Zacchaeus: Lessons in Divine Visitation 2

Thursday 12 May
READ: Luke 19:1-9 MORE LESSON: 2 Cor. 6:2

Zacchaeus needed a turn-around and we have seen how he obtained information about the itinerary of Jesus, which turned his situation around. It is a strong desire for a change that makes a man to seek for knowledge and information. A complacent person sits back while life-changing information slips by but when a man is determined for a change, he does everything possible to get the necessary information. If you need to go to school, go for training, buy books or ask questions, do all you need to do to get the necessary information. Zaccheus was recorded to be a rich man and he was the head of all the tax-collectors. So he was definitely popular and influential. However, he didn't allow what he had to hinder what he desired. He had money, connections and popularity but he didn't have eternal life which only Jesus can give. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he forgot all that he was and had and humbled himself to go get that which he needed. He didn't allow his past successes to prevent the next one. There are some things that can hinder you from getting to where you desire. The greatest hindrance to the next success is the present success. If you become proud because of the successes you have, you might never get the next one.
Zacchaeus was a man of small stature but he humbled himself to climb a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. Whereas some people felt too big to come to see Jesus in day light, Zacchaeus, on his own part, climbed a tree in broad day light, just to take a look at Jesus. He disregarded what people think to get his desired change. He had a physical challenge of being small in stature that could have prevented him from seeing Jesus but he didn't allow the physical challenge to limit him. So even his past failure could not stop him from encountering Jesus. Do not let the fact that you have failed before hinder you from your breakthrough. Do something about your situation. If you must go up to do something in life, you must do something.
You need the right information to go up in life. Beyond getting information, you must act on the information you have received. Zacchaeus left his house and went to climb a tree, that is action. There is always an action and sacrifice that you need to engage in to enter into your next level. Finally, it was not merely climbing the tree that changed Zacchaeus' life. Many people climbed trees before and after him and the only change they had was a broken arm. It wasn't climbing the tree, it was Jesus that changed his life. Jesus only is the change you need. When you encounter Jesus you will experience a divine turn-around.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to endow you with the right virtues needed to enter destiny.
* Rebuke pride in your life.
* Ask Jesus to visit your destiny as He visited Zacchaeus.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
I cover up all graves dug for me, I turn every coffin built for me and cancel every death sentence fixed on me this year, in the name of Jesus.

Zacchaeus: Lessons in Divine Visitation 1

Wednesday 11 May
READ: Luke 19:1-11
MORE LESSON: Prov. 2:1-6

The text for today gives the interesting story of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus is an example of a man who was able to catch the attention of Heaven that commanded a change of status. A man that was regarded as a chief among sinners became someone that Jesus came to stay in his house. The Lord Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to your house.... There are lessons that can be learnt from the story of Zaccheaus in encountering God. Zacchaeus' encounter happened when Jesus was on transit and He was to pass through Jericho. In those days there were no handbills, posters or radio broadcast, but Zacchaeus got the information that Jesus would pass that path even before Jesus arrived. He must have been a diligent seeker of information.
The reason many people are stranded in destiny is because they do not passionately seek the information that can take them to the next level in life. Getting good information is crucial and it can determine whether a man goes to the next level or stays in the same place. A young man who wants to become a lawyer should check how much information he hunts in that area. How many lawyers has he met to ask questions? How does one become a lawyer? What subject combination does he need to read law? This doesn't just apply to students; whatever you are doing, when was the last time you updated your information about that area of life? A leader, whether spiritual or physical, who refuses to labour for information has refused to labour for growth. If you refuse to grow, the people you are leading will outgrow you. As a pastor, teacher, unit head or worker, you must continually update and re-invent yourself. If you keep doing the same thing the same way for years you will become obsolete. You should read books, go for trainings, courses and conferences. A reader is a leader. When you stop reading, you stop leading.
Never stop getting relevant information, your next level is hidden in information and it is your duty to seek for it and find. Remember Deut 29:29 which says, The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. It is the information you get that will deliver your portion in destiny to you which will be the inheritance you will hand over to your children. One of the things that made Zacchaeus encounter God was that he got vital information. The information that you need to enter your next level will be made available to you as you diligently seek for it, in Jesus’ name. There is nothing a diligent man seeks for that he cannot find. In the name of Jesus, you will find all you need for your next level today.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to grant you access to the information that will better your life.
* Pray that you will not miss your way in destiny.
* Cover your pathway today with the blood of Jesus.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
Everything that has brought me tears and pain this year will bring me joy this day, in the name of Jesus.

