TO THE BIBLE: Colossians 1:21-22 KJV

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight”

LET’S TALK

Observe the tenses in our opening scripture today. It says Jesus has reconciled you in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, unblameable, and unreproveable in God’s sight. This isn’t something God is trying to do, or going to do; He’s already done it through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! You’ve been reconciled with the Father, and the latter part of the opening scripture shows His reason for doing this is to present you holy, blameless and above reproach in God’s sight.

It doesn’t matter what anybody thinks about you, God says you’re holy, faultless and irreproachable. This is who you are to Him. This is how He’s presented you to Himself in Christ Jesus—holy and free of all accusations. This is where your audacity of faith should spring from. This is the why you should be bold to make demands in His Name, and to decree a thing and have it established. It’s because of what Jesus did, and now, your righteousness is of Him.

Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking, “This can’t apply to me. I’ve done a lot of terrible things!” Don’t look at what you’ve done; look at what Jesus has done for you and who He’s made you, and say “Yes” to Him! Embrace His righteousness, and begin to see yourself differently on the basis of this new information. His love is bigger, greater, and more powerful than the worst sin. You’re valuable to Him, and He loves you dearly. Remember that “…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Live free of guilt, because you are unblameable in God’s sight!

Go Deeper

Romans 5:17; Romans 8:33-39

Pray

Dear Father, thank you for imputing your righteousness to me, with which I stand boldly in your presence without guilt, condemnation, inferiority, but as your son/daughter with an inextricable oneness with you. Thank you Father for this awesome privilege, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

1 Corinthians 12, Psalms 146-150

TWO YEAR

Luke 19:20-27, 1 Samuel 16

Act

Stand before the mirror of God—His Word—and keep declaring to yourself that you’re faultless, justified, unimpeachable and free from condemnation!

TO THE BIBLE: Luke 10:17-19

“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.””

LET’S TALK

When Moses died and Archangel Michael came to take his body, satan also showed up to stake his claim, and a confrontation ensued. That’s because back then, before Jesus Christ came, satan had a right over the bodies of everyone who died. Jude verse 9 shows us the dispute between these two over Moses’ body: “…When [even] the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, judicially argued (disputed) about the body of Moses, he dared not [presume to] bring an abusive condemnation against him, but [simply] said, The Lord rebuke you!” (AMP).

At the time, satan was higher-ranking than Michael, because he was operating with Adamic authority, which he got when Adam committed high-treason in the Garden of Eden. So, all Michael could do was say, “The Lord rebuke you!” He spoke this way to satan in the Name of the Lord, in order to get Moses’ body. Now, in Matthew 16:19, Jesus said, “…I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” This is a present-hour truth!

The enemy has been stripped of all power and has lost his right to this world! In our opening verses today, Jesus said, “…I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” You’ve got authority over satan and the cohorts of darkness. They’ve all been thoroughly and completely defeated, and you’re charged to execute judgment against them (Psalm 149:9). Never fight or struggle with him! When he shows up, or you perceive that he’s stirring trouble around you, cast him out with the Word and he’ll flee (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:17)!

Go Deeper

Revelation 12:11; 1 John 4:4

Speak

The Lord has granted me authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the ability of the devil! At the Name of Jesus, every knee bows, and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord! I reign over the devil, through my faith-filled declarations!

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

Romans 14-15:1-4, Psalms 90-93

TWO YEAR

Luke 15:11-19, Judges 20

Act

Use the Name of Jesus to handle any difficult situation facing you today.

TO  THE  BIBLE     John 2:11

“This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.”

LET’S  TALK

“That meeting was glorious,” is something we say all the time after a church service or meeting. But have you ever asked yourself what exactly made the meeting glorious? And what’s glory, anyway?

Well, glory is that which inspires, produces or causes honour. If you give honour, admiration, and respect to someone because of something that happened, that thing had glory, because it inspired you to honour that person. We can say a meeting was glorious because we were inspired to honour, reverence, praise, and worship the Lord; thus, revealing the glory of His Kingdom. When Jesus turned water to wine and the disciples saw it, they were stunned, and began to adhere to, trust in, and rely on Him (John 2:11 AMP).

We’ve become a part of the glory—the splendour and beauty—in God’s Kingdom, where sickness, defeat, failure and death are alien. Think about the children of Israel and the promises God made to them. He told them they’d never be defeated by their adversaries. He said to them, “I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26). Then, in Psalm 91:16 He told them, “You will live a long life and see my saving power” (CEV). These and several other blessings in the Old Testament were addressed to the children of Israel.

Now, imagine the glory we’ve been called into as new creations, living in the Kingdom of God’s dear Son! The Bible says we obtained a better covenant, established upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6). Think about that! The glory of the New Testament, of our spiritual Kingdom, is the more excellent glory; it supersedes what the children of Israel experienced (2 Corinthians 3:10-11).

