KEY SCRIPTURE: Rom 4:17 KJV “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”

God calls those things which are not as though they were. When the Lord was invited to heal Lazarus, He waited for a few days and then asked His disciples to go and raise him from sleep. His disciples remarked, Lord if he is sleeping, he would surely wake up. He then answered them, that he was dead, but it was good that he was not there, so they would believe. The Lord spoke like God His father, who calls those things which be not as though they were. He was dead, yet He said He is asleep. The Lord made the same statement about Jarius’s daughter, who had died. Mark 5:39 KJV” And when he was come in, he saith unto them, why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. “

The Lord spoke out what he wanted, and not according to the pending situation. He called those things which be not as though they were. Well, He got what He wanted or said. This is the language of faith. Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1 is the assurance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. The Lord called what He hoped to get as though He already had it. This is what Joel 3:10 says.” Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” All these are done because God would honour our faith stands.

Bishop David Oyedepo shared a story he experienced. He had to pay his working staff on a particular day, but there was no money. He called his cashier and told him to pay the staff by 2 pm the next day. He has taught his cashier, never to say there is no money, whenever such instructions were given. The cashier just kept mute waiting for the hour to come. An hour or two before that pay time, a gentleman, from another state came with a cheque that was just about the amount to pay the whole staff. This was calling forth, what was not there as though it was. The Lord Jesus would want every child of God to speak that way. Speak health when sickness seems to attack your body. Call forth strength, when weakness seems to overwhelm you. This is God’s way of speaking, and He would honour your words.

CONFESSION

Faith language is living in the answer, it is calling what you hope to see as already with you. I hope to have strength over my weak body, I say I am strong, Although I may be lacking financially, I declare I am very rich. God honours my faith with answers.

THOUGHT: A STRONG FAITH COUPLED WITH; THE RIGHT CORRESPONDING WORDS WOULD ALWAYS BRING THE RESULTS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Heb 11:13 KJV “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

Heb 11:19 KJV” Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.”

KEY SCRIPTURE;1Th 5:18 KJV” In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

The life of the Christian should never be dry and living in a long period of depression. There is too much for us to be thankful for. The scriptures are full of exceeding great and precious promises that we have to acquaint ourselves with, so by them, we would have a lot to be thankful for. A thankful heart cannot be depressed.

The thankful Christian walks in an abundance of miracles.

What do we thank God for?

Thank God for being your shepherd and so you have everything you need.

Thank God for sending angels to help, protect, and supply you with all you need. Heb 1:14

Thank God for in Christ all His promises are yes, and that whatever He has promised is already so in Christ Jesus.2 Corinth 1:20.

Thank God that He is your helper and your keeper who never, slumbers or sleeps, for He is the shield on your right hand that would not allow the sun to smite you by day that is no evil that prevails in the day would attack and overpower you, and would not allow the moon, to smite you, by night, that is no evil traveling by night would attack you. Ps 121:1-6

Thank God for blessing you with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ, including peace of mind, good health to your body, spiritual understanding, and many other blessings. Eph 1:3.

Thank the Lord for the air we breathe freely, for the sun that supplies energy to us all, and for the beautiful flowers, vegetation, and the sea. Thank God for such a beautiful world we have.

Thank God for all the wonderful and lovely friends we have around. Thank Him even for those who dislike you, for they help you learn, longsuffering, and patience.

Thank Him for the many answered prayers. Thank Him for the many deliverances from all calamities. Thank Him for the trials that come our way, that makes us see His faithfulness and the reality of His power. Fill your heart with thanksgiving. In each moment let a word of thanksgiving flow to the Father.

Thanksgiving is an act of expressing God’s faithfulness, He would always come to you with answers that would make you thank Him for it is His will that you always thank Him under all situations.

CONFESSION

I thank you my heavenly father for your abundant goodness unto me. Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for saving my soul and making me a citizen of heaven, thank you for making me a master over devils, and giving me the right to use the name of Jesus on this earth. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

THOUGHT: THANKSGIVING, RELAXES THE NERVES AND ASSURES THE HEART, THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL.

