Second Chance

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Judges 16:25-30 

25 And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars. 26 And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them. 27 Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport. 28 And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. 29 And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. 30 And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.

MORE LESSON: Psalm 4:1-3

1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. 3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

Thursday, 30 October

Memory Verse: And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. Judges 16:28

Nothing can be more devastating on the battlefield than being disarmed by your enemy. Because the strength of a warrior is in his weapons, the seizure of one's weapons ordinarily signifies the end of the captivity. This scenario is far more tragic when a child of God faces a situation of spiritual disarmament by the enemy. Before the birth of Samson, God set him aside for an assignment,

… he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines: Judges 13:5.

He started well but later fell into the hands of the Philistines because of his relationship with Delilah. The dreaded Samson became a theatre piece brought out of prison to entertain his enemies. May we never degenerate and end this way. Thank God, Samson realised what to do; he told the lad who held him. …Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them: Judges 16:26.

What pillars do you lean on in your trying times? Are the pillars of wrong and ungodly counsel, or the pillars of encouragement, that can lead you back to reconcile with God? Where you ask for the renewal of strength dictates how far you can go in your relationship with God. Leaning on the pillars for support, Samson cried unto the God of Israel (v 28). May God remember you when you call on Him in your days of trouble. He cried on …and strengthen me….

May the Lord strengthen you when you are weak. And he concluded, …I pray thee, only this once.

The God of compassion answered, and Samson pulled down the building and killed more enemies that day than in the twenty years that he judged Israel.

Who are the Philistines that plucked out your eyes of righteousness and commitment? Ask God for one more time to regain your strength. He will answer, because He is the God of second chances, who granted Samson, Peter, David, Manasseh, Jonah, and others a second chance. If He has spared your life till today, then take advantage of that and seek restoration in any area of life, now. This same opportunity might be unavailable tomorrow. What a privilege to have such a merciful and forgiving God, ever ready to receive any returning child.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for been your shield and defender.

* Pray for grace to live in full capacity of that which God has written pertaining your destiny.

* Ask God to take every idol in your life that as replace God knowingly or unknowingly.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: God of Jawom, let your presence and impact upon the Master's Convention 2025 surpass every past convention, in the excelling name of Jesus.

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

Excelling by the Spirit

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

MORE LESSON: II Corinthians 9:8

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Wednesday, 29 October

Memory Verse: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Excellence is not limited to a gender because God has made us capable of excelling. God has equipped us to excel; our talents, the Word of God in our hearts, and even the different parts of our bodies are given to us to excel. Your hands, your ability to think, reason and design are offered to you by God to excel, and all these are activated and expressed by the Holy Spirit, God's seal of excellence in our lives. Therefore, anyone who has accepted Jesus as his/her Lord and Saviour is equipped by the Holy Spirit to live a holy and excellent life.

God is excellent, and we are exceptional because we are His children, and He lives in us. God's excellent Spirit has been given to us so that we can excel in all we do. Therefore, anyone who wants to be excellent must have the Spirit of God in him and work to cultivate an intimate relationship with Him.

Also, every child of God is excellent in their own way. that someone is excelling in his way does not stop you from excelling in your track. We are all God's ideas manifested in different forms; women are God's ideas manifested in female form, and men are God's ideas manifested in male form. We are, therefore, all God's idea, created and designed for different purposes. It is thus impossible to excel outside of the will of God for your life. You might be comfortable and doing well, but if you are not walking in God's will and purpose for your life, you are not excelling. It is necessary to find your purpose. Why has God placed you on this earth? Why were you born into the family you belong to? What does God want you to do for Him in your immediate environment? All these and many more are questions you must lift to God in prayer and patiently wait for a reply.

Finally, you must never fear the task ahead of you if you want to excel. Excellent men and women are not cowards or quitters. You must learn to draw strength for the task ahead, and the best source of strength is the One who sent you on errand—God. Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). There is more than enough grace to carry you through your journey; all you have to do is ask.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for causing you to excel in life by His Spirit.

* Pray that the grace to excel and to be excellent will be activated in your life.

* Declare that by His spirit, you are breaking new ground in your field of endeavours.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: This earth must hear the voice of the Lord from the Masters’s Convention 2025, in the powerful name of Jesus.

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

Impactful Destiny

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: John 1:1-14

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. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

MORE LESSON: Isaiah 60:15

15 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.

