Our True Identity

Ephesians 1:3-8

When I hear a believer announce, “I’m just a sinner,” I feel like saying, “That’s what you used to be.” A lot of folks cling to a view of themselves as a patched-up, slightly-better-than-before version of their old self. The Bible contradicts that opinion: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17). In fact, according to Scripture, we’re dramatically different once we are complete in Christ.

The question is whether people will trust in what they feel or believe what God says about them. His Word calls us saints (Rom. 1:7), disciples (Matt. 28:19), and fellow heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17). If your opinion is that you are “just a sinner,” then you cannot fully experience and enjoy your identity in Christ.

Believing what God says about our new self is a choice. Satan certainly conspires to convince believers that God’s Word doesn’t apply to them. He knows that people held captive by spiritual poverty back away from opportunities to share the gospel and serve the Lord’s kingdom. It’s much easier to spiritually bankrupt someone who already thinks of him- or herself as “just a sinner” than it is to conquer a disciple who knows God is his loving Father.

Our true identity is defined not by our past actions but by the Savior’s. Jesus purchased our lives with His blood and brought us into relationship with God the Father, who adopted us as beloved children. We have every reason to hold our heads high, stand firm, and courageously proclaim the gospel.

Message By Dr. Charles Stanley

Spending Our Inheritance

Ephesians 1:11-22
The word “inheritance” usually brings to mind the money and real estate handed down from one generation to another. But God has an even greater legacy to share with His children—one that they are given the moment they enter His family.

Galatians 4:7 tells us that believers are God’s heirs. First among our priceless treasures is a living hope in Jesus Christ that cannot be taken away (1 Peter 1:3). What’s more, He pledged to supply our needs according to His riches (Phil 4:19). In other words, we already have all that we need for an abundant and victorious life. However, some folks get stuck in spiritual poverty because they refuse to view themselves as adopted children. Failing to tap into their inheritance, they’re like a man who sees himself as a poor, sinful creature: he wanders through this big angry world hoping to hold on to his meager scrap of faith until he’s lucky enough to die and go to heaven. Of course that man misses the blessings available in this life, because he’s not looking for them. How differently people see themselves when they look through the eyes of Jesus. Christians who live like the beloved, empowered heirs that they are will lavishly spend their inheritance of grace to benefit everyone they meet. God gives all believers a pledge of inheritance out of the unsurpassed riches of His infinite grace. We are spiritually rich citizens of heaven who have nothing to fear in this world. Choose to live boldly for Christ, and see how abundantly God pours out blessing from the legacy already set aside for you.

Message by Dr. Charles Stanley

Today’s Thoughts: Weary People with No Holiday Cheer

You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, whereby You confirmed Your Inheritance, when it was wear. 
Psalm 68:9

I was shopping in Costco during the summer months and ran into an old acquaintance from a Bible study class we attended together. I asked her how she was doing and her response was, “Well, I have the most difficult time keeping the faith in the summer and during the holidays.” Her words were absolutely honest and sadly enough very true. We grow weary in doing good at different seasons of life. The holidays tend to be one of those seasons. After talking with so many women at retreats, Bible studies, live radio programs, women’s events and even through emails, we have found that many Christians are basically weary(or at least the people who talk to us). Circumstances, people, finances, negative words and thoughts have all contributed to not having a desire to persevere. We know that the right thing is to persevere, run the race with endurance, and not lose heart, but sometimes it seems too difficult to just keep going, day in and day out. If we were really honest, most of us would admit to having thoughts like, “How can I do it all? How is this going to work out? Why does life have to be this hard?”  The added pressure of the holiday season demands more of our time and attention. Suddenly we find ourselves having no time to pray or seek the Lord. Instead, we try to spiritualize and justify our position by saying we are doing all these things for others as if we are living a sacrificial life. However, we can’t give others something we do not have. We can become unspiritual in the process. My father frequently said, “When your output exceeds your intake, your upkeep is your downfall.” It is too easy to fall down in the holiday seasons.  Why? Because God does not ask us to sacrifice but to obey. Jesus defined obedience in John 15 as abiding in Him. We need to take the time to be with the Lord. Lift your eyes toward Him, open your heart in prayer and seek the Lord. He will help you and He is able to provide rest for the weary soul.

Shalom

Make extra effort

Text: Luke 19:3 KJV
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

Whatever you want to do, whatever you want to have, don't look at the limitation confronting you, don't look at the hindrance, just make an extra effort. You're closer to your answer than you think. Zacchaeus was a man who has heard about Jesus and was willing to meet him one day. Then the day came when he heard that Jesus was in town, he thronged out to see Him, but he could not because of his stature and the crowd. He should have given up and just go home straight, but no, he was desperate. He wanted to see Jesus at all cost. He climbed up a tree to see him. To his surprise, Jesus was already looking for him too. He mentioned his name and asked him to come down. That day, Zacchaeus received the greatest blessings of life. This marked the beginning of something great in his life. Thank God he didn't give up. Just as Zacchaeus was looking for Jesus, Jesus was waiting for him to come. He was also looking for him. That day, salvation came to his house. Don't give up yet, don't be discouraged yet. May be you are just one step away from your answer. Just Make an extra effort and you're there already.

Prayer: I will never be discouraged. I move in divine direction and I will never miss my way in the Name of Jesus. Amen!

Message by Pastor David O. Adedeji

REGULATIONS

Read: Colossians 2

Key Verse: “Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” - Colossians 2:23  

There is a difference between man-made regulations and the commands that come from God. When God gives a directive, it is to guide, provide, and protect. Many people reject God’s authority by trying to rationalize their ‘clever’ excuses and attempt to ‘intellectually’ explain their rebellion! What do you think are the five most common commands from God that are ignored or despised in your community? God’s Word can be trusted and is designed to give you life, even when it is unpopular. On the other hand, there is a common tendency to add bogus regulations which do not come from heaven. They have the appearance of being ‘spiritual’ but they are full of false humility and have no lasting value. Legalism is devising human commands and acting as if they are sacred and from God. Dead religion includes taking pride in the ability to maintain performance according to human standards. What regulations have you experienced that did not come from God? Jesus wants to change you from the inside out with His presence and transformation!

For more from Pastor Jesse Bradley and Activate Media Ministries, visit www.activatelife.org

2 Corinthians 9:15

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

It’s not hard to lose our zeal for Christ and Christmas alongside the commercialism that capitalizes off the holiday season. In the busyness of the season, it’s possible for the Creator of Time to stretch our minutes to spend a moment with Him. Often, we run through life, especially around the holidays, convinced we don’t have time to sit in silence with Him. Our neglect to carve space to be with Him frays our minutes. Do we trust Christ with our lives? This Christmas, we can strengthen our relationship with Jesus to reveal things we didn’t know or perhaps forgot. Jesus has the power to soften our hearts to the point that just a glance at a manger scene brings a tear of love for our Savior at Christmas time.

To do What’s Most Important, First Clarify What’s Most Important

“We can choose the sounds we want to listen to; we can choose the taste we want in food, and we should choose to follow what is right. But first of all we must define among ourselves what is good”
(Job 34:3-4 TLB).

Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done—and still sleep? To make the most of your time, you must clarify what’s most important. Stop saying, “I can’t get it all done,” and start realizing that it’s not all worth doing. You can’t get it all done because God doesn’t expect you to get it all done. In clarifying what’s important, you’ve got to know what matters most and what doesn’t matter at all. You’ve got to know what counts and what doesn’t count. You’ve got to know what’s going to last and what’s not going to last. Most of the ways you spend your time won’t have any impact in a year—much less in 10 years or in 50 years or for eternity. So you’ve got to know what you value most. And you have to clarify what is and isn’t important. The greatest gift that God has given you is salvation by Jesus Christ. He came and died on the cross so your sins could be forgiven. You need to accept that gift. The second greatest gift you were given in life is the freedom to choose. Job 34:3-4 says, “We can choose the sounds we want to listen to; we can choose the taste we want in food, and we should choose to follow what is right. But first of all we must define among ourselves what is good” (TLB).It’s amazing to me that most people have never done this. They go through their entire lives having never taken the time to define what matters most to them—to literally sit down and write out their values. They’ve never said, “This is what is good, and this is what is bad. This is what I want out of life, and this is what I don’t want.” Why write it down? The evangelist Dawson Trotman often said, “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips.” In other words, when you can write it and you can say it, it becomes clearer. If you’ve never written down what’s important to you, it’s still fuzzy in your mind. You must define what is good. You must clarify what matters most. When you haven’t clarified what you want out of life, you’re indecisive all the time, because you can’t do what’s good until you decide what’s good. You can’t do what’s important until you decide what’s important. You can’t practice what you want to do in life until you clarify what you want to do in life

Message by Rick Warren

Knowing Christ

Key Verse: “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” - Philippians 3:10

At the heart of Christianity is a relationship with the Savior. Keeping the law, religious rituals, and asking for more blessings are not the crux of the faith. Jesus paid the full price for your sins and He is risen; put your trust in the Messiah, not just the facts. Doctrine is very important and obedience is how we live out our faith, but do not reduce Christianity into mere morality. How is your relationship with Jesus?

The apostle Paul passionately wants to know Christ and considers everything else in his life compared to this goal as minor. Walking intimately with Jesus is going to include His power running through you and experiencing suffering deep inside of you. The second aspect is surprising to people living in prosperity and often rejected. If you are wholeheartedly following the Lord, persecution will come. Be intentional this week about seeking Jesus more than any other goal you have.

For more from Pastor Jesse Bradley and Activate Media Ministries, visit www.activatelife.org

Isaiah 53:4-5

Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.
 

The person who says he has no problems is not telling the truth. God has not called us to live in deceit and fantasy. A mere confession that we are problem-free is not biblical faith, but delusion. What we are free to confess if we are in covenant with Christ is that there is not a need we have, problem we face, crisis we encounter or dread looming before us that has not been dealt with in the atonement of Jesus Christ. How, when and where He manifests the outcome to us is His business. Ours is to celebrate what Christ has done in bearing all our iniquities on Himself

Message by Dr. Ed Young

Jesus Christ the Sin Bearer

Matthew 26:26-27

The cross is so common in our culture that most people don’t think twice when they see one on a church. But unfortunately, familiarity with the symbol can actually get in the way of understanding what it truly means. So let’s stop to consider how Jesus became the bearer of sin. We begin with Scripture written long before Jesus was born. Genesis, the first book of the Bible, explains how man chose to disobey God. Because Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their descendants are all born under the curse of death, having inherited a sinful “flesh” nature. In Leviticus, God’s laws for the Jewish nation included observance of Yom Kippur, the day each year when the Israelites fasted, prayed, and sacrificed an animal to atone for sin. In essence, the goat would bear the wrongs done by the people and suffer the penalty that divine justice required. Centuries later, Isaiah prophesied that a Savior would atone for transgression once and for all (Isa. 53:5, 8; Heb. 7:27). After another 700 years, John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The Messiah had come, though He was totally different from what the people expected—so much so, in fact, that they rejected Him and requested His crucifixion. In all, God gave 613 laws through Moses. But none of us can perfectly follow even the Ten Commandments. In fact, one reason He gave us these rules is to show us our need for a Savior (Ps. 19:7; Gal. 3:24). Meditate on those commands (Ex. 20:1-17), asking God to speak to your heart.

Message by Dr. Charles Stanley

The Power Within

Acts 1:8

God's Spirit works in every believer. He does not limit Himself to pastors and missionaries. If you've received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, then residing within you is the same great power that raised Christ from the dead (Rom 8:11) The Holy Spirit pours His energy into creating godly character in all who follow the Lord. The fruit of the Spirit is so named because it is the character and conduct that the Holy Spirit produces in believers. These are qualities that we can't generate consistently on our own. The most powerful message we can give isn't a testimony or sermon; it is the life we live when the pressure is on, temptation is tremendous, or we are buried under an avalanche of problems. What the world most needs to see in this modern culture is godly families loving one another, business people working with integrity and frugality, and young men and women who choose moral purity. In a word, the world needs to be exposed to believers who are obedient. By showing peace instead of anxiety or practicing patience rather than speaking a sharp word, a Christian bears witness to the beauty of the gospel. We attract unbelievers to Christ through our words and deeds. They may turn down a doctrine, but they cannot ignore a righteous life. The strongest gospel message does not come from a pulpit. The most powerful witness for Jesus Christ where you work, where you live, and where you relax is you. Submit to the Holy Spirit's work, and He will produce a great harvest of spiritual fruit in your life.

Message by Dr. Charles Stanley

What Could Go Wrong?

“A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences”(Proverbs 22:3 TLB).

It’s smart to expect the best but to prepare for the worst. Solomon expressed this idea in the Bible: “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 22:3 TLB). The wise person recognizes there’s going to be problems in any decision and prepares for them. Even the Bible knows about Murphy’s Law: If anything can go wrong, it will. You can’t ignore problems, because they’re not going to ignore you! Problems are inevitable. They are a part of life. The wise person doesn’t deny their inevitability. A wise person prepares for them by asking, “What could go wrong? And what will happen if it does?” There’s a difference between preparing for a problem and solving a problem. Never confuse the decision-making phase of faith with the problem-solving phase. They are two different things. If you have to solve all the problems before you make a decision, you’ll be paralyzed and unable to make any decision at all. By the way, this means you don’t have to have all of your doubts about Christianity and Christ settled before you make the decision to follow him. If someone had told me this, I probably would have made my decision to follow Christ much, much sooner. I still don’t understand a lot that is in the Bible. For the rest of our lives, we’ll be working out all the problems and doubts that come with faith. You don’t have to have all of your doubts resolved. You don’t have to have all of the problems figured out or solve them before you make a decision. But to be wise, you must make a decision in faith, knowing that problems will come, doing your best to plan for them, and trusting God to give you what you need to confront them

Message by Rick Warren

Proven Truth

Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:1-2

The promised Deliverer will be the One on whom the Spirit of God rests. “Anointing” is the term used to describe the Holy Spirit’s “coming upon” a person. Thus, the Deliverer will be The Anointed One—Messiah from the Hebrew language and Christos from the Greek.  The completeness of the Holy Spirit will be upon the Promised One. He will be the appearing in the created world of all God is, and will have all God’s authority and resting on and operating within Himself.

Message by Dr. Ed Young

Proven Truth

The LORD God said to the serpent, " Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust you will eat All the days of your life; And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel." Genesis 3:14-15

In earth’s early morning, God promises He will send a Deliverer. The serpent backed humanity into a corner and the biological father of the race—Adam—took the wrong way out, trapping all his descendants in his choice. But God, who sees the panorama of all time, tells the serpent and promises humanity that, though the slithering snake will inflict a non-deadly wound on the Deliverer, the Promised One would crush the serpent’s head, smashing his authority and power. All history is a build-up to this promise, and all history after the Deliverer comes is a build-up to the establishment of His Kingdom universally.

Message by Dr. Ed Young

Discipline

Key Verse: “Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.” Proverbs 29:17

Two mistakes parents make are either being excessively harsh or being way too lenient. These extremes can undermine a child’s character. The danger of not having any discipline in the home is that the child begins to think he can just do whatever he wants in life. Where there are no limits or consequences (parents rationalize it by saying they just want it to be fun or deep down they are simply afraid of the child), immaturity results, self-centeredness prevails, and a haughty sense of entitlement can be very evident. Children actually want to have healthy morals, justice, accountability, God’s standards, and clear loving consistent direction at home. They might not describe it like that, but their soul longs for it. Do not let your child be the king of the house, it is unhealthy for everyone. Jesus is the king, you are the leader, and your child is to be respectful. Everyone in the house will have peace when these God-given roles are honored.