FURTHER STUDIES

Joh 11:41 KJV” Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.”

1Corinth 1:4 KJV” I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;”

KEY SCRIPTURE:1Th 5:18 KJV” In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

The Lord tells us that, it is the will of God that in all things we give thanks. One may do this superficially or mechanically, but that will not benefit him or her much. Note, that true thanksgiving draws us closer to the Lord, making us appreciate Him, and love Him as well as increasing our faith in Him. There is also the superficial thanksgiving, in which one gives thanks all right, because the scripture commanded it, yet it does not have any emotional attachment and deep appreciation of God’s goodness.

One man in the scriptures who appreciated God’s goodness was King David. When the Ark of God was brought from Abinadab’s House, in Gibeah.2nd Samuel 6:1-21. David according to the bible, danced with all His might, so much that his clothes nearly went off him. His wife Michal saw it and despised him in her heart. She was not silent about it, yet spoke to him, that he disgraced Himself before the daughters of Israel. David said to her that he was a mere shepherd boy when the Lord chose Him, in place of His father King Saul. He added I will play and make myself vile before the Lord.2 Sam 6:20.

 What was the secret of David’s deep appreciation of the Lord’s goodness unto him? David spent a great deal of time meditating about God’s goodness and greatness. Let’s look at a few statements He made about meditation.

Psalms 63:6 KJV “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.”

Psalms 77:12 KJV” I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.”

Psalms 119:148 KJV” Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.”

All these verses show us that King David spent a great deal of time reflecting on God his nature, attributes, and many more. This made him love the Lord more and caused him to deeply thank God.

CONFESSION

I will meditate on the goodness of God to me. Indeed, God is good and will forever be gracious of His kindness unto me. In all things and at all times I will thank Him.

THOUGHT: THE MORE YOU KNOW THE LORD, THE MORE YOU WOULD THANK HIM.

KEY SCRIPTURE:1Th 5:18 KJV “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Thanksgiving is an act that liberates man from satanic control. The cream of the devil’s onslaught is  tò make man blame God, or at best complain. Anyone who finds himself in such a state has freely given himself or herself to the devil. He has tied God’s hands from working in HIS life. The Holy Spirit cautions us to do all things without murmuring and disputing or complaining (Phil 2:14). He tells us to give thanks in all situations. This means whether times are good or bad, we must continually thank the Lord. When the sun shines, we must thank Him, and when the rains fall in torrents, we must still give Him thanks.

Why must we always thank the Lord?

The first response is that He has asked us to give Him thanks in all situations.

Secondly, thanking God even at bad times means that we acknowledge He is in control of all things and His thoughts concerning us are thoughts of peace and goodwill. Our thanksgiving causes us to take a stand for Him and subsequently partake of that goodwill He has for us. When a man grows bitter and hurting as a result of what happens, he takes a stand with the devil, and so gives expression to those negative utterances from the devil. He subsequently gives access for the devil to control his life. It is always good to give thanks.

Apostle Paul by the agency of the Holy Spirit instructs us in times of anxiety never to allow that negative condition to control us, but with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving WE should make our request unto the Lord, and the peace of God which passes understanding shall keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Thanksgiving is always a declaration of our faith in God and our faith in such times brings a turnaround.  In Acts 16:25, -31, when Paul and Silas were arrested and locked up in a dungeon in the prison of Macedonia. Instead of lamenting over their plight, they praised the Lord and thanked Him. The result was an absolute turnaround of their situation. There was an earthquake, and the stocks and chains that bound them were broken down. In Acts 5:41 apostles Peter and John rejoiced for the opportunity to suffer for the master. They thanked the Lord.

CONFESSION

Thank you, heavenly father, for your love and power. Nothing takes you by surprise, I thank you in all things. I am forever seated with you in heavenly places, far above all Principalities and power or name, and so, no matter what happens, I am still higher than them all. Nothing depresses me, for I have overcome all of them.