Tuesday, 28 October

Memory Verse: 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. Isaiah 60:15

An impactful destiny is well grounded and has a profound impact on lives in every area. To be impactful, you must seek to conquer and use your conquest to empower others to also conquer in life. Impact is not only in 'making it', but also in helping others to make it. A man who is saved from the kingdom of darkness and uses his salvation to bring others to salvation is impactful. A man who is prosperous and great and raises others to prosper and become great is impactful. When Jesus came to the earth, He was the only one who had light in a world of gross darkness, but because of His impact, numerous people are walking in spiritual light today.

The first key to having a life of impact is approaching life from a spiritual perspective, rather than merely a physical one. A destiny that will make an impact must recognise that life goes beyond what is seen and thereby partner with God for effects. Impact demands that we live beyond self-gratification and the accumulation of mundane things in life, and destiny is beyond merely drinking, eating, and playing around. A man of impact doesn't just live to satisfy himself, his belly, and other appetites. A destiny that makes an impact must have a vision to pursue, people to raise, and the Kingdom to expand.

There are battles to fight to make an impact in life; it necessitates stepping out of our comfort zones. We can't talk about effects and expect a bed of roses and a life devoid of any challenge. impact is impossible without challenges, and life becomes dull without challenges. The man who wants an average life can have a smooth rise, but the man who wants to make an impact for God and the Kingdom must expect opposition and great exertions. Many people give up the moment a challenge arises in life. However, what you need is to put up a fight of faith and lay hold on the victory by bringing out the best of the situation. A life that will make an impact will not give up in the face of challenges.

For a destiny to make an impact, it must avoid distractions and cultivate the ability to focus. Refrain from things and relationships that don't align with your desired direction in life. Your ability to avoid distractions and concentrate on what you are doing is essential in living a life of impact.

Finally, a destiny that will make an impact lives with eternity in focus. It is only when one makes an impact in life and reaches heaven that one has truly lived. What is the use of making an impact on Earth if the person, thereafter, goes to hell? It is compulsory to live with the consciousness that after death, there is a place to give an account of how you lived.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for His investment in your life.

* Pray that you will bring forth fruit that will glorify God.

* Pray that you will not live a selfish life.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, in the remaining days of this month, deliver my soul from death, my eyes from death and my feet from falling, in Jesus' mighty name.

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

Wait on The Lord

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: John 1:1-14

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. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

MORE LESSON: Isaiah 60:15 

15 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 generation.

Monday, 27 October

Memory Verse: 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. Isaiah 60:15

One of the problems today is haste; everybody wants to “make it”, that is, succeed as a matter of urgency. Sadly, this attitude is also found even in the body of Christ. You might have run over. However, the irony is that those who come carefully and patiently behind you often find out that the opportunities you might have left behind are what they could have had. Today, the Lord is teaching you to pause for a while. Learn to wait upon the Lord for everything.

The Bible teaches us that the Lord makes things beautiful in His time. God does not use a wristwatch to calculate time, seasons, and years the same way we do. Psalm 90:4 says, For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday…. Are you in haste over anything? The Lord is telling you to wait upon Him. It is in your interest to wait upon the Lord because those who do so shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31). You burn much energy running here and there. However, when you wait upon the Lord in prayer and fasting, in diligence and commitment, your burnt energy is renewed, replaced, or refilled. For waiting on Him, He grants you the strength of an eagle (agility, might, glorious height, and dominance of your environment) to fly over and above all circumstances, the speed to run, power never to be weary. Majesty, caution, confidence, protection, and guidance to walk over pain, affliction, lack, opposition, and obstacles, yet not faint. You are granted total protection when you fly (great speed), run (medium speed), and walk (slow speed) as strictly directed by the Spirit of God in response to situations and circumstances of life.

Learn to wait on the Lord; it pays. Never be desperate about anything; whatever goes round must come round. Trust in the power of God to give you your blessings in your season and His time. Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent!” Moreover, Isaiah the prophet says, Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isaiah 28:16 (KJV). Another version (NIV) says, He that relies on it will never be stricken with panic and the Amplified version says, He who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone) will not be ashamed. Therefore, wait on the Lord!

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for His investment in your life.

* Pray that you will bring forth fruit that will glorify God.

* Pray that you will not live a selfish life.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, in the remaining days of this month, deliver my soul from death, my eyes from death and my feet from falling, in Jesus' mighty name.

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

Who Misled you?

