Rebuild the Broken Altar

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: 1 Kings 18:30-39

30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. 31 And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: 32 And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. 34 And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. 35 And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. 36 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. 37 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. 38 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. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

MORE LESSON: Joel 2:12-13, Revelation 2:4-5 

12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Revelation 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Tuesday, 30 September

Memory Verse: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Before fire can fall from heaven, the altar must be in place. As a place of communion, covenant and sacrifice. In the Old Testament, it was the centre of worship and a meeting point between God and man. Spiritually, it represents the posture of the heart: devotion, prayer life, obedience and love for God. When the altar is broken, the connection to God becomes hindered; but When it is restored, Heaven responds with fire.

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah confronted a spiritually backslidden Israel on Mount Carmel. The Israelites’ hearts had turned toward Baal; they had forsaken their covenant with God. The altar—symbol of their devotion—was broken. So, before Elijah could call down fire from Heaven, he first repaired the altar. Today, many believers desire fresh fire and intimacy with God but the altars of their hearts are in ruins. Elijah’s action was both prophetic and practical. He gathered the stones representing the twelve tribes—unity must return. He repaired the structure, implying that consistency and order must be restored. Then he prepared the sacrifice—true surrender must be laid down. Only then did he call upon the Lord, and God answered with fire.

The message today is an invitation to rebuild our broken altars. So what does a broken altar look like in the life of a believer? It may be a life once fervent but now cold and dry, or a prayer life that has grown silent, or a heart distracted by the cares of this world. It could be the absence of Scripture meditation, worship or ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Like Israel, many believers may have allowed compromise, busyness or hidden sin to tear down their altars. However, here is the good news: altars can be rebuilt. God never despises a broken and contrite heart; His desire is always restoration, not condemnation. Like the prodigal son, when we come to ourselves and return, the Father runs toward us. The first step is acknowledgement, and the next is repentance. Then comes intentional rebuilding—brick by brick, prayer by prayer, moment by moment.

To rebuild your altar is to prioritise your time with God again, dig into His Word, engage in heartfelt prayer, and reconnect with your first love. It is saying, “Lord, reignite my heart; rekindle my devotion; rebuild what I have allowed to fall apart.” Then, like Elijah’s story, the fire will fall when the altar is in place. Your altar may be in ruins, but He specialises in restoration. You don’t have to train in spiritual drought; begin today to rebuild your altar. Be intentional about prayer; return to the Word and cut away distractions. Invite the Holy Spirit to breathe afresh on you. Like on Mount Carmel, the God who answers by fire will make Himself known. Begin the rebuilding today?

Prayer/Action

* Ask the Holy Ghost to rekindle His fire upon your altar.

* Pray for fresh zeal to serve the LORD.

* Declare that you will be a positive impact that will spark the fire of revival in the church of Christ.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Hallelujah, September is ending, and I am continuing, thank you Jesus forever.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Through the Clouds

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Genesis 15:13-14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. 3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. 4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

MORE LESSON: 2 Corinthians 5:7

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Monday, 29 September

Memory Verse: Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

Before stepping forward, we often long for perfect conditions in life, ministry, relationships or career. The Bible, however, reminds us that waiting for everything to align perfectly can leave us stuck, unfruitful and frustrated.

Life, much like flight, rarely offers perfect conditions. As a believer, you must not wait for "clear skies” in life, ministry, relationships, or career ideal circumstances, complete understanding, or visible outcomes before taking the next step if you have a witness in your spirit that God is in it. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says: God doesn't call us to walk by sight; He calls us to walk by faith.

In aviation, pilots don’t wait for clear skies to fly: they are trained to navigate the clouds, relying on instruments and preparation. The same applies to your walk with God. Life may not always give you clarity, comfort or certainty; remember that faith means moving forward, trusting that God is leading and guiding even when visibility is low. The skies may never be clear, but those called to soar must be willing to fly through the clouds. Progress doesn’t wait for perfect conditions — it requires faith, readiness, and resilience. Like a pilot trusting his instruments in the fog, trust God’s guidance even when the path is unclear.

You may not see the whole picture, but God sees beyond the clouds. Don’t let uncertainty stop you from planting, building, or obeying His call. If you wait for perfect conditions, you might miss divine opportunities. Step out, even through the fog — God is your compass. You must train your “spiritual instruments” — prayer, scripture, godly counsel — to guide you through life’s fog.

Pilots don’t wait for perfect weather; they train to fly through clouds, relying not only on what they see but on the instruments they trust. Likewise, you must learn to navigate life, not by what you feel or see but by the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

You must ask yourself: What have I been putting off as waiting for the “right time”? Why is God asking me to trust Him and move, even without clarity? Don’t be discouraged by what you can’t see. Be ready to trust, press forward, and fly through, knowing God is with you in every altitude.