THOUGHT: THANKSGIVING TIES THE HANDS OF SATAN

FURTHER STUDIES

Psalms 50:14 KJV “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalms 26:7 KJV That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

KEY SCRIPTURE: Rom 16:20 KJV” And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

Dear brother/ Sister, the right place for the devil to be, is under your feet. He must remain in subjection to us. Our Lord Jesus fully demonstrated that, and that is how He would want us to live. Unfortunately, most children of God are under Satan’s control. Please note, Satan always needs your cooperation to be able to control, and manipulate the life of the child of God. The Lord said, John 14:30 KJV” Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”

He said the Prince of this world comes, but he has nothing in me. Satan seeks to deposit his words, ways, feelings, and images in men, so he would be able to manipulate and even destroy them.

One of the acts of Satan and his devils that he deposits in men is fear. Fear is basically, faith in the ability of the enemy. If you have fear of what the devil can do or will do, then, God our Father is very helpless at doing anything for you. Fear is choosing to put your faith in the devil. The story of Job may seem, that God just gave him over to the devil, yet a good study of the book shows that he had fear of the acts of Satan in him. It took a matter of time for it to show forth. Listen to what He said. Job 3:25,36 KJV “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet, yet trouble came.” Trouble came because the enemy had succeeded in depositing his works in Him. He also voiced out what he believed about the devil. This act established what was in his heart.

2nd Corinth 10:5 says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” You can’t dominate the devil if he has put his kind of pictures, thoughts, and ideas, that exalts itself above the knowledge of God in you. You must cast every non-scriptural image or thought if you are to dominate the enemy. Some brethren harbour bitterness, and have all kinds of negative happenings around them. These people wonder why things go that way. The Lord Jesus has perfectly triumphed over Satan and his cohorts, yet if you submit to their promptings, threats, and suggestions, then you have freely given the defeated one the right to control you. To be in control over them, decide never to submit to any pictures, suggestions, threats, or any view that comes from devils.

You can say with the Lord, the devil comes But has nothing in me.

CONFESSION

Jesus my Lord, triumphed over Satan, and his cohorts and so I have likewise triumphed over them. I refuse every non-scriptural thought, desire, or fear. My words always reveal my superiority over Satan and his inability to Lord it over me. I am a master over devils, I have a sound mind, self-control, health, and prosperity. Hallelujah.

THOUGHT: WHAT YOU BELIEVE DETERMINES WHAT CONTROLS YOU.

FURTHER STUDIES

Mar 4:24 KJV” And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.”

Eph 4:26 KJV “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:19 KJV “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

Life is Spiritual, and there is an unseen enemy or adversary of man who schemes to hold all men in bondage to himself. Apostle John wrote the following about Him. Rev 12:9 KJV” And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” This invisible being deceives to kill or destroy a man in hell. It is the greatest desire of our Lord that we dominate over Him. The Lord informs us in our key scripture He has given us power or the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and He added, nothing shall by any means hurt you.

What is the meaning of this verse? The Lord is saying He has given us the right to exercise power over the enemy, so that nothing may hurt us. In the statement, He said we should tread over them, and nothing would hurt us. What would happen if we do not exercise that authority to dominate over them? If we don’t rule over them, then evil may happen to us.

How would we tread over them?

1.            We trample over these devils through our words of authority and commands we give in faith.

2.            We also trample over them through our prayers, as we bind, resist, or make declarations to restrict the enemy in any way.

3.            We trample or tread over them when we refuse to yield to their influence. Devils have power over a child of God so long as he obeys, attends, or responds to their instructions, commands, or influence. If you do not heed what they say, but resist them through your words, they would submit to you.

4.            We also exercise that dominion by putting on the whole armour of God. Eph 6:10-18.

We must come to terms with the victory our Lord won over the devils, which is our victory. Col 2:15 KJV “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” We have overcome the enemy through our Lord Jesus and must always claim that victory and live likewise.

On this note, we must acknowledge that no matter what happens, never should the child of God yield to any attacks of the enemy and claim that the enemy is dominating his or her life. No matter what happens insist that you are a master over the devils. If you fall into any sin, quickly repent and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. Never allow the flesh to rule over you.