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: I Kings 13:1-24

1 And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. 2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee. 3 And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the LORD hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out. 4 And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. 5 The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. 6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before. 7 And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward. 8 And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: 9 For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest. 10 So he went another way, and returned not by the way that he came to Bethel. 11 Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father. 12 And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah. 13 And he said unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass: and he rode thereon, 14 And went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am. 15 Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread. 16 And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place: 17 For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. 18 He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. 19 So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.20 And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back: 21 And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee, 22 But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the LORD did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers. 23 And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back.24 And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase.

MORE LESSON: Proverbs 20:18

18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Sunday, 26 October

Memory Verse: Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. Proverbs 20:18

Who are your advisers? Who are your friends? Who are the people you listen to? Often, the place where a man is today is a result of who his advisers are. Advisers determine the road map of your destiny; they tell you whether you should go to the right or the left. Having advisers is not bad, but there are bad and evil advisers; the Bible says in Proverbs 11:14, "In the multitude of counsellors there is safety." However, know that if a fool counsels you, you will land where you may regret. Wrong advisers can make a father hate his children; they can make a father use his child for rituals. Wrong advisers break homes; they create enmity between friends, in homes, among church members, even a whole country and create problems that can sink a nation.

If you hand over your life to the wrong adviser, everything in your life and destiny will be bad. If you depend on wrong advice to run your home, then the journey you have embarked on is a journey without assurance of a safe landing; it is a journey without a future. You may never reach your destination because of the wrong adviser in your life.

Was there a time your father told you to face your studies and do away with your friends who used to drink and smoke, but you told him to forget it, and you took the counsel of your friends? Could that be the reason why you are where you are today? Proverbs 12:15 says, The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. The kind of counsel that you listen to shapes your destiny.

It is time for you to begin to hearken to God's voice. Now is the time for you to start to hear the voice of God through the man of God that He has set over you. Otherwise, the devil will pick you up and mislead you. It does not cost him anything; in fact, he is in the ministry of leading people in the wrong directions so that they will never fulfil their destiny.

Numerous signs prove you are being misled. Whenever you disregard any godly advice, you have misled yourself. Any time you prefer the advice of friends over that of your godly parents, you have entered a business transaction with the devil to deceive you. You have just told the devil to take proper control of your life and

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for His guidance in every step of your life.

* Thank God for showing you mercy even when you have made mistake in daily walk with Him.

* Pray against bad influence or voice that have been misleading you in time past.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Sport of grace and glory fall upon the Master's Convention 2025, and let there be a shout of praise, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

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

Ministry of Destiny Helpers

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: I Chronicles 12:20-23

20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh. 21 And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host. 22 For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God. 23 And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.

MORE LESSON: Psalm 75:6-7

6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Saturday, 25 October

Memory Verse: For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God. 1 Chronicles 12:22

God's plan for His children is to make them shining lights. One way God places His children on the hilltop where they can shine for the whole world to see is through the ministry of destiny helpers. Destiny helpers are people whom God has set at different points in our lives to make the process easier. If God wants to bless a man, He uses a man. The man whom God uses to take you to a higher place is a destiny helper.

There are several people in the Bible whom God used the ministry of destiny helpers to lift. They include:

1. Joseph (Genesis 41): God used the chief butler and Pharaoh to elevate him. You know what brought Joseph to be remembered to this day was not even his dream, but the destiny helpers whom God sent into his life - the person who remembered that Joseph could interpret the king's dreams and the king who had the dream and vacated his chair for Joseph.

2. The man beaten by armed robbers in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37): a man was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers, leaving him half dead. The two people who came and passed by were not his helpers. But when the man God had set out for him came, …he had compassion v33. He didn't think like the priest and Levite who left the victim unattended. The Samaritan helped him; he bound his wounds and poured oil and wine. In the modern day, that is what we call first aid. Then he took him to an inn (v34). He took care of him first before taking him to a hospital. He didn't just take him to the hospital to leave him there; he stayed there and paid the bills.

3. David (I Samuel 30:11-20): David was coming back from battle only to discover that bandits had overrun his village. As he went on a rescue mission, they found an Egyptian who was almost dying. They fed him, and when he was revived, upon enquiry, David discovered the boy was one of the bandits. And David asked him to take him to the band, and he did. David smote them all, leaving no one, and recovered everything they had stolen. Without the destiny helper whom God had set out for him, David wouldn't have been able to recover all that he had lost.