Prayer/Action

* Ask the Lord for grace not to wait for perfect conditions but trust Him in every season.

* Ask the Lord to teach you to walk by faith and not by sight, confident that He is guiding you.

* Ask the Lord for help to rely on His Word and presence as He guides and strengthens you to move, build, plant and soar through life.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Jesus, my Anchor and Defender, I give you praise for September, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

The Power of the Spoken Word

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Proverbs 18:20–21

20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

MORE LESSON: John 1:1-3

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Sunday, 28 September

Memory Verse: Death and life are in the power of the tongue... Proverbs 18:21a

Words are not just sounds, they are seeds. They carry life or death, creation or destruction. Proverbs teaches us that the tongue has power to communicate and to create. When you speak, you activate either life or death in your environment. This is why you must be careful the things you say. The mouth of everyone is a weapon but much more, the mouth of a believer is a more potent weapon because of the authority that backs them. Jezebel understood this and she wrote a letter in the name of the king (Ahab) and sealed it with his signet ring so that Naboth would be killed and the plan was successfully executed. Assuming she stated in the letter that he should be promoted to be in charge of the king's guard, that could also have been done without question or hesitation. So as children of God who have the backing of Heaven, it is wisdom to speak what God says and blot out permanently anything that does not align with His will. We can give life or destroy life, destiny and even properties with the words of our mouth. The words we speak create the reality that we see.

The Bible consistently shows us the creative force of words. God said, Let there be light, and there was light. Jesus said, Lazarus, come forth! and the dead man lived again. Words move realms, shape destinies, and open doors. The problem is that many believers are careless with their words. They speak defeat, fear, doubt and death, then wonder why they see no change. Your mouth can be the engine of breakthrough or the architect of limitation. What you say frames your world.

Even angels respond to spoken Word. Psalm 103:20 says angels excel in strength, doing His word, hearkening unto the voice of His word. That means when you speak the Word of God, you activate angelic assignment, thus your words license the supernatural to move.

But the key isn't just talking, it's speaking in alignment with the truth. Idle words, negative confessions or emotional outbursts can sabotage what God is trying to build in your life. Let your mouth become a vessel of life. As from today, be intentional with your speech. Speak over your family, your work, your spiritual growth. Declare healing, peace, abundance and wisdom. Speak to the mountain. Speak to the storm. Speak to your soul. Speak to your future.

As you speak, believe. As you believe, receive. You have the right, the authority, and the power to declare life.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for giving you the power to speak life.

* Repent of every careless word.

* Declare, I choose to align my mouth with God's word. I declare that I am healed, favoured, empowered and fruitful. My words will reflect Heaven. My speech will glorify You. Amen.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Let's sing prophetically – I am going greater, yes I am, I am going greater today (2×), I'm going above the sorrows, into the presence of God, into the presence of Jesus, I'm going greater today, hallelujah! Sing it all day for a miracle!

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

The Treasure Within

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: 2 Corinthians 4:6–7

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

MORE LESSON: Matthew 13:44–46, Colossians 1:27

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Saturday, 27 September

Memory Verse: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels... 2 Corinthians 4:7a

God has placed unimaginable wealth within you, not physical riches but divine treasure. Paul calls it this treasure in earthen vessels, referring to the glory and power of God residing in human containers. Think about that: the eternal God chose to deposit His power and presence in you.

Why earthen vessels? Because they are ordinary, fragile and unimpressive to the natural eye. God delights in hiding treasures in unlikely places to show that the excellence of power is of Him, not of us. This is the mystery of grace: that God puts glory in weakness, greatness in insignificance, and power in humility.

You may look at yourself and see nothing special but God sees treasure. You may feel inadequate but within you lies Kingdom potential, spiritual authority and eternal purpose. However, like the physical treasure, what's inside must be discovered and drawn out. So, you must look beyond what your eyes can see and begin to see yourself the way God sees you. There is more to you than meets the eye and only God has your true identity. In order to see and live your potential, you must see the excellence within from God's perspective because this treasure isn't always visible. Many people walk around with buried callings, suppressed gifts and undiscovered anointing. This is because the vessel hasn't been broken. Sometimes God allows pressure so that what's inside you can be revealed; thus the crushing reveals the oil. The fire reveals the gold and the pressures of life reveal the value in you.

Your task is not to create something new but to reveal the deposit that is already there. Your duty is to steward it, develop it, guard it and most importantly, release it. Your voice, gift and vision all come from this inner treasure.

Stop comparing yourself with others and don't despise your vessel. Your worth is not in the clay but in the content. What makes you valuable is not your appearance, status or resources, it is the divine treasure within. You didn't come to the earth blank, a “tabula rasa”, you came with divine purpose, presence and anointing deposited in you and waiting for manifestation. The world is waiting for your manifestation.

