 84: 11, Ezek. 16:14).

God cannot fail and it’s not His will that any of His children should fail, or be put to shame (Josh. 5: 9 ) because you are created for His glory( Isa. 43: 7). The promise was fulfilled for men of God. For instance, it was said of Abraham that the Lord blessed him greatly in all things (Gen. 24: 1, 34-35, 2Cor. 9: 8). God will make you great as He did Abraham who obeyed His instructions. Isaac also obeyed, sowed and persevered, and Isaac ...waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: Gen. 26: 13. Even the people of the land envied him, ...for thou art much mightier than we: Gen. 26:16. Such glory is also awaiting you. Even satan reported his failure over Job to God, Hast not thou made an edge about him ...all he hath on every side....: (i.e. security) Job1: 10.

Whatever your past and present experiences, you can still enjoy all-round glory when God intervenes as He did for Jabez (1 Chro. 4: 9-10). A fish cannot be in water and lack water. Get attached to the King of glory by accepting Jesus Christ if you have not done so. If you are in Christ already, note that God has in stock for you unthinkable all-round glory (1Cor. 2:9, 2Cor. 4:16-17). Take these steps also: i) Be angry with everything in your life that is short of glory. ii).Cry to God concerning your situation as Jabez did and became more honourable than his brethren. iii).Seek His face for concrete steps to take. iv).Obey each instruction from Him/His servant (Gen 26:12-14, 2Kg. 4:3-7). v).Be diligent in whatever God directs you to do. vi). Forget the past and believe God to do a new thing in your destiny. vii).Focus on Jesus (2Cor. 3:18). viii).Put your trust in God with whom nothing is impossible and you will experience all-round glory.

Prayer/Action
* Pray that God will replace all your failures and shame with glory.
* Prophesy that this year, you are moving from glory to glory in all areas of your life.

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All Tears shall be Wiped Away

READ: Luke 7:11-16
MORE LESSONS: Matt. 11:5
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 35-37

God wants joy and laughter for His people. He wants to end sorrow in your life, wipe away all your tears and fill your heart with joy. Any trying condition you are going through now is temporal, For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning: Psa. 30:5. There is therefore no need to worry about the future; standing on God's unchanging Word, your future is secure.

The woman in our text is a widow with only one child, who is everything to her. However, one day the boy die. Her future, hope and joy are dashed because of the boy's death. As the mourners are on the way to bury the child, they meet Jesus the resurrection and life. Filled with compassion, Jesus raises the boy from the dead, thus wiping the mother’s tears. In 2014, everything (your business, finance, career, health, marriage, ministry, spiritual life) that is dead, receive life, and your tears wiped away.

A look through God's unchanging Word assures us that there is nothing you are passing through at the moment that somebody somewhere in the past or in the present has not conquered by God's divine intervention. If they conquered, then you will win. God, who delivered Samaria from lack and shame (2 Kings 6: 24-31), gave children to Hannah who wept bitterly because she had no children (1 Samuel 1; 1-2: 1-9), restored the sight of blind Bartimeus (Mark 10: 46-52), gave the Shunammite woman a child and restored him back to life after he died (2 Kings 4: 11-37), healed the woman with the twelve year issue of blood (Mark 5: 25-34), delivered Daniel from the lions (Daniel 6: 10-32), will deliver you from trouble. Believe God! God comes to the help of those who call on Him. He will intervene in your situation. This year, all your tears shall be wiped away.

Prayer/Action
* Command every situation that has made you cry to expire today.
* Ask God to wipe away your tears and give you joy.
* Declare that in 2014 you will not weep.

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Disaster Free Year

READ: Psa. 91:1-16
MORE LESSONS: Job 1:6-9
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 32-34

It is possible that 2014 may have some challenges, but God's divine will for His children is to have a year free of disaster. Disaster is defined as a sudden accident or a natural catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life. In the Old Testament, God permitted natural disasters such as flood (Genesis 6: 11-23; 7: 1-24) to destroy all living creatures on earth except Noah, his family and the animals that he took into the ark because of sin and disobedience. The Lord caused the earth to swallow Korah, Datham and Abiram, their families and belongings because of their rebellion against Moses and Aaron His servants (Num. 16: 1-34). Any kind of rebellion against God and His ordained servants displeases God and can attract a natural disaster upon a nation or an individual. Be warned.

Satan (Job 1: 6-20, 2: 1-9) and his agents such as blood sucking demons, terrorists, suicide bombers, etc are forces of disaster. We must pray against satan and all his agents for a disaster free year. Man, out of wickedness (Esther 3: 7-15) or carelessness (Acts 20: 7-10), can bring disaster upon a nation or self. Our generation is a living witness to global warming that has caused bad changes leading to gradual degradation of nature all over the world. Natural disasters like desertification, drought, flood, etc which usually result in famine have been linked to global warming. But your nation can be free of these natural occurrences. Plane crash, road accident, flood, drought, earthquake, outbreak of disease, fire outbreak, etc are some of the disasters that have destroyed lives and properties in the past few years. These natural disasters can be averted in 2014 and beyond through prayers.

If you have put your trust in Christ and you are walking in righteousness and holiness, you have divine defence, which covers your household and all that you have. The Bible says that God made a hedge round about Job and all that he had such that satan could not touch him (Job 2: 1-9). It was only after God gave him permission that satan brought disasters upon Job. That was in the Old Testament before Jesus died on the cross and shed His precious blood for us. In the New Testament, our defence is surer than that of Job, For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God: Col. 3: 3.

To enjoy this sure defence against disaster, be sure you are born again, walking in righteousness and holiness, living by faith, appropriating the promises of God in His Word, walking in wisdom, taking precautionary measures about your safety. Above all, commit your entire life into the hand of God and trust Him to take care of you.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God for the grace to live a sin free life and stay above disaster.
* Pray against any planned disaster by satan in 2014.
* Plead the Blood of Jesus as a cover over the new year.

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Widows and orphans

READ: Job 29:11-16
MORE LESSONS: Psa. 68:5-6
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 28-31

One of the issues that are emphasised in the Bible is the divine directive to help widows, orphans and the less privileged. There is a divine commandment to everyone not to deprive the fatherless of justice, or deny widows their rights (Deut 24:17). In sum, God's Word instructs us to be fair in our dealings with people, especially widows, orphans and the less privileged in the society. God is concerned about His children, and He is much more attentive to widows and orphans (Jn.14:18)because God does not leave His children comfortless.