For more from Pastor Jesse Bradley and Activate Media Ministries, visit www.activatelife.org

Justice and Mercy

Romans 3:21-26

The sinful condition of mankind presents us with a dilemma: How can a holy, righteous God forgive our sins? If He deals with us only on the basis of His justice, every human being would suffer the eternal punishment of His wrath, which their sins deserve. But if He extends mercy instead of justice, no one would pay the penalty for sin, and God would then cease to be just. There was only one way the Lord could stay true to His nature and at the same time forgive our sins. The solution was to satisfy His justice by pouring out His wrath on a substitute. Then the penalty for sin would be paid, and He would be free to extend mercy to sinners. This is the only plan that accommodates both aspects of His divine nature. So Christ came as our substitute; He took the punishment for our sin, enabling us to experience the Father’s mercy. Now, by placing faith in Jesus, anyone can be justified—that is, declared legally righteous. God’s plan of salvation is simple enough for a child to understand. Yet at the same time, the complexities of the transaction that occurred at Calvary are far beyond human comprehension. Although we may not fully grasp what transpired there, we can know that the cross is the greatest possible display of the Lord’s love for us.  Can you even imagine the cost of your salvation? The magnificent plan of the Father and the willing cooperation of the Son prove your tremendous value in God’s eyes. From His perspective, you are worth all the pain and suffering that was necessary to secure your eternal presence with Him in heaven.

Message by Dr. Charles Stanley

Hard Heart

Key Verse: “Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” - Proverbs 28:14

To fear the Lord is to care about God, show Him ultimate respect, and aim to please Him. This proverb says to hold that posture always and you will be blessed. Many choose to rebel when life becomes difficult. A dating relationship ends, rejection when applying to a desired job, a partner is unfaithful, financial pressures mount, serious health challenges arrive, persecution for your faith can be surprising and massively disappointing. Pay attention to the condition of your heart and faith. A hard heart begins to withdraw from going to church, Bible study, and fellowship. A hard heart begins to give itself permission to have a raging temper and start cursing. A hard heart justifies sin and refuses to take responsibility for actions. A hard heart distances from people trying to help. What helps you avoid having a hard heart? Who can you pray for now that has been developing a hard heart?

For more from Pastor Jesse Bradley and Activate Media Ministries, visit www.activatelife.org

Got a Dream? Now Make a Decision.

“If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord”(James 1:7-8 GNT).

When God gives you a dream for your life, your eyes suddenly open up to see what he wants to do in and through you. You begin to understand that you’re not just here on Earth by accident. You begin to see his plan, his purpose. But a dream is worthless unless you wake up and go to work on it. You have to take the next step of faith: decision-making. In America, we love decisive leaders who can make quick decisions. But quickness is not the most important thing. It’s easier to make a fast decision than a good decision. It takes nothing at all to make a quick decision. It takes a lot of wisdom to make a right decision. The Bible has a lot to say about decision-making. James 1:7-8, for example, says, “If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord” (GNT). The Bible says double mindedness is disastrous and indecision keeps you from God’s best. Someone whose decision-making is marked by those traits will struggle to make wise choices.  If you can’t make up your mind about what’s really important in life, then you are courting disaster. You will miss God’s best for your life, and you will never grow in character. Our decisions determine our destiny. Our choices determine whether our character is developed or destroyed. God gave Moses the dream of leading the children of Israel out of 400 years of slavery. But Moses had to make the decision to confront Pharaoh. God gave Abraham the dream of building a new nation. Abraham had to make the decision to leave his comfort and security and go out into the unknown. You will never face God’s true dream for your life until you conquer this stage of decision-making.

Message by Rick Warren

Good Wound

Key Verse: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” - Proverbs 27:6

An enemy makes very destructive comments: you are worthless, you will never succeed, you are not talented, there is no hope for you, you are not smart, God is not real, God will not help you, the Bible is not reliable, you are all alone, no one cares about you, etc. Have you heard any of these statements? The other approach of an enemy is to bring flattery, be nice to you in person but slam you behind your back, and exaggerate compliments so you will falsely trust them. Be aware of both destructive approaches. A true friend will be honest and supportive. There will be a combination of affirmations that are accurate and heartfelt and some comments which exhort you to grow. When a friend rebukes you, it does hurt initially, but ultimately it is a gift because it is spoken in love and helps you change. A coach challenges his player to go to the next level, a person guides their spouse towards a healthier way to handle stress, a friend does not let another friend isolate themselves and dwell on past mistakes-these are all gifts that can be trusted!

For more from Pastor Jesse Bradley and Activate Media Ministries, visit www.activatelife.org

God Blesses Those Who Share Their Faith

“I pray you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ”(Philemon 1:6 NIV).

If I had the cure for cancer and didn’t tell anyone about it, I’d be a criminal. If I had the cure for HIV/AIDS and didn’t share it with anyone, I’d deserve to be in jail. But those of us who follow Jesus have something even more important. We know how people can have their past forgiven, get a purpose for living, and have a home in heaven. God says if we want his blessing, we need to share that message. Paul writes in Philemon 1:6: “I pray you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ” (NIV). In other words, don’t keep your faith in Jesus a secret. Tell other people about it. Invite them to church. Give them a Bible. Hand them a book or resource about what it means to follow Jesus. God will bless you when you do. We all have different roles. You may not be a preacher. You may not be a missionary. But you can play a part in sharing the Good News—and you’ll be rewarded no matter what part that is. The Bible says,“The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8 NIV). Think of it like this. If you faithfully share the message of Jesus with other people, you’re preparing for an amazing day when you get to heaven. Can you imagine what it will be like when you see people who are in heaven because you shared your faith? That’s a blessing you can’t compare to anything else!

Message By Rick Warren

Men of Faith

[Jesus] saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him– Luke 5:27-28

As we read the Bible, it seems that one of God’s attributes, along with being immutable and impeccable, is that He is unpredictable… and never more so than in His choice of the man to write the first book of the New Testament. Of the twelve apostles, none was a more notorious sinner than Matthew (Levi). Publicans (tax collectors) are classified with harlots (21:31) and heathen (18:17) by Matthew himself. Yet, Jesus saw Levi sitting at the receipt of custom, performing his notorious job, and called him then and there to His service! And see with what simple, deep faith Matthew responds: he left all. That says it all, doesn’t it? Here was a man who forsook a lucrative position for a lowly person named Jesus. He not only left behind his livelihood, but his former lifestyle as well, for Jesus.   He left everything connected with his sinful past and followed him. Jesus says, in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” What a clear exhibition of this truth we see in the life of faithful Matthew! This man went from sitting at the seat of custom to sitting at a feast (at his own expense) in honor of Jesus (Luke 5:29); from grasping at everything to leaving it all; from self-promoter to self-effacing; from publican of Herod to publisher of the gospel. In Matthew we see the life-transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ. True faith leaves all in order to follow the Savior. Have you heard Jesus’ call? Will you follow?

Peace with God

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2

One day I posed a question to the waitress at my table: “If you could ask God for anything, what would your request be?” Her answer was immediate. “I want to feel at peace.” She tearfully explained that her grandmother had died and emotional turmoil resulted. Many in our world are like this young woman, in that they desire inner calmness but have no relationship with the Lord. People often seek contentment by trying to improve their appearance, physical fitness, financial situation, or social status or by abusing substances. But such things can’t bring tranquility of heart or mind. Only a relationship with Jesus leads to true peace. Prior to salvation, we were slaves to sin and living in opposition to God (Col. 1:21). Our transgressions had formed a barrier of hostility between Him and us, which we were helpless to cross on our own. Without God’s intervention, we could not have found the way of peace. But our heavenly Father provided the perfect solution to our sin problem. He sent His Son to pay for our iniquities and remove the separation that existed between us and Him. When we trusted Jesus as our Savior, we were reconciled to the Lord (Rom. 5:10) and no longer at odds with Him. In Christ, we have peace with the Father.
Our triune God has provided everything we need for inner tranquility. The Father opened the way for us to be in His family. Jesus continually offers His peace so we can experience serenity of mind and heart (John 14:27). And the Holy Spirit cultivates the fruit of peace in our lives (Gal. 5:22).