CONFESSION

The Lord Jesus has given the authority to dominate over the enemy. I daily exercise my authority over them. I give no place to them, in thought or deed. No matter what the enemy may raise against me I am more than a conqueror over them in Jesus’ name.

THOUGHT; IF YOU FAIL TO RULE THE ENEMY, HE WILL RULE OVER YOU.

FURTHER STUDIES

James 4:7 KJV “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Eph 6:11 KJV “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Prov 4:18 KJV” But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”

Who is the just? The just are those who live by trusting God. Heb 10:38 KJV Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. The just also means, those whose ways please the Lord, since they live by faith according to Heb 11:6. The just also have righteousness being imputed on their account. Romans 4:3 KJV” For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

From the above, we learn that the Just walk in the ways or according to the word of God. They take time to learn from God’s word 2 Tim 2:15 KJV” Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” He is not put to shame because, through study or diligence he has come to know the right ways of life, and therefore treads thereby. He has a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path. He does not stumble, for He is like the man whom Jesus said walks in the day, and so has the light of the day. John 11:9 KJV” Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walks in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.”

Our key scripture says His way, is like the shining light, that keeps shining unto the perfect day.

The path of the just is the way of rest. He does not fret about what happens around Him. This man constantly celebrates the Lord for His victories which is his victory as well. The just has a continuous stream of victory.

The Bible is full of characters who tread on the path of the just. One such man was King David. He wrote the Lord is my shepherd, and so I shall not want.  He added, thou I walk through the valley of the shadows of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. King David lived His life in the presence of God and kept shining till he left the earth scene.

Dear one, you can also participate in this life of victory, joy uprightness, and a path of shining always. CHOOSE TO PLACE GOD’S WORD FIRST ALWAYS

CONFESSION

I live and walk on the path of the just. My life is simply based and dependent on the infallible word of God. He keeps me winning daily until that perfect day when we Shall meet in glory.

THOUGHT: KEEP YOUR WAYS SHINNING BY STAYING WITH THE WORD

FURTHER STUDIES

Prov 3:5 KJV” Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Heb 11:6 KJV But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

KEY SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:26 KJV If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

In our key scripture, the Lord laid bare His qualification terms for one to be called a disciple. He says you will not be part of Him if you do not adhere to what He presented. He said to be His disciple, you must hate your father, mother, wife or husband, children, siblings, and your very life.  The Lord added that His disciples must take up their cross and follow Him. Your cross is not anything He has redeemed us from like our sins, sicknesses, or poverty, but anything that has to do with choosing His way as against choosing our way. It means His must come first always

The Lord does not just make empty demands, but whatever He tells us comes from His love for us as well as His wisdom that surpasses all things. The Christian life is purely a spiritual life that could not be led by any man in his natural capacity as a man. Plucking your heart from every other thing to love the Master gives Him the right to live His life through us. In Matt. 10:40 the Lord added that when a man has fulfilled the demand to love Him above all other things, He said in verse 40 “He that receiveth you receiveth me and he that receiveth me receiveth the one who sent me”

What is the meaning of this statement?

It means the child of God who accepts to love the Lord above himself and every other thing has entered into a covenant relationship with Him.

Remember, he loved us above Himself to die for us and we must also love Him above ourselves to complete that covenant pact of really becoming one with Him.

When we believe in Him, we are one with Him, yet it becomes practical and experiential when we also love Him above ourselves. This cements our relationship with Him and we will be ready to trust Him under any condition. Until this is done, He can’t stand for you because you have not crossed the death line. Please note I don’t mean dying physically, but rather dying in your heart and mind to yourself, your family, and the world. It is only by your death that you truly live for Him, and you  can also  partake of Him and everything that belongs to Him.

CONFESSION:

Dear Lord Jesus, I accept to love you above myself, my relations, and my interests and also to carry my cross every day of my life. Thank you, Lord, for bringing me unto a solid covenant pact with you.

THOUGHT: YOU CAN NOT TRULY LIVE FOR CHRIST, IF YOU DO NOT DIE FOR HIM FIRST.