Today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you rediscover what God has deposited in you. Begin to declare, “I am a carrier of glory. I have treasures inside me.” Let that revelation shift the way you walk, talk and serve.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for placing treasures within you.

* Receive help of God to see yourself through His eye so that you will value, protect and release what He has placed in you for His glory.

* Declare, 'I am not empty, I am full of purpose and power'.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: I am a pride to the kingdom of God, I shall not be dethroned by anything, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Another Joseph Wanted

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Genesis 41:33-46

33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. 35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. 36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. 37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? 39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40 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. 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. 46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

MORE LESSON: Psalm 105:17-21

17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: 18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: 19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. 20 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:

Friday, 26 September

Memory Verse: And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art. Genesis 41:39

TODAY’S FASTING FOCUS: No appointments with death; Deuteronomy 33:6; Isaiah 38:1-7

Whenever there is a challenge or a problem to solve somewhere, the answer lies in the hands of one man, woman, boy or girl. When the right person emerges, the problem is solved, as Joseph counselled Pharaoh. A great famine was coming, and as revealed by God, it would ravage for seven years. However, Joseph counselled that before the famine, there would be a great abundance; it would last seven years. If the abundance was appropriately managed, the effect of the famine would be significantly mitigated.

Therefore, Joseph advised that someone was needed to help the nation and save the future. That person must be wise, discreet, discerning, and have the character and capacity to handle the situation effectively. Pharaoh decided that person was Joseph, as recorded in Genesis 41:39: And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shown thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art.

Joseph did a good job. We need a Joseph in every facet of our lives—in the home, in the school, in the office, in the public service, in the leadership of our nation, in the leadership of the church, and indeed everywhere. He must be someone who:

• is wise.

• is discrete.

• is discerning (Genesis 41:39).

• is able.

• fears God.

• loves the truth.

• is free from covetousness (Exodus 18:21).

• is full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.

• is honest.

• has ‘good’ testimony (Acts 6:3,5).

You know what? You can be that person! If you give yourself totally to God, He will purge you, mould you, fill you with His Spirit and power, and make you a Joseph of our generation. God wants you to be the solution to our societal problems and the answer to people's questions. The time to answer that call is now.

In Isaiah 6:8, the Prophet Isaiah answered God’s call: …I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Prayer/Action

* Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become a solution provider.

* Pray against all distractions that limit you from being a voice to your generation.

* Pray for the grace to be faithful and truthful in life.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: I cancel every appointment with death over me and my family today, in the mighty name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Victory is Sure

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: John 6:33

33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

MORE LESSON: Acts 27:22-25

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Thursday, 25 September

Memory Verse: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Trouble is not a stranger in life; it’s baked into the journey. Life is spiced with challenges, trials and storms. Jesus didn’t hide this from us. In John 16:33, He said, "In the world, you will have tribulation." He didn’t stop there, but He gave the antidote: Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.

Yes, even believers face battles: the difference is in how we fight them. While the world drowns in anxiety, face believers challenges and fight with hope because we fight with God on our side. We don’t go through storms alone: the Master is in the boat!

Paul was in a shipwreck, but his declaration was explicit, in Acts 27:22: There shall be no loss, because he believed what God told him. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me (Acts 27:25). Hannah was misunderstood and afflicted, yet she found grace at the altar and gave birth to a prophet (1 Samuel 1). Your trouble is not a verdict—it’s a process.

What you are going through is not the whole story. It’s a part of the divine script, and the ending is glorious! Don’t let your heart be troubled (John 14:1). Don’t permit fear to dominate your mind because God doesn’t just observe your pain. In 1 Peter 5:7 He assured us: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Anyone born of God has been designed to overcome, 1 John 5:4 says: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. That includes you, so do not worm. Don’t complain. Don’t cave in. Stand firm in faith and walk through the storm knowing your victory is certain. Troubles may be part of the journey, but victory is the destination. Hold your peace and press forward.

Prayer/Action

* Declare: I refuse to let fear rule my heart; I cast every care upon Jesus today.

* Confess that you shall rejoice, even in the fire, and come out stronger.

* Decree that your victory is sure.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Hallelujah, glory and amen, that is what my song shall be all through the remaining days of this month, in the amazing name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Take Freedom

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Matthew 11:12-15

12  And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

MORE LESSON: Luke 16:15 

15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Wednesday, 24 September

Memory Verse: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12

Freedom is not a product of pity but the prize of spiritual violence. Nothing in the Kingdom is handed to you passively. You must rise with boldness and take what God has already provided. Freedom is never given; it is taken. Where independence is given, it is a complete falsehood; only those who take it enjoy it more. You must stand your ground to confess that what is purchased must get to you.