Message by Dr. Charles Stanley

Death and Dying

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory– Psalms 73:24

All of life is here summed up in one verse. While I am here on this earth, the psalmist gloats to the Lord, You will guide me. You will give me the direction I need for each step of the way. You will never leave me or forsake me. You will help me when I stumble, and you will steer me when I lose my way. What’s more is you will guide me with thy counsel. This is no mere human, fallible leader. You are an all-knowing, all-wise escort. You will never give me wrong advice or send me in a wrong direction. I will never meet a problem to which you do not know the solution, and I will never get so off course that you cannot guide me back to safety.   But that is all just life on earth! Afterward, you will receive me to glory. After you have carefully and lovingly directed my way here, you will usher me into your glorious presence in heaven. There is no intermediary state — death is not a tunnel, it is a door. And when you release my hand in this world, you will receive me into the next. There is no “sending”; there is only guiding and then receiving — no time apart from you. Death, where is your sting; Grave, where is your victory; Devil, where is your terror? My God will guide me with His counsel, and then receive me to His glory.

The Proven Truth

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
 
The human spirit enables God-consciousness, the soul self-consciousness, and the body world-consciousness. However, God’s design is for us to function as whole beings, not fragmented. Sin shatters the wholeness. Paul’s lament in Romans 7 and Galatians 4 is the warfare this fragmentation produces between the “flesh” and the “spirit.”  Christ’s salvation restores wholeness to the human being. He does the work, and brings it to fruition. Through Christ, we are brought back to God’s perfect design.

Message by Dr. Ed Young

Youth and Age

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing– Psalm 34:10

Why do you think the psalmist specifies “young” lions? It is for the same reason that Isaiah writes, “even the youths shall faint and be weary” (40:30). There is a vitality and strength that usually comes with youth. Your mind is flexible and fresh, you body is energetic and resilient, and your spirit is confident and daring. These are wonderful resources that God gives to you while you are still learning, growing, and maturing. But even all these advantages will not save you from disappointment or pain in life. Even the young lions, the psalmist writes, with all their physical prowess and boundless energy, suffer hunger. The strongest, most talented person on earth will not find lasting satisfaction, or avoid painful injury, by virtue of their strength or talent alone.   But they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.Even the strongest youth will lack fulfillment and suffer disappointment, but anyone—young or old—will find success when they seek the Lord. God is able to provide what youth alone cannot achieve; God is able to give what strength alone cannot obtain. What about you? Are you still relying on your own decisions, your own strength, your own assets to deliver you from defeat and dissatisfaction? Those who seek the Lord—and they alone—will find ever good thing that life has to offer.

God’s Path to Blessing: Study His Word

“Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers”  (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV).

The Bible is more than just a book you put on your shelf. It’s a pathway to God’s blessing. Over and over in God’s Word, we’re told that studying and applying the Bible leads to blessing. For example, the Bible says, “Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers”  (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV). What does it mean to meditate? Some people think it means to put your mind in neutral and contemplate the lint on your navel as you say, “Ommmmmm.” But that’s not what meditation is! Meditation is seriously thinking about something. You meditate on God’s Word when you read a verse, think about what it means, and ask yourself how you could apply it to your life. Doing this, Psalm 1:1-3 says, is like planting deep roots into the ground. It means you won’t get blown over when troubles come. God won’t bless you if you’re not digging in and studying the Bible. I want whatever you do to prosper. I want your life to be filled with meaning and purpose. But for God’s blessing, the Bible says you must not only read God’s Word but also study it. I want whatever you do to prosper in the years ahead. But God makes the condition clear. If you want his blessing, you must study his Word. James 1:25 tells us how: “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (NIV). If you want God to bless you, commit to looking intently at the Word, continuing to examine Scripture, remembering what you’ve read, and obeying what it teaches you to do.
It’s not complicated.

Message by Rick Warren

Message from Parents

Satan knows if you endure the pit and you get to the palace you are going to shake the world as Joseph did. That is why he is trying to fight and destroy you. Hold fast to your faith in God!" Pastor John Hagee
(https://twitter.com/PastorJohnHagee/status/1061623852738973696?s=17)

Message from Parents

Jeremiah Orji (@JSOrji) Tweeted: RT @ReinhardBonnke: “I HAVE ORDAINED YOU…” Jesus said, "I have ordained you that you should go." (John 15,16) The operative word is "I".… (https://twitter.com/ReinhardBonnke/status/1060697855650881536?s=17)

Quotes

Jeremiah Orji (@JSOrji) Tweeted: @JSOrji: What you are to yourself will determined, what will manifest in your daily life,are you a closed door or open door? ask yourself. (https://twitter.com/JSOrji/status/551624953679077376?s=17)

Carry your cross (2)

Text: Matthew 16:24 KJV
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Happy Jesus said, for you to be His follower, you must carry your cross. This means that you must be willing to give up yourself for the Lord's purpose.
I remembered the day I said "yes" to the call of God, I was filled with tears on my eyes knowing what lies ahead of me. Brethren, you have to carry your cross.
The way may be rough, there may be many mountains ahead, but you must carry your cross and go through the journey. The Lord is going with you, carrying you and the cross on His shoulder.
We must deny ourselves of the pleasure and luxury and stay focused on the works of the Lord. We will never be afraid of persecution neither are we afraid of being a martyr, we must be willing to do anything for the Lord.
Paul said, "I'm not only ready to be imprisoned in Jerusalem, but am also ready to die for the Name of Jesus". Are we going to the same heaven with that same man who takes the gospel of Jesus so dearly? Then we must work tirelessly.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. [26] For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:25-26.
Don't try to keep your life when there are more to do for the Lord, don't stay in your comfort zone, get out to do the works of the Lord. There's no profit for a man that lives in luxury alone, the man that joins in the harvest has the reward. Carry your cross---fulfill your purpose.

Prayer
 I take up my assignment and I am doing it. With all joy and confidence and proclaim the gospel of Jesus, I fulfill my mandate and I will never miss my reward. Amen!

One year Bible reading plan
Luke 5-8

Carry your cross (1)

Text: Matthew 16:24 KJV
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.


Everybody have a cross to carry. I know lot will say that Jesus has carried the cross and there's no cross to carry, but God has specific tasks for all of us as believers. This task, we must carry. We must fulfil His mandate for our lives.
Many times, God will ask you to do something you're not really willing to do. He will give you a task that looks difficult, hence, you must obey this call.
Jesus had a cross to carry, but he wished it could pass him by. He asked the Lord to let the cup pass over him, but Jesus being a spiritual man knew that the will of the Lord must be done.
What are you ready to let go for the Lord? What if God calls you as a missionary to a village? What if you have to quit your job and stay with the Lord's work? What if you have to forfeit that traveling only for the sake of the gospel of Jesus, will you? We must be ready to say yes to the Lord whenever He calls.
Just like Jesus, if you will Cary your cross, it will result in glory for you. Your cross is not to go and die at calvary, but you have a lot to fulfil for the Lord. Just release yourself and say yes to the Lord.
What do you see? It could be God's plan, God may be involved in that trial or challenge, carry your cross and follow the Lord.

Prayer
 I take up my cross and I follow you. I will love and follow you till the end. I will be glorified together with you eternally. Amen!

One year Bible reading plan
Luke 1-4

Pst. Adedeji

The power of two

Matthew 18:19 KJV
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.


