YOU CAN MAKE PROGRESS EVERYDAY

TO THE BIBLE: Genesis 26:12-13 KJV

“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great.”

LET’S TALK

There are those who say that life is full of ups and downs. Well, that’s not my experience of life. I’ve never known the down life; I’ve only journeyed in one direction-upward and forward. As a child of God, you’ve been called to that upward and forward life.

You see, God has called us to make progress, so seek to always move forward in life! The Bible says Isaac waxed great, went forward, and grew until he became very great. In other words, he made great progress and became successful in every area of his life. There was famine in the land of Gerar and Isaac’s friends and neighbours had journeyed to Egypt where there was plenty of corn and wine. It made sense to go there, since Egypt’s economy was the best in the world at the time.

But God thought otherwise. He asked Isaac to sow in that same land where the famine was great. Isaac did and he accumulated flocks and herds and servants, so much so that the Philistines began to envy him (Genesis 26:13-14 MSG). Like Isaac, God has great interest in your growth and progress, thus He desires for you to grow and become great, making progress every day.

Go Deeper: Isaiah 54:2-3 MSG, Isaiah 32:15

Pray

Dear Father, I thank you for revealing to me that I have been called to triumph and become very great. I declare by the power of the Spirit that I’m making progress and moving forward every day of my life. My success and prosperity are appearing unto all men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Act

Say to yourself: “God wants me to triumph and become great, hence I refuse to settle for a small life. I would make progress and do exploits for the Kingdom and make my Heavenly Father proud.”

TO THE BIBLE: Psalm 20:7-8 CEV

“Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, LORD God. Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong and stand firm.”

LET’S TALK

King Asa’s story in 2 Chronicles 14 shows how important trustworthy the Lord is. At one time, when a vast army of over a million soldiers came out against him, he prayed to the Lord and said, “LORD God, only you can help a powerless army defeat a stronger one. So we depend on you to help us. We will fight against this powerful army to honor your name, and we know that you won’t be defeated. You are the LORD our God” (2 Chronicles 14:11 CEV). Sure enough, the Lord heard his prayer and defeated his enemies.

But when King Asa had another battle to fight, he adopted a different tactic. Instead of calling on God as he did before, he asked for help from the King of Syria (2 Chronicles 16:1-4). He didn’t realise that God’s plan wasn’t for him to ally himself with the Syrian King but to conquer him (2 Chronicles 16:7-9). Thus, he lost out on God’s best for him and eventually died.

Learn to have absolute trust in the Lord, because He never fails. Don’t allow anyone or anything shift your dependence on the Lord. Trust in Him with your total being, and always let Him have the last word in your life. Even when everything is going your way, still take the time to consult with Him before you take your steps daily.

Go Deeper: Psalm 121:2, Proverbs 3:5-6

Pray

Dear Father, I trust in you absolutely! I refuse to depend on anyone else because you’re my help. You’re my refuge, my hope and my all. I trust you with my life and with all that’s within me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Act

Meditate on this scripture: “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you” (Psalm 37:5 NLT).

 

 

 

When you speak, don’t be brash and abrasive in your communication; choose your words carefully.

To The Bible Ephesians 4:29 MSG

“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.”

LET’S TALK

The Spirit of God through the Apostle Paul tells us not to engage in distasteful, or corrupt communication (Ephesians 4:29). This infers that the words that come out of our lips should be words that minister healing to a broken heart, courage to the one who’s discouraged, and comfort to the one who’s in despair.

The Lord wants you to carefully choose the words you communicate with. Colossians 4:6 CEV says, “Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.” When you speak, let those who hear you get blessed, uplifted and inspired to be like you, because your words are garnished with grace. Don’t be like some people who are used to only criticizing others. Choose to bless and pray for others instead.

Damaging words are more destructive than a weapon in the hands of a robber. So as a Christian, choose to communicate like your heavenly Father. Let your words be kind and affectionate. Refuse to have itching ears for gossip, and don’t accompany those who are fond of discussing the affairs of everybody else. Let your words concerning people be graceful, inspiring, motivating and encouraging.

Go Deeper Proverbs 11:11, Proverbs 26:20, Isaiah 50:4,

RELATE:

Prayer

I only speak words that minister grace, and edify those who hear me. I refuse to engage in any unwholesome communication. My words are always inspiring, motivating, encouraging, and gracious.

Act

Practise using gracious words today. For example, you can show appreciation for what others do for you by saying words like: “Thank you,” “I’m very grateful” “God bless you.”