The ministry of destiny helpers is vital in the life of a man who wants to be a shining light. Becoming as shining light and having destiny helpers don't just happen; they require God's favour, which is reserved only for His own through redemption. Are you redeemed? Ask for God's favour and destiny helpers.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for the gift of destiny helper that He has strategically placed in your path to greatness.

* Ask the Holy Spirit to make your destiny helper to locate and speak favourably about you.

* Pray that you will be connected to your destiny helper at the right time and right place.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, every seed sower into the Master's Convention 2025 will find their harvest, in the powerful name of Jesus.

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

Right Question

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Psalm 42:1-11

1 To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. 9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? 11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

MORE LESSON: Psalm 75:6-7

6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Friday, 24 October

Memory Verse: Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11

TODAY’S FASTING FOCUS: A New Story; Isaiah 43:18-21, Isaiah 42:9-12

In today's text, the Psalmist asked himself, "My soul, why are you cast down?” It takes a sincere man to direct life's crucial question at oneself. Many times, people question everyone else except themselves; some have even gone so far as to question God. Therefore, it is common to hear people ask, "God, why me?” It is as if they desire that it should be someone else, and not they, who is the recipient of the bad experience. This is like saying it should not have happened to me, but to someone else. 'Why me?' is not the right question to ask when the unexpected happens.

The Psalmist was going through difficult situations, and he asked himself the right question. Today, I equally urge you to ask yourself the same question: 'What exactly is making me feel cast down? Why do I feel like the whole world is on top of my head? Why do I want to kill myself with worry and anxiety? Why am I cast down?' To be cast down means to be discouraged, sad, dejected, depressed, unhappy and hopeless. Whatever you don't question is permitted to continue. However, don't question God; instead, ask about your worries and fears, your feelings of despair and anxieties.

Unfulfilled promises, dashed expectations, delayed breakthroughs, and downturns in events can make men downcast. In life, any of these things can happen; it is your response to them that determines whether you fall or stay strong. Something can happen to knock someone completely off their feet, but when the same thing happens to you, you remain standing and rising. So, the happening is not the matter but the response.

It is essential to know that sometimes you may be downcast momentarily, but anything that causes you to remain downcast must be questioned and reversed. Therefore, when you realise that being downcast is becoming constant in your life, you must ask and end it. Psalm 30:5 says, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Weeping is not permitted to last more than a night. If something happened that made you cry before you slept, by the time you wake up, the weeping must not be allowed to continue. Do not stay down; do not let the devil see you cast down for too long. Show the devil the opposite of what he wants to see in your life. Be joyful.

The Word of God today is that you should not stay down; you are to rise again. Rising again starts with questioning your downtime. Don't give up; a person who dies downcast has lost the victory that the experience of rising again brings. Rise, and let the Lord strengthen you.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for the gift of destiny helper that He has strategically placed in your path to greatness.

* Ask the Holy Spirit to make your destiny helper to locate and speak favourably about you.

* Pray that you will be connected to your destiny helper at the right time and right place.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, every seed sower into the Master's Convention 2025 will find their harvest, in the powerful name of Jesus.

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

The Giving Spirit

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Luke 6:30-38

30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

MORE LESSON: II Chronicles 7:4-7

4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. 5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. 6 And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. 7 Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat.

Thursday, 23 October

Memory Verse: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

There is a mystery involved in the act of open-handedness that only a few men understand or appreciate. The average person is pleased to receive value and reluctant to part with it. This is the basic instinct of a natural man. A popular Christian author, John Maxwell, once said, “We live by what we give”. When it dawns on a man that giving is the essence of life, there will be no struggle to release his gifts, abilities, natural endowment, resources, and time to serve God and humanity.

God is the greatest giver who made all men—givers and gatherers, the generous and the tight-fisted. It is wisdom for a man to be on life's giving and generous side. It is only a mark of appreciation to the great Giver who gives to multiply givers on earth. If you study the lives of natural givers worldwide, you notice that their ability to provide constantly increases, and they never lack. Remember that an unbeliever who lives by giving will always be ahead of a most holy believer who is tight-fisted in natural wealth and possessions.

Believers have the most incredible opportunity to part with poverty and live. We often want to be associated with the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, etc, but are we ready to pay the price they paid? These were men who emptied their lives for the Lord. He that empties himself for God will be rewarded with overflowing blessings from above. Change your attitude towards tithes, offerings, pledges, vows, almsgiving, and helping others, and you will never regret it. You were created to give. God gave His best (Jesus), and His children should give like Him.