Go Deeper

Psalm 145:11-12; 1 Peter 1:11; 1 Peter 2:9

Pray

Dear Father, I thank you for your glory that’s seen in, and revealed through me. I set forth your wonderful deeds, and display your virtues and perfections always and in every place! I experience and manifest your prosperity, grace, wisdom and righteousness in an ever-increasing measure, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily  Bible  Reading

ONE YEAR

Romans 3, Psalms 42-44

TWO YEAR

Luke 11:37-44, Judges 2-3

Act

Write down 3 scriptures that talk about the greater glory in the New Testament. Study and declare them throughout your day.

TO  THE  BIBLE     John 15:3

“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”

LET’S  TALK

Having your bath daily is necessary, even when you don’t feel the need to. You don’t have to look, smell, or feel dirty before you bathe yourself. We’re always in contact with particles and germs in the air around us we don’t see with the unaided eye. They get on our bodies without invitation, make us dirty as they accumulate, and become harmful to our bodies if left unremoved. So, you take a bath to wash them off your body, and then you’re clean and fresh again. Now, it’s the same thing spiritually!

You may not have done or said anything wrong, but doubt, fear and unbelief rub off on you as you relate with other people and the world around you. This is why you need to take a Word-bath as often as necessary. Sometimes when I counsel people, they voice unbelief as they relate their problems. So I go back into my office and spend some time studying and declaring the Word to cleanse myself of all the negativity I’ve heard.

Ephesians 5:26-27 says that Christ sanctifies and cleanses the Church “…with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” This means the Lord Jesus bathes us with His Word! Every time you read and meditate on the scriptures, you’re taking a bath! You’re being purified spiritually by God’s Word. Spend time with the Word every morning and before you go to bed at night. This will not only keep you clean and fresh in your spirit and your mind, but cause you to flourish in every area of your life.

Go Deeper

Psalm 19:7; Ephesians 5:26-27

Speak

I’m cleansed through the purifying and sanctifying power of God’s Word. I’m not conformed to the world but I’m continually changed into the image of the glory that I see in the Word of God, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of God.

Daily  Bible  Reading

ONE YEAR

Acts 26:1-18, Psalms 17-18

TWO YEAR

Luke 9:37-48, Joshua 15

Act

Learn to take a “Word bath” each day; talk the Word to yourself before bed, and once you wake up each morning.

TO  THE  BIBLE     1 Timothy 3:15

“…I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

LET’S  TALK

“Hey Ben, it’s been quite some time. You’ve not been to church or the TeeVo club this month. What’s up?” Steve quizzed his friend.

“Well Steve, I really can’t make it to every meeting; I’m busy most of the time, but I’ll try to attend  when I’ve got the time,” Ben responded guiltily.

When it comes to being regular at church, many people make excuses like Ben’s, because they don’t realise how important it really is to their spiritual growth and development. Some would even stop going to church altogether, just because they’re offended at an usher or something the pastor said. Truth is, there’s really no excuse good enough to justify skipping church. Fellowshipping with other believers is too important (remember what we shared on Wednesday, July 6 about staying in the family). Your being in church makes it possible for the Holy Spirit to bring knowledge, understanding, and sound judgment to your life.

David said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray…” (Psalm 119:67 NIV). For many Christians, before they were afflicted in their health and other areas of their lives, they went astray from the church. Thankfully, David learnt his lesson and made corrections: “…but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good…” (Psalm 119:67-68 NIV). The Holy Spirit is the Lord of the Church; in Him you’re protected from affliction.

Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). If you don’t go to church, how are you going to learn the truth of God’s Word? Once you understand this, you’ll be ready to clear your schedule just to be at your church meetings. The church is the ground and pillar of truth; never forget it!

Go Deeper

Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25

Pray

Dear Father, my spirit is open to receive instruction and wisdom each time I come under the influence and ministry of the Word in church. Thank you for teaching me the importance of going to church and being in the environment of faith, where I’m trained to be more effective in the work of the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily  Bible  Reading

ONE YEAR

Acts 25:13-27, Psalms 11-16

TWO YEAR

Luke 9:28-36, Joshua 14

Act

Are you ready for tomorrow’s Church service? It’s time to prepare yourself and invite others for the meeting.

TO THE BIBLE: Proverbs 14:12 NIV

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

LET’S TALK

It’s not every nice opportunity that presents itself that’s the right one. The Bible shows that someone can head in the wrong direction while thinking he’s right for following it. And as long as he’s on that road, since it’s not God leading him, he’s certainly going to end up in trouble. Lot found himself in this dilemma. In Genesis 13, a natural opportunity presented itself to him. Abraham had asked him to choose where he would rather go, after the land where they lived had become too small for both of them.

Lot immediately jumped at the opportunity of going towards the “flourishing” gardens of Sodom, instead of asking Abraham, God’s Prophet, “Where should I go?” In the end, Abraham ended up a thousand times greater, but Lot lost everything and ended up in a cave (Genesis 19:30). God doesn’t want you to live like this – a life of “trial and error.”

