The Purpose of the Holy Spirit

Wednesday 31 May
READ: John 14:26
MORE LESSONS: John 14:12-17

Whatever God does is on purpose and for a purpose. God is only motivated by the counsel of His will. He is extravagant enough to create billions of galaxies and satellite bodies to illuminate one tiny planet called earth but He is also detailed enough to number the bio-strands growing out of the pores on your skin and mark them off when they fall. Our God does nothing without a designated purpose. The first time we felt the Holy Spirit was when He made man out of the dust of the earth and breathe into him the breathe of life - from the original rendering 'pneuma' meaning wind, force or the Spirit. It was after the dusty man received God's Spirit that he began to walk and talk, and exercise dominion over nature just as God originally intended.
The Holy Spirit is the essence of God in you enabling you to walk in His power and do His will. In every day life, when we use the word 'spirit', we often mean the essence, the behaviour or the character. For example, even if you go to the ends of the earth when you enter a Nigerian home, you just know it because of the Nigerian spirit - its warmth and hospitality. That’s the same work the Holy Spirit has come to do in the believer's life; He reproduces the very essence , power and character of God in you. Jesus, speaking in our text, emphasizes that the Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance what we have forgotten and teach us what we do not know.
He is the connector of the past, present and future; nothing missing, nothing broken. All that is required to live in health and wealth, the Holy Spirit can teach us. He asked Adam to name all the animals without a single biology lecture or textbook because He is not the spirit of information, He is the Spirit of revelation. He is not a magician so He performs no tricks. Whatever He does is permanent. He is the Christian's proof producer. He is like a mighty man on a mission, sent in Jesus’ name, echoing the voice and authority of Jesus, and leading us daily in victory over satanic tricks and lies. Jesus didn't start His earthly ministry without the fullness of the Holy Spirit nor did He end saying it is finished until He had given up the Holy Ghost.
Simply put, the Holy Ghost is a compulsory companion to all who will be leading lights in this present darkness. It is not enough to know Jesus as Lord; it’s time to experience the Holy Spirit as Comforter, Teacher, Powerhouse, and Friend. The Holy Spirit experience is heaven on earth. Find and fulfil your purpose today. Get the Holy Ghost.

Prayer/Action
* Worship the Holy Spirit right now.
* Ask God for grace to be more intimate with the Holy Spirit.
* Ask God for grace to be very conscious of the Holy Spirit's presence today, in the mighty name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
No evil eye, hand, thought, imagination, or mouth is permitted any more over my destiny, I shall walk in victory, in the name of Jesus.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Tuesday 30 May
READ: Acts 1:8
MORE LESSONS: Isaiah 32:15

Life is not worth living without power. There is a deep craving in man for true power. Adam and Eve sinned because the enemy appealled to their craving for power, and convince them that the tree of knowledge of good and evil will impart new powers on them that God didn't want them to have. Thus, he led them into disobedience and then death. This means that they did not intend to sin, but to be more powerful, so they didn't mind taking sides with the enemy just to be more powerful. The same applies today as people don't mind doing anything, including ritual killings and every corrupt practice, just to be more powerful. Why do we eat food? Is it not for energy or to gain power? Every sin is linked to a perverted craving for power and every good work is linked to a righteous craving for power. The craving is not the matter, it is where we go to quench our power thirst that really matters.
The first thing our text shows us about those who are filled with the Holy Spirit is that they will walk in God's power. It is not just a promise, it is the reality of every one who will dare to grow in intimacy with the Spirit of the all powerful God. The Holy Spirit is not power; He is the envoy of power. The secret of power is to develop intimacy with the power-man. Fuel by itself is not motion but when a car engine has fuel, motion and speed are possible. Every assignment and purpose require power of performance to bring them to fruition, even so life without the power of the Holy Spirit is a joke.
The second thing in our text is that the power of the Holy Spirit makes ordinary men achieve global feats, ...and ye shall be witnesses unto me...unto the uttermost part of the earth. You can shock your world, you can touch the apex of your carreer, you can make eternal impact if you drink deep into the power of the Holy Spirit.
There are two levels of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The first is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This happens when you accept Jesus as Lord and King of your life (1 Cor. 12:3). Next is the infilling power of the Holy Spirit - this is where the baptism of power occurs accompanied by the evidence of praying in other tongues (Acts 2:4). Are you thirsty for the Holy Ghost? Ask Jesus to baptise you NOW. Have you already received the Holy Ghost? Pray in other tongues and let Him refresh you again.

Prayer/Action
* Receive afresh grace to experience the power of the Holy Ghost in your life, ministry, home, work or studies today.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to touch you today divinely, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I advance my goodness to greatness today, no reduction, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Hope for an Esau

Monday 29 May
READ: . 27:30-40.
MORE LESSON Monday: Heb. 4:16

The story of Esau has been told us from kindergarten. We know about the cause and consequences of Esau's action hatred . Esau no doubt that that attracted God’s judgment and (Mal. 1:2-3) to himself by being noncha ahead lant about his birthright. He lived out the prop went of him from the womb (Gen. 25:23). In Gen. 27:1, Esau is seen as the beloved son of Isaac who qualified for and was entitled to Isaac's blessing but thieves of destiny were privy to Isaac's intention to bless Esau. Say to yourself: “My blessings can only be delayed, I will not be denied”. Esau's destiny was hijacked by the subtlety of his own mother and brother and he narrowly missed his blessing (v30).
However, Esau rescued his destiny by insisting that his father give him just one blessing. When you access one blessing from God, you are made. Esau did not give up. What did he do? He wept aloud and he waited before his father without shame (Heb. 4:16). What do you do with what you believe in? Many of us have been quiet in pain for too long. It is time to ask the Father for just a blessing.
Become agitated in your spirit that the dominion of the oppressor might come under your feet (vs39-40). Put your past behind you like Esau did in Gen. 33:4, and move forward so that you can access your blessings and have the testimony of Esau (Gen. 33:9).
Let this new glory not pass you by, stand up, be restless and take your stand as a child of God. He loves you; He proclaimed this Himself when He sent Jesus to redeem you (Jn. 3:16). Take advantage of God’s promises and be persistent; pray especially when it seems all hope is lost. Do like the persistent widow in Lk. 18:1-10. There is hope for you if you don't give up holding on to God. He is the God of a second chance. If one is lost, there is hope for another. Stir up your spirit and call on God for help today.

Prayer/Action
* Declare that your blessings would not be denied you, in Jesus’ name.
* Call some of your expectations by name and declare that they shall not be denied you, in Jesus’ name.
TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I prophesy, today's goodness will reach me without fail, in the name of Jesus.

Valuing the Voice of God II

Sunday 28 May
READ: Heb.4:7
MORE LESSONS: John10:1-5

Many people keep asking to know how to be sure that the Lord is speaking when you hear a voice, either in your spirit or audibly. There are certain people in my life whose voices I cannot miss even in a crowd simply because I know them personally and intimately. So if you deepen your intimacy with the Lord, you will not miss His voice, because you know Him. When Jesus says His sheep hear His voice, He was invariably saying, the little lambs cannot hear His voice, because they have not developed to the point where they can recognise His leading. Sheep in this context are those who value God's voice more than anything else. These are the true sons of God.
When the troubled waters roar, those who have a personal relationship with God will find an easy way out because they can identify the still small voice of the Holy Spirit even in the noisiest of tempests. However, those who have no personal relationship with Jesus Christ will grope in the dark even when God is speaking to them because they have not developed their spiritual senses to know the voice of the Lord. It is often said that only what you value can add value to you.
God will not trust His voice to those who will not value it. If God cannot trust you to obey Him in little things, He will not reveal strong things to you. His leading is a heritage only for those who are maturing into sonship. Leading is only made possible when those who will be led are yielded and obedient enough to follow the voice of God. It is in vain that some people, in search for the Lord's leading hop from one miracle centre to another when the Lord desires to speak His Word directly into our hearts by His Spirit that is resident in us. God wants to talk with you. The pathways of this life are too dangerous to ply without the voice of the Ancient of days. We cannot afford to handle the voice of God with levity. We cannot afford to use God; we must let God use us. We must yield to and obey His gentle promptings. If the child Samuel did not learn to say, Speak Lord for your servant heareth: I Sam. 3:9, he may never have matured into the Prophet Samuel who could say, 'Thus saith the Lord'.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God for better intimacy with the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus.
* Ask God for grace to obey the leading of God's voice everytime He speaks to you, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I declare, even if gross darkness covers the whole world, God's light of glory shall shine upon my life and destiny, in the name of Jesus.