My heart goes out this morning to those who have prayed about something for a long time and it seems its not coming forth. You know what? May be, just may be, all that you need to do is to get someone more to agree with you in prayers.
God said "just in case you have been praying for something and the situation looks to be the same, agree with someone".
He said "if the two of you shall agree on a thing that you will ask, He said it is done". Don't die in silence, don't keep the issues for too long. May be you just have to tell your pastor, may be a brother in church to agree with you.
Victory is guaranteed when we agree with someone in prayer. In case you see someone struggling with something, be good enough to agree with them in prayer.
May be another brother's faith can strengthen yours too if you pray together. Agree with someone, let someone agree with you.
You know how much God honors the prayer of agreement, its so much that He said "whatever they ask is done". God has said "two are far better than one..." Ecclesiastes 4:9. Why? There is more to what two people can achieve than just one person's effort.
Wife, husband, do you want to make progress in your life and marriage? You must always agree together and pray. Don't always come up with different opinions that causes confusions, agree, pray and you will see how great your reward will be.

Prayer
 Dear Lord, I agree today with those who are going through one challenge or the other, I pray that you come through for them in the Name of Jesus. Mentions names as you remember them.

One year Bible reading plan
Mark 13-16

Pst. Adedeji David

What is in Man

and didn't need anyone to tell him about human nature. He knew what people were really like.
John 2:25 GWT

Beloved, God don’t just determine to lay curse on any one that trust in man but He did it for reason, and the reason can easily be found in the book of Genesis chapter 6 verses 5 down to 6, when He looked down in to the heart of man but all He could find was wickedness, and continuous wickedness in the heart of men. Despite all this He still loves man but never will He trust man. That was why He warned us as His people, that we must be as gentle dove and as wise as serpent, the two character He’s used in that place are very significant to man’s journey in the land of the living; Dove simply represent Love and carefree lifestyle,  but Serpent represent subtlety of this world, and cunning lifestyle. Though we are in this world but we are of God, and heaven is home, nevertheless, we must be wise, least we are trapped and knocked down by the wickedness of man. That’s why HE further told us to watch and pray least will fall into temptation. If Samuel as strong as He is could fear the Saul, because of the wickedness in the Heart of Saul (1 Samuel 16:2) we too must not trust man no matter what they are to us today. For man will always be man. Therefore beloved, let us watch and pray  continuously least we fall into temptation of man.

Shalom

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

Living by Divine leading

Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, And lay up His words in your heart.

Job 22:22

Beloved, Father's instructions and Words are the most beautiful thing child can ever afford, "Father's chastisement is bread to the soul of a wise child, for it shall nourish his soul and make Him fat in wisdom",(Proverb 4:1,13; 16:20; 19:13) when God is sending out wisdom, its always bitter to people of the world (Proverbs 1:20-33) but only people that are foolish to the things of this world understands the mystery of wonders of the cross.
The instructions of God are in the word of God. You can't continue to spend all your life in prayers without engaging in the word of God, and expect good result, never! you can't get the good result from God outside the word of God. everything in this world were created by word of God (John1:3) and you'll need His word go through it successfully.
The benefit of the word (bible) comes not in carrying it, neither in reading it alone but in declaring it, obeying it, keeping it alive in you, living the word. Nothing will come from God to Man that will never go through the power of His word. And only those that walk in His word are beneficiaries of His blessings, (Joshua 1:8; Job 22:22-30).
I do feel somehow when seeing a Christian without word of God manifesting in his or her life,if you ask some people of last time they read their bible, what you heard from their mouth, is "any time I go church" and most of them attend Church once a week or some few time in a year, but you see them crying for how devil is tormenting them, now who is at fault?.
We are in the kingdom in which are we get everything we need through the power in the word of our KING, the the greatest signature you can get is the WORD of LIFE from the KING. But I repeat you have to live in Word before it will work for you (John 15:7).
There is no wisdom in this world that surpass the Word of God.
Nothing make wise like the Word of God, (Proverbs 8:33; 19:20)
Nothing make you powerful and strong like the Word of God.
Nothing make rich like the wealth in Word of God. (Proverbs 10:22; 16:20)
Nothing make you healthy like the Word of God. (Proverbs 3:7-8; Psalms 107:20)
Nothing save you like Word of God. (Proverbs 2:12,16)
Therefore, beloved, all we have as our inheritance is rapped up in the word of God, you will only have to access it through your engagement in it. Sir(s)/Ma(s) marry the word of God, your shall give birth to all the kingdom inheritance. Receive Grace to live by Word and in the Word in Jesus name.

Shalom.

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

Stopping the Thief

The Lord raised up leaders who delivered them from these robbers.

Judges 2:16 NET

Beloved, Jesus said “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy”; (John 10:10 NIV). In the world today, I can only figure out but one thief that has been stealing from man and has refused to stop even till date; and that is Satan. Though He never comes to people to steal from them physically but he never stop going to men to steal what is more important them than physical asset. He’d stolen some people’s Joy, Peace, Matrimonial Home, Breakthrough, Success, Prosperity, Health and had stolen some people’s Life and Soul. But Sir that doesn’t mean the end of everything but just the beginning of everything; I mean good things, because there’s hope for the Tree that is chopped down, for it’ll come back to  life anytime its root get to water. Sir, Jesus came into this world to do some special works and one of the work is deliver us the hand of the Satan that have stealing from us right from the creation, and to give us life abundantly. Therefore beloved, keep your faith up and get ready to work and walk with your Leader and your Judge for He’s already conquered the robber but it’s yours to take the victory He’s gotten for you like Jehoshaphat and people of Judah did after the LORD conquered three nations that came up against them in battle.


Shalom.


MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

Hunger and Thirst

For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Ps 107:9 NIV

Beloved, JESUS said “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”(Matt 5:6 NRSV): When talking about thirst and hunger in the spiritual way, we are talking of undying desire to something; we keep seeking and seeking until we find, and that is what alter of prayer and worship needs if want to walk with God, unfainting desire to see God more and more to move closer and closer till we find ourselves seated with Him in the heavenlies, until we can feel the touch of what we have seen and heard at distance. That is what God want us all to do, to keep digging deeper into Him, through our unending fellowship and worship till He manifests Himself through us. Supernatural is real but we need to unlock the realm by overdoing some things like: Our Worship to our Father and Fellowship with Him and His Word; for this brings us to God and God to dwell with us, which I can simply call dwelling in the realm of gods that we are originally created to dwell in. Therefore Beloved, let us seek for more of God with unending desire, and He Himself will filled us up till we become overflowing vessels.

Shalom.

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

The True Leader

For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

(Luke 22:27 KJV)

Beloved, journey of every true leader is not just in commanding but in service. Is not just in taking but in giving, and is not in seeking for personal security but in seeking for other people’s security and welfare. Beloved, every seat of leadership is a seat of responsibility, and every leader are called to lay down their lives and wills as sacrifice for the good of their followers irrespective of what others will call us before and after the sacrifice. Christ our LORD laid down this example, as HE laid down His life for us to live; Apostle Paul said in the epistles to the Corinthian that as leaders “We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God  (Leaders) we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;  through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.  (2 Cor. 6:3 - 10 NIV).  Because, that is what leaders are born to be. Therefore beloved, as leaders, we are called to serve, if we will be a true leader, following the example of OUR SERVANT KING

Shalom.

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria.

The LORD God that loves sinners

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 Romans 5 vs. 8

Firstly, let me make it clear to us that no man on earth is ever righteous. Ever since the time Adam fell off from the presence of God.  Unrighteousness took over man’s nature instead of Righteous image of God that was offer to us from creation that manifested man as God’s Children.
Before I will proceed, Let us check differences between the Adam that GOD created and placed in the Garden of the Eden and The Adam that sinned and was chased out of the Garden of Eden.
The Adam that was created and Placed in the Garden of Eden was created to look Exact like God (Gen 1:26 -27, 5:1) while the Adam that sinned and was chased out was reformed to look exactly like devil. (John 8:44)
The Adam was created and Placed in the Garden of Eden was upright from creation (Ec. 7:29) while the Adam that sinned and was chased out was reformed to keep sinning (1 John 3:8)
The Adam that was created and placed in the Garden of Eden was Saved, Justified, and hath no fear of condemnation while the Adam that sinned and was chased out was condemned and remained condemned till eternity (John 3:15 – 18).
Adam that created and place in the Garden of Eden  was Child of God. (Gen. 5:1; Psalms 82 : 6) while the other Adam was child of devil (John 8:44)
Adam that was created and placed in the Garden of Eden was Blessed and No Curse is allowed to come closer to Him (Gen. 1 : 26 -31) while the  other Adam was cursed by God (Gen 3)
Adam that was created and placed in the garden of Eden is an eternal Being while the other Adam was destined for eternal death and he’s dead already
This is few among many differences. That is why God made a reasonable option for man mankind as a way out of present and impending condemnation, and that's Christ Jesus who died to pay for all our sins to restore us back to the garden of Eden, where we had and will have a life of God on earth, a life of dominion, righteousness, Justified, eternal and peace. But here is the condition "BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST and ACCEPT HIM YOUR LORD and SAVIOUR". AMEN

Shalom.