This is why you need His guidance in your life. Recognize and act on God-given opportunities alone, and not be misled by your senses. Natural opportunities may look very appealing, but refuse to act on them. That they come your way doesn’t mean they’re from God. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in all your choices; always consult with Him and don’t run ahead of Him in making your own decision before telling Him about it. Pray and listen to God’s voice first before you grab such opportunities. That way, you’ll only accept God-given opportunities!

Go Deeper

Proverbs 3:6-7 MSG; Romans 12:2

Speak

Heavenly Father, I lay down my aspirations, desires and dreams at your feet. I choose to give place to the guidance of your Spirit in my life and in every decision I make in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

Acts 12:1-25, Nehemiah 4-6

TWO YEAR

Luke 4:14-32, Deuteronomy 24

Act

Read about the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13 and Genesis 19. Write down the lesson you learnt from the story.

TO THE BIBLE: John 5:24 NIV

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”

LET’S TALK

There’s nothing like knowing Jesus and having Him as Lord and Saviour of your life. The guy who isn’t born again is separated from God and is ruled by the forces of sin and death. But when you’re born again, you’re removed from that arena of death and catapulted to the realm of life, where sickness, disease, lack, poverty and failure have no power over you.

However, not all Christians enjoy the same quality of life, simply because many aren’t yet acquainted with the glory of this new life in Christ. Hence, God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). If you’re going to live the victorious Christian life, you can’t afford to be an ignorant teenager. You must know the Word. The Apostle John said, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren…” (1 John 3:14). He was aware of his divine positioning.

You’ve got to come to the same awareness that you’ve passed from death to life by virtue of being born again. And so, death should have no hold on your body at all. You aren’t supposed to be sick, broke, disadvantaged, or crushed by any circumstance, because the greater One now lives in you!

Go Deeper

John 5:24; Romans 8:2

Speak

I’m living in victory every day of my life, because I’ve got the life of God in me. I’m not ruled by death. I function in the realm of life, reigning by grace through righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

Acts 11:19-30, Nehemiah 1-3

TWO YEAR

Luke 4:1-13, Deuteronomy 23

Act

Look into the Word, and list out some specific ways in which God has described you.

TO THE BIBLE: Hebrews 13:3 NIV

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

LET’S TALK

When some Christian friends are together, all they do is talk about how bad things have become and all the evil happening in the world, instead of spending some time to pray.

In Acts 12, the disciples of Jesus found themselves in a predicament. Herod had seized and killed James, and when he saw that this pleased the Jews, he went on to seize Peter. The Church had by this time realised that if they didn’t intercede for Peter, he would suffer the same fate as James. So, “…constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” (Acts 12:5), and Peter was miraculously rescued from the prison by an angel of the Lord. Thank God they had learnt their lesson and were moved to intercede.

I often tell people that there are no casual visits. Every time you have the opportunity to visit or be with another believer, don’t spend the time complaining or discussing trivial matters; take some time to join your hands together in intercession for God’s people. Don’t be lazy in praying and interceding for other believers around the world. Be actively involved in this, and the good things you make happen for others through your prayers, God will also make happen for you.

Go Deeper

Romans 8:26; 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Pray

Dear Father, I thank you for stirring in me the spirit of intercession. Today, I make power available for healing, restoration, and protection of my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

Acts 10:24-48, Ezra 7-8

TWO YEAR

Luke 3:12-22, Deuteronomy 21

Act

The next time you’re with your friends, spend some time to pray for people you know who are being persecuted for their faith or experiencing one difficulty or another.

TO THE BIBLE: John 20:28-29 TLB

““My Lord and my God!” Thomas said. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. But blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.”’’

LET’S TALK

A certain guy hated everything about Jesus. His wife was a Christian but he wouldn’t let her go to church. One day, his wife went for a crusade close by, without telling him. He got furious and stormed the venue, combing through the crowd, looking for her. Suddenly, a loud shout rent the air and everyone turned to see what had happened. They saw this man screaming, “He’s real! Jesus is real!” Apparently, Jesus had appeared to him and let him know his sins were forgiven.

It took a special appearance by Jesus to make this man believe, but he didn’t have to wait to experience something that spectacular for him to believe. Remember what Jesus said to Thomas when He rose from the dead: “Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!” (John 20:29 CEV).

Don’t wait to experience the spectacular before you believe God loves you and wants to fill your life with goodness. The only evidence you need is His Word. Remember, the Bible says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Don’t wait to have your pocket filled with a lot of money before you declare your prosperity in Christ! Declare that you have life, health, peace and joy NOW, and your faith will produce results.

Go Deeper

Hebrews 11:1-6

Speak

I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus, awakened to the fatherhood of God. All things are mine because I’m Abraham’s seed. I look with the eyes of faith and see my glorious inheritance in Christ!

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

Acts 7:54-8:1-8, 2 Chronicles 31-32

TWO YEAR

Luke 2:8-20, Deuteronomy 16

Act

Thank God for His Word, and sing a love song for His ever-dwelling presence with you, whether you feel it or not.

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.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

Acts 2:22-47, 2 Chronicles 8-11

TWO YEAR

Luke 1:1-10, Deuteronomy 9

Act

Meditate on this scripture: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:5-6 NIV).