Valuing the Voice of God I

Saturday 27 May
READ: John10:27
MORE LESSONS: I Sam.3:1

The GPS navigator system in a car might be of very little value to its owner until he drives into a big city for the first time and all he knows about where he is going is the name of the destination. That's the moment when the advantage of having a navigation system fitted car will be appreciated. You will suddenly put all your trust in the directives of the electronic navigator that was once abandoned, and obey its directives aptly and without a second thought because of the pressing need to arrive at your destination.
We never know the value of a thing until we are in a situation where we cannot do without it. This is just the way our minds are conditioned to respond naturally. It is the same with the voice of God. We don't seem to realise how much we need God's voice until all of hell breaks loose and there is no where else to turn. Then we come running to the feet of the Master in tears, asking for just one word from Him. Man desires an affair with God, but God desires a relationship with us; that's why He speaks to our hearts. One of the free benefits to the New Testament Christian is complete and unhindered access to the mind of God.
Heb.1:2 says, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. God is more than a GPS car navigator; He is our Father and Friend. The purpose of God's voice and leading is so that we would be more intimate with Him, Rom.8:14 says, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. By the leading of the voice of God, we grow to maturity in God.
We receive wisdom of God to respond to the challenges of life with answers and solutions. But if you seek the Lord only when you have pressing needs, He may come to your rescue in His mercy. But for how long do we want to keep running in and out on God when we can stay in His presence and know the Master for ourselves? But how will we even recognise His leading and gentle promptings when we have not developed the culture of valuing His voice? The voice of God is the most valuable aid and guide in the Christian walk. God is speaking so let us listen to the voice of God today.

Prayer/Action
* Pray that God will guide you today and forever by His Spirit, in Jesus’ name.
* Ask that God will speak to you today, in the mighty name of Jesus.
* Commit all your decisions to God's hand, ask Him to lead you.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
The wicked wishes of the enemy shall never see the light of performance in my destiny, in the name of Jesus.

Enduring Gift

Friday 26 May
READ: 1 Sam 1: 11 - 28
MORE LESSON: 1 Sam 2: 20 -21

Hannah sought God for a child, and she promised God that whatever child He gave her, she would give the child back to God. When she gave birth to Samuel, she brought back Samuel to the Lord. Samuel, through that singular act, became a gift to many generations. Samuel would have just been a hero in Hannah's house but when he was handed over to the Lord, he became a blessing to the nation and all generations. God also blessed Hannah with many more children such that there is no loss in her life as a result of the child that she gave to the Lord. No one has ever lost by giving to God; only blessing, increase and greatness come out of giving to the Lord.
Trinity Broadcasting Corporation (TBN) is one of the largest Christian media houses in the world. The man who started the media house shared his testimony. When he finished high school and needed direction on what to do next, he went to a man of God for prayer; and the man of God laid hand on him and told him to go to Bible school. So while others were going to university, he went to Bible school according to God's instruction. However, after the school, he fell sick with rheumatic fever. It was so bad that the doctors told him that he would not survive it and if by any chance he did, he would be paralysed for life. Then God came on the scene and healed him. He started a Christian programme to celebrate God for healing him and named the programme ''Praise the Lord!”. He would bring several ministers to speak and preach for free on his programme. He then started paying for television time for other ministers to preach across the world. He graduated to having his own television network where ministers worldwide preach for free. The great television network we celebrate today started as an act of appreciation to God.
Isa. 60:15 says, Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. God wants to make you a joy and gift to many generations. There is a gift in you that can affect nations and generations. However, until you hand over the gift to the Lord, it will remain locked inside. Like Hannah in the Bible and the founder of TBN, there is something you can give God which He will take over and make into a gift to many generations. You can offer service or take an assignment as an appreciation to God; no one can tell how far it will grow. Whatever little money, effort or time you give to the Lord in appreciation will grow to become a great blessing to many.

Prayer/Action
* Ask the Lord for the grace to give out whatever you have to Him and man, in Jesus’ name.
* Ask God to grant you the special gifts that will become a source of blessing for mankind.
* Declare that you shall be a joy of many generations, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
From today my relevance will begin to appear to all everywhere I go, in the mighty name of Jesus.

The Highest Honour

Thursday 25 May
READ: I Jn. 3:1-3
MORE LESSON: Jn. 1:12

God wanted a family and He created man to be part of that family. The whole Bible talks about God building a family, who will love Him, honour Him and reign with Him eternally, Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will: Eph.1:5. God is love so He treasures relationship, His nature is relational, He even identifies Himself with family terms: Father, Son and Spirit. God has always existed in loving relationship to Himself; He is never lonely, He did not need a family, but He desired one and created one, bringing man into the picture of what He desired. When we receive Jesus into our hearts as Lord and Saviour, we become God's children and He becomes our Father. God created everyone but not everyone is a child of God or part of God's family. Just as you become part of a family by birth so by being born again you become a member of God's family, For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus: Gal.3:26. The desire of God for the family is universal but it must be by faith in Jesus.
Becoming a part of God's family is the highest honour, stronger than the natural family ties because the spiritual lasts forever while the physical can be temporary, at times broken by distance, age and death. Benefits of this honour include: you inherit the family name, family likeness, family privileges and family inheritance. Everything that God has belongs to you and you can access them. You start partaking in the family fortune of God's grace, kindness, glory, wisdom, power and mercy. Part of that inheritance includes intimacy with God, defence and protection from all evil while here on earth, a place of abode with God in eternity where there will be no pain, sickness or disease and you get to share in Christ's glory.
Hear the word of Jesus, But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother: Matt.12:48-50. Becoming part of God's family is the highest honour you can ever receive. Have a true sense of honour this morning, feel important, loved and secure because you are a member of the highest family of all.

Prayer/Action
* Thank You Father in Heaven for giving me a place in Your heart and family, in Jesus’ name.
* My portion in the family shall not be stolen from me, henceforth I will enjoy all the benefits of being part of the greatest family of all, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
From today onward, as the Lord lives I shall never again be cited as a negative example, in the name of Jesus.

Becoming like Christ

Wednesday 24 May
READ: II Cor.3:16-18
MORE LESSON: John 1:12

One major purpose for the creation of man and the new birth is to make us to be more like Christ. This cannot be done in one's own strength. Today's reading, especially II Cor. 3:18, is very clear about this, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the power to make the changes that God wants to make in our lives. This working of the Holy Spirit is not in loud noisy ways but in quiet daily walk; He daily nudges us with the Word of God and urges us to do the right thing in every situation. The more we yield to His promptings and obey His leading, the more Christ like we become. The only thing is that the Holy Spirit will not force but prompt, we must learn to cooperate with His working by simple daily obedience. In the spiritual, efforts are required to grow and become like Christ; that required effort is the prompt obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Other personal responsibilities to become like Christ include:
1) Let go of the old ways of life such as lying, fighting, exaggerating and the likes.
2) Change the way you think, get a transformed mind by renewing your mind daily with the Word of God. The more renewed you are, the more Christ like you become.
3) Put on the character of Christ by cultivating new, godly habits. One's character is the sum of one's habits.
In becoming like Christ, God uses not just His Spirit and His Word to mould us; He also uses people and circumstances. He uses people to provide the support of training and care that we need to grow. He uses the circumstances to provide the environment that helps us practise Christ likeness.
Becoming like Christ is ensuring that whatever one does, it must be done in a Christ like manner and as this is done, godly character is achieved and the Lord is fully glorified.