Jesus paid for your redemption but you must walk in the knowledge of this. Freedom is not cheap, even though it is free. The Cross paid it all, but ignorance still enslaves many. You must know what belongs to you before you can take it. Know God’s provision and build the necessary knowledge; you must know. You can’t claim what you haven’t discovered.

Stop explaining your bondage away. stop justifying failure and don’t romanticise your affliction. The fact that you are in a bad place doesn’t mean God put you there. Never accept academic, spiritual, material or business failure. That you are failing does not mean that God cannot make you succeed; what you need to do is to find out what the problem is and solve it. Don’t justify failure; otherwise, you will remain a failure. Micah 7:8 says: Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall arise. The enemy may knock you down, but he cannot keep you there unless you stay down.

You must insist that what God said is final over your life. Whether it's sickness, poverty, delay or defeat, don't accept it. Don’t spiritualise what God has already nullified. God did not ordain you to fail, so don’t settle for failure. If something isn’t aligning with Scripture, confront it!

Take your place through prayer, fasting, declarations and study of the Word. Freedom is yours but you must break the door if someone has locked it. Insist that your inheritance will not be denied you. You don’t wait for freedom; you rise and take it. Freedom is your covenant right. Claim it boldly!

Prayer/Action

* Declare that you will not accept anything less than what Jesus has paid for.

* Command every form of bondage around you to break now.

* Receive revelation and strength to take what is yours.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: I decree an endless rising for me this month, spiritually and in all spheres, in Jesus' super name.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Eyes on Victory

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Eyes on Victory

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

MORE LESSON: Proverbs 24:15-16

15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Tuesday, 23 September

Memory Verse: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16

The present situation is not your destination. What you see now is not the whole story, so keep your eyes on the finish line. 2 Corinthians 4:17says: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. Don’t let the pain of the present rob you of the promise of the future.

It is great wisdom to learn from those who have passed the way we are presently going through in life. If you want to walk in dominion, learn not to fall from those who fell, and how to rise from those who have risen. Ask questions, study patterns. Trace testimonies. There is no wisdom in mocking what you admire. You won’t increase by running down those who have already made it. Instead, draw close, observe, launch your move and exceed them (Proverbs 24:15-16).

Please don’t complain about what others have; connect to them and learn. Hebrews 13:5 admonishes us: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (BSB) Let wisdom guide your attitude. Humility is a ladder, and pride is a pit.

Even your taskmasters, those things that once dominated you, must come under your rule. In Exodus 7:1, God told Moses, “See, I have made you a god to Pharaoh” This means that what used to instruct you now takes instructions from you. That addiction, that depression and that limitation must bow, in Jesus’ name.

You are not under; you are above all. You must see yourself as God sees you—an overcomer, not a slave. You don’t conquer by focusing on where you are; you must rise by seeing where God is taking you. Rule what once ruled you!

Prayer/Action

* Ask God to help you fix your eyes beyond your struggle and fix them on His promises.

* Ask God to teach you wisdom and surround you with mentors who will guide you.

* Pray that every former oppressor will bow to your authority in God.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, none of your promises shall fail or fade in my destiny ever, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Covenant Meal II

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Mark 14:22-25

22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

MORE LESSON: John 6:53-58

53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Monday, 22 September

Memory Verse: The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don't make anything happen. Every word I've spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. John 6:63 (MSG)

God, being a Covenant-keeping God, has made provision of covenant meals to strengthen us as we commit to the Covenant of life in Christ Jesus. Covenant meals include: the word of God and the Holy Communion.

The written word of God contains the terms and conditions of His covenant; the spoken word releases the Spirit that sustains the covenant. We can go further and farther on the strength of God's word, following the principles of the Kingdom: righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Jesus made it clear that feeding on His word is feeding on the Spirit and Life. To annul death and its manifestations (sicknesses, disease, poverty, sorrow), we must grow our word bank, which is our life bank.

Jesus introduced Himself as the 'bread of life', and gave this bread to us to commemorate His sufferings, partake of His death and resurrection, and participate in the “victory march” against the prince of this world and the agents of darkness. Yet again Our Lord Jesus shows us a mystery in John 6:53 that eating His flesh and drinking His blood typified by the communion bread and wine indicates having faith in Jesus, His work of salvation on the Cross of Calvary, living for Him, while obtaining spiritual nourishment from Him alongside the hope of eternal life. The covenant meal goes beyond a ceremonial ritual in remembrance of Christ. When we eat, we go beyond eating with spirits (as spiritualists glory in) to eating life-giving spirit; for the life of a being is in its blood.