The Wages of Unrighteousness

Tuesday 10 May
READ: 2 Kings 5:15-27
MORE LESSON: 2 Peter 2:12-15

There was a time when Naaman, a general in the Syrian army, came to Elisha to be healed of leprosy. The prophet instructed him to go bath in River Jordan seven times. Naaman first complained about it but then he later obeyed and after bathing in the River seven times, his skin was restored as a little child's. The Syrian general was grateful and went back to the prophet to appreciate him. I have noticed that many times, unbelievers know how to show gratitude more than some Christians. Even in the story of the ten lepers that were healed by the Lord Jesus, it was a Samaritan that came back to give thanks while all the Israelites hurried home (Luke 17: 12 – 19). As a child of God, do not let God raise stones to praise Him in your stead. Learn to be grateful to God.
When Naaman brought gifts to Elisha to appreciate him for the healing, the prophet refused to take them from him. He pleaded with Elisha but the prophet didn't receive the gifts. So Naaman left, taking soil from Israel to build an altar to the Lord God of Israel in his country and said that he would henceforth serve the God of Israel. Gehazi, Elisha's servant, felt that his master was not smart enough to have let a wealthy man like that go without receiving any gift from him. So Gehazi went after Naaman and lied that Elisha changed his mind and wanted some gifts to be sent to him. Gehazi had been faithful to Elisha just as Elisha was to Elijah. Elisha got a double portion of the anointing from Elijah and Gehazi was next in line to get the double of the double but covetousness and greed denied him. He lied, took gifts from Naaman and went to hide it. What happened to Gehazi is very pitiable as the leprosy of Naaman fell on him and his generation forever.
Gehazi had been following his boss but then his heart was after material things and he received judgement. God's call and grace is not for merchandise. It was greed and covetousness that made him lie but he didn't escape it. I want to caution you as a child of God to check your life and see if there are seeds of lies and unrighteousness so that you quickly uproot them. Is the age you write on your official profile your real age? Is there any lie that you have formalised and you think it doesn’t matter? Well, that is what Gehazi thought too, but later he realised that it mattered. Everyone that serves deserves a reward. Gehazi got a reward that he didn't bargain for. He became a victim of Naaman's leprosy because of unrighteousness and greed. The works of the flesh (Gal. 5:22) have more pains than gain, rid yourself of them by prayer and repentance today.

Prayer/Action
* Father, by Your mercy, rid me of all wages of unrighteousness operating in my life, in the name of Jesus.
* Ask that the fruit of the Spirit will be evident in you.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
Father, the time to favour and help me starts now, in the name of Jesus.

The Secret of David's Greatness

Monday 9 May
READ: Psa. 119:162
MORE LESSON: Psa. 119:167

David is one of the greatest heroes of faith. A common young boy from nowhere emerged not just as king but as the greatest king Israel ever had. David is today remembered as a man after God's heart and a symbol of eternal greatness and royalty. Many have known David as a warrior, a psalmist, a musician and others. However, when you read the book of Psalm 119, you will discover the secret of David's greatness. In this book which actually is David's personal diary, you will realise that David was first and foremost a man of the Word. The Word of God was what made David a generational giant and the Word of God will make you if you are committed to it. David said in verse 162, I rejoice at thy word as one that finded great spoil. Spoil is the word used for proceeds from battle. David won many battles, conquered and had many precious things to take home but he confessed that the pleasure and joy he got from the Word of God exceeded what victory in wars gave him. No wonder, God always gave him victory. When you love the Word of God more than other things in life, God will give you those things with ease.
He added, Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word: Psa. 119:148. David was actually saying 'I stay awake through the night and do not sleep' – not to read for exams or to watch films, but to read and meditate on the Word of God. How will such a man not become great? David was not just an ardent student of the Word, he was a fervent doer. In fact, wherever he saw the Word being disobeyed, he took it personal. That was why he said, Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law: Psa. 119:136. He literally cried when he saw men disobey God's Word. You see why God had to make him king because God knew he would make sure the Word was kept in the kingdom he ruled. Do you love the Word of God? Do you practise it? What is your reaction when you see God's Word broken, despised or contravened? Your disposition to the Word of God is the determinant of your greatness.
Jesus Christ the Son of David came and also showed us how victory in life is through the Word of God. He lived, won and became great through the Word and He left this word, Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock: Matt 7:24-25. Any greatness that is not founded on God’s Word is bound to fail. Build your greatness on God’s Word.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to make you a man/woman of the Word.
* Father, through Your Word, make me a sign and a wonder in my generation, in Jesus’ name.
* Pray that the Word of God will never depart out of your mouth, in Jesus’ name.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
This week, I receive divine favour over all my applications and requests anywhere I go, in the mighty name of Jesus.