Verse 38 of our text says, Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. That is not just a promise; it is a key to unlock wealth! If you are tired of poverty and desire to come out as fast as possible, take the key to giving and the padlock against your wealth will give way speedily. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty: Proverbs 11:24. Now, answer the question, “Who holds the key to your prosperity?”

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for releasing his blessings to you

* Pray that by Gods spirit you have the understanding and revelation of giving

* Pray against the spirit of selfishness that hinders you from giving generously to God, the widows and orphans.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, I release the spirit of repentance and salvation to every member of my family, nuclear and extended, now, in the mighty name of Jesus.

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

From Shame to Glory

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Matthew 5:1-5

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

MORE LESSON: I Timothy 1:12-15

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Wednesday, 22 October

Memory Verse: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1Timothy 1:15

Sometimes, we wonder if God could ever use people like us. With our flaws, shortcomings, and sins, it seems unlikely, if not impossible. However, one look at the genealogy of Jesus Christ shows that indeed, there is hope. Jesus' genealogy features many unsavoury characters, all of whom demonstrated God's grace and were not flawless men and women. For example, David, though a great king, was guilty of adultery and murder; Abraham, rightly called the father of faith, suffered several lapses, such as the habit of deception. However, God included both David and Abraham in the messianic line.

Matthew's record of the genealogy also calls for attention, especially the list of women. Except for Mary, the other four were of questionable reputations; they were sinful women, not known for their virtue or godliness. They were not even Jewish, yet God included them in the messianic lineage. First, we read of Tamar (Matthew 1:3), whose story is that of deceit and a sordid account of prostitution (Genesis 38); indeed, she was not a godly woman. By the grace of God, she was included in the Messiah's genealogy. Rahab (Matthew 1:5) was a prostitute in Jericho when she met two Jewish spies sent ahead to check out the city before the conquest of Jericho. Rahab's role in saving these men from death secured for her a place among the Israelites when the city fell. God, in His grace, not only spared her. Still, she brought her into the messianic lineage as the wife of Salmon, the mother of the godly Boaz, who was David's great-grandfather. Ruth (Matthew 1:5) was a Moabitess, and her people are the product of the incestuous act between Lot and his daughters. One of the children born of that ungodly union was a man named Moab. Moabites were all idol worshippers! Ruth left her people and returned with her mother-in-law Naomi to Israel, where she met and married Boaz. Ruth became the grandmother of Israel's greatest king, David, and thus was included in the messianic lineage.

The list also includes Bathsheba (Matthew 1:6), the woman with whom David had an adulterous relationship, yet she was included in the messianic lineage. All these prove that when we sometimes ask, "Is there any hope for me? Can God forgive me? Can He use me?" The answer is yes! If God could use all these people to play such a critical role in bringing the Saviour, Jesus, to the world, He will forgive and use all who come to Him for His glory.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for calling us to himself by his divine orchestration

* Thank God for the sacrifice of Christ

* Ask God for mercy if you have been doubt his forgiveness

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Today, I turn every waste around me into wealth by divine wisdom, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

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

The Path of the Just

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Proverbs 4:18-22

18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. 20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

MORE LESSON: Proverbs 12:13-14

13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

Tuesday, 21 October

Memory Verse: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18

The path of the just will shine brighter by the day because when a man is righteous, God takes him from glory to glory. No matter what happens, they do not diminish in strength and status; instead, they grow stronger by the day.

The Bible is filled with the testimonies of several righteous men whom God exalted because of their lives.

Of Abraham, the Bible says, And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great…. Genesis 24:35.

Of Isaac, And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: Genesis 26:13.

Of David, and David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him; 2 Samuel 5:10.

Of Saul (Paul), but Saul increased the more in strength and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus…. Acts 9:22.

Of Jesus Christ, He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree Luke 1:52.