Prayer/Action
* Father, help me to fulfil the ultimate purpose of becoming Christ like and thereby promoting godliness on earth, in the mighty name of Jesus.
* Teach me Lord to be sensitive to Your Spirit's training that I may by obedience accomplish all that You want me to in this world, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
In the name of Jesus, this day, this week, this month, this year, the sun shall not smite me by day nor the moon by night.

Pray for one Another

Tuesday 23 May
READ: James 5: 14 - 16
MORE LESSON: Job 42: 10

There are blessings that accrue to you when you pray for other people. This is the reason we encourage people to pair up and pray for each other during meetings. This is also why having prayer partner is encouraged. Everyone in the church of God should have prayer partner with whom they share burdens and pray for each other. Even pastors should have prayer partners. The pastor carries more load than anyone else, so if anyone needs people to pray for him, it is the pastor. The Bible says, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much: James 5:16.
This scripture encourages us to confess our faults to one another. This is one thing that seems to have been lost in the church today. It is now difficult for people to confess their faults to one another. We have to be non-judgmental and loving so that people won't have problem confessing faults to one another. If a believer treats others as sinners and makes them feel condemned with his holier-than-thou attitude, when they fall into a mistake or sin, they will not be able to come to him to be helped. You must be loving and accommodating even though firm and uncompromising. We must also know that as people confess their faults to one another, there are things about people's privacy that you must not disclose to anyone. As a minister, when people come to confess their faults to you, don't go to the altar and use it to preach. In fact there are some private things about people's lives that you don't even tell your spouse. This doesn't mean we must hide everything in the name of privacy but we must know what to keep as secret and what to tell.
The Scripture says to confess faults to one another and to pray for one another. In Job 42: 10, we see that Job was blessed by the Lord only after he prayed for his friends. Even though they had wronged him, he forgave them and prayed for them and the Lord blessed him abundantly and restored all that he had lost to him. Your blessing is in praying for people. Do not judge or condemn people, rather pray for them. Praying for others includes praying for the sick. James 5: 14 says if anyone is sick he should call for the elders of the church to pray for him. There are many people in church that complain that they were sick and the pastor didn't call them. However, the Bible says that the sick should call the pastors. So it is his duty to call while it is the pastor's duty to pray. Let the pastor pray for his congregation and let the congregation pray for the pastor. Pray for one another so that you all may be blessed.

Prayer/Action
* Ask the Lord to receive your altar of intercession, in the mighty name of Jesus.
* Silence every accusation against your family and loved ones, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Every noise and voice of confusion and depression in my mind and spirit, stop now, in the name of Jesus.

Call it by Name

Monday 22 May
READ: Gen 1: 5
MORE LESSON: Gen 2: 19

One of the greatest privileges that God has given man is the authority to give names. We name our children, pets and even possessions. However, we must be conscious that the power to give name is not merely the power of nomenclature; it is the power of death and life. When you give a name to something, you give it a nature and identity. Gen 2:19-20 says, ...out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. So Adam gave names to all cattle, the birds of the air, and every beast of the field. Whatever you call, it will become.
There was a boy that was born with a hole in his heart. The doctor had said he would die in a few days and so all family and friends were weeping and speaking in tongues. They sent for me to come pray and so I went there. When I wanted to start praying, I asked for the child's name and the parents said that they had not named the child. They probably thought what would be the use of naming a child when he would die anyway. The Lord told me not to bother myself praying but merely to name the child. So I asked for the name they would like the child to bear. They told me the name and I pronounced the name three times as a witness to Heaven and earth. I knew that the child must be alive to answer that name which has been given to him. The child is still alive till tomorrow.
It is time for you to engage this power of naming to change your life and destiny. You have been praying for a child, give that child a name and begin to call him/her forth by name. You have to stop crying that you are not married, give your wedding date a name and begin to call it forth. For everything that God created, He called them by name even when they didn't yet exist. He already had a name for each one and called them by name. Call what you want by name and bring it into being. Do a naming ceremony for your heart desire before it manifests.
Similarly, if there is something you do not want in your life, give it a name of expiration. Are you trusting God for a better job, then this job becomes your 'former job' – that is its name. The job you are expecting is now your 'new job'. Do this in the presence of Him whom you believe — God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did (Rom 4:17).

Prayer/Action
* I renounce every name that God has not approved for my life, in Jesus’ name.
* Call forth your desires by name and receive them, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I command the potency of negative words and prophecies spoken to my life to die, in the name of Jesus.

High Cost of Stubbornness

Sunday 21 May
READ: Exodus 5:1-11
MORE LESSONS: 1Sam.15:23-25

Stubbornness is a character of the devil. Unfortunately, some people magnify stubbornness presuming that they are strong and tough as Pharaoh was seen by all Egyptians as a tough, no-nonsense leader, a mighty man of valour, one who could not be cowed to submission by the miraculous display of Moses and his God. Pharaoh's magicians encouraged him in his stubbornness when they went on to repeat some of Moses' miracles. They turned water to blood (Exo.7:22-23) and brought more frogs on the land (Exo.8:6-7). They did all that to prove to Pharaoh that all that Moses was doing was not impressive.
To be stubborn means: 1) to be unwilling to obey or do what you know is the right thing to do; 2) to deliberately set yourself against the truth; 3) to wilfully continue on the path you know or have been told is wrong; 4) to determine to do the wrong, damning the consequences. God hates stubbornness. In His sight, stubbornness or unwillingness to repent is as iniquity as idolatry (1Sam.15:23). Stubbornness is to say, What can authority do to me? What a man reaps from the sin of stubbornness and non-repentance are plague, affliction, sickness, pain and destruction of property, business and children, just as it happened to Pharaoh, his magicians, and the entire nation of Egypt. Pharaoh in his stubbornness said to Moses, ...Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go: Exo. 5:2. Even if Pharaoh did not know the God of Moses, he knew the power of the gods. But blindfolded by stubbornness, he dared the God of Moses. Stubbornness blindfolds and makes you see only yourself. It makes you rate yourself above your worth, and you become proud. Unfortunately, behind pride and haughty spirit is a monster lying in wait to override you, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall: Prov.16:18.
It is not the desire of God to send plagues to your life. His desire for you is to bless and multiply you, If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: Isa.1:19. But if you continue in your pigheadedness, you can jeopardise your future and destiny. I plead with you to repent and come out of that sinful way, and you will enjoy the great harvest that God promised us this year.

Prayer/Action
* Ask the Lord to rid you of all secret stubbornness and seed of pride, in Jesus’ name.
* Pray that as you become willing and obedient to God, He will satisfy you with the good of the land, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I agree with God that the prevailing forces of sin shall not have dominion over me, in the name of Jesus.