FURTHER STUDIES

John 12:24, 25KJV Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it, and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Matt 10:37 KJV “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Mark 7:13 KJV Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Traditions are acceptable practices of people that are passed from one generation to the other. Humans easily get hooked up to their traditions such that it can easily prevent them from enjoying or experiencing the power of God. The Lord stated clearly to the Jews that, they are woefully deprived of the power of the word of God through their traditions. Most Christians are unconsciously entangled in certain traditions that sadly deprive them of the blessings of God.

I would go through a few of them. It is a common thing to hear Christians who are anticipating the goodness of God to bring certain answers, say things like, I believe God will answer me someday or I believe God will surely heal me.  Such brethren claim they have great faith in their hearts. Unfortunately, they are often disappointed and they wonder why? These people have accepted teachings which are not the truth. It is a human tradition, not a biblical truth. The Lord taught that; Jesus has already healed them, and must accept that they are already healed, and not to be healed in the future. Such people are deprived of the power of God because of the tradition of hoping to be healed, instead of accepting now that they have what they expect. This is the truth of scripture

Now what the truth teaches about this error is that faith in God is now. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It is a present-hour assurance that what, I hope to have in the future is present with me. How is it with me? It is up to me to believe that, I have the answers now. It may not be physically with me, yet biblical faith takes hold of the answer and even rejoices that I have it. Anyone who functions this way has escaped the unfortunate deception of the common tradition, that says, I know God will do it someday.

The foundation of most of these traditions is wrong biblical interpretations, that make people think they are functioning in the truth, yet are woefully defeated. Traditions become entrenched because, they are often taught or practiced by those, people who command a pedigree of respect and influence. Their actions and teachings are accepted without a second look at the bible critically.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father thank you for your love and the truth of your word. I pray for all children of God to be diligent in studying your word, and also be careful in accepting all kinds of teachings, and practices, without cross-checking with what your word teaches.

THOUGHT: STOP THE TRADITIONS OF MEN, BY PERSONALLY STUDYING GOD’S WORD FOR YOURSELF

FURTHER STUDIES

Mark 7:9 KJV” And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”

Mark 7:13 KJV “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

KEY SCRIPTURE; Rom 8:29 KJV “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Religion is unfortunately the greatest confusion of human practice. Religion involves spiritually dead men and women, who are struggling to be upright and also to catch the eye of God’s approval. Religion breeds self-righteous men and women, who see people of the other side, as evil, unfit, and must be destroyed. Religion has created enemies among men.

Our Lord Jesus did not come to create another religious organization. He came to impart His life to as many who would accept Him, so they would be like Him. John 1:12 KJV” But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” Please note the bible did not talk about followers, but they who accepted Him, became sons of God, like Himself. Our key scripture also states that, those, He did foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His first son. Jesus became the firstborn among many brethren. We are one with Him.

We are not spiritually dead, but have received eternal life just as He has. We are partakers of His grace and the gift of righteousness, and so we are free from any self-righteousness. We do not judge and condemn anybody, yet in love we show all those who have not accepted the Lord, the great love He has demonstrated to save them. We do not fight those who hold divergent views. We do not kill anybody in order to be honoured before our father. He, Jesus said, greater love has no man than, this that a man should lay his life for his friends. In the Jesus family we love all men.

Dear one, are you practicing the Christian religion? In the Christian religion, people of different opinions are seen as enemies. Christian religion creates self-righteous men and women, who condemn and judge others. These people struggle to be righteous, because they are sinners who are seeking to be righteous. This is most unfortunate. Christians are not sinners. They are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, 2nd Corinth 5:21. God has given birth to us, and so we are one with Jesus.

Dearly beloved stop practicing religion and receive life, the very life of God, so you would become one with Jesus.

CONFESSION

Thank you, heavenly Father, for giving Jesus to die for me. I surrender my life to Him. I accept to be part of the Jesus Family.

THOUGHT: JESUS BRINGS LOVE, RELIGION BRINGS HATRED

FURTHER STUDIES

Matt 5:44 KJV” But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

Heb 2:11 KJV” For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,”