If you, too, will walk uprightly, living by faith daily and looking to Jesus, then He will move you from glory to glory and bless you and your children,

The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Psalm 115:14: Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. Psalm 71:21

Today, make up your mind to walk uprightly with God daily, and He will increase you daily to the glory of His name.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for counting you righteous

* Thank God for his strength that he gives daily for sustenance

* Pray for more strength and that your strength will not fail the in days of battle

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Today, I receive power over every spirit of poor finishing, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

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

Anointing for Profit

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Acts 10:38

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

MORE LESSON: Matthew 25:14-30

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Monday, 20 October

Memory Verse: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38

There is an anointing for doing good, an empowerment that God gives to a man and expects him to benefit himself and other people with. The anointing is for healing, progress, refuge, and goodness to the person who bears it and whoever encounters it. Anointing people with oil in church is not a religious ceremony because there is a promise that God will come to everyone after the anointing. If you are anointed, graced, and gifted by God to do anything, know that God expects it to benefit you and everyone around you. It is essential to recognise that the glory, anointing, and blessings God gives you are intended to impact lives positively. You should not accumulate materials solely for yourself and your family.

I want you to know that God likes profits. From the Bible texts we read, we know that when God invests, He expects profit. The Bible also affirms, But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal: 1 Corinthians 12:7. One way of making sure there is profit on God's gifting, talent, and anointing on your life is to put it to use for the good of others actively. You will also reap profits from it. The servants given five and two talents put them to use and made profits for the Master, and He is pleased with them and rewards them. By putting their talents to use, they profit themselves, profit the people that they offer services to, in addition to making profits for the Master. The servant who is given one talent goes ahead to hide it in order not to lose it. However, it is also of no use to humanity, to the Master, or himself. Therefore, the Master punishes him for not making a profit.

Many Christians have abandoned their businesses, careers, ministries, and lives because they believe God disapproves of profit. Some believers in business can buy something for N20 and sell it for N15, thinking that is holiness. That is being religious, not being spiritual. It is God's desire that you have extra input over your input. It is a good thing when you gain in life; for every input you make, you should receive what you put in and more in terms of profit. The investment of God in your life will not be a waste, in Jesus' name. I pray that you will be profitable to yourself, your family, the church, the world, and the Kingdom of God at large in all your lifetime.

Prayer/Action

* Pray for the anointing to do good at all time

* Ask the Lord for grace to be an addition to his kingdom through your life and in giving

* Pray wisdom for profit in your business and endeavours in life.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Wasters of destiny, over me and my family, catch fire now, in the powerful name of Jesus.

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

Hope for an Esau

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Genesis 27:30-40

30 And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me. 32 And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau. 33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed. 34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. 35 And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing. 36 And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? 37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? 38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. 39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; 40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

MORE LESSON: Hebrews 4:16

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need

Sunday, 19 October

Memory Verse: ...and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. Genesis 27:40

The story of Esau has been told to us since kindergarten. We are familiar with the causes and consequences of Esau's actions. Esau undoubtedly attracted judgment and hatred from God (Malachi 1:2-3) by being nonchalant about his birthright. He lived out the prophecy that preceded him from the womb (Genesis 25:23). In Genesis 27:1, Esau is portrayed as the beloved son of Isaac, who was entitled to Isaac's blessing, but his destiny was hijacked by the subtlety of his mother and brother. He narrowly missed receiving his blessing (v. 30).

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 waited before his father without shame (Hebrews 4:16). What do you do with what you believe in? Many of us have been quiet for too long in pain. 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 Genesis 33:4. Move forward so that you can access your blessings and have the testimony of Esau (Genesis 33:9).

Let this new glory not pass you by; stand up, be restless, take your stand as a child of God. He loves you; He proclaimed this Himself when He sent Jesus to redeem you. Take advantage of God's promises and be persistent; pray especially when all hope is lost, like Esau. Do as the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-10. 18:1-10. If you do not give up holding on to God, there is hope for you. 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

* Ask God to grant you the advantage of Esau

* Pray for grace to wait until the prophecy over your life and destiny is fulfilled

* Pray the glory of God will not pass you by until you becomes everything and more that God said about you

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Every handwriting of poverty, visible and invisible over my life and future, is this day abolished, in the victorious name of Jesus.

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

A Thousand Times Increase

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Mark 4:38

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?.

MORE LESSON: Deuteronomy 1:10-11

10 he LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. 11 (The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!)

Saturday, 18 October

Memory Verse: The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you! Deuteronomy 1:11

In the parable of the Sower, we see what happens when seed falls on different kinds of ground. The different types of ground denote the various kinds of hearts with which people receive the Word of God. According to the text, some seed fell by the wayside, some on the rock, and some among thorns, and they all did not bear fruit. However, some fell on good soil and were fruitful. Even on the good soil, there were different levels of fruit-bearing. The Scripture says that some gave thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, and some a hundredfold yield. A thirtyfold return is commendable when compared to the unfruitful grounds, but it is not comparable to a hundredfold return. Levels are evident. So, glory is also in levels.