Though the widows and orphans are always on God's heart, how often are you burdened for them? When last did you encourage a widow or orphan with your kindness? I urge you to renew or make a commitment to the widows and orphans around you. Pray more for God's grace for them, minister to them out of your abundance, speak for them where their voice cannot be heard, encourage them, etc. God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love shown to them in His name (Heb 6:10).

A widow was once encouraged not to lose heart after the demise of her husband. She was told that her husband was only a bread winner and that God the bread giver will always be there for her. Based on that, she was asked to pull herself together and cheer up. She responded by saying, I know God is the bread giver but I am afraid there is no one out there to win the bread for me. Avail yourself the opportunity to be a bread winner, under God, for a widow and orphan around you because God wants to use what you have to ease their burden. Make yourself available for one today and, ...by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men: 2 Cor. 9:13.

To the widows and orphans out there, since God presents Himself as a Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows (Ps 68:5), you are in a place of God's special grace and His grace shall be sufficient for you!

Prayer/Action
* Call to mind the widows and orphans that you know and intercede for them.
* Pray that the church will not experience an increase of widows and orphans.
* Pray that God raise helpers for every widow and orphan looking up to Him.

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Nothing Failing

READ: Ps. 90:14-17
MORE LESSONS: Gen 47:15
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 25-27

Except God establishes the work of a man's hand, the efforts and struggles involved in such work are bound to fail. Without enlisting God in it, the journey of twelve months is too far for anyone to make alone without encountering failure and frustration. No wonder the Psalmist says, Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain: Psalm 127:1.

Sometimes things don't go the way we want. A promising marriage moving to the brink of failure, the loss of job because of 'downsizing', the weather ruining one’s crops, wasted harvest, the loss of a dependable friend and loved ones, wasted academic effort, etc. These situations are evident of failure and wastage which most of the time are beyond our comprehension because of the contrary forces that are at work against us. The only factor that saves a man from failing or wasting away is God Himself. If nothing must fail or waste, you must consciously allow God to champion your life course for it is written, …for by strength shall no man prevail:1 Sam 2:9.

Our text says that the economy of Egypt was so bad that even money failed (Gen 47:15). However, when God helps a man, it doesn't matter how bad things are, God will make a way of escape to actualise His will for you. Whoever God empowers cannot fail and whatever He blesses cannot waste. For God therefore to prosper your work this year, ask Him to empower you for success, fruitfulness and increase.

More importantly, set the Lord always before you and live by His instructions so that you can be lifted above failure and wastage. May you not fail or waste away in the year.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to empower you not to fail.
* Pray that your health will not fail this year.
* Pray that nothing you do this year will amount to a waste.
* Rebuke all forces of failure and wastage militating against you.

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Nigeria shall Rise Again

Read: Eph. 6:18-19
More Lessons: II Chro. 7:13-14
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 21-24

Nigeria is a land of destiny. While the colonial masters, in the era of the scramble for Africa, were busy, especially in West Africa, splitting ancient kingdoms into national boundaries, Lord Lugard, the commander of the Niger area, amalgamated the Southern and Northern Protectorates of the Niger area into what is now Nigeria in 1914. With over 600 languages, Nigeria has remained united geographically from that time. Since her political independence in 1960, the country has witnessed political turmoil, civil war, riots, ethnic and religious violence, bad leadership leading to the plundering of the nation's wealth and subsequently, widespread poverty, and more recently the onslaught of terrorists threatening our corporate existence. That Nigeria has survived all the threats and still stands as a geographical entity shows that the hands of God are upon the nation.

In spite of the turn of events threatening Nigeria, God certainly has the nation in His agenda for the last days. Towards the middle of the last century, God sent a Scottish missionary by name Pa S.G Elton(of blessed memory) to Nigeria to prepare and ignite the Church in Nigeria for the end time move. The mighty move of God witnessed especially in the 1970s, culminating in raising global church leaders from the country, was as a result of the foundational assignment by the man of God. The era also brought economic wealth to Nigeria. Despite satanic confrontations of the Body of Christ in Nigeria, the country is only second to the United States in population of evangelical/pentecostal Christian and global church leadership today. Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and one of the most endowed with human and natural resources in the world. Her citizens are resourceful and making marks in the global sphere of human endeavours.

Yet economically and technologically, Nigeria is still 'a sleeping giant', retrogressing while other nations less endowed and without the knowledge of the one and only true God are progressing. God is depending on the Church to lead the nation in repentance and seek divine mercies for Nigeria to arise again spiritually, economically and technologically with the Church at the forefront of leadership to fulfil her end time destiny. Prophesy to Nigeria from the Bible readings of today.

Prayer/Action
* Oh Lord, move Nigeria forward, in Jesus’ name.
* Let every force of the enemy at work in Nigeria catch fire, in Jesus’ name.

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The General Overseer and His Family

Read: Eph. 6:18-19
More Lessons: II Sam. 21:17
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 18-20.

A general overseer is a servant of God, called with a particular assignment or message to mankind. Such mission normally requires God calling or appointing other men (pastors and other church workers) to serve under the leadership of the general overseer. Overseeing men who work in church, ministry or commission is such a tremendous responsibility that only men that are genuinely called of God will be able to run the assignment with clear conscience before God and men, fight the good fight of faith and finish the course well.

The General Overseer of JAWOM Commission is our spiritual father (1 Cor 4:15), our prophet (Num 12:6), a Levite with his life wholly devoted to divine service (Num 8:14) and the light of Israel that must be shielded from strenuous and risky tasks (2 Sam 21: 17). Like the Levites and apostles of old, the General Overseer's life is wholly devoted to God (Num3:12), given unto prayers and the ministry of the word (Act 6:4). All JAWOMites and friends of the Commission must of necessity have a vital place for the ministry of the General Overseer in their heart by doing the following constantly: 1) Pray always for Daddy and Mummy Bakare for grace and utterance in making known the mystery of the Gospel. 2) Support him always in all his assignments as Aaron and Hur supported Moses (Exo.17:10-12), especially in church administration (Ex 24:14). 3). Give him and his family double honour at every opportunity, in his presence and absence. Honouring spiritual as well as biological parents earns a man prosperity and long life. 4) Care for him and his family financially and materially. No man ever gives sacrificially to men of God and lacks in the day of need.