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria.

Danger of Faithlessness

I want to help you remember some things you already know: Remember that the Lord saved his people by bringing them out of the land of Egypt. But later he destroyed all those who did not believe.

Jude 1:5 ERV

Beloved, it's one thing to have God's blessing, it's another thing to make it remain a blessing. How? God speaking in the book of Isaiah, he said, "remember you the formal things,... even the thing of old which I have done (Isaiah 46:9), God commanded us to do this for reason, and reason is "faithlessness". Most of the time, we loss what God determine to give us to lack of faith like the Israelites in the wilderness. "For without faith it's impossible to please God". lack of faith always push us to complain and murmur against God which He hate the most. Is God that did the blessing you have presently with you not capable to do give you next blessing you need? Yes! He's able and abundantly able to do exceeding, abundantly beyond, but not doing it during time you are in haste doesn't mean He'll not, but he's preparing way for you, so that He can deliver the blessing in time that will really bring glory to His name in your life, like He did for David, like He did for Sarah and many more people. But complaining and murmuring against Him get Him angry, therefore beloved, it doesn't matter what preasure we are facing now, keep your faith as high as mountain, Trust God in His word, hold unto what He has done in your life through praise and thanksgiving, and anticipate for new one you expect Him to do. And you will see Him in greater action in due season.

Shalom.

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

No Test, No Testimonies.

  And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. 

Job  2:6 

Beloved, many times we think of the challenge of the saints and ask ourselves, questions like, is God aware of the storms in the life of saints? and even ask, why did God permit storms in the live of saints?
Beloved, God knows about storms and challenges of our live, and He permitted it for reasons. The Psalmist says, "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he..."(Psalms 135:6). Meaning, we can't face anything in life without the consent of God. An adage says "the higher you grow the tougher your test and temptation" let's have this in our mind, "No TEST, No TESTIMONIES" our challenges is to build us up not to pull us down. every ladder of glorification has strung of challenges, the more you conquer the higher you go.
It took God to lead Joseph through slavery in other to train Him up for his glorification.
It took God to lead David through 20 years of training under Saul's pressure and attacks (after receiving anointing) before God could finally handover the kingdom into His hand.
Therefore beloved, don't think you can't overcome the stormy moment, inasmuch there is God on your side, you have your victory with you. You can't die in the storm, but it'll build up grace of God in you, only if you let God work through it. And then you will have mouth to sing "The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death", for our present light afflictions can't be compare to the awaiting glory ahead of us.
No labour, no rest. Keep moving!

I declare your days of rest to begin now in the name Jesus.

Shalom

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

The LORD, our healer

saying, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer."

Exodus 15:26 ESV

Beloved, firstly let us come to reality of the word of God, which made it clear to us that it’s not the pleasing will of God that any of His dear children will experience sickness or diseases. Remember He said, “'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NASU) and He further made it clear to us that “He wish us above all things that will prosper, and be health, even as our soul prosper”. (3 John 2) which simply means sickness is not God’s agenda for any of His children. So if God is not pleased to see any of His Children sick then, ill health of believers came from where and who? There are no 2 places or any other person that the ill health came from, but Satan and Satan alone. And he did this through 2 means:
1. By deceiving us to disobey God.
2. By blindfolding us not to know who we are and what redemption has gotten for us.
All men have sinned and have come shot of the glory of the LORD, but Jesus had paid it all for our sins. Which simply means our sins are forgiving and no reason for us to be condemned, not even the least of all curses, sickness or disease supposes to be near us, for He’d paid for it all with His suffering and death that we might be free and free indeed. That was why it was written concerning us that by the strip of CHRIST JESUS we are healed, because, it pleases God to lay all our sin and sicknesses upon Him. Therefore Beloved, open heart and eyes and don’t be fooled by the wiles of the Satan. No sickness is allowed to stay with you so far you have your life in JESUS, cast out the sickness in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and you will be free and have your divine health that JESUS bought for you back.
God is our healer.


Shalom


MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

THE GOD, OUR GOD

I am God, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of a life of slavery. 

Exodus 20:2 TM

Beloved, many times we claim to be true believers and worshipers of God and believe we do not have any other god apart from Him, but in one way or the other we are still following the gods in the land of Egypt, the land of slavery. we yields to the work of that land, we still live the same life we lived when we were there, though we have been saved and redeemed out of the land, yet our heart never turn to Him that brought us out of that land. We always compromise our faith; we always want to live our life the same way the people of the world (slaves) are living. Forgetting that we are no more of the world but we are now saved and redeemed of LORD, we are free men, and our lives now belong to God who brought us out of the land of Egypt. And this have always be the major reason God keep calling to us saying, “Get out! Get out and leave your captivity, where everything you touch is unclean. Get out of there and purify yourselves,” (Isaiah 52:11 NLT) for we are now His children not slave any more. Therefore, we are to live like Him and to please him every day of our live, in righteousness and holiness and faith, nothing more nothing less, for we are His people and He’s our God. Sir, This God is our God, let’s serve him to the end of our life... we can’t regret serving Him.

Shalom


MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

Three important Keys

Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12: 12


Beloved, there was a quote in a film titled “FIREPROOF”. Quote said that “fireproof does not mean fire won’t breakout, but means you’ll be able to withstand fire when it comes”. Knowing God and coming to Jesus doesn’t mean you are not going to face challenges but it means you’ll be to stand on with JESUS till it’s pleases HIM to settle you. That’s why God’s taking us through short word that focus on the 3 things that make you true believer, or a true man of faith. That’s “HOPE, PATIENT, and PRAYER”.
Beloved, let us understand that out faith in JESUS is not complete until we are tried and tested. And we shouldn’t be there asking God why? Because that’s what make us living being and without challenges we are not alive, for life is filled with different packages of challenges, and until we learn how to use important keys that God handed over to us; we’ll not be able to win against every challenges of this world.
HOPE: without hope no faith, your hope is what gives your life value, and when hope is missing…faith is dead. When you hope positively, you can channel your heart towards God to grow your faith.
PATIENT: not every time you have instant delivery of what God said concerning and prayers, but it is sure God will do it. Abraham was told that he’ll become father of nations yet at age 90 there was no child, but he patiently waited on God, and his expectation was not cut off. When you pray, God hears you and will do His work in your favour.
PRAYER: that’s communication with God, your Father, my Father, and most trusted friend.  Prayerless believer is certainly hopeless believer, because we serve God that answer prayers. But when you shot your mouth and refuse to tell Him what you want, he too will never intervene in your issues, because God will never poke nose in a case you never call Him in to.
Therefore Beloved, the expectation of righteous can never be cut off but patiently wait on God in prayers, in a good time. God will make you laugh.

Shalom.