Making your Plan Work

Saturday 20 May
READ: Gen. 1:1-13
MORE LESSON: Psa. 32:8

The need to plan cannot be over-emphasized in the life of a believer. God is a planner, He planned all things from existence to eternity and as His children, we must take cue and plan fully. Even the devil makes plans, and is diligent and consistent at fulfilling them. The way and manner in which the devil executed his desires on Job proves that the devil is organised and diligent to make his plans work. Of particular importance is the gradual and systemic way in which he unleashed terror on Job. He did it gradually, but one step at a time until he did all he could on Job. It was first his cattle, then his children, his wife, then the attack on Job himself. Even the children of the devil have learnt well from their master. Take the example of Delilah, she was organised, skillful and committed to her plans for Samson; until she dealt devastating blow on him. The struggle of every Delilah around you will fail no matter how skillful and well thought out. You will not fall or fail. You won't be a victim or a negative example in destiny.
As believers, we too must be good disciples of our Father, God in planning and following His plans. Our text today shows God's master plan and execution of the creation work, particularly the act of being able to put first things first. He did not create light as the last thing, else the whole of creation would have been in darkness. Also He didn't create the land animals before the creation of vegetation on which they will feed.
You can make your desires happen by doing the following: pray, present your desires to God, then put them in black and white. Next, work out the details on time, implement strategies and resources ,and take the package back to God in prayer for the confirmation of His will, His blessing and power to perform. Begin implementation and don't be too rigid about anything; rather keep reviewing everything as you go on. Be ready for any necessary change and keep in touch with God and any one who could be of help. Just as God finished the creation of the earth in six days, you too will finish all your plans well. None will fail.
Don't give up on any plan, no matter how tough. Just keep at it, until you get to not just the 6th day but the 7th day of rest.

Prayer/Action
* Thank God for His good thoughts and plans for you, in Jesus’ name.
* Satan will not hijack the good plans for my life, in the name of Jesus.
* I receive wisdom for good planning, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I command every invisible arrow of limitation and reduction to backfire, in the name of Jesus.

Dealing with a Deficit Future

Friday 19 May
READ: Luk. 15:11-24
MORE LESSONS: Hos. 10:12

A deficit future is a tomorrow that has been squandered today. There are many people squandering their tomorrow by the type of life they live today and they do not know it. Some of them are even doing it gladly, like the prodigal son. The story of the prodigal son is a lesson on the repercussion of riotous living. The prodigal son had a temporary immediate gain and pleasure, but he paid dearly later in life. The day the young man collected his inheritance prematurely, he left like a hero but then, a little while after, he began to gladly eat with pigs.
When you prematurely eat your evening meal in the morning, it will be pleasant, but in the evening, hunger will teach the lesson that night hunger can be deadly and the night becomes longer! Premarital sex can be pleasurable while it lasts but breeds barrenness and incurable diseases tomorrow. Stealing from your parents can make money available today just as, smoking, drinking and such vices are obviously pleasurable in the now, but the deficit is in the future. Whatever exists in you that will cause a sad, bankrupt future, I chase them out now. Your today will bring a happy tomorrow, in Jesus' name.
For a better tomorrow, stop living a wasteful life today. Begin to create reserves/savings for your tomorrow no matter how small; stop eating everything that comes to you. Reject anything that is sweet today but breeds sorrow tomorrow. Always ask yourself what the eternal result of what you are doing is, what contribution or otherwise is what you are doing now to your future? Thank God, the prodigal son came back to his reasoning; he took a bold step to go back home and found grace. You too can stop today; reason and ask God for help. Our God, the gracious Father of all prodigal children is still waiting to receive you if you can take a positive step today.
I release grace and favour for your recovery. Esau wept to recover but he didn't get it (Heb. 12:16-17) but you will get yours today, if you can seek God with sincere heart. Faith in the promise of God to forgive is the first step to your restoration. Have faith that God will forgive and restore you. Then take a definite step by confessing and asking God for forgiveness. Finally, take steps to correct whatever you consider that you have done wrong. Attach yourself to God’s Word, prayer, fellowship and godly counsellor. God, like the prodigal son’s father, has been waiting for you! Welcome to a new beginning.

Prayer/Action
* Ask for grace to be disciplined and patiently wait for the appropriate timing of God for you, in the mighty name of Jesus.
* Ask the Lord to redeem your future that you have wasted by your past acts, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Father, nothing You advertised is ever rejected, advertise me to my generation, in the mighty name of Jesus.

How to Find Joy

Thursday 18 May
READ: I Sam. 1:1-20
MORE LESSONS: Psa. 119:165

Joy and progress are not products of sight and wishes, but of knowledge and work. Someone once said to my wife, “The year is new but not a happy one”. The fellow was simply reacting to what he saw around, not what he knows about God. Ecc. 11:4 says, He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. You will never be happy looking around at prevailing situations, and satan will never allow you to see the things that will encourage your spirit, rather, he will show you negative things and will even magnify them beyond normal. So if you desire to have joy and gladness, don't look outside for them but erase and uproot them using God’s Word. Newspapers will never give you joy, because they are designed and marketed by bad news and negative events around the world. The only source of joy is God's Word and those who live by it can never be sad.
The point is this, the knowledge of God's Word and and promises is the only reason why a sick man with terminal illness can be happy, regardless of medical report and physical feelings. The same thing applies to the barren, the ones who are delayed, those with unanswered prayers, the burdened etc. Even as a believer, who is hale and healthy, if you desire joy by the things you possess, your joy will be as temporary as those material things. But if you build the source of your joy on what God's Word has promised you, no matter the negative environment, you will live such a happy life that the people around you will wonder what makes you happy. With Jesus on your inside as your anchor, you can smile at the storm and make your boast in the Lord your God. This is a major difference between the believer and the unbeliever. The believer rejoices in hope while the unbeliever has nothing to look up to outside of physical events
.
The joy of the Lord shall be your strength from today. Whatever be your case and regardless of what negative signs you see cheer up, rejoice in hope, just as Hannah did as soon as the prophet had prophesied on her (I Sam. 1:18). She became happy by what was said to her, not her barren situation. She came to the altar weeping and sad, while she was praying the prophet said to her, Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him. v17 (NIV). Hannah did not only say Amen, v18 says ...Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. - that is practical faith in the Word and v20 was the result; she was not disappointed, so will God do for you.

Prayer/Action
* Father help me to always find my joy in You no matter what I'm going through, in Jesus’ name.
* Father, let everything that makes me sad and sorrowful turn around to bring me joy, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
The strength of sin and error is hereby broken over me today by the blood of Jesus, in Jesus' mighty name.

Picking up the Pieces

Wednesday 17 May
READ: Psa. 126:1-6
MORE LESSONS: Job 42:12

Sometimes our dreams are shattered by lack of fulfilment; sometimes hope is lost to frustration. Many times we work so hard and get nothing and we ask, ‘why’? Sometimes the days ahead look so bright with an early sunrise, only for darkness to take over the horizon again. Often, great and solid promises suddenly disappear into thin air. Life becomes so confusing at such times that everything seems to be in pieces. Nothing seems real anymore; even God becomes so abstract, as if He does not exist. All we see is fear, helplessness, crisis, pain, darkness, and life becomes unbearable.
Many people commit suicide at such times; some go mad and never recover again. Others give in to depression and sit in self-pity, never attempting anything good again. A few others take it up against God and declare Him unfair and unjust. Consequently, they abandon seeking God and worship the creature of God or completely stay away from everything.
However, there are some who take advantage of such situations to rise. They simply decide to pick up the pieces of their life by fighting the enemy of goodness, the devil, using the last spiritual strength left in them. They just can't give up. They know that Jehovah God exists no matter what lies the situations of life attempt to tell.
Don't give up because it's not over yet. The God who turns captivity around is still in control. Seek God, invite Jesus into your life as your Lord and Saviour. Don't join the multitude to do evil. Make your ways right with God, and if you are already in Christ, stay hopeful. Renew your strength constantly in God's promises and like Job your change will come (Job 14:14).

Prayer/Action
* I declare in the name of Jesus that every dark cloud hovering around my destiny be cleared.
* I declare in the name of Jesus that there is hope for tomorrow no matter what I see today.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
This month, I receive the good news of the termination of every satanic agent working against me, in the name of Jesus.