To enjoy your full blessings and fulfilment under the ministry of the General Overseer, ensure you take heed to the following:
i) Don't despise him and his family. It is a dangerous thing to despise and speak evil of spiritual authority (Jude 8).
ii) Don't murmur about him (Num 14:36) or challenge his spiritual authority (Num 16: 1-4).
iii) Don't, by your action and inaction, make the work of the ministry difficult for him like Hymaneus and Alexander did to Paul and were penalised (1 Tim 1:20; 2 Tim 4:18). iv) Don't judge and condemn his actions, rather seek clarification and divine insight (Luke 6:37; 1 Cor 4:3. v) Don't rebel or gang up against him or his authority. God always defends His servants and severely punishes gangsters (Num12: 1-9).

Prayer/Action
* Oh Lord, preserve our general overseer and help him to fulfil your call over his life, in Jesus’ name.
* I declare an unending blessing upon the life and family of our general overseer, in Jesus’ name.

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God’s Commission

READ: Acts 13:1-5
MORE LESSONS: Eph. 4:11-12
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 14-17

A commission is an assignment given to someone or a group of people. The moment you are born again, you are automatically given an assignment or a ministry to fulfil. But you discover this assignment or ministry only when you continue to walk with God after salvation.

In our text, God commissions Paul and Barnabas, As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away: Acts 13:2-3. Paul did not get this assignment when he was persecuting the Church, rather, it was when he became a member of God's Kingdom and was actively involved in serving God with the other disciples of Jesus that he realised his calling. God will never commission sinners; therefore if you are not saved, there will be no place for you in God's vineyard to render service to Him, The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight: Prov. 15:8.

Since you became a child of God, have you identified God's assignment for your life? If yes, then do not procrastinate because delay is very risky. As soon as the Spirit of the Lord spoke to the disciples concerning Paul and Barnabas, they prayed and laid hands on them and released them for the assignment (Acts. 13:3-4). Another important factor in handling God's commission is faithfulness, which is doing the Master's assignment when He wants it and how He wants it done. God’s assignment is not done when you feel like or when it is convenient..

In the Master's vineyard, everyone that is born again has something to do, so don't be idle. During Jesus' earthly ministry, He was full of compassion for sinners, But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd: Matt. 9:36. Soul winning is an assignment for you, receive courage and start today. I admonish you with what a song writer says, Let none hear you idly saying, there is nothing I can do, while the souls of men are dying, and the Master calls for you, take the task He gives you gladly, let His work your pleasure be, answer quickly when He calleth, here am I, send me, send me.

Prayer/ Action
Ask God for grace to be faithful to the end in the assignment He has committed into your hand

Rebuke the spirit of slothfulness over your life

Ask God to give you at least one soul today

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Goodness and Mercy

READ: Exo. 33:12-23
MORE LESSONS: Ps. 23:6
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 11-13

A life lived outside of God's goodness and mercy is full of frustration, pain and is purposeless. The presence of God in a man's life helps him find direction in the path of destiny and attracts His goodness and mercy upon such a man. A man experiences the presence of God when he embraces Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour.

In our text, God granted Moses his request because He knew Moses by name, And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name: Exo. 33:17. In verse 19, God also said unto him, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, Moses’ relationship with God gave him the privilege of seeing God face to face.

When God's goodness and mercy is upon you, you become unstoppable in life. Daniel was a man who enjoyed the goodness and mercy of the Lord. Even when his colleagues teamed up to eliminate him, they couldn't because God was with him. Rather than die, it was his enemies that eventually perished in the den of lions (Dan. 6:22-24).

The Psalmist has an in-depth understanding of the goodness and mercy of the Lord, and thus declares, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever: Psa. 23:6. David knows the danger of living without God's goodness and mercy over his life and destiny.

The goodness and mercy of the Lord is so great that there is no human need that can ever exhaust it. The blind Bartimaeuse took advantage of the goodness and mercy of the Lord and he cried out to God with a loud voice, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me: Mk. 10:47. Immediately, Jesus gave him attention, and he received his sight that same moment. Therefore, whatever may be your request today, believe that God will do it for you and it shall be yours, in Jesus name
.
Prayer/Action
Prophesy God’s goodness and mercy to your life today.

Declare that every good thing that God has in stock for you will come to you this year.

Manifest God’s goodness in your life today by sharing with someone the testimony of what the Lord has done for you.

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Faithful Helpers

READ: Rom.16:1-10
MORE LESSONS: Eph.6:21

Bible Reading in One Year: Job 8-10

There is an enviable term that has been used to describe particular categories of men and women across ages. This term describes some people as men of “timber and calibre”. This means people that have great worth, wealth and weight among the people in a community. Such are the men and women that are listed by Paul in today's reading. Consider the description of such brethren as we have in our text and pray earnestly that God will make you a person of “timber and calibre” to His glory, joy of your family and the progress of the nation.

First, such people have the ability to serve. The greatest men of God or leaders receiving commendation of many today are men of great service. Do you want to be well known? Then choose to serve. Second, such a person succours others, implying that they willingly help to bear the burdens of others without breaking under the weight. May God make you a pillar in His house to succour others from today. Third, there are people that laboured for Paul and others. This implies that faithful helpers don't shy away from responsibility or push it to others, they are solution givers. Churches or ministries that have such people flourish abundantly because such men and women labour much and are productive for which God is happy and the church is established.

Prayer/Action
* Lord, make me a pillar in Your house today.
* O God, empower and enrich me this year and use me to enrich others in my church, family and nation.
* Take steps to develop and advance yourself this year in order to lend to nations and not borrow from anyone.

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No Evil Memorial

READ: Psalm 91:1-10
MORE LESSONS: Psalm 27:1-3
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 5-7

Evil memorial is a sad event that brings sorrow or regret each time you remember. As long as satan has the freedom to move to and fro in his mission of stealing, killing and destruction (Jn. 10:10), evil will abound. Since the fall of man, evil has continued to grow from generation to generation in all areas of life such as natural disasters, hatred, killing, robbery, witchcraft, jealousy etc.

However, in all these, children of God have the privilege of divine defence. Central to the divine defence is the Word of God by which children of God are sustained all through life. A believer’s life is in the living Word and that is why he cannot easily be used for any evil experiment.

