THE DOMINANCE OF LOVE

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” ‭‭Romans 6:14 ‭KJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

In the book of Romans chapter 6, Paul argues that believers have been translated from the era of sin under the first Adamic nature to a new and second Adamic era of righteousness; and because we are under grace, we cannot continue to sin for grace to abound. 

Have you ever come across someone who is addicted to drinking alcohol? this person is completely filled with different kinds of alcohol drinks and get totally intoxicated (drunk) almost all the time. He is immersed with liquor and such lifestyle never lasts for long. This is the same way we must be dominated with love that it becomes impossible to be consumed by hate. 

Acknowledge that you are a Love being and consistently make Love a priority in your life. If you have the God kind of love in you, then you can give it, show it and express it everyday. "The measure of maturity of a Christian is the level of love he allows to dominate him". Dominating in love is dominating with God and when you dominate with God, He will reveal deep secrets to you and increase your authority to love backed with divine Grace. 

Further Scripture Study: 2 Corinthians 5:14‬; 1 John 5:11-14‭

Declare This: Lord I thank You for Your love that dominates every part of me. I declare that I express this love freely to all who come in contact with me in Jesus name Amen.

THE TIME OF DOUBT

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:30-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus walked on water to go join His disciples and when they sighted He walking on water, they were terrified with fear thinking it was a ghost. After they realized that it was Jesus, Peter asked Jesus if he could join Him and immediately Jesus said come. So Peter got out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus, but when he saw the wind and the stormy waves, he started to sink. He took his eyes off of Jesus and cried for help, immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took a hold of him saying "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Peter's faith failed him and doubt stepped in (Matthew 14:22-33).

Many Christians often act the same way as Peter acted, they start off with so much faith and courage, but before long the voice of fear takes root and doubt finds its way in. They start sinking and never really achieving what they set out to do in the first place. When you doubt, you start to sink, you start thinking and speaking wrongly, panic sets in and before you know it anxiety and fear becomes resident in you. 

Thank God for His loving-kindness. He never leaves us alone, even when doubt comes in. As He stretched forth His hands to save Peter, likewise will He stretch forth His hands to lift you out of the situation and challenge. When doubt finds it's way in, cancel and kill it with the faith of God in you. 

Further Scripture Study: Mathew 21:21-22 

‭‭Declare This: I refuse to let doubt take a hold of me, instead I set my focus on God's Word concerning my life. And as I apply the Word, every doubt is dispelled in Jesus name Amen.

IT BELONGS TO YOU

"And giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:12 NIV 

God wants you to know you have an inheritance. The very moment you believed in your heart and confessed the Lordship of Jesus Christ over your life (Romans 10:9-10); your inheritance was released onto you. It's up to you to lay claim to what belongs to you, don't be ignorant of it because you are already a qualified partaker of the inheritance. In other words it is an inheritance that cannot be taken away from you, except you allow it. This kind of inheritance remains & abides forever.

Whatever belongs to Christ belongs to you. You have the same name, the same inheritance, the same position, the same rights as Christ Jesus. You can be rest assured to know that you are a partaker and a sharer in the inheritance with our Lord Jesus. It doesn’t get any better than this. If you truly know what you have, it should freak you out and make you high on Joy. Savor your birthright.

Further Scripture Study: Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 

Declare This: Thank You Lord for making me a sharer of the Inheritance. I take full advantage of what is mine in Jesus name Amen.

LIFE'S ADVENTURE

"Now Jacob left Beersheba [never to see his mother again] and traveled toward Haran. Genesis 28:10 AMP 

Life is an adventure with so many explorations, it is not an accidental or aimless adventure. It is marked off and measured; it has a starting point, a goal and an end. There are some voyages that leads to a sad ending but a journey with God leads to a happy ending. God never wrote a sad ending, He only writes happy ending. If at this point you're not happy, it means it's not yet the end.

Esau had planned to kill his brother Jacob after mourning their father, but their mother heard Esau's plan and she immediately told Jacob to flee for his life to his uncle's place at Haran. Jacob is running for his life; he is scared, lonely, carrying deep pain inside, feeling guilty and remorseful for what he has done. He wishes he could turn back the clock and be reconciled with his brother. When you're on the right adventure, you are never alone, God meets you there.

God chose to meet with Jacob, bring healing to him and encouraged him in his travel. God wants to draw near to you, no matter the position and state you are on your journey. Whatever "certain place" you may find yourself in presently, God wants to encounter the place with you and bring you all the healing, comfort and peace that you require. Let God be the driver of your life's adventure. If you allow Him, you won't need a GPS because He is the Only Way, Truth & Life you need. You can count on Him to arrive at your perfect destination.

Further Scripture Study: Hebrews 13:5; John 14:6 

Declare This: Dear Lord, It's with great joy in my heart to know that You are with me throughout my journey of life. Thank You for Your covering, protection, guidance and direction as I carryout this adventure of life in Jesus name Amen.

BE RELIABLE

"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master." Matthew 25:23 AMP

Are you always reliable in your service? When you think of one who is reliable, you have complete confidence that that person can be trusted to do exactly what has been asked of them, every time. To be reliable means to be dependable, responsible and devoted; it also mean one who is able to give the same results on successive trials. Does God see this in you?