MSG BY: JEREMIAH O. CHIJIOKE
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

Keep communicating with God

Pray without Ceasing
I Thessalonians 5 vs. 17

Beloved, A man of God once said in His message that “you never start sinning the day you saw yourself sinned against God, but you started it the day you stop praying to God.” Art of prayer is more than asking from LORD, but it is an art of relationship between God and Man, the Bible called the prayer of Saints sweet smell to the LORD. Jesus revealed some things to us through His life on earth;
1. Continuous Prayer Life.
 2. He made Prayers like He is communicating to Person He can see.
3. Communication in His Prayers is like communication between Father and Son.
4. In His communication with the Father and He shared His emotions without holding anything back.
As it is made convenient for us to talk and talk without wearing out whenever we are with our friends so our prayer life ought to be. We are in relationship with God; CHRISTIANITY IS A RELATIONSHIP between us and our Maker, God’s not just our maker but also our Father (Psalms 82:6) and Friend. Thats why we need to learn to keep communicating about every little thing with Him, for example; our feelings and Love for Him, our life and wants, Likes, Desires and Dislike just like we do with our earthly intimate friends to know His perfect will for us and never forget to keep appreciating Him for the Surplus. We must also learn to tell him What is going on with us and what we want; to ask and receive freely without fear according to His will. 
All this are laid down to build up our relationship with God.  Let’s walk with it.

Shalom

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

The Final Harvest.

Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
Joel  3:13

Beloved, remember the story of our Master, touching wheats and weeds, in Matthew 13:24-30. our God is the farmer, world is the field, and lives are the plants on it. And there are 2 kinds of plants on the field, wheats and weeds, and they both are grown on the field, and one day, weeds will be harvested, in like manner will the wheats be harvested, but then will the difference come up, weeds will be burn up in fire and wheats will be kept and prepared.
Therefore my beloved, if our lives is categorised into these 2 levels, in what level are you found? In What level am I found? Man's journey on this planet earth are followed up and are taped, and one day will be played and we'll be judged accordingly, but what kind of Judgement will it be for us individually. Remember, it's not about people's attestation, but It's about who God sees you to be, He is all knowing God, He knows your works both good and evil, open and secret and will pay you in like manner. He deals with your open and secret relationship. He deals with your faithfulness, righteousness, and holiness, even when it's not easy to do. Remember God is a righteous Judge, and will judge us individually in righteousness.
Finally beloved, the greatest way out of the coming damnation is this, love God unconditionally and Love your neighbour as yourself, let the love of God be shed abroad in your heart, live by love and for love, for God is love, when love rules, God rules, for "love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10).
All round rest is your portion in all your today's dealings in Jesus name.

Shalom

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

THE GREAT WARNING.

For if the message spoken through angels proved to be so firm that every violation or disobedience received its just penalty

Hebrews 2:2 NET

Beloved, it is said that the only warning that Africans yields to is “LOW BATTERY”, but now the saying is not only focus on the Africans but on everyone. Assuming it’s everyone that has same opportunity that Hezekiah had, many will be saved from the impending judgment of eternal damnation, but just has many phones can disappointedly TURN OFF without warning through malfunctions and incidences, same way death can step in without notification. Because “…that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). Therefore Beloved, I’ll like to say that the greatest condemnation you can suffer is when you turn down the call of Salvation that comes through the sacrifice of LOVE of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, because HE died to pay all our debt even when don’t know HIM and hated HIM so much. Yet HE made it easy for us that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but has eternal life, but whosoever believes HIM not is condemned already. So “please, come out of condemnation” HE cries. For appointed time to face the judgment is hidden from all men, but one thing is sure; 

IF YOU MISS JUSTIFICATION, YOU WON’T MISS CONDEMNATION.

IF YOU MISS HEAVEN YOU WON’T MISS HELL

Shalom
`
MSG BY : JEREMIAH O. CHIJIOKE
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria.

Bought to be His dear sons

Then he bought the piece of land on which he had encamped from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred pieces of money. 

Genesis 33:19.

Beloved, let us come to the reality of what God said..."ye are bought with a price"(1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23). now we as believer are not just persons to God but sons and daughters purchased by the sacrifice of our LORD CHRIST JESUS, this transaction  translated us from the kingdom of darkness into Kingdom of God, this is why we as believers are not of the same route with people in the darkness, Jesus didn't just buy us to the Father for nothing sake but also receives for us "Power, Riches, Wisdom, Strength, Honour, Glory and Blessing". (Revelation 5:12), "For as He is so are we", He is our head, we are His body, we made complete in Him, He's become our righteousness... all these come through the transaction, which He did with His blood.
Nevertheless,  All these things which He got for us needed us to receive and believe the God and the Lord Christ Jesus and also live in-line with God's word in order to have full manifestation of the transaction.
Therefore beloved, let us take full advantage of this opportunity, to enjoy the life of Heaven of Earth and Eternal Rest that our Father prepared for us through our Lord Christ Jesus. Don't try to miss out of it.

Shalom.

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria.

Your Stumble is not to Fall

I say then, Have they stumble to fall? God forbid:

Romans 11 vs. 11

Beloved, many times we look at the challenges of our life as if it’s going be the end of our life, but I’m glad to tell us that it’s can’t be the end of our life. The fall of a man is not the end of his journey but rather very new beginning of strength in his life, for every challenge of life has its mission and will never manifest until we see God it, and let God to bring out His purpose of permitting the challenge. Remember story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John chapter 11; at First Jesus was told that Lazarus was Sick, (remember how they placed the statement “him whom thou lovest is sick”…vs 3) Jesus response was that the sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY of GOD. Later Jesus said, Lazarus is dead, yet this did not mark the end of Lazarus because it is for the GLORY OF GOD. He was buried, yet Jesus didn’t see it as the end of Lazarus, but talk to God until Lazarus was brought back to life, and this reveal the GLORY OF GOD to the world. Therefore beloved, your present challenge of life is for a purpose, and the purpose is to make known the Glory of God in your life, but this Glory of God can only be manifested when you determine to hold strong your faith in God and pray with Faith in your Heart without wavering, holding God by His word and staying by His Promises, irrespective of what the challenges saying again.

Sir, I will repeat to you, your Present challenge is to the GLORY OF GOD; your stumble is not to fall, but to your lifting. Trust God to bring good out of the Storm, and He will do it.

Shalom

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria

By The Spirit

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,  

LUKE 2:27   KJV

Beloved, to enjoy supernatural and godly living, there is a part of relationship with God that we must understand, that’s to live our life on the same frequency with Christ, Prophet Amos said “ Is it possible for two to go walking together, if not by agreement?” (Amos 3: 3 BBE).  Living our life through faith in agreement with God and pattern set by Him through His word for our life is what set us on the same frequency with Him. That’s what God’s looking for in us His children, that we may enjoy every spiritual blessing in heavenly places, for the blessings are released but it’s ours to live in the spirit to enjoy the blessing.  It takes spiritual men to live in the spirit realm and it is men in the spirit realm that enjoy supernatural and godly living.

Shalom

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke

Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria.          

Build up your inseparable Love for God

One is so near another That no air can come between them;
Job 41 : 16

Beloved, Apostle Paul said in his Epistle to the Romans that “Who will come between us and the love of Christ? Will trouble, or pain, or cruel acts, or the need of food or of clothing, or danger, or the sword?... But we are able to overcome all these things and more through his love. For I am certain that not death, or life, or angels, or rulers, or things present, or things to come, or powers, Or things on high, or things under the earth, or anything which is made, will be able to come between us and the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:35, 37 -39 BBE). Christianity is a relationship, not Religion as some people may see it to be. Let us open our eyes and see the wonders in having affairs with God. Consider the kind of Joy that flows through in us when we are in love with someone, in fact this love control our actions and wholeness. That’s kind of relationship God is craving to with us daily. That’s why He’s calling you and me to live our lives for Him. He’s doing His path by loving us first; let us do our part by loving him in return.

Shalom

MSG BY: Jeremiah O Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry, Lagos, Nigeria.

Extending God's Grace to Others

And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab.