To prevent falling into evil you must wrap yourself in the Word of God, which keeps us hidden in God our refuge in a wicked world like ours. The devil cannot penetrate through the Word of God to harm you, that is why God reassuringly asserts, There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling: Psa. 91:10. Only the Master of the universe who has the power to kill and to give life can give such a decree. It is promises like this that give joy and boldness to the people of God.

There are two things you must do to activate this Word in your life and your loved ones. They are found in Romans 10:10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Therefore:
1. Believe in your heart that there shall not be any evil memorial concerning you and your loved ones. You must believe that it will not even come near you. You must carry this mentality in you over every aspect of your life.
2 ...with the mouth confession is made.... Now you must say and pray loud: I reject any evil memorial over me, my loved ones and my belongings for the Word of God says there shall no evil befall me, neither shall any plague come near my dwelling.
Don't fail to say these words out so as to activate the power in the Word. No evil memorial, in Jesus’ name.

Prayer /Action
* In the name of Jesus, my path shall turn to testimony.
* I cancel regrets over my life, in Jesus’ name.
* Evil is not permitted to come near me and all that have to do with me, in Jesus’ name.

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Thy Will be Done

READ: Luke 1:26-38
MORE LESSONS: Luke 11:1-2
Bible Reading in One Year: Job 1-4

A preacher once said that one must strictly follow spiritual instructions as a patient follows a doctor's prescription. If you will prosper in life you must observe and do according to the set pattern of God as encoded in His Word, And Moses...said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it: Deut. 32:44-47.

The will of God is His commandments. Until you make up your mind to obey them strictly and diligently you may not succeed in life. This informed God’s admonition to Joshua, This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do  according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success: Joshua 1:8. Let the will of God prevail over everything you do in every area of life and you will prosper. In our text, Mary says to the angel of God, … Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.... v.38. When you allow God to rule over your affairs, satan can’t hinder your progress. In fact, when others are being cast down you will testify, then will I arise and say Jehovah is my defence. God will defend His Word. Ensure you are in the will of God in all that you do - in business, journey, career, e.t.c.

In case you have missed it, it is not too late. The Bible says if you hear His voice today, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: Heb. 3:8. Now that you know God’s will and you have the Bible to continue in it, don't fail  to walk according to His will so that you will not fail or perish.

Finally, for you to be in God’s will, Proverbs says, Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man: Prov. 3:3-4. Habakkuk boldly declares, ...Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it: Hab.2:2. Receive grace to do according to the will of God from now.

Prayer/Actions
* Receive grace to walk according to the will of God all through your life, in Jesus’ name.
* I submit myself to the will of God over______________(mention the matter).
* I cast out every rebellious spirit against the will of God for my life.

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Deliver us from Evil

READ: Psa. 21:7-12
MORE LESSONS: Psa.
2:1-4
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 47-50 Evil is wickedness, it is anything that negates good. To be delivered from evil is to be set free from the destroyer because evil is a destroyer. It is to have dominion over every negative thing that rules over your life. Sickness and diseases are evil that you need to be delivered from, He sends His word and delivered them from their destruction: Ps. 107:20. You need to be delivered from ignorance of the Word and promises of God for your life, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… Hosea 4:6. When you know what the Word of God says concerning your situation you will be bold in trial. Caleb says, for it is said concerning me, Jesus says, for it is written, find the Word of God and you are delivered from anything that afflicts you.
Poverty is another evil that has made people to go into things that do not glorify God. It is a curse for which Christ has paid. Yet men worship men instead of God, some fornicate, all in a bid to make ends meet. Satan attempted it with Jesus when he demanded of Him, ...fall down and worship me: Matt.4:9. You will not bow to anybody because of what you will eat and wear, in Jesus’ name.
Evil can come from your enemy, For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform: Psa. 21:11. Today, God will deliver you from everyone that intends evil or imagines a mischievous device against you, in Jesus’ name. Evil can be spoken against a person in the form of a false report that is capable of tarnishing one’s image, spoil his record or even put him in trouble. It was done to Jesus.
There are also evil days as the Bible warns, Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not,.... Eccl. 12:1. Paul cautions, See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil: Eph. 5:15-16. Friend, the evil days are here!
Our nation like others is bedevilled with terrorism, political unrest, ethno-religious crises, natural disasters and epidemics. Several innocent people suffer for no just cause. What is the way out? Paul gives a clue to the way out, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil: Eph.6:10-11. Satan is the architect of all evil. The armour of God that you need to put on is a life of righteousness and holy living,equipped with the Word of God.
Today, you will be delivered from all evil, in Jesus’ name.

Prayer/Action
* Lord, take evil far away from me.
* Deliver me from evil men wherever I go today, in Jesus’ name.
* I shall see no evil, I shall hear no evil from today, in Jesus’ name.

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Speed in the Face of Opposition

READ: Gen. 37: 8-11.
MORE LESSONS: Gen. 39:1-16
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 43-46

Whatever draws you back in life, is an opposition to your advancement. Opposition is usually aimed at reducing the speed of anyone in life in order to destroy his dreams. There are many ways a man can face opposition in life; it can come from family and friends. A man can face opposition from his closest friends, from an organization where he works, even from the brethren.

Whenever the devil wants to attack a man in life, he brings opposition his way and this might not be successful until he uses the vessels that are easily accessible for him to use. If you make yourself available, he will use you against your closest friend or even your own father or mother.

Whenever you face opposition in life, don't be afraid. It simply means that the devil recognises your speed and he wants to reduce it. Opposition is a ladder to your height if you manage it well.

In the book of Matt. 5:14, the Bible says: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Do you know that light travels at 300,000 kilometers per second? or 700 million miles an hour? If you are the light of the world then, there is no limit of the distance you can cover in any good thing of life.

There are many people in the Bible who faced oppositions but came out victorious; as the opposition was coming, they were increasing in speed. Joseph faced opposition with his brothers from the day he told his dreams: And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words: Gen. 37: 8. That was war from home but he came out fine.

Even in the face of opposition, Joseph was prospering; And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man... Gen. 39:2a. As the devil saw that Joseph was prospering in the face of opposition, he needed a vessel to terminate the ordained plan of God for him so he picked up a vessel from within not from outside: The Bible says: And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused...: Gen. 39:7-8. Every opposition and temptation you do not refuse in life will take you far away from your destiny.

The devil will never give up on you to bring you down; And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me:... v 12a Joseph did not stop at the point of refusing also, he acted. The Bible says: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. v 12 b. As soon as he ran out, the devil lost his plan in making an attempt to destroy his dreams. What became of Joseph? Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou: Gen. 41:40. May God empower you with the speed that you need to overcome the enemy of your destiny.