The Favour of the King

Tuesday  16 May
READ: 1 Sam 16: 22
MORE LESSON: Prov. 16: 15

David was a shepherd with no claim to the throne and no right to stay in the palace. King Saul sent to Jesse, David's father, saying, ...Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight: 1 Sam. 16:22 (NKJV). Being called to the palace to appear before the king is a great honour and many people lobby for it. But here was David being begged to come to the palace when he didn't even deserve it by right or birth. David was not qualified for a place in the palace but he was being begged to come and sit in the palace.
The favour of God takes a man from a low position to a high place that he doesn't deserve. King Saul didn't ask David to be brought to the palace because he had laboured enough for it. He said, for he has found favour.'It was divine favour that moved David from the wilderness to the palace. It is your turn to receive unmerited favour. The favour of a king can change a man's life in a moment. When you find favour with a wealthy man, he makes his wealth available to lift you to the next level in life. I pray that you will find favour with kings and men of influence, in Jesus’ name. The best way to find the favour of kings is to be in favour with the King of kings. When you find favour with God, men will have no choice but to favour you.
In the text, David was being begged to come and occupy a position that others would give anything to occupy. Favour gives you a job that others are struggling for but can't get. Favour sets aside qualifications and put in your hands what you are not qualified for. I always say that it is someone who gets something by qualification that can later be disqualified. Disqualification means that someone qualified before but now he is no longer qualified – so, he is disqualified. But when there was no qualification in the first place, there can be no disqualification. It is your time of favour, get ready to get things beyond your qualification, in Jesus’ name.
I declared once in church that whatever you cannot afford to buy will be given freely by favour. Then, testimonies filled the church. People gave a lot of testimonies, including a young man that couldn't afford a car and someone gave him one free of charge. I was even worried for him whether he would be able to maintain the running cost of a car and he replied that since God gave him a car by favour, He would also help him maintain it by favour. That is the truth, when God gives you something by favour, He sustains it by favour. For the rest of your life, walk in unmerited and unlimited favour, in Jesus’ name.

Prayer/Action
* Father, let my season of favour begin now, in the mighty name of Jesus.
* Pray that you will be God's candidate for favour and grace, in the name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I take the shield of faith and I ward off every arrow of disaster and pain in this fifth month, in the name of Jesus.

Spiritual Training for Children II

Monday 15 May
READ: Mal. 2: 15
MORE LESSON: Eph. 6: 1 – 4

One of the reasons why God made a man and his wife to become one is because He is seeking godly children. Mal 2:15a (NKJV) says, But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring.... God's ultimate goal is not just that children are produced but that godly children are raised. To achieve this, we have to influence the children from their formative years. We should not allow the society, school and other institutions to form our children and then we try to reform them when we are not satisfied with what they have turned out to be. The best way to form children's conviction is to live a life of spiritual example before them while they are young.
I learnt this experientially years ago. Naturally, I spend a lot of time in the place of prayer. But I can be praying quietly for hours on a spot and no one would know except he/she comes very close to me. However, when my wife prays, you will know that someone is praying. In fact, you don't need to be in the room with her before you know. Of course, I am the one that has to put up with the praying. So, one day I asked, “why are you doing this to me, why can't you pray quietly like me.” She replied, “You can pray quietly for a long time and that is admirable. At the same time, God has blessed you with a wife that can pray loud. If the children don't hear you praying; at least, they will hear me and know they have parents that pray a lot.” I said it is okay. So anytime she needed to pray and I wanted to do something else, I would leave the room and go find a place to do whatever I needed to do. One day, I heard the children mimicking 'mummy's tongues'. They were actually speaking in tongues and saying this is how mummy prays.
It is important that parents do the right things for children to see. If you wake up in the night to pray, even if you don't want to ask them to join you, pray loud and 'disturb them small'. Let them grow up knowing that parents wake up at night to pay the price in prayer over their children's destiny. You should also bring your children to night vigils even if they will sleep throughout. Let them grow up with it.
Conversely, as parents, there are things that are lawful but not expedient. As a mother, a dress might not be a sin but if you wear it, your daughter will take it a bit further. You started it, she will help you finish it and then you can't control it anymore. For the sake of the children, there are certain things you must do and other things you must not do.

Prayer/Action
* Pray that you will not fail in your role as a parent, in Jesus’ name.
* Lord, bring your expectation for my home to pass, in the mighty name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Father, as this month draws to a close, I decree that every calendar of evil prepared by satanic kingdom for my future be destroyed now, in the name of Jesus.

Spiritual Training for Children I

Sunday 14 May
READ: Prov. 22: 6
MORE LESSON: Psa. 78:9

Spirituality and godliness are the principal requirements for a successful home, not just for the father and mother but for the children as well. In order for the home to fulfil God's plan, we need high level of spiritual capacity for our children. This is the reason why the children need to be part of the spiritual exercises in the home. The children cannot be excused from prayer, family altar and other spiritual exercises on the basis of being too young. They must be trained to do it from early in life.
When I leave my house early in the morning, sometimes before 5 am, I see Muslim men going to the mosque in the cold of the morning, small children carrying small mats, running to catch up with their father as they hurry to the mosque. No wonder they grow up to be ardent followers of their religion. However, when going to church Christian parents leave the children at home, saying they are small, and will not understand what is happening in the church. If they are too young to understand what is happening in church, how come they understand what is happening on the television that they switch on immediately you leave them and go to church.
As soon as children can understand sounds and words, it is time to start training them in the way of the Lord. Let them pray at their level, let them fast according to their capacity when they are old enough to. Let them read the Bible and come for Bible Study. The environment puts several ideas into their minds about fashion, speech, friendship and other things in life. They read all manners of books and watch programmes on the media. It is only the Scripture that can format all the wrong stuff out of their mind. If there is any field that parents must be well versed in more than the children, it is the Scripture. Teach them the Bible.
When my children were young, there was no home lesson that superseded Bible Study. The personal tutor would come home to teach them but once it was time to go to church, it was either the home tutor would leave or follow us to church. All the talk about parents coming to church and leaving children at home that they have home lesson or they are reading their school books is not correct. We don't want to raise intelligent sons of belial.
These children are the next generation that will spearhead the Kingdom of God in this end time. The greatest gift and legacy they can be given is a high spiritual capacity so that they will carry God into their generation. Our children will not be found as spiritual weaklings in their day of battle, in Jesus’ name (Psa. 78:9).

Prayer/Action
* Pray that the Lord will grant to you wisdom to bring up your children in the way of the Lord, in Jesus’ name.
* Pray that your children will grow up in the fear of the Lord, in the name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Today, I remove my name and family's from any demonic calendar and programme, in the name of Jesus.

The Triangle of Marriage

Saturday 13 May
READ: Eccl. 4: 9 - 12
MORE LESSON: Matt. 19: 4 - 6

The Bible says that two are better than one. Scripturally, one chases a thousand, two chase ten thousand. Furthermore, in marriage, they actually chase more than ten thousand. This is because marriage is not merely a union of two; it is a union of three. God is the third Person in the marriage. A successful marriage is the man, the woman inside God. It is the threefold cord that will not be broken (Eccl 4: 12). The marriages of many in the world are merely two fold cords; a man and woman trying to work things out. This is the reason why things are not working out. When the man, the woman and God are united in holy matrimony, the marriage will not fail. The man and the woman may not have the strength to pull it through, but God will pull it through for them. God will not allow anything He is involved in to fail.
Marriage is like a triangle; a triangle has three edges, two at the base and one at the peak. Each edge represents the person in the marriage; the man and the woman at the opposite points at the base, God is at the top point of the triangle. The purpose of marriage is oneness in spirit, soul and body. The man and the woman start out at opposite edges because they are two different people and they want to work at a meeting point. They have two options, they can try to cut through the base and meet at the center of the base. To achieve this, they will have to drill through the triangle and meet at the center at the same level of the base. This is what many people are doing and sweating in their marriage. The second option is to each climb to the top of the triangle and meet at the peak. To achieve this, they have to both go up.
There are a lot of problems in marriage because the man and the woman are trying to work out a meeting point at the natural level and leave God out of the equation. However, if they both will grow up spiritually and become more and more Christ-like, they will naturally achieve oneness. This entails that the man and woman keep looking up and climbing higher in God. As they go higher, the distance between them is actually reducing. In a triangle, if two objects start from the opposite edges of the base and climb up along the slants to the peak, the higher they go, the less the distance between them. Therefore if marriage issues must be resolved and oneness achieved, each party has to grow spiritually and become more and more like Christ.
They will definitely meet at the top because the power to become one is made available by God Himself who keeps drawing both. It is for this reason that the Bible says, Two are better than one...: v9, because as they move up the triangle towards God, they get better and better for it.