Ruth  2:6

Beloved, whenever, I think of the kind of grace that God bestow on those that get connected with His people and His work. It reminds me that  He said," _Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, ...Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people_ ". (Isaiah  56:6-7), meaning, God don't just bless His people, but also bless the people around them, and those that determine to follow Him through them.
Though, it's not enough to become too close to the people of God, or even become there family member. but (here is the clause), until they learn to join themselves to God in his people, there will be no extension of grace towards them, how do I mean?
It took Lot to follow Abraham, and learn to serve the God of Abraham, before God could bless him and also send rescuer to him.
it took Ruth to love and follow Naomi whole heartedly and even took her to serve Naomi's God, before God could give her rest and also make a place for her in the history of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It took Obed-Edom, to embrace the Ark of Covenant before God could turn His story around.
It will take them to serve God for them to have a full manifestation of God.
Therefore beloved, let's do something to help people around us, let's draw them closer to God with our light and good work. And God will enlarge our coast the more as they become partakers of our grace.
Have a great day filled with God's grace in Jesus name.

Shalom.

MSG: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry

We were begotten to inherit

Date: Saturday 25th August, 2018

Text: 1 Peter 1:3-4

According to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away...
We have been forgotten of the Father. Jesus is called the forgotten son of God and we have received the same name. Thank God it says "He has begotten us again..." That was the day we were born again. To come to Christ is to be begotten of the Father.
Now that we have been begotten, we have received an inheritance. We were born to inherit all the goodness of God. It says "we have been begotten to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, which doesn't fade away". Now, as Christ is to God, so are we.
Now, God isn't going to value Jesus than you, He values you the same way because that was the reason why He died and was raised from the dead. We are one with Him in God.
Our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled and endless. Someone says "don't lose your salvation". That's fine, but as long as you remain in Christ, you can't lose your salvation. You are secured in Christ.
Your blessings in Christ are secured for you. It says it can't corrupt. Satan can't do anything about it. He is not the giver and he can't take it away from you.
By His abundance of mercy, we have been born into a lively hope. Hence, there is no hopelessness for us. Christ in you is the hope of Glory.

Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for calling me your own. I have been begotten as Christ is. Now I can call you Father. I have goodly heritage in you through Christ Jesus. Amen!

One year Bible reading plan
Isaiah 43-45

Pastor David O. Adedeji
Gospel To All Nations, International.

Following the Right Channel

"Shall you reign because you enclose yourself in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink, And do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with  him."

Jeremiah 22:15 NKJV

Beloved, a composer sang in his Song saying, “It is no secret, what God can do. What He’s done for others He’ll do for you.” The book of Hebrew said “Jesus, The same Yesterday, Today and Forever. Amen.” What does this mean? There’s no partiality in God. Whatsoever kind of blessing that you can see anyone enjoyed from LORD, you too can enjoy the same from the LORD. But here is the condition, walk in the same path that first beneficiaries walked in, do the same work that they did, live the same life that they lived. That’s when you can enjoy the same grace as they enjoyed. 

“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” (Jer. 6:16 NKJV)

Shalom

MSG BY: Jeremiah O Chijioke
Body Of Christ Prayer Ministry. Lagos, Nigeria.

Qualified for supernatural life.

Text: 2 Corinthians 3:6 KJV

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

At times, we look at ourselves and we see our weaknesses, we see those things that are preventing us from living a supernatural life. We see those things that tells us "you are not qualified for this". But God isn't concerned about those things.
The Bible says "God has made us meet up..." That means, God has qualified us. So don't think you are not qualified. Of course, you are indeed not qualified for it in you own ability, but God Himself has qualified you.
Verse 5 of our text says "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." In other words, he meant, not that we are qualified, but our qualification is of God. He qualified us.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:30.
The word 'justified' there also means 'qualified'. So, God has qualified us for every good work and there is no feeling of incapability is us.
He has qualified you to live a supernatural life, and so, you are qualified for it. Go with confidence and live a supernatural life.

Prayer
Father, thank you for qualifying mW for a supernatural life, thank you for giving me strength to do it. I am qualified by your grace and I live supernaturally. Amen!

One year Bible reading plan
Isaiah 39-42

Pastor David O Adedeji
Gospel To All Nations, International.

Trusting God II

I will say of the Lord , He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psalms 91:2 KJV

Beloved, Having God doesn't mean you're far above life challenges, but it means there will always be victory over every challenge. And that's what matter. Apostle Paul said "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."(1 Corinthians 10:13). Challenges is what make life an adventure, holding strong the Master's hand is what make us wise follower. It doesn't matter what you are facing right now, trusting God to take you through it is the way out. Remember, He's a faithful God, He's promised to be with you when you are going through water and fire, but it's yours to trust  and obey Him as He's guiding you through like sheep, that you may come out scarless and strong as a victor.

Shalom.

Msg by: Jeremiah O. Chijioke
Body of Christ Prayer Ministry.

CHOSEN FOR THE SUPERNATURAL LIFE

Date: Thursday 23rd August, 2018

Text: John 15:16 KJV
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

You have been chosen by God to live a life without limit. You have been ordained to live supernaturally. There is nothing Satan can do about it. All you have to do is to walk in it.
God said "I have have chosen you, and ordained you that you should go..." If God has ordained you, then its not until you go to seminary that you can live that life. The supernatural is your natural life, or let me say "the supernatural is your nature".
Jesus said, "as the father hath sent me, so I have send you..." To do what? To live the kingdom life, to bear fruits, to do exploits, to disciple the nation, to carry out the will of the Father.
Quit thinking, but I am not qualified. No! You have been sent. You are a sent man, a man on a mission. Don't sit down when God says "go". Sometimes, we want to see a supernatural sign, but no sign is greater than the Word of God.
If God says "go", then don't say "I can't". While I visited a village we wanted to hold a crusade, a man of God asked me, "as a young man, what gives you the courage to do these things?" My reply was, "the Lord has sent me to do these. So He is the one doing them, I just show on the scene". You have been sent to live an abundant life. Live that life to the fullest and your life will be beautiful.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for choosing me for a supernatural life. From now on, I bear good fruits and these fruits remain in you Word and righteousness. Amen!


One year Bible reading plan
Isaiah 36-38


Pastor Davis O. Adedeji
Gospel to the Nations, International.

Daily Meal

Trusting God

From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid.
Ezra 3:6 KJV

Beloved, there are times that we hope every desires to be fulfilled on time, though the LORD has spoken and promises has been made by the mouth of the LORD, yet, everything seems not working out the way we expected it to be. Sir, it doesn’t mean that God’s not faithful concerning his word or that He’s not able to do it. He is an ever faithful and Able God. And When He say it, He mean it and will do it. But nothing will happen until we understand the God we are serving and his principles, to receive from God, we must trust Him and continue with Him even when everything seems not answering to us.

We must be Acting, Trusting, Proclaiming, Praising and Rejoicing everyday even as we keep reminding Him in our dialog with Him(Prayer).

 That's how put Him to work to bring fulfillment what He's spoken. Remember HE said. “yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:11). He’ll never fail.

Shalom

MSG BY: Jeremiah O. Chijioke

BODY OF CHRIST PRAYER MINISTY, LAGOS, NIGERIA.

Walking in Christ

Date: Wednesday 22nd August, 2018
Topic: Walking in Christ

Text: Colossians 2:6 KJV
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.

We received Christ not just so that we can know something, but so that we can walk in Him. So that people can see us and say "this is a christian".
The Bible says about the disciples in Acts 4:13,
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus".
The Bible says "they took knowledge of them and they found out that these ones are no longer ordinary people, they have been with Jesus. They were ignorant people, but they were speaking mysteries, more than their understanding, more than philosophy.
We have received Christ, so that we can walk in Him. Christ is our habitat. We don't live outside Christ. He said "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing". John 15:4-5.
Don't live outside Christ, without Him, we can do nothing. As a believer, you don't have to be conscious of yourself, be Christ conscious. Be full of Christ in your mind and attitude.
When people see you, they need not to ask you if you are a Christian or not, they will know that this fellow has been with Christ. You will be known by the fruits you bear.

Prayer
I am in Christ, and He is in me. My life is rooted in His love, I will never decimate from it. I will live to please Him always and proclaim His glory among the heathen. Amen!

One year Bible reading plan
Isaiah 33-35

Pastor David O.  Adedeji
Gospel to the Nation, International.