BE YOURSELF

(You’re Unique in Every Way)

When you know how unique and peculiar you are, you’ll take pride in your uniqueness and not wish you were like someone else, for God has only one “you!”

To The Bible Psalm 139:13-14 TLB

LET’S TALK

Many times, we go to the salon to get our hair cut or styled, and we never give a thought to the strands that fall off in the process. But God knows the exact number of hairs on your head, and has a code number for every single strand (Matthew 10:30); He’s that detailed about you! Plus that, no other person’s hair has the same code as yours. That’s why your DNA profile is unique to you and can be used to identify you. There’s only one “you” on the planet. No wonder the Psalmist described you as God’s marvelous workmanship (Psalm 139:14 TLB).

There’s a way you do things that nobody else in the world can. That’s because God has deposited gifts and abilities in you to make it so. Someone else may do it in a similar way, but not exactly the same way you will.

So, be yourself and celebrate your uniqueness. Don’t try to be anyone else; take pride in who you are. God raised you for a reason, and you’re the best person to do what He’s raised you for. When you have this mindset, you’ll love and appreciate everyone in your life, for each one adds a unique colour and perspective to life. You’re peculiar; rejoice in your uniqueness!

Go Deeper Matthew 10:29-31, Ephesians 2:10

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you for fashioning me in such a beautiful and awesome way. I recognise that I’m your excellent handiwork, made for your glory and dedicated for your use. I celebrate my uniqueness and fulfil the purpose for which you created me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Act

Shout out loud and sing songs of joy to the Lord right now. You can personalise and use words from Psalm 102:16, 18, Psalm 104:30 and Psalm 148:5.

 

 

 

(Promotion Comes Through Tests)

Trials in life aren’t meant to break you; they’re actually springboards for you to fly higher.

To the Bible 2 Corinthians 4:17

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”

LET’S TALK

Imagine how far you’ve come since you started schooling as a kid. No doubt, you’ve come a long way. But can you recall that you never got promoted without taking some tests or exams? Yes, you had to write and pass some tests for you to move on to the next class. That’s just the way it is with life: When difficult situations confront you, they’re just like those tests you took in school. They aren’t meant to humiliate or break you; rather, they’re meant for your promotion.

Never let yourself become overwhelmed by any challenge. Remember, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Amazing! The Master already overcame the world even before you showed up. So, it doesn’t matter the trials you face today; cheer up and declare your victory in Christ.

Though the circumstances may be unfavourable right now, don’t lose heart. That you’re experiencing trying times doesn’t mean the Father has abandoned you. He’ll make that trouble a springboard for your promotion. The important thing is for you to grow your faith by the Word and stand your ground. Get excited and take advantage of the tests. They’re your stepping stone for a higher life.

Go Deeper John 14:15, 2 Corinthians 5:18

RELATE:

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your gracious Word that assures me of total victory. I have heaven’s peace, and I’m strengthened by the Holy Spirit to blaze through any turbulence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Act

Meditate on John 16:33 and use it as a basis for your confessions.

TO THE BIBLE: Romans 5:17 AMP

“For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”

LET’S TALK

Every Christian–and that includes you–is a king in this life, called to reign in righteousness. You were born to exercise dominion over satan and the circumstances of life! You’re not a victim, but a victor in Christ Jesus. John knew this about us and declared, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The Greater One lives in you! He has imparted His nature of righteousness to you, and that’s what makes you like Him. That nature makes you think, see, and talk like Him. You’ve ascended; He’s brought you to His level.

Romans 5:17 (AMP) says, “…Much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” You’ve received grace to reign over circumstances and walk in dominion over and above satan and the elements of this world. So, no matter how dire your situation may seem, it doesn’t change your status, because there’s no disadvantage for the child of God. There’s grace on your life. Recognise it.

Someone who isn’t born again may say, “I’m in such a deep mess, and there’s no way out for me”; but not you! You don’t get trapped! You always have a way out, because you’re a king! So, reign through your proclamation of the Word! Whatever comes against you in life, take charge and reign over it through your faith-filled declarations.

Go Deeper

Romans 5:20-21; Revelation 5:10

Speak

As the Lord reigns on high and is clothed with majesty, so do I reign in this life in righteousness! The Lord has clothed and girded me with strength! Indeed, the words of my mouth are firmly established! I walk in perpetual victory, manifesting the glory of God in every place, by the ability of the Spirit! Hallelujah!

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

1 Corinthians 8, Psalms 120-127

TWO YEAR

Luke 18:18-27, 1 Samuel 10

Act

Recognise that you’re a king and begin issuing commands concerning your health, studies, family, relationships, and your entire life.