Life is transactional, i.e. it runs based on a system of exchange. Working/striving for the word is working for eternal life. Simon Peter said, the disciples had decided not to depart from the One that has the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Some individuals live to work for daily earthly bread, while the call of God is for “transactions” for the souls of men, fishing them out of sin of the world system and translating them into the Kingdom of God. At that level, the disciple asked God in the Lord’s prayer, to give them access to their daily bread. while contending for the things that pertain to life by feeding on God's word, meditating on it, declaring it, and partaking in the Holy Communion in faith. The Covenant meals of the Word of God and the Holy Communion bring life to us. We can eat to the point that we become so full of life, and that life swallows up.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for His Word, His body and His blood which He has given to us.

* Receive grace to be a partaker of the covenant meals continually.

* Ask for mercy in any area you have fallen short of upholding covenants with God.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Every word ever spoken to me contrary to God's plan over my life begins to catch fire now, in the powerful name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Covenant Meal I

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: 1 Kings 19:1-8

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. 3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. 8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

MORE LESSON: John 7:37-38 

37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Sunday, 21 September

Memory Verse: The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and this was what I gave them. This called for reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. Malachi 2:5 (NLT)

A Covenant goes beyond a binding agreement to a hallowed, purposeful relationship characterised by conditional blessings or curses. For instance, in Genesis 2:16-17, the conditions for the covenant of life versus the death penalty were introduced to Adam, and tied to the sources of meals he could and could not eat. The dire consequence of contravening this changed the trajectory of man's relationship with God and introduced mortality to the human race.

Fast-forward to around 2,630 years later, Elijah was commissioned as God’s prophet to uphold the covenant between God and Israel, turning them away from the worship of Baal. 1 Kings 19:1-8 gives a narrative of Prophet Elijah's experience as he fled from Jezebel. The day's journey (estimated at 18-30 miles), the wilderness experience, being alone, resulted in the dissipation of strength to the point that he became so weary and slept under a juniper tree. The tree of the cedar family, is one of the oldest living tree species, surrounded by several myths and believed to represent a place of renewal, rejuvenation and healing. Unfortunately, his weariness went beyond the physical to the fabric of his spirit (his intellect, awareness and consciousness of God as his source). Alas, rather than cry to God for help, he cried to God for death.

God did not lead Elijah into the wilderness; he chose to move to escape for his life. We should navigate negative experiences by running into the Strong Tower (the name of the Lord), for therein is sustained strength. Loneliness is more than a physical experience, for you can be alone but not feel lonely. Elijah felt alone, not only physically but also spiritually (verse 10). There is indeed strength in companionship, both physical, mental, and spiritual.

The journey of life cannot be accomplished without adequate spiritual strength. We must continually feed on meals to sustain our strength. Therefore, the angel woke up Elijah a second time to eat and in the strength of that meal supplied to the Prophet by God, he journeyed 40 days and 40 nights. Imagine a man who was wearied after a day's journey on normal food but could travel 40 days and 40 nights on a divinely supplied meal. You can not feed on grass and manifest grace. Receive wisdom to feed fat on divine resources.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for the privilege of covenants.

* Thank God because you are a part of the covenant of Abraham and also the New Covenant.

* Ask for grace to fulfil your obligations in your covenant with God and never be a covenant breaker.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: I prophesy to the giant in me to rise today and begin to do greater things, in the matchless name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Dimensions of Power

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Isaiah 55:11

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

MORE LESSON: Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 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.

Saturday, 20 September

Memory Verse: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Power has been defined as the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way. Power goes beyond the capacity to do or perform. The Greek word “dunamis” refers to power, miraculous works, and specific spiritual gifts manifest in believers through the Holy Spirit anointing. We will examine several dimensions of power.

Power to be/become. systems come into existence with vested power. Life itself is powered into existence. No greater multifaceted dimension of the power to be is displayed than that by the “I AM” He is both deity and man, a father and a friend, the Lion and the Lamb, a Creator domiciled in his creation yet self-existing. The power to be was showcased in Genesis 1:3 when God said: Let there be light," and there was light. The one that calls the things which are not, as though they were (Romans 4:17). Being seated in Christ in the “I AM”, share in His multifaceted power to be. Power to translate and transform you from helplessness, lack, pain, sorrow, rejection into the person you desire to become is available by the anointing of the Holy Ghost.

Power to do or perform. Performance counts in the spiritual realm; the capacity to promote or hinder performance lies with God. The one who watches over his word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12), accomplish its sent purpose (Isaiah 55:11), and disappoints the devices of the crafty (Job 5:12), will step into your matter and enforce the all-round victory He enacted at Calvary. Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13 declared that he could do all things through Christ who strengtheneth him. Receive strength to perform valiantly in Jesus' name. Might is imputed through experiential knowledge of the ALMIGHTY, (Daniel 11:32).