Prayer/Action
* I declare my home is established in Christ Jesus, nothing shall be able to break it, in Jesus’ name.
* My home will grow to perfection, in the mighty name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
No matter what the devil does, I shall not end my year in shame, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Who you Should not Marry II

Friday  12 May
READ: Gen 24: 2 – 4
MORE LESSON: Prov. 19: 14

The issue of getting into marriage is a destiny decision. Making the right choice is possible and very easy when the principles of God are followed. This is why we started yesterday to give the description of a person not to marry based on the Scripture and the spiritual wisdom that God has graciously given to us.
You should not marry a person who doesn't submit to leadership. Do not marry a rebel in the house of God, who defies all the authority so that you will not partake of the curse upon his life. When you see a man/woman who doesn't submit to spiritual leadership, stay away from such a person. Such people claim that they are the alpha and omega of their own lives. That means if he is intent on doing wrong, there is no man anywhere that can tell him to stop and he will obey. Several marriages have collapsed because there is no authority to report to.
Do not marry a person who wants to marry you just because he/she 'likes' you. It surely takes more than 'like' to have a successful marriage. A person who likes you can also like someone else. Admiration is good but it is not the basis for marriage. A man can 'like' the way a lady looks now but after giving birth the shape changes and he doesn't 'like' her anymore. A woman can like a man because of his looks, job or money now and something happens that takes those things away and she doesn't like him anymore. Just because he/she 'likes' or even 'loves' you is never enough for marriage. There must be a spiritual conviction that both of you can hold on to.
A lot of people react against this when we say that the fact that a person loves you or you love a person is not enough ground for marriage. They say 'Why shouldn't I marry the person I love, are you not saying that I should marry the person I don't love?' There is nothing wrong with love. Love is good. In fact God Himself is love. So you should love the person you want to marry. God will never force you to marry someone you don't love. In fact when the leading is truly of God, the first evidence you notice is that evidential love starts to flow from your heart to the person. However, this love is not circumstance-driven or flesh-motivated but God-based. The truth is that many who profess love for people they want to marry are victims of mere infatuation and emotional stirrings. The love is based on looks, family pedigree, possession or other external attributes. But the love that will last long and weather the storms is that which is built on the altar of God – who is love Himself; not the many things people call love. It is only the agape love of God that can stand the test of time.

Prayer/Action
* I receive grace to follow God’s principles no matter how unpopular the path may be, in Jesus’ name.
* O God, rescue everyone that is heading into wrong relationship, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
As Joseph, Esther, Daniel, and others were selected to office in foreign land that even indigenes envied them, so let me be remembered for divine selection to great places this year, in the name of Jesus.

Who you Should not Marry I

Thursday 11 May
READ: 2 Cor. 6: 14 - 18
MORE LESSON: Gen 27: 46 – 28: 1

God is interested in the marriage of His children. This is why He has outlined certain rules that you must follow so that you will not partake of the sorrows and woes that befall the disobedient. Many times, singles ask questions on how to know God's will in marriage and how to know who to marry. One good way to know who to marry is first to know who not to marry.
The first commandment of God is that you should never marry an unbeliever. Child of God, don't marry the child of the devil so that you will not have the devil as your father-in-law. Anyone that Jesus Christ is not the Lord of his/her life is not yours to marry. Whether the person is a staunch unbeliever or an unbeliever-church-goer, just stay away from anyone whose salvation experience is not sure and evidential.
You should not marry a person who doesn't have a church that he/she belongs to. Even if he claims to be born-again and ardently follows television preachers, don't marry him. A man/woman who has no local church but only follows online and television preachers will give you untold problems. If you marry him/her, you will realise that in the day of trouble, there is no authority that he/she is answerable to. The television preacher doesn't even know both of you exist, so you cannot reach him when you need a counsellor for your affairs. A lot of so-called Christians do not believe in accountability to a local church or pastor, they only watch religious channels and claim they are born again; don't commit your future to them. Don't make that mistake of tying your life to a man/woman without an authority over his/her life. He/she will soon become a law to him/herself and all you will be able to do is cry. Crying will not be your portion, in Jesus’ name. The way out is to obey now and stay away from a person who is not answerable to a church or pastor over his life.
Don't marry someone who doesn't do anything in the church where he belongs. Here is someone who comes to church, but does nothing whatsoever as a contribution to the church, then he/she corners you unknown to the church and wants to marry you; don't marry him/her. You are to marry someone who loves and has passion for God. Nominal church members don't show passion for God. So the man/woman who comes to church for years, no one knows him/her, doesn't do anything and when the church service ends is already out before anybody is not a marriage material. The reason is that such a lifestyle doesn't denote a sense of responsibility. You need to marry a responsible husband/wife and a person who will be responsible at home will be responsible in the church.

Prayer/Action
* Lord, give grace to the unmarried to submit to God's will in marriage, in Jesus’ name.
* Ask God for a godly home, in the mighty name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
By the blood of Jesus, I decree that regular, repeated tragedies shall not be my portion this year, in the name of Jesus.

God's Will for the Home

Wednesday 10 May
READ: Mal. 2: 14 - 16
MORE LESSON: Isa. 62: 4

God has never done any great thing on earth outside of the home. The family is God's only access point to the world. God is very interested in the family and loves the home. Satan equally hates the home. Why do you think there is so much propaganda advocating divorce, abortion, same sex marriage, homosexuality, adultery, multiple partners, premarital sex and all kinds of immorality? It is the devil's hatred for the home.
Each time God needs a tool, He will first look for a home. When God created the first man, He created a home for him. It is a man and a woman in a godly union that makes a home. When the whole earth was corrupt and God needed to destroy the corrupted seed from the earth, He looked for a home and saved the family of Noah so as to preserve the human race (Gen 7: 1 – 24). God is always looking for a home to use. When Israel was in slavery and God needed a deliverer, He looked for a family that would not be afraid to defy the laws of Egypt and believe God. God found Amram and Jochebed and used them to bring Moses to the earth. When God wanted to raise a great judge and prophet for Israel, he went to the home of Elkanah and Hannah. Even though this home was not perfect, God used them to bring forth Samuel. Your home may not be presently perfect but if you start to allow God, He will use your home. To raise the mighty man called Samson, God went to visit Manoah and his wife. Samson came through that home to deliver Israel. When God needed to save the world, He looked for the home of Joseph and Mary. Your home will be the next in God's agenda.
The home is of God and it is a good thing to desire to have a family. If you are single and you desire to be married, you have desired a good thing. Pray to God to settle you maritally and He will. Psa. 68: 6 (TLB) says, He gives families to the lonely.... As a single person, do not allow anyone to discourage you from getting married. Some people are in the ministry of discouraging people who want to marry by telling them how their own home failed and marriage was hell for them. The fact that the person failed in marriage doesn't mean that God has deserted marriage. Godly youths should keep dreaming and trusting God for a godly home.
Jesus loves the home; He came from a home and His first miracle was at a wedding ceremony (John 2: 1 – 11). The Bible also encourages young widows and widowers to marry (1 Tim 5: 14). They don't need to worry about what their family or the family of the deceased partner will say. It is the will of God for them to remarry.