In Genesis 26:12, Isaac sowed during a time of famine and received a hundredfold harvest in the same year, and God blessed him. He had a hundredfold and was also blessed by God. So even as great as the hundredfold is, it is not all that there is to the blessing of God. Reading further, we can see other evidence of the blessing of God on Isaac's life in addition to the hundredfold that he received, and the man waxed great and went forward and grew until he became very great. For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him: Genesis 26:13-14. It is God's desire for you to receive the hundredfold increase and be so blessed that the evidence is clear. God wants to bless you till you become the envy of the unbelievers around you. When you are blessed, it shows. It is not appropriate to continually say that you are blessed without anything to show for it. From today, you will have evidence of God's blessing on your life, in the name of Jesus.

The hundredfold increase is terrific, and it is God's will for you to be a hundredfold of what you are right now by this time next year. However, I have discovered that the hundredfold growth is not all there is to God's blessing, in Deut. 1:11, Moses blesses the children of Israel, The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you! Deuteronomy 1:10-11.

Even though God has already multiplied Israel to be as the stars of heaven, Moses still prays that God will make them a thousand times more. That is a thousand-fold enlargement. There is truly no limit to God's capacity to bless. He has surely blessed you, or else you would not be where you are today. However, I tell you there is more; believe God for more. Ask Him not for a hundredfold but a thousand-fold abundance, and more.

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for His provisions to increase a thousand times more.

* Pray that you will attain to the maximum all that the Lord has for you.

* Ask that you will increase a thousand times more in everything

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: The siege of poverty is broken over me today, I begin to walk in plenty from now on, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

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

Be Great —Your God is Great

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Job 5:25-27

25 Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. 26 Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. 27 Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good

MORE LESSON: Job 8:7

7 Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

Friday, 17 October

Memory Verse: Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase. Job 8:7

TODAY’S FASTING FOCUS: Agents of death catch fire;2 Kings 1:8-5

Everything about God is on a grand scale. God does not do His things small: whatever God does, even if it starts small, will never remain small. As big as the Earth is, it is not the biggest planet God made. The planet Jupiter is about 20 times bigger than the Earth. This is not to talk of the sun and stars, which are created immeasurably vast, even though they look smaller to us than they are, because of the great distance. The entire universe is simply beyond description in terms of magnitude. All these are just minute pointers to the greatness of God. God is beyond excellent, and as His offspring, so should you be. It is said that the human brain can generate 3 million ideas per day, and one idea is sufficient to make you great in life. Every provision needed by man for greatness has been deposited in Him by the Great One. You have no reason to be small in destiny.

All the Patriarchs in the Bible who served God ultimately achieved greatness. Abraham, who was given up on having a single son, ended up having eight biological children. However, that was not all; through the covenant, Abraham's spiritual and biological offspring continue to multiply in millions to this day. That cannot come from a small God. Abraham was a great man, but Isaac became even greater, until he became very significant. (Genesis 26:13) Israel also became so much of a force in Egypt that Pharaoh was afraid that they would take over the land from him. When Israel was coming out of Egypt, King Balak of Moab saw them and was worried because they were too great for him. (Numbers 22:1-5). Joseph went to a country as a slave and grew to become the prime minister there. The excellent man Job also, after being tested and cut down, rose and became great again. He eventually had seven sons, three daughters, and twice the wealth he had before the enemy struck him. The enemy struck him.

David was so great that the nations around him were subdued under him. Solomon had wisdom and wealth greater than any earthly king before or after him. Esther also rose from being a slave to become a queen in the palace. Mordecai, from being a gateman, became one who rode on the king's horse, and eventually he became the second in command in that country. These people are a collective testimony of men becoming great because they served a great God. You are serving the same God they served. Compare who you are today with who your God is, and you will realize that you need to be more. Compare what you have achieved to what your God can do, and you will realize that you have not scratched the surface of His possibilities. Rise and take your place. You were created great by a great God; refuse to be small.

Prayer/Action

* Pray for the Spirit of greatness to rest upon you.

* Declare that over your family business and work greatness is your portion

* Ask the Lord to subdue everything that has been standing as an obstacle in your life and destiny.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: I prophesy against every agent of death assigned to waste lives in my family and Church, begin to catch fire now, in the mighty name of Jesus.