Power for sustenance: strength becomes dissipated over time, and therefore, their need for renewal. Failure to do so can turn a champion into a caricature. Power went out of Jesus in Mark 5:29-30, through the hem of His garment to instantly terminate a 12 years demonic and chronic flow of blood. Jesus was aware of the importance of sustaining power through renewal when it was dissipated. Strength is imputed to the weary by the ALMIGHTY the Owner of power who increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29). For our strength to be sustained; we must wait on God for renewal (Isaiah 40: 28-31).

Another vestry of strength is “the Joy of the Lord”; we must guard our hearts with all diligence, ensuring that our joy isn't broken and our strength sapped. When God is our strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1), and we hook and look up to Him perpetually, we remain strong; we can be referred to as “the helped of the Lord”. We must train for power and build stamina to handle an hour of temptation and a day of spiritual battle.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for being powerful and making available that power to you.

* Ask the Lord for a higher endowment of power in your life, family, etc.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: I fan every God-given flame of my life into fire from today on, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Acceptable Service II

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Hebrews 12:28

12 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

MORE LESSON: John 4:23-34

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. 27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. 31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Friday, 19 September

Memory Verse: Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Hebrews 12:28

TODAY’S FASTING FOCUS: Satan, your time is up; Isaiah 10:27, Revelations 12:12

Serving God is a privilege and a form of worship. Note that for it to be accepted in heaven, it must be done God's way, with godly heart, and for God's glory. It requires specific qualities. You cannot serve God in any way and expect a divine reward. So, let us look at the biblical standards for acceptable service:

1. Serve with Deep Love for God

In John 15:13-16, Jesus teaches that accurate service flows from a heart of love. You can't serve God well if you don't love Him deeply; your drive must come from an intimate relationship with God. Service without love is empty labour.

2. Serve as a Pure Vessel

2 Timothy 2:20-22 paints a picture of God's house where some vessels are made of gold, some of silver and others clay. However, only the pure are used for noble purposes. You must cleanse yourself to be useful. Isaiah 52:11 says, Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. You must separate yourself from compromise to be consecrated for impact. Purity is intentional consecration; it will position you for divine use.

3. Serve in Spirit and Truth

John 4:23-24 makes it clear—God is not looking for performance, but for worship in spirit and truth. That means sincerity, honesty, and a motive to please God, not man.

If your service is a stage act, it's not acceptable. If it's about being seen, it's already disqualified. God sees through performance—He responds to purity.

4. Serve Faithfully

1 Corinthians 4:2 declares, It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful. Faithfulness is not measured by public recognition, but by private obedience. Moses was faithful in all God's house— not popular, but faithful (Hebrews 3:2,5). That's what God rewards.

5. Serve Without Strife

2 Timothy 2:24 admonishes: And the servant of the Lord must not strive.... You cannot be quarrelsome, bitter or toxic and expect your service to be fruitful. God uses vessels that are clean, peaceful, and patient. God doesn't just count your hours—He weighs your heart. Purify your vessel, and serve with fear, love and truth.

Prayer/Action

* Ask the Lord to cleanse you and use you for His glory.

* Pray that you will not serve for attention or approval but in love, in truth and holiness.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Over my life, family and work, Satan, time up for you, in the powerful name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Acceptable Service I

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

MORE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 3:8-10

8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

Thursday, 18 September

Memory Verse: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

You are God's workmanship; your salvation is an enlistment into divine assignment. You are saved to serve. God saved you not just to sit in church, but to serve purposefully. God watches what you do and weighs how you do it. The question, however, is your service acceptable?

In 2 Timothy 2, Paul outlines the framework for acceptable service.

• You must please the One who called you (v.4), not your ego, ambition or audience.

• You must serve by the rules (v.5), not invent your style.

• You must endure because the assignment outweighs the affliction (v.6–13).

• You must present yourself as approved (v.15); God is not seeking hype but authenticity.

God owns the work and He alone sets the standard. He's not desperate for volunteers; He's searching for worthy vessels. He is not just watching what you do but also weighing how you do it. Acceptable service require:

1. A Perfect Heart

1 Chronicles 28:9 says, the following condition, Serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind... You may be gifted, eloquent, and busy, but if your heart is not right, your service is rejected. God inspects the heart before He receives the hand. He doesn't just examine your actions, He audits your motives. Amaziah did what was right, but not with a perfect heart (2 Chronicles 25:2) and God rejected him.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 says fire will reveal the kind of material you built with. If they're made of hay, they will burn. Only what is born from sincerity, love, and purity will stand the test.

2. being a Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-2 calls you to become a living sacrifice. That means you don't serve God at your convenience—you serve Him at a cost. David said in 2 Samuel 24:24: I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me nothing. That's the kind of heart God honours; honest service is sacrificial.

God doesn't need performance; instead, He demands purity. If your heart is far, your hands are empty, even when they are full. God does not reward activity; He rewards authenticity. God accepts service that flows from a perfect heart and a sacrificial life. Don't just serve, serve acceptably.

