Close the Book II

14 October
READ: Luke 13: 10 – 17
MORE LESSON: Matt 15: 13

In the text of today, we see a very popular story in scriptures. Jesus entered into the synagogue one day and He saw a woman who was bent over by infirmity. This woman had been coming to the temple for 18 years with a disability which was as obvious as an open book to be read by everyone. That lady was like a visible story that everyone, young and old could read. She didn't need any introduction the moment she entered into the synagogue. Everybody read her like a book. She was a story of infirmity open and clear for everyone to read. For eighteen years everyone knew her story and talked about it. Some used it to describe her and others gave her a name out of her life-story. It is disheartening that people read her story and probably told it to others but none helped her out of it.

Jesus said in Matt 15:13, Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. So when He entered into the synagogue that fateful day and saw a story that God did not write been read about a daughter of Abraham, He closed the book on it. He didn't hesitate to let the people know that it wasn't God but Satan who authored that evil story of infirmity about that woman. He also didn't hesitate to close the book. He put it this way: So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound — think of it — for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath? Luke 13:16 (NKJV).

I want you to know that the painful story that is been told about you is not authored by God but by Satan and you ought to have that book closed. Jesus' ministry is to destroy the works of the devil anywhere He sees them manifest. (1 John 3: 8). So today I declare in the name of Jesus that the book of sadness and infirmity being read about you is hereby forever closed. That story of pain concerning you, no matter how, why and where it was written is hereby terminated today in Jesus’ name. From today your story is changed and no man will tell that story of the past about you anymore.

Prayer/Action
* Uproot every tree that the Father has not planted against you now by fire.
* Decree every book of sorrow and sadness written by witches and wizards over you outlawed.
* Set on fire every evil record and proposal of the evil ones about you now in the name of Jesus.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
The snare is broken, I am a victor not a victim, and my tomorrow is guaranteed, in Jesus’ name.

Close the Book I

Tuesday 13 October
READ: Luke 4: 16 – 20
MORE LESSON: Isa. 61: 1 - 2

There is an interesting lesson that can be learnt from a deep study of the main text for today. The story in this scripture is about Jesus coming to the synagogue in Nazareth, His hometown. He read the scripture from the book of Isa. 61:1-2. However, taking a good look at the book of Isaiah 61: 1- 2, which Jesus was reading from in Luke 4: 16, shows us that Jesus didn't read all the portions of that scripture before he stopped and closed the book. The important point I am making today is that Jesus in the book of Lk.4:16–20, which is in the New Testament, was reading an Old Testament scripture which is Isaiah 61: 1 -2, but He stopped halfway and then closed the Book and handed it back to the book-keeper to the amazement of everyone. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him: Luke 4:20 (NKJV). Why did Jesus close the book without finishing the reading? An understanding of the principle behind what Jesus did here holds a great mystery that you can apply for victory in every area of your life.

When we do a comparative study of Jesus' reading in Luke 4: 16 – 20 and the original scripture in Isaiah 61: 1 -2, we will realize that Jesus read everything in that scripture until He got to the portion in Isaiah that reads, ...and the day of vengeance of our God: Isa. 61: 2. He stopped and closed the book without reading this portion. A good theological understanding of this scripture makes us know that at the time Jesus was reading that scripture, He had come to do all that was written in the scripture i.e. to preach the good news , heal the sick, bind the broken hearted, set the captives and the prisoners free but He had not yet come to declare the day of vengeance of God. This is reserved for the time of His second coming. So the reason Jesus stopped reading and closed the Book that day is because the next portion of scripture was incompatible with His destiny as at that time. Jesus knew His purpose and destiny and as He was reading the Book, He got to a point that was no longer in conformity with His destiny and He closed the Book without apologizing to anyone. He did not only do that, He handed the Book back to them. That takes a level of maturity and radical mindset. Jesus would not allow anything that is not compatible with His destiny to be imposed on Him.

Today whatever is happening to you and is not in conformity with your destiny, like Jesus did, you have the right to close the book. Whatever adverse situation has been imposed on you spiritually, financially, relationally (except for married relationship) or financially, if those situations are not compatible with your destiny, end it today. Use your mouth and unapologetically close that book forever.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to connect you with the book that carries the assignment of your life and empower you to fulfil it.
* Command every handwriting that is against you to be shut down today in the name of Jesus.
* Prophesy against every evil proposal on our destiny closed.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
I am blessed beyond a curse, and I am going beyond limits this month, in the name of Jesus.