TO THE BIBLE: Philippians 3:13-14

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

LET’S TALK

One of the very important lessons to learn from the Apostle Paul is his attitude to the past. He said: “…one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Philippians 3:13). Prior to his conversion, he violently persecuted the Church. Hence, if there was anyone who qualified, as it were, to be mentally and emotionally traumatised by his past, it should have been Paul! But he never allowed himself to be limited or hindered by such memories. He realised they weren’t worth holding on to, compared to the greater future he had in God.

This is the same attitude you ought to have as a child of God. Too many are enslaved by the memories of their past. They’re cheerful one moment and depressed the next, all because they remembered something unpleasant from their past. That shouldn’t be. Free yourself from the past. The Bible says, “Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV).

Do what Paul says: FORGET the past and PRESS ON into your glorious future in Christ! No matter how often and for how long you brood over the past, you can’t change it, so don’t expend your time and energy on it. Your future is greater than your past!

Go Deeper

Galatians 6:15, Matthew 9:16-17

Speak

I’m free from my past. I move forward, knowing that my path shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day!

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

1 Corinthians 3, Psalms 109-112

TWO YEAR

Luke 17:11-19, 1 Samuel 3

Act

Meditate on Proverbs 4:18 today, and focus your thoughts on your glorious future.

TO  THE  BIBLE    Romans 15:4 GNB

“Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us.”

LET’S  TALK

“I’m so confused right now.” “I don’t have anyone to help me.” “My future looks so bleak.” These are some of the thoughts that run riot in the minds of many young people today. Some even go ahead to voice such thoughts to anyone who cares to listen. As a child of God, you shouldn’t look for sympathy or announce your helplessness; rather proclaim your salvation, your triumphs and your successes. That pain, challenge, or trouble is only for a moment, so don’t talk about it; talk to it and declare your victory!

Learn to look in the right direction. Look to the blessed hope that’s in the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s not a stranger to you; He’s your Lord and Saviour! So, hold on to your hope, for He’s the anchor of your soul.

The Bible says the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18). Your expectation is unique to God. So, always be expectant and excited for the greater glory. If you have difficulties in any area—perhaps at school, in your health, or at home—don’t give up on having a change, because there’s hope for you. Christ in you is the hope of glory. Therefore, be positive, and walk with a sanctified mind, and see all things from the vantage point of God’s Word.

Go Deeper

Proverbs 24:14; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 15:13

Pray

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the blessed hope I have in Christ. Your grace is sufficient for me in all things, and I see through your Word and function with the mind-set of the righteous. Thank you for making me the expression of your righteousness, and effulgence of your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily  Bible  Reading

ONE YEAR

Acts 26:19-32, Psalms 19-20

TWO YEAR

Luke 9:49-62, Joshua 16-17

Act

Memorise and meditate on Psalm 31:4 and Jeremiah 17:7 today.

TO THE BIBLE: Psalm 5:12

“For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.”

LET’S TALK

There’s a special kind of favour reserved for you as the King’s kid. It opens doors of opportunity for you and causes people to do things they ordinarily may not have done for you.

This was what Daniel and his companions experienced when they insisted they wouldn’t eat the king’s recommended diet; they asked to be given vegetables and water instead. Normally, the superintendent should have refused them that request, but God caused him to favour the young men, and therefore he granted their request (Daniel 1:9). Also, the Bible shows us how Esther found favour before the king when she sought his audience at a very critical moment (Esther 4:11). That was favour at work.

Now, understand that God has also granted you supernatural favour. When God’s supernatural favour is manifested in your behalf, it opens doors and opportunities to you that can’t be humanly explained. Embrace this truth and determine to live by it. Your constant confession should be that you’re favoured of God, and His blessings are upon you. If you make these your constant proclamations, it won’t be long before you have people saying to you, “I don’t know why I’m doing this for you, but I will anyway.” That’s the realm of supernatural favour!

Go Deeper

Genesis 39:21-23; Psalm 102:13

Pray

Dear Father, your favour surrounds me like a shield. It opens doors for me, bringing me to my place of greatness. I thank you for this wonderful blessing, because I know that with favour working in me, nothing is too good for me!

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 20:1-18, 1 Chronicles 20-22

TWO YEAR

Mark 15:15-24, Deuteronomy 4

Act

Say to yourself today, “I am favoured; the blessings of God are upon my life. I walk in favour today.” Be sure to speak these words into your life meaning every word, and before long, you’ll be basking in the favour of the Lord.