Prayer/Action
* I submit my home to God, Lord fulfil Your purpose for us, in Jesus’ name.
* Pray that your home will be a positive example, in the name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I violently uproot any tree of backwardness and stagnancy planted in my destiny by the enemy, in Jesus' mighty name.

Secrets to a Successful Home II

Tuesday 9 May
READ: Gen 2: 18 - 25
MORE LESSON: Eph. 5: 21 – 6: 4

Statistically 50% of the marriages in the United States end up in divorce. While the figures are much lower in Nigeria, it is growing and even creeping more and more into the Church. We have to fortify our marriages against the forces of hell. A lot of people go to psychology books, human ideologies and techniques for help. Some try to run their marriage by how their father and mother ran their home. Others follow cultural practices as the yardstick for their homes. However, only a home founded on the Rock will stand; all other ground is sinking sand. The home must be sealed together in the spiritual before it stays together in the physical. Praying together, studying the Word of God together, staying together under God's cover in the same assembly and being united in the spirit are key.
When God created the first home, it was entirely His idea. It wasn't the man that went to God to beg for a wife. God saw the man, decided that he needed a wife, created the woman for him and brought her to him. Everything about the home was initiated and executed by God. Removing God from the home that He authored is the root of all the problems that men face at the home front.
The first man and woman were not brought together by human ability. It wasn't by feelings, dating, match-making, Facebook or cultural similarity that was the basis of their marriage. It was the Spirit of God. The mode of the first marriage was by spiritual capability. Adam woke up from sleep and said what happened when he was asleep. He said, This shall be called a woman for God took her from me when I was unconscious; her bone was made from my bone and her flesh from my flesh. It takes a spiritual man to tell you what happened in his absence. Adam named all the animals and it was what God wanted them to bear that he called them. This shows that Adam's mind was connected to God's. For marriage to be successful, the man and the woman must be connected to God's mind.
When the father, mother and children in a home are in good contact with God, all things fall into their proper place eventually. The greatest key to a happy home is connection to the Almighty. When the father, mother and children are all connected to God individually, God becomes the pivot around which the home is built. Such a home will never crumble because it is held centrally by the One that cannot fall apart. No principle in this world can redeem a home whose parties are far from God. The secret to a successful home is for each party to be firmly connected to God.

Prayer/Action
* I rebuke the spirit of divorce over my home and my loved ones’, in Jesus’ name.
* O God, give me a Christian home, in the mighty name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
On the authority of God's goodness, I refuse to be enrolled in any register of misfortune this year, in the name of Jesus.

Secrets to a Successful Home I

Monday 8 May
READ: Gen 2: 18 - 25
MORE LESSON: Matt. 19: 4 - 6

A home is primarily a man and woman joined by God in the covenant of marriage. The children are products of the home. So the home consists of father, mother and children. The home also has a lot of people and environments surrounding and influencing it. Extended families, relatives, in-laws, neighbours, friends and colleagues are all influences around the home. Culture also is an influence around the home. Some cultural practices have bound the home together while some have destroyed it altogether. All the forces in the environment of the home are important and have their proper place. However, the spiritual - the Spirit and Word of God - is the singular most important factor that should rule our homes.
It is important to ask yourself what is influencing your home. Whether you are married or single, you have a home. If you have not started a home, you come from a home. The most vital of all the environments of the home is the spiritual. Our homes must be ruled by God from the spiritual and not by culture, in-laws, relatives or neighbours. The spiritual is the most important environment of the home because the home itself is foremost spiritual. The home is spiritual because the home is God's idea. God is a Spirit and so the home is spiritual. Man also is first and foremost a spirit who lives in a body. Adam was sleeping when his wife was created but he woke up and knew that she was created from his rib without anyone telling him. This is because he recognised her by the spirit and not in the flesh. The Author of the home is spiritual, the process of forming the home is spiritual and the people involved are spirit beings. So how do men think the home can work when they neglect the spiritual?
When there are issues in the home that need remedy, the greatest solution is to go to the spiritual and resolve the problem. By 'spiritual', we mean the applications of the Scripture and the place of prayer, the Word and the Spirit of God. There are many natural principles that have been postulated for making marriage work and there is nothing bad about them. Some of them include buying gifts for your spouse, being romantic, holding hands publicly etc. However, be it known to you that the spiritual rules the physical. When the marriage is worked from the spiritual, everything in the physical begins to fall into proper perspective. When the spiritual is missing, nothing works even if every other physical thing is in place. Psychology is not the key to the success of marriage; Jesus is.
The greatest secret and strength of the home is the revelation that the home is spiritual. Every other thing comes to play only after you run the home by the Word and Spirit of God.

Prayer/Action
* I declare that the spirit of righteousness will rule my home, in Jesus’ name.
* The altar of God in my home will not lack fire, in the mighty name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
This year, my hope shall not be dashed, every promise made to me shall be sure and fulfilled, in the name of Jesus.

Blossom in your Wilderness

Sunday May
READ: 2Sam. 17:27-29
MORE LESSONS: Psa. 6:8-9

In our text, David was going through a wilderness experience. He had been driven out of the palace in Jerusalem by his own son, Absalom; his trusted friend Ahitophel had taken counsel against him. His concubines had been defiled publicly by his son, Absalom. The king had been humiliated and driven into the wilderness together with his royal troop with no food, or provision. All was hot and dry.
Then God sent three men with abundant provision to refresh David in the wilderness. This is the way God works. When you find yourself in the wilderness of life for whatever reason, He sends provision to refresh you, so that even in the wilderness you can blossom. When Israel was crossing the wilderness into their inheritance in Canaan, God gave them abundance of manna, meat and water from the Rock that followed them, to refresh their souls. The Lord will never leave nor forsake His people. What is it that you have been going through? In what wilderness experience have you found yourself? The Lord is there for you even in the wilderness. He will supply all that you need. He will send helpers who will bring provisions that you need. Even in the wilderness, God is still a God of provision, He will furnish a table in the wilderness.
The only question today is, Who hath believed our report? Isa.53:1. Who is ready to believe that God can do all things, including turning a wilderness to a table of provision,
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly…: Isa.35:1-2.
No matter the dry situation you are going through, call Jehovah to it. Hand over your position, debts, financial crisis to Him and leave them there with Him. If you believe in the power that makes the wilderness to blossom as the rose, you will see the miracle of the Lord.

Prayer/Action
* Lord wherever I find myself, I shall prosper and blossom, in Jesus’ name.
* I reverse every dry situation around my life today, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Today, every curse of back-to-square one working in my life and destiny, break now, in the name of Jesus.

Following Jesus

Saturday 6 May
READ: Matt.4:18-25
MORE LESSONS: Gen. 12:1

Following Jesus is not an adventure we choose but a quest that comes to us; we are called to it. Jesus, during His earthy ministry, called men with whom He fulfilled His mandate on earth, people like John, James, Peter and Andrew (John 1:40-43). As He did then when He was physically on earth, He is still doing today. However, most often, when God calls us, we are tempted to go only halfway with Him. I will follow you if you show me where you are taking me or I will go if I can still keep my boyfriend, my sinful lifestyle and if the pay will be reasonable enough. The call of God to man for fellowship is always complete, total and never an easy thing, but it is always for a life of fulfilment, …I will make you fishers of men: Matt 4:19. The call of God on your life is to make you what you are designed to be, which sometimes you may or may not know.
Moreover, following Jesus entails certain virtues and sacrifices as enumerated by the Scripture.
1. Self-denial (Matt 16:24): the call of God upon your life is a call unto sacrifice and discipline. The title “disciple” came from the word discipline; disciples are disciplined people, who are able to follow in all situations.
2. Your possessions (Luke 18:22): Jesus said … sell all.…That is to say, transfer its ownership. Everything you possess is for the purpose of your call, when you let it go for God’s work on earth, you will meet it in Heaven. Your possessions can stand in the way of your call if care is not taken. Following the Lord involves avoiding distractions.
3. Things that make for peace (Rom.14:19): being an agent of peace, as a believer means following the Lord, bridging the gap between God and man, and the gap between man and man. In following the Lord, you must follow peace with all men (Heb.12:14).
4. Righteousness and godliness (I Tim.6:11): any man who is following Jesus must also follow virtues like righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.
The choice to follow Jesus is a choice to follow certain things and a choice to also run away from others. Jesus said that whoever follows Him must be ready to forsake “all” to be able to do so. A type of Christianity that allows everything, not being selective and discerning, is not true Christianity. We must do all things to be able to follow completely.