Prayer/Action

* Ask the Lord to purify your motives and heart so that your service will be rooted in love.

* Present yourself as a living sacrifice—pure, yielded and ready.

* Pray that your life will be acceptable before Him.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, let the beauty of Jesus be found upon me today like never before, in the excellent name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: John 14:1-3

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

MORE LESSON: Acts 27:22-25

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Wednesday, 17 September

Memory Verse: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1

Your heart is the engine room of your life. If the heart is troubled, life can derail. That’s why Jesus said in today’s memory verse, LET NOT your heart be troubled.” It’s a command, and not a suggestion. Some of the many things that threaten to trouble the heart include:

• the unknown and uncertainty (Matthew 10:26);

• fear of the enemy (Matthew 10:28-30);

• the cares of life (Matthew 6:28 32);

• and a heart poisoned by unforgiveness (Colossians 3:13-14).

The truth is that whatever you don’t confront will continue to torment you. If you let fear, offence or anxiety to fester, they will choke peace and power out of your life.

So, the way forward is to do the following things:

i. Choose to rejoice in the Lord (John 16:33).

ii. Engage your faith; live, walk, and speak by faith (1 John 5:4; Romans 1:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7).

iii. Lean on the indwelling Christ; greater is He in you! (1 John 4:4).

iv. Let God’s peace rule.

v. Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, patience, armour for your heart and testimony (Colossians 3:12-14).

This is not emotional survival; rather, it is spiritual dominion. Christ’s peace is not the absence of storms; it is the presence of His power in storms. Don’t just cry about the storm, command: “Peace, be still!” (Mark 4:39). You are not a victim; you are anointed to rise. Let not your heart be troubled— make your choice: rise in faith and rule your storm.

Prayer/Action

* Shut the door against every trouble targeting your heart.

* Receive the peace of God and command calmness over every storm in your life.

* Declare that your will not be troubled nor complain but walk in victory, by faith and not by fear.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Overturn, overturn; I overturn every evil plot loaded in my year today, in the powerful name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Praise that Breaks Protocols

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Psalm 138:1-8

1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. 2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. 3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. 4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. 5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD. 6 Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. 8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

MORE LESSON: 1 Chronicles 15:25-29

25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy. 26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. 27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen. 28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps. 29 And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

Tuesday, 16 September

Memory Verse: I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart… even before kings will I sing praises unto thee. Psalm 138:1

Real thanksgiving breaks the rules of dignity. It shatters protocols. If your praise still looks “neat,” it hasn't reached heaven yet. Until your Thanksgiving embarrasses dignitaries, breaks protocol, and dismantles your pride, it hasn't touched God.

When you're truly grateful, you empty yourself, you lose your titles and forget your status. You become like David, dancing before the Ark. David brought the ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 15:28: Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps. He praised God until the whole queen got offended in verse 29: And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul, looking out at a window, saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart. He stripped off his royal attire in exchange for reverence.

You can't celebrate God as “big man” and expect to see His mighty hand. Until your honour is laid down, you have not started true thanksgiving.

You owe God praise, no matter the achievement you have recorded. Your title didn't save you; Jesus did. Whatever appointment you have, that contract, that job, that testimony; they are not your doing. Strip the pride and remove the polish. If God hadn't stepped in, the enemy would have finished you.

Since we owe Him everything, how should we praise Him?

• Let your mouth praise Him – Complainers can't provoke wonders. Only grateful hearts receive the overflow.

• Let your money praise Him – Praise Him with the resources He has blessed you with. Stop needing reminders to give. Stop waiting to be begged to sow. If someone must push you to be grateful, you're not thankful yet.

• Let your glory praise Him – Whatever makes you stand out, bring it back to His feet. Psalm 108:1 says: I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

Jesus is both Lion and Lamb. He defended you like a lion and lay down like a lamb. Why hold back your gratitude when your Defender roared like a lion for you? Why hide your praise when your Shepherd bled for your soul? Why hide your appreciation? Why act like you earned this? Until your praise embarrasses you, it hasn't impressed God—praise like David': give like Mary; worship like the healed. If your pride is intact, your praise is incomplete.

Prayer/Action

* Tell the Lord that you will always return all the glory to Him.

* Tell the Lord that from today, your praise will be loud, your giving extravagant and your thanksgiving break protocol.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, give me Grace this month to follow you unconditionally, in the precious name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

Hope Beyond Hope

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Romans 4:17-22

17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

MORE LESSON: Job 14:7-9

7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; 9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

Monday, 15 September

Memory Verse: Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. Romans 4:18

When God teaches you about hope, He doesn't begin with what you can see. True hope, the kind Abraham walked in, is the supernatural ability to call what doesn't exist by name, as though it does. This is not wishful thinking; it is prophetic alignment. Abraham, against hope, believed in hope. It's seeing nothing but saying something. Abraham didn't wait for Isaac to be conceived in Sarah's womb before he answered the name “father of many nations.” He gave a name to what no one else could see.