Warfare is Ended

Monday 12 October
READ: Isa.40:1-5
MORE LESSON: Zech 4:4-10

God does not delight in the downfall and death of men. He is compassionate, and considerate. Even when men err and stray away, He still reaches out to them. This is why God will not excuse suicide because there is no hopelessness in God. Even when your are at your lowest ebb, God is still interested in your getting back on track and winning the race of life. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will He keep his anger forever”:Psa.103:8-9.

What is keeping you down and discouraged? The Lord speaks comfort to your heart today; receive the comfort of the Lord according to our Bible reading for the day. Your iniquity for which your heart smites you and over which Satan torments you is pardoned, says the LORD. That pain and loss you have been passing through because you fell out with the Lord comes to an end today! Receive the comfort of the Lord, in Jesus’ name.

The Lord will have mercy and will not keep anger forever. Just repent of whatever you've been doing that brings a weight of guilt on you and get back into your love relationship with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Your warfare is accomplished; from henceforth you will no longer labour without results. Your labour will begin to yield results. The following will happen when your warfare ends and God brings comfort into your life.

1. An end comes to waste and losses; every valley becomes exalted. Where there have been losses, you will begin to get gains.

2. Roadblocks will be removed and breakthroughs will follow. This is your portion as you step out today.

3. That which has been rough will become smooth and easy.

4. Because God has brought comfort to you, His glory will be revealed in your life and it will manifest for all around you to see. An end has come to obscurity in your life. Rise on your feet and declare this: “There is an end to warfare in my life; I enter rest!”

Prayer/Action
* There is an end to warfare in my life and I enter rest because my sins are pardoned.
* My labour will yield results; no more losses nor wastage in my destiny.
* Every roadblock is removed from my path and I enter breakthrough, in Jesus’ name.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
All my days, weeks and months in 2015 are blessed, fruitful and loaded.

Be on the Offensive with the Devil

Sunday 11 October
READ: Prov. 28: 1
MORE LESSON: Jam. 4: 7

The Bible says, the wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion: Prov. 28:1(NKJV). You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus ( 2 Cor. 5: 21) and the devil is that wicked one (Matt 13: 38). So you should be the one standing boldly while the devil should be the one fleeing. Many believers run around because of the devil, which is a situation that contravenes scriptures. You are not to play a defensive game against the devil; get offensive while he runs around trying to defend himself from you.

The following are ways to get on the offensive against the devil:

1. Use the force of prayer. A man of fervent prayers will always put the devil on the run but a prayerless Christian is prey for the devil. Resist the devil steadfastly in the place of strong prayers; and get your victory.

2. Take steps of faith. Faith is your victory weapon over the world and the devil. (1 John 5:4 ). Don't stay in one place cowering in fear; take giant steps that will put the devil on the run. Act on the Word and do things that will challenge and silence the devil. Show him by your actions that you are seated in heavenly places in Christ, far above him.

3. Make prophetic utterances. The place of making declarations in putting the devil to run cannot be overemphasized . Intimidate the devil by making mighty confessions and declarations that are based on the Word of God. No matter what happens, never allow the devil to have the final say in any matter concerning you. As soon as the devil says one word, reply him with three, which must be backed by scriptures.

4. Live your life rebuking fear and discouragement. Fear is the devil's weapons, do not allow it in your heart. As soon as you sense fear coming into your heart, rebuke it in Jesus’ name.

5. Don't ever meditate on a negative word. When the devil sees that he cannot find an entrance into your heart, he looks for a negative word or thought to use as an entry point. This word or thought can be introduced by a person, media, or any other source. When such a thought comes, you have to erase it from your mind immediately and refocus your heart to meditate on the Word of God (Phil. 4: 8).

6. Don't rebel against God: make sure your life is in the will of God and that you are in submission to Him at all times. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you: James 4:7. Rebellion and disobedience will give the devil a legal foothold on a man's life. When you are totally yielded to God, you put the devil on the run.

Have a victory filled day!

Prayer/Action
* Command Satan to loose his hold over you right now, in the name of Jesus.
* Command every arrow of fear shot at you to go back to sender, in the name of Jesus.
* Plead the blood of Jesus over your spirit, soul and body now.
* Say, “Satan, get lost; I am seated far above you in Christ Jesus”.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
I am redeemed, never to be a slave of sin anymore, and my eternity is sure with God, in the name of Jesus.