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

Power Packed

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Hebrews 4:12 

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

MORE LESSON: Acts 19:11-20

11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Thursday, 16 October

Memory Verse: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:2

The writer of Hebrews has given us fresh revelation on the mystery and efficacy of the Word of God at work in us. In today's passage, three significant things are evident about the power of the Word of God. Firstly, it is quick, which means that when you receive the Word of God, it quickens you. The reason why the Word of God is given to us as a 'quick' capsule is because the enemy wants to poison us until he can slow our lives down completely. Satan and his cohorts are out to stop every good thing that God is doing in and through our lives. They start by slowing down our faith in God for miracles and breakthroughs. Then they slow down our zeal for the things of God and our desire to be in the assembly of the saints of God. Thereafter, they slow down our ability to tarry with God in prayer and deep communion. Furthermore, as soon as communion with God is withdrawn, we lose direction and divine guidance, and the spirit of fear sets in, followed by all manner of sin and lawlessness. Nevertheless, the Living Book declares in II Corinthians 2:11, Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Then comes the ministry of the word in us; it quickens, revives, awakens, and activates us for the things of God. This is why we must continue to live by the Living Book, which provides quick capsules that shield us from the enemy's poison, which can slow us down completely and render us inactive and unresponsive to God's things.

The next major assignment of the Word of God in us is to release immense power. Indeed, the Word of the Lord is powerful enough to save us from anything and everything that stands in our way. This is so because the enemy's device is not only to slow us down but also to leave us disarmed and weak. If you have ever noticed any area in your life that is weak and perhaps a part of your body that is sickly, apply the power of the Word of God and see the anointing of God's Spirit restore and reinvigorate you with the fullness of life. I dare say that a wordless life is a powerless life. As you stand firm on the Word of God today, every slow and blunt area of your life is being quickened and empowered right now by the living Word of God, in Jesus' mighty name.

Thank God for the Living Book. Thank Him for the Word of God.

Prayer/Action

* Pray that by the Power of God at work on your life, nothing will slow you down.

* Pray that God's word in your spirit will guide you to your God ordained destiny.

* Thank God for breaking the siege of the evil one by the power of his word.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: I prophesy into this day, you are a good day, there shall be no evil of any kind come out of you, in the glorious name of Jesus.

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

Moving to the Next Level

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Exodus 14: 1-15

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. 4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so. 5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? 6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: 7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. 8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. 9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. 10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. 11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? 12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. 13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. 15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.

MORE LESSON: Joshua 1: 2-5

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Wednesday, 15 October

Memory Verse: Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. Joshua 1:3

Movement characterises life. At every point in time, we are either regressing, stagnant, or advancing. Forces are responsible for our movement, either forward or backwards. As children of God, we are called to move forward, for God is a God who moves forward. Specific disciplines are necessary for moving forward, including prayer, the Word of God, faith, consistency, persistence, diligence, and good self-esteem, among others.

It is the grace of God that comes upon a man that makes him do the extraordinary in life. So, it is God's grace that moves a man forward. Abraham moved forward from his land to the Promised Land because God had prepared something better for him. God wants to launch you into the next level, where you get something better than you can see now. God is not through with you yet, for there are more things that He wants to do in your life. Many have lost excitement in life, happiness in their homes, and the passion to forge ahead in life because of the challenges all around.

However, Jesus can bring life to that situation again. If you have yet to accept Him as your personal Lord and Saviour, you must do that today. Moreover, if you have lost the spiritual drive to move ahead with Him, you can always come back to Him to refire you. Moving ahead means experiencing new and better things in life, and remember that if anyone is in Christ, ...he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new: 2 Corinthians. 5:17 (NKJV). So, being in Christ is what qualifies you to move to the next level in life. However, unless you dedicate your life to Jesus Christ, all other disciplines you undertake to move to the next level are but mere empty activities. Call on Him to come into your heart today. For as many as have accepted Him and live a holy and righteous life, it is time to move forward in their walk with Him. God is ready to take you to Canaan, so do not underestimate yourself by thinking that you do not have what it takes to move on. Trust in God to empower you for what is ahead because He has greater things in store for you.

Prayer/Action

* Pray against forces that have made you stagnant for long.

* Declare that starting from today, you will experience speed in areas where you have not.

* Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be committed and obedient to the Lord's dealings daily.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, as I step out today, deliver me from evil and violent men, in the mighty name of Jesus.

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