Prayer/Action
* Father, give me victory over every opposition that is organised against my destiny
* I receive wisdom not to eat the baits of the devil against my life for my downfall.
* I receive speed to cover the distances I need to cover in destiny.

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Taming the Prince of the Power of the Air

READ: Eph.2:1-4
MORE LESSONS: Eph.6:10-13
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 40-42

The Scripture reading today tells us that there is a spirit personality at work in the sons of disobedience. When you see a person or a group of people doing what is clearly abnormal, they are under the influence of a school of spirits with the prince of the power of the air in charge. The influence of this principality is so strong that an entire nation or continent can be under his control.

I believe strongly that nations and groups of people that deliberately embrace abnormal practices such as same sex marriage are under the influence of the prince of the power of the air. The Bible says it is the spirit that is at work in those who oppose God, upon whom the wrath of God abides. Nations given to violence, drug abuse, killing, and those that consciously oppose the preaching of Jesus and freedom of religion are under the influence of this same prince who does not want the people under his control to see and embrace the light of salvation.

The good news is that the influence of this spirit over any person or people has never been everlasting. The Scripture says all of us were once under his control. But one day, through the power of Jesus, we came off its hook and control. Moreover, God has empowered those who believe in Jesus to demonstrate His manifold wisdom over principalities and power, To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: Eph.3:10-11.

Believers must now take their responsibility to bind and restrain the spirit that perpetuates violence and atrocities in their land. The Church now carries the keys of the kingdoms, both of light and darkness. As offspring of the Seed of Abraham, we possess the gate of the enemy. Whatsoever you bind on earth is bound in the spirit realm (in the heavens). So important is this matter that Jesus declares it in Matt.16:19 and affirms it in Matt.18:18.

Arise, tame the spirit fuelling violence, atrocities and abnormality in your domain. Speak prophetically to your land, bind the prince at work in the sons of disobedience; bind every anti-Christ, anti-Church, wicked and blood-sucking spirit. Hand over your nation to Jesus, and ask Him to reign as the King and Lord of lords.

Prayer/Actions
* In the name of Jesus, I bring to an end every activity of the prince of the air in my life and destiny.
* I am no longer under the control of any satanic spirit by the blood of Jesus.
* Thank You Jesus for raising me above satanic activities.

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Lord, Lift me Up

READ: Psa. 3:1-3
MORE LESSONS: Psa 40:1-4
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 37-39

God is the lifter of men, But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head: Ps. 3:3. When you ask Him to lift you up you are simply requesting Him to perform His role in your life. God is a performer; all that we can see or imagine are made available by His ability to perform.

Yet some speak about themselves as being self-made, reducing the glory of God to evolution from apes. Many argue that the greatness they attain is a function of their ingenuity, self will and effort, forgetting that their soul could be demanded of them any moment, as is the case of the rich fool (Lk 12:16-20). In order to buttress the futility of man’s ability to lift up himself, Jeremiah muses, O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps: Jer.10:23

An attempt by man to depend on another man of a higher status, position or influence for a lifting is equally disastrous. Thus Jeremiah declares, ...Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm....: Jer. 17:5. It is common to see highly placed people boast and demand praise or worship from their beneficiaries, assuming the position of a deity in such lives. I pray no man takes the place of God in your life. This is not to say that God cannot use a man or any other thing for your lifting but the prerogative to do so is His sole reserve.

It is the Creator’s design, through Jesus Christ who left His glory in Heaven, took the nature of a man, died, was buried, resurrected and sits at the right hand of the Father, to ensure man's lifting from the dungeon of hopelessness and sit him together with Christ in heavenly places, But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love… even when we were dead in sin, hath quickened us together with Christ…and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Eph 2:4-6. Everyone who is in Christ Jesus is qualified to be lifted by the Lord. Asking the Lord to lift you up without depending on your own ability or that of others is asking according to the will of the Father, with the assurance of hearing you (I Jn 5:14-15).

It is wisdom to hand over your lifting to the Lord, who is lifted and sited in Heaven (Psa. 2:4). His vintage position as the Almighty (Gen 17:1), all-sovereign (Col. 1:18), all-glorious (Luke 13:17), all-sufficient (II Cor. 9:8), all-gracious (Exo. 33:19), all-powerful (I Chron. 29:11-12), all-knowing (Isa. 40:13-14) qualifies Him to be looked up to as a perfect lifter. When the Lord lifts you up, you remain at the top. Nothing can pull you down because God has His everlasting arms under you (Deut 33:27). You are like a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden (Mat. 5:14). In 2014, the testimony of lifting is your portion and your domain shall be reserved with the great.

Prayer/Actions
* Proclaim that your lifting is from God only.
* Repent of any act of looking up to man for lifting.
* Ask God to lift you out of the miry clay and set you upon the Rock of Ages.

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All-Round Strength

READ: Isa. 40:28-31
MORE LESSONS: II Cor 12:9-10
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 33-36

God does not hold back His blessing but gives to all men liberally and upbraids not. He always gives His best and His all, For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance: Rom. 11:29. He was not satisfied with His Spirit coming upon man intermittently in the old covenant, so He came up with a new covenant where His Spirit permanently dwells in man. In the same way, God gives all-round strength to His people. Finding no one to send for man's redemption, He came down Himself, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth: Jn 1:14.

He gave all of Himself to rescue man from the shackles of sin. After accomplishing this task on the cross of Calvary and it was time to return to the Father, He never left us comfortless, He put in us, the totality of Himself in the Holy Ghost, to abide with us forever (Jn 14:16-17). Thus, ... we all, with unvailed face, the glory of the Lord beholding in a mirror, to the same image are being transformed, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord: II Cor 3:18(YLT).

Part of our heritage in God through the work of salvation is all-round strength because there is no iota of weakness or fainting in God, He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength...: Isa. 40:28-29. This is to say that God gives all-round strength to those who don't have. God is able to bring increase to your life from nothing as He did at creation when all things were made from things that can’t be seen (Heb 11:3). He has equally given to us all things that we need for godly life through the knowledge of Him, and has shared His glory with us and given us all-round strength (II Peter 1:3-4).