Prayer/Action
* Ask the Lord to rid you of any distractions from whole heartedly following the Lord, in the name of Jesus.
* Pray that Jesus Himself will hold your hand and lead you through the rest of life, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Satan, all your acts and plans for my life end with this day and this month, in the name of Jesus.

Keeping your Salvation

Friday 5 May
READ: Phil.2:12-16
MORE LESSONS: 1Cor.9:24-27

It is one thing to be born again, it is another to keep your salvation until Jesus comes. There is no doubt that God who saved you has the will and power to keep you to the end (2 Tim. 1:12). However, our text urges, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: Phil.2:12. Someone may ask, If I was saved by grace through faith, why do I still need to work out my salvation? It is because there is a part you must play to keep the salvation God has wrought for you.
Some steps are helpful in this regard: 1) You are to live a life of obedience to the Word of truth, whether your leader or any other believer is there or not. 2) Don't murmur or complain. God brought out Israel from Egypt with great power to take them to Canaan. But those who decided to give themselves to murmuring and complaining all perished in the wilderness. It was the intention of God to take them to Canaan, but they aborted that plan by their behaviour. 3) Be blameless sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Let your conduct be such that even those who hate you will have no ground to fault you. 4) Be the shining light in your corner; dare to be different and unique. The popular saying, if you are in Rome, behave like a Roman or if you can’t beat them, join them, does not apply in the Christian walk. Don't do something because everyone around you is doing it. They could be wrong. When you are in doubt over any matter, ask your pastor. 5) Hold fast the confession of your faith. There are many false teachers and prophets in town, who are agents of satan to confuse young minds. Give yourself to the study of God's Word. 6) Always attend prayer and fellowship meeting where you learn more about God and obtain grace to be obedient to the Word.
God does not intend to abandon you on the way. Yet, as you can see in verse 16, it is possible to run in vain, and void the works of those who laboured over you (preached to you, followed you up, and taught you the way of the Lord). The desire of every spiritual leader is to see his flock blessed here on earth and make it to Heaven. Your success is one of the bases on which he will be rewarded in Heaven. So you are part of the stars on his crown on the last day. If you fail to make it to the end, he will have laboured in vain. You must make up your mind not to disappoint yourself and your spiritual leaders. Run according to the rules. Be focused on the prize for the upward call of God. Indeed, there is an incorruptible crown awaiting you if only you will run steadily to the end.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God for the wisdom you need to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, in the name of Jesus.
* Pray that your Christian journey will not be terminated by carelessness or any other arrow of hell, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Father, my eyes are on You, visit me all- around and let there be a turn around in my entire life, in the name of Jesus.

Assurance of Salvation

Thursday 4 May
READ: Eph.2:1-8
MORE LESSONS: Rom.8:14-16

Yesterday, we considered what it takes to be truly born again and perhaps you prayed and committed your life to Jesus. Many young converts grapple with the problem of confirming their new status in Christ. A young convert may be faced with questions such as: What makes you believe that you are now born again? Did you see Jesus enter into you? How can mere repetition of the preacher's prayer get you born again? Thus he or she is confused. Perhaps you are also confused about the prayer you made yesterday, but I want you to understand the following from our text:
1. You are saved by grace through faith. Having said the prayer yesterday, believe in the efficacy of the prayer.
2. Jesus does not have to physically walk into your life. The Spirit of God entered into you at conversion. So Jesus is in your heart.
3. You are now a child of God. The Spirit of God will henceforth continue to testify, witness to your spirit (conscience) that you are born again.
It is the strategy of satan to put doubt in anyone who confesses Jesus to make him think nothing has changed. But from the very moment you made those statements sincerely from your heart, God who sees your heart knew that you meant every word. So He released His Spirit to carry out a work of regeneration on your spirit man. In the spirit realm, you have been rescued from the control and dominion of the power of darkness (Col.1:13). Your name was removed from the books of judgement and boldly written in the Book of life (Rev.20:11-15).
Satan and his agents and the angels of God know this truth. Stand your ground. Your affection for God and things of God will begin to increase. There is a deep-seated joy and satisfaction in your inner being. You feel as if you have everything even though physically, you may have some lack. You feel God is now nearer to you than before. You will also resent sin. You feel odd in the midst of old friends who practise sin, and you desire a new company. These are some of the evidence that you are born again. Go ahead and change those friends because they can pull you down if you continue with them. Go to a Bible believing church and present yourself to the pastor, and ask him to give you someone who can follow you up. Remember, you are born again by grace through faith, not by works.

Prayer/Action
* I am born again, satan pack your load (sickness, diseases, failure, badluck, fear etc) out of my life, in Jesus’ name.
* From today I have the Spirit of God to lead me, teach me, guide me. Thank You Jesus for saving me, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Father, go to the foundation of my life and dislodge the seeds of wickedness working against my destiny, in Jesus' name.

Are You truly Born Again?

Wednesday 3 May
READ: John 3:1-8
MORE LESSONS: Acts 8:26-39

It is interesting to know how much the Gospel of Jesus Christ has prevailed in our time. Some years back, it was a sacrilege in many homes to be born again. You automatically became an outcast, an object of ridicule, one that missed his way in life. Today, it is fashionable to be born again. Even those who are yet to be saved hate to be called unbelievers. While this development in our time is glorious, it is necessary to review what it means to be born again so that no one lives on a false assumption that he or she is saved.
It is possible to be very devout, God-fearing, pray regularly, show kindness to fellow human beings, go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and read/study the Bible, yet you are not born again. From our text, Cornelius the Centurion was a devout man. Many Church leaders of our time cannot earn the commendation accorded Cornelius. Now consider the commendation: Cornelius (was) 1) A devout man. 2) Feared God with his entire household. 3) Gave much alms to the people, 4) Prayed to God always. 5) Had a vision in which an angel told him his works were noticed by God. Yet he needed to send to Peter at Joppa who had to tell him the way of salvation.
Another personality that God had to intervene in his matter to get him truly saved was the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39). This man went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He was even reading the Bible (the book of Isaiah) on his way back to Ethiopia. The Holy Spirit had to prompt Philip the evangelist along Gaza strip to explain the way of salvation to the eunuch. Are you truly born again? The two examples demonstrate the fact that you are not born again because of your good works or religious activities.
What then does it take to be truly born again? One must:
1. Admit and confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and put one’s total trust in His name: Rom.10:9-10; 10:13.
2. Turn from following satan and his agents to God: Acts 26: 17-18; 1Thess.1:9.
3. Be made a new person in character and affection by the power of the Holy Spirit: Titus 3:5; 2Cor.5:17.
4. Live a life that is solely dependent on God's Word and His Spirit: John 3:3-8; 1Pet. 1:23; Matt.4:4. You live by the Bible and are led by the Holy Spirit (this is what it is to be born of water and Spirit).
Think about these facts: Are you truly born again? Does your life manifest the issues raised above? You can surrender your life to Jesus today.

Prayer/Action
* Today, I make a public declaration (if you have done it before) I rededicate my life (if you have done it before) that I am born again, in Jesus’ name.
* Because of this declaration, I confess Jesus, I surrender to Him, I will live for Him, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
My Father, disgrace every power of financial shame that may be sent to my life in 2017, in the mighty name of Jesus.