That is what God is calling you to do—to name what doesn't yet live, to relate with what is still invisible, and to believe without evidence. That is not optimism; that is divine hope. The hope of God is not about seeing light at the end of the tunnel—it is dancing when there is no tunnel at all!

Abraham gave thanks to God, hoping that what God had promised would come to pass. Romans 4:20 reveals that Abraham ...staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. Thanksgiving is not authentic when it is easy. It becomes weighty when it's painful but when things are good, it's natural. To praise when everything screams defeat is supernatural. That's the Thanksgiving that moves Heaven—rejoicing in pain, worshipping through storms, clapping with tears on your face.

But to operate at that level, you must guard three spiritual qualities.

1. Joy – you must be joyful. It is only when the heart is joyful that thanks can flow. Do not let anyone take thanks from you; the only way is to remain cheerful. Do not surrender your joy. Not to your job, pain, waiting season, or losses. Joy is the womb of thanksgiving. If you lose joy, you silence your thanksgiving.

2. Love for God – learn to love God. It is in loving God that you can thank Him in hope, regardless of what happens. Only lovers can trust through pain. When you love God, you thank Him regardless of the challenges.

3. Faith – Hope stands on the shoulders of faith. Without faith, thanksgiving becomes empty noise.

Don't just say God is good when you get a promotion; be ready to say He is good when everything gets delayed. When you're down to nothing, your praise must rise to everything. Real hope gives a name to the unseen. Absolute praise makes no sense to the flesh. Hope and praise like Abraham—radical, relentless, and raw.

Prayer/Action

* Ask God to help you praise beyond reason. Help me name what doesn't yet exist.

* Pray that your heart will be filled with joy and that your faith remains unshakable.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Underneath me, this month, is the everlasting hand; I shall fear no foe, in the powerful name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved

He Will Reveal it to You

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Genesis 41:28-32

28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

MORE LESSON: Jeremiah 33:3

3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Sunday, 14 September

Memory Verse: This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. Genesis 41:28

God is the Revealer of secrets. He knows from the end from the beginning, precisely what will happen, and often reveals the future to those He chooses.

In today's text, Joseph was about to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh, the King of Egypt. Though Pharaoh was not a child of God, God revealed the future to him because he could do something about it. Cyrus, Nebuchadnezzar and Darius were some of the people who, though they were not ‘children of God’, were people to whom God revealed the future because of their position. The Bible, however, is clear as Psalm 25:14 puts: The LORD's secret is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Amos 3:7 also says Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

As a child of God, born again and washed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, you are one of God's anointed ones (John 15:16; Psalm 105:14-15). He will not hold back from you what is necessary, but He will reveal His plan for your life if you ask Him to. If God would reveal the future to a heathen like Pharaoh, how much more will He reveal the future, by the Holy Spirit, to those who love Him? Therefore, if any aspect of your personal life, family life or career, even your nation, bothers you, about which you want to know the mind of God, find time to seek His face sincerely, and He will reveal it to you.

To enjoy God's revelation, however, you must do some things.

(1) Be truly born again; God will not cast His pearl before swine. Those kings we mentioned earlier got the revelations because of their position, but it took a child of God to understand them. To enjoy God's revelation, you must be genuinely born again.

(2) You must be filled with the Holy Spirit. God gives His revelation through the Holy Spirit; it is the Spirit of God that searches the deep things of God. It is the Holy Spirit that reveals the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-12).

(3) You must be a ravenous eater of the Word of God. Most times, as you meditate on the Word of God, He speaks clearly to you about His plan for your future. The Word of God is the will of God. Whatever is revealed to you by prophecy, dream or vision must align with the Word of God (Isaiah 28:13). His Word is the yardstick, the final authority in every matter of Christian faith and conduct.

(4) You must develop intimacy with God, walking with Him daily. Secrets are revealed to those who are intimate with Him (Genesis 17:1-3).

(5) You must pray, and specifically ask God for the revelation that you desire (Isaiah 45:11). He answers the prayers of His humble children (Jeremiah 33:3).

Today, pray over the matters that bother you, and God will reveal the secret to you.

Prayer/Action

* Ask the Lord to reveal secrets that pertain to your destiny.

* Ask the Lord to put His fear in you according to Psalm 25:14a.

* Pray that God would reveal things that hinder your access to His secrets and will for your destiny.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Mighty warriors and conquerors, I command you to rise up from within me now, in the powerful name of Jesus.

© Strength for My Days by Bishop David Bakare - All Rights Reserved