However, you may sometimes experience some moments of weakness in one area or the other in your life and quickly jump into conclusion that you have weakness in such area, forgetting that all-round strength is a function of knowledge and not feelings, ...the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits: Dan 11:32. Also II Peter 1:3 clarifies this truth. Even then people become strong after being weak. (Heb 11:34). Indeed, the strength of God is made perfect in weakness, so that when we are weak, then we are strong (II Cor 12:9-10).

This manifold wisdom is paradoxical, and cannot be understood by the devil; for if he had known, he would not have crucified the Lord of glory (I Cor 2:8). Though the resurrection of the dead is sown in weakness, it is raised in power (I Cor. 15:42-43). All-round strength is not a myth after all, but the expression of God’s divine nature in us through His knowledge. I Jn 4:17 makes it more explicit ...as he is, so are we in this world. In this new year of season of glory, Jehovah's everlasting strength will be manifested in every area of your life.

Prayer/Action
* Declare that God’s strength will be sufficient for you.
* Ask for God’s strength to be made manifest in your weakness.
* Declare all-round strength.

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Open Heaven

READ: Matt. 3:13 -17
MORE LESSONS:Mark 9:2-8
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 30-32

Open Heaven signifies being allowed access, passage or opportunity to the treasures of Heaven. It also signifies God’s approval of a man and all that he does.

Jesus, in fulfilling all righteousness, went to be baptised and had Heaven open upon Him. That marked the beginning of His manifestation to the world. The encounter was so captivating that none of the writers of the gospel omitted it in their account, And

John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him: John 1:32. The results of an open Heaven are telling. When a man experiences open Heaven: the good treasures of God are released to him (Deut. 28:12), God pours more-than-enough blessing upon him (Mal. 3:10), God releases His Spirit upon him(John 1;32), He announces him to the world as His own (Matt. 3:17) and there will be a rain of righteousness upon such a man.

Your daily desire should be to always operate under an open Heaven. Consistent prayer life will keep Heaven open upon your life. The prayer life of Jesus on earth made Him to have Heaven open continually upon Him. Also, having a right standing before God will open the Heaven upon a man as unrighteousness closes Heaven.

Stay out of sin and you will have God's attention drawn to your life. As you go out today, Heaven shall be open upon you and Heaven's attention will be drawn to you to bring into your life God's good treasures, in Jesus' name.

Prayer/Action
* Pray that Heaven will not close over your life.
* Ask God to help you to live a life that will always attract His presence.

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Fervent Spirit

READ: Acts 18:24-28
MORE LESSONS: Matt. 3:1-11
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 27-29

One of Paul's instructions to Christians in Rome about Christian lifestyle and service is, Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord : Rom. 12:11. He sees fervent spirit and effectiveness as necessary components of our service to the Lord. Being fervent in spirit signifies being zealous, enthusiastic, and not being indifferent. Diligence and fervency are qualities that God requires of His children because He expects us to be diligent and industrious in all our duties both to God and man, especially in the duties of our calling.

To be fervent is to be earnest; allow your heart to be engaged in everything you do. Be enthusiastic about working for God. Nothing should be done out of

hypocrisy, eye service, murmuring, grumbling or with indifference. The Bible condemns the attitude of Reuben, Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart: Judges 5:16.

Contrary to what the world believe, an idle, slothful person cannot be a Christian because Christianity doesn’t encourage idleness or slothfulness. Apollos has a testimony of being diligent among the Christians in Ephesus, This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John: Acts 18:25. After being taught of the way of the Lord, he became a useful tool in nurturing the believers in Corinth (I Cor. 3:6).

Paul also comments about Epaphras as always labouring fervently in prayer (Col 4:12), Phinehas also has a commendation for being zealous for God (Num 25:1), Jesus, our perfect example, says, ... My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work: John 4:34. To have a fervent spirit, be earnest, let your heart be engaged in what you do, be diligent in seeking God, be consistent and be at the forefront of Kingdom matters.

Prayer/Action
* Ask the Lord to renew the zeal for His work in your heart.
* Ask God to kindle a fresh fire upon your spirit.

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A Happy Home

READ: Psalm 127:1-5
MORE LESSONS: Jn. 13:17
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 23-26

Having a happy home is not only a function of the good things that family members can do for one another, but also of the presence of the Lord in the home. Wherever God is present, His fullness and goodness must be there.

Building a happy home is very important because the family is a vital part of the society. It is the home that feeds the society with people. Therefore the society is the true reflection of homes. If people at home are happy, the society will be a happy one. A happy home is a happy family and for the home to be happy there must be a harmonious relationship between husband, wife and children, which cannot happen unless members have learnt to be peaceable and friendly, as Paul enjoins, Follow peace with all men,….: Heb.12:14. When family members work for peace, there will be happiness in the home.

Making everyone feel he or she is a VIP in the family by accepting, trusting and liking one another can foster joy. Making sure the basic structure for the home is correct is also a necessity as it is prescribed in Eph.5:23-24:the husband being the head, the wife the help and supporter of the husband and children the blessing of the union, with all sharing responsibilities at home.

Putting in place suitable principles to seal the relationship is very essential; when forgiveness, giving, restitution and forbearance are practised, living together becomes a delight. Showing appreciation for every good gesture helps members to be able to do more. Also, if members know, accept and play their roles well at home, there will be no lapses or schism, and every one's need will be met (Eph.6:1-9).

One other great thing that keeps the family together is family altar where everyone keeps appointment with God every day; it is the church in the home where the husband can perform his headship role as the priest. When the family houses the ark of the Lord, God will be there and pour His goodness and blessing on the family.

Finally, for the home to be free from satanic activities such as divorce, separation, disagreement all the time, adultery, wayward children, sexual perversion, we must allow the wise Master Builder to build and keep our home for us. A happy home is cultivated by a collaborative effort with God Almighty the Creator of the family.

Prayer/Action
* Oh Lord, grant me grace to be an agent of Your goodness in my home, in Jesus' name.
* I destroy everything responsible for sorrow and pain in homes today, in Jesus' name.

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Breakthrough

Read: Mark 2:1-12
More Lesson: Psa. 40:1-4
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 20-22

Unlimited blessings and all-round fruitfulness is the will of God for all His children. But by experience, it is clear that it does not just happen. An advancement or recovery in life depends largely on how you handle your troubles and failures in life.

The world looks like a thicket of troubles and uncertainties and finding one's way in it requires certain things. Breakthrough is one of the things that cannot be achieved or sought for casually, but by continual strong desire and labour, But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint: Isa.40:31.

In other words, for believers in Christ Jesus breakthrough and success come by our relationship with God and what we do with the opportunities He creates for us. When you have an opportunity to serve, breakthrough comes. When people struggle and manage in life, it is because they are yet to break through. May you have breakthrough in all your endeavours, in Jesus' name. When you have a desire you must make a decision.

To overcome obstacles of life, strong decisions must follow the desire to have breakthrough. There are vital lessons of life from what the friends of the man attacked with palsy did. First, if the door is shut on you, you can create your own way (V4).
Sometimes you have problem getting to what you want because there is no access through the generally known way. The men in our text removed the roof (v.4).

If you want to have breakthrough you must be ready to go contrary to the normal, do the unpopular and unusual to find a way where others cannot. Second, be ready to let go something in order to break through, …and when they had broken it up,….v4. For the
people to have access to Jesus they broke the roof; that is, confront the obstacles to your desire for the joy of fulfilment, be ready to sacrifice something. Third, to have breakthrough you must recognise opportunities and take advantage of them.

Fourth, v5 of our text says, When Jesus saw their faith…. Which means it is the labour as a result of faith that can bring breakthrough. A Christian shows his faith by his works, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also:
Jam.2:26.

God always wants you to wrestle and not turn away when you are confronted with obstacles, so He invites you to bring your strong reasons. God wrestles with His children to get them out as He did in the case of Jacob (Gen.32:24-28). Here Jacob prevailed and broke through. You also will prevail and break through all troubles and hindrances, in Jesus' name.

Prayer/Action
• Oh Lord, open my eyes to the ways and agents of my breakthrough, in Jesus’ name
• Lord, I receive the power to wrestle in the process of breakthrough, in Jesus’ name
• I will breakthrough as Jacob did.

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In the Likeness of Men.

READ: Jn. 1:10-16
MORE LESSONS: I Tim.3:16
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 16-19

God's eternal Son, Jesus Christ, became one of us. He took on human flesh like us, only that He was without sin. When He was born in Bethlehem, He had come down to us; in essence, He became man like us, but not in our condition.

Jesus did that because He was willing to take our place before God. He lived a life of absolute holiness, thereby meeting the standard of God for man. Since man failed utterly, the Son of God sacrificed His spotless life for us, He became man in order to die for us. We deserved God's judgement and death because of our sin, but Jesus took our place and died voluntarily, so that all who believe in Him as their Saviour might be saved and obtain eternal life.

Until Jesus came, satan had the key of death. The Bible says that men and women were all their lifetime subject to bondage because of the fear of death. But Jesus put an end to the fear through His victory over death and the grave, and liberated all men
from the fear of death, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage: Heb.2:14-15.

Blessed be God! When Jesus died on the cross, He went right into hell, the devil's territory and took back from him the keys of death and hell, I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death: Rev.1:18. He overcame death when He triumphantly rose from the dead and ushered man into a new life.

God has clearly demonstrated His great and boundless love for man because while we were yet in sin, He died for us (Jn.3:16). The Bible says in II Cor. 8:9, For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Take advantage of God’s love today and come out of poverty, sickness, failure and mediocrity because God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (II Pet. 1:3).

Prayer/Action
* Thank You Jesus for taking my place before God.
* Oh God, let me have an in-depth understanding of how much You love me so that I can take my rightful place on earth.
* In the name of Jesus, from today, I refuse to settle for poverty, failure, sickness and mediocrity.

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Mandate of the Church

READ: Matt.28:18-20
MORE LESSONS: Acts 2:41-42
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 12-15

The world population is about seven billion. The tragedy is that most likely half of this number have not heard about Jesus. But the great commission which is the last command that the Lord Jesus gave the Church before His ascension to the Father is, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature: Mk.16:15. This is the mandate and indeed, the greatest work that every child of God must be involved in.

The Gospel is to be proclaimed universally to all peoples – all nations and all cultures, every individual, all tribes, without discrimination. The primary preoccupation, passion and purpose of Christ’s ministry on earth was to seek and save the lost. Jesus paid the greatest price and sacrifice to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin and satan.

The Church was born and strengthened to evangelise and thereby reproduce ourselves as children of God. It is for this purpose that people are not taken to Heaven the moment they believe so that we can evangelise and save the lost. The responsibility to evangelise is not for the church leaders only, but for all born again Christians. It is a debt to be paid by all believers to all men in the world for whom Jesus died (Mk 16:15-17).

Therefore, we must go into every nook and cranny of this busy
world and preach the Gospel. We need to get to the lost souls everywhere - in the motor park, market, hospital, prison, school, neighborhood, office, seaport, airport, railway station, village, city, on the internet, etc and convince them to come to Jesus Christ.

This will be costly in terms of sacrifice, self denial and discipline, but no sacrifice is too great, no expense or time is too much to be invested in the task of soul winning. The work of soul winning has not ended yet because there is still much to be done. We are to re-dedicate our lives and give the best of our time and resources to bring the lost into the Kingdom of God.

Prayer/Action
* Pray that God will make you a pillar in the end time to win souls for Christ.
* Ask God to send more labourers for the harvest of souls.
* Ask God for grace that your place and role in world evangelism will not be given to another.

* Make a phone call, send text messages or email to members of your family, friends and neighbours that are not yet born again, and tell them about Jesus.

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Peace Within

READ: Gal.1:1-4
MORE LESSONS: Col.1:1-2
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 10-11

Peace is one thing that is often taken for granted until it is lost. When there is no peace, people suddenly realise the importance of peace. Considering the importance of peace, Jesus came to the earth as the Prince of peace and His birth was heralded by a
declaration of peace, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,…. Luke 2:14.

Moreover, as Jesus was going back to Heaven, He left a legacy of peace behind, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.... John 14:27. Peace is one blessing of God that you must key into. According to our text,
peace comes only from God and Jesus Christ His Son.

Primarily, the Bible talks about peace in two ways. The first is peace with God (Rom.5:1). When the first Adam sinned, the whole human race fell short of the glory of God. This brought a spiritual separation between God and man. But God did not go to sleep angry with man; He made provision for reconciliation in the person of Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. When you accept Jesus as God's provision for reconciliation, you have peace with God.

The second way the Bible uses peace is the peace of God. The peace of God comes when you cast your cares upon Him, Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus: Phil4:6-7. Peace with God and the peace of God combined is what forms inner peace or peace within.

Obviously, the world is in dire need of peace today. The wars, conflicts and fights that we see are indications that we need peace. Although these wars and conflicts are signs of the end time, it is also true that because men lack the inner peace of God, the
expected peace without has become elusive. We know that the major factor responsible for lack of peace on earth is the devil.

However, the Church, which is an agent of peace, must not relent in her prayer for peace in the world because it is nothing with God to give peace by all means. Since the Bible says, Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God: Matt.5:9, we must be at the forefront of the crusade for peace.

Prayer/Action
* Today, I destroy everything that tampers with my God-given peace, in Jesus’ name.
* I receive the grace of God to be an agent of peace everywhere I go, in Jesus’ mighty name.
* I shall not lose my peace again, I shall live in peace with all around me.

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Unfading Glory

READ: 2 Cor.4:15 -1
MORE LESSONS: Col.3:1-4
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 6-9

There is hardly anything on earth that really lasts. A man can buy a car today and be mesmerised by the glory of his new car, but give it two years and you will see how faded the glorious car has become. Look at the life of a man; he grows from infanthood to
adulthood and then to old age. No matter how beautiful and fulfilling the life of a man is, at a certain old age he becomes a shadow of himself. With these two examples, it is important to note that everything on earth fades away. That is what the Bible means when it says, ...for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal: 2 Cor.4:18. Nothing really lasts beyond its lifespan.

A song writer captures it succinctly, Fading away like the stars of the morning, losing their lights in the glorious sun, thus shall we pass from the earth and its toiling, only remembered by what we have done.

The only glory that is unfading is what the Bible calls eternal glory. 1 Pet.5:10 tells us in unmistakable term that our call is to eternal glory by Christ Jesus. This glory is the one which is reserved for believers in Heaven. Interestingly, the factors that diminish the glory of earthly things have no power over heavenly things. The atmosphere of Heaven is corrosion-free and as such does not affect the glory of the things there.

This explains why the Bible urges us to lay up treasures for ourselves in Heaven where they can’t lose their value (Matt.6:20).
It is abundantly clear from the Scripture that though there is an unfading glory for us in Heaven, we may go through some temporal suffering for us to arrive at this glory.

We must keep labouring, despising the pain we go through, until our Chief

Shepherd appears to give us the crown of glory that does not fade (1Pet.5:4). Beloved of God, no matter the things you are going through on the path of righteousness, rest assured that they are working for you a far more eternal weight of glory. If your pain,
affliction, difficulties, and discomforts are working out something as weighty as eternal glory, then you must never complain but give thanks to God on a continuous basis, irrespective of how you feel.

Prayer/Action
* Father, let your glory upon my life not fade away, in Jesus’ name.
* I receive the grace of God to successfully pass through all that I need to pass through to enter into eternal glory.
* I am a glorious being, I walk in glory everyday of my life.

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Greater Year

READ: Prov. 4:14-22
MORE LESSONS: Psalms 65:11
Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 3-5

Happy new year is a common greeting at the beginning of a new year. However, a careful look at the compliment reveals that it is a prophetic declaration to the life of someone in the new year. January marks the beginning of a new year and anyone who understands times and seasons will agree that the prophetic declaration is much more needed in our generation, Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof: Matt 6:34.

God's plan for His children is that yesterday should not be better than today, therefore this year must record better achievements than the last one. As a just man, your

path must shine brighter each moment than the previous one. The NIV Bible says that God crowns the year with His bounty and that His cart overflows with abundance (Psa. 65:11). Imagine God, the loving One, dragging a cart overflowing with abundant provision of all you need for the year.

What do we do to enjoy the promise of abundance? The verse tells us that the promise is for only the just or the righteous. Righteousness entails doing the right thing and abhorring those things that are evil. These days, several people believe that no one

can be righteous. This is true if one wants to attain righteousness by his own strength, as

Isaiah declares, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away: Isa 64:6. However, the Holy Son of the living God, Jesus, has been substituted for us, 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: 2 Cor. 5:21. If only you can lay aside your own effort and accept the finished work on the cross, you can become not just righteous but the righteousness of God.

This is easier to do than to strive to do it in the power of the
flesh. You too can become the righteousness of the Lord.
This is a state that all who desire a happy year must attain. Happy New Year, in Jesus’ name.

Prayer/Action
* Re-dedicate your life to the Lord again.
* Thank God for the righteousness of Jesus that is available to you.
* Declare that this year will be better than the previous year.

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Happy New Year and Welcome to the Season of His Glory

Bible Reading in One Year: Genesis 1-2

On behalf of myself, my household and the entire leadership of the JAWOM family worldwide, I say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all members of our great Commission, partners, friends and all people of goodwill. It's a new year, therefore, Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing…: Isa. 43:18-19. This Word encourages you to let go the failure, pain, disappointment, sorrow and the like of 2013; let them go with the old year. Begin to work for and look forward, by faith, to new things in the New Year. What are the new things: Lev. 26:4-12 (NLT).

4 . I will send you the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees of the field will produce their fruit.

5. Your threshing season will overlap with the grape harvest, and your grape harvest will overlap with the season of planting grain. You will eat your fill and live securely in your
own land.

6 . I will give you peace in the land, and you will be able to sleep with no cause for fear. I will rid the land of wild animals and keep your enemies out of your land.

7. In fact, you will chase down your enemies and slaughter them with your swords.

8. Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath your sword.

9. I will look favorably upon you, making you fertile and multiplying your people. And I will fulfill my covenant with you.

10. You will have such a surplus of crops that you will need to clear out the old grain to make room for the new harvest!
11. I will live among you, and I will not despise you.
12. I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people.

Standing on these promises of God, 2014 is a season of His glory upon you in all areas of life. Old stories will give way to a new glory of God which will swallow up your reproach and pain until there is no single reproach left in your life. Your land shall overflow with blessings, your harvest will last beyond the next planting season, your land/destiny shall be fertile, you shall not cast your young ones, you shall not be feeble, silver and gold will serve you. You will be blessed and be a blessing. Negative end time prophecies will not overtake you. You will serve God; you will not serve sin or satan.

You will be a battle axe in the hand of God. With you God's purpose and plan shall be fulfilled. You will end 2014 on a glorious note. You are permanently in our prayers and care. We prophesy a happy year for you, in Jesus' mighty name.

Bishop and Rev. (Mrs.) David Bakare.

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