Throughout both the Old and New Testament, we find accounts of men and women who were used by God for His purpose in His kingdom. We read how God used these people and worked in their lives, and generally we do not read about great skill, intellect or physical attributes. God used them just the way they were. And these great men and women of the Bible were all entirely different. Giving examples; Noah and the ark, Joshua and the walls of Jericho, Ruth and Naomi, David & Goliath, Paul who persecuted Christians & becoming a messenger of the cause our Lord Jesus Christ.

When you have a reliable good car, it stays longer and durable. When you are reliable, your abilities stays noticed and your name will be noised abroad in your business, job and family affairs. You will be protected by the Lord and receive special praise and honor from the Lord and other witnesses. Choose to be reliable at all times because you are been watched and when you display yourself reliable, greater responsibilities are given you and at the very end, you'll be given a "Crown of Life".

Further Scripture Study: Luke 16:10 

Declare This: Dear Father, thank You for always showing me the way to go. I choose to be reliable to myself, to others and most especially to Your Word in Jesus name Amen.

ENRICH YOUR FAITH

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

Before Paul's death, he admonished Timothy to ensure he carries out his duties. Paul told him three very important things he did; he said "I have fought the good fight", "I have finished the race" and "I have kept the faith". 

How faithful are you? How do you keep the faith? The word for ‘keep’ means to manage, to guard, to look over. Some Christians bury their faith like the man with one talent (Matthew 25:24-25). Paul is telling us here that we must manage, guard and look over our Faith. Your Faithfulness to Christ is very important and being faithful now does not guarantee that you will finish well, but it puts you in the position to be able to do it. When you are not faithful now, finishing well becomes much harder for you later.

Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. You have to put your faith to work always even when things around you seem unbearable and impossible. Whatever challenge you may be facing, it takes your faith to overcome it. For everyone born of God overcomes the world and this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).

Spend time with God in the Word and prayer. In other words, have a good relationship with Him. When you take in and receive the Word of God in the right way, you will be enriched spiritually and your faith will soar. As you step across the finish line you will hear the words “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Further Scripture Study: Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7

Declare This: Heavenly Father, I will continue to spend more time in prayer and build up my faith consistently as a faithful servant of Your kingdom in Jesus name Amen.

YOUR DESTINY

"Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations". Jeremiah 1:4-5 ASV

Every child of God has a calling and destiny to fulfill in God and it is impossible to defeat that man or woman who is functioning in his or her destiny. It doesn't matter how many enemies or the strength of the forces that come against such a person-there will be only one outcome and that is his victory.

There are different types of Destinies; but one destiny that leads to the perfect end is "Divine Destiny". Divine Destiny is the course of events for a man's life, organized, planned, arranged and configured by God Himself in a way that brings Him all the Glory. It's the path for your life that is orchestrated by God and this life takes you from victory to victory and success to success in spite of persecutions and sometimes, hardships and challenges. 

Wherever you are right not or at any point and stage in life you find yourself, you can align yourself into God's Divine Destiny for your life. When you do, you cannot go wrong and He will lead you to the perfect ending. 

Further Scripture Study: Galatians 1:15

Declare This: My Destiny is in You Lord. Thank You Lord for showing me the right path to follow and for directing my steps according to Your will and purpose for my life in Jesus name Amen.

GOD'S PEACE

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful". Colossians 3:15 KJV

Paul wrote in our text verse above and he said, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” God's peace is all you need to rule in your heart when you're faced with difficulties. 

Notice the word “rule” in this verse, It is from the Greek word "brabeuo", which was used to describe an umpire or referee who moderated and judged the athletic competitions that were so popular in the ancient times. Paul uses this word to tell us that the peace of God can work like an umpire or referee in our hearts, minds, and emotions. When unwanted emotions attempt to take control over you or try to throw you into a state of emotional frenzy, guess what? you can actually stop it from happening by making the choice to let God’s peace reign inside you like an umpire or referee to moderate you emotions. When you do, divine peace sets in and rules in your heart. His peace surpasses and transcends all understanding.

Further Scripture Study: Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 13:20-21

Declare This: Dear Lord, I will not let my emotions get the best of me today, so I ask that Your peace would rise up like a mighty umpire and referee in my heart, mind, and emotions in Jesus name Amen. 

THE CONSCIOUSNESS

"Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever] Romans 8:6 AMP

It's so important to understand that we cannot live a productive life without the Word of God. It's like a man living his life in total blindness and not know it. There are others who think they know God's Word but deep within themselves they don't. Never assume that you know God's Word until you personally do the searching out for yourself. 

The King James Version of our text verse says "to be spiritually minded is life and peace"; As Christians, we have the Spirit of Christ and it's so important for us to be conscious of this Truth. This consciousness gives life and brings the peace of God that passes all understanding. Enoch was a man who was very sensitive to God, he walked with God, he enjoyed a constant companionship with God and wherever Enoch went, God was with him. Enoch was always aware that He was there. Be responsive and attentive to the spirit, when you do, wherever you go - God goes with you.

Further Scripture Study: Hebrews 4:13 ; Genesis 5:24

Declare This: Father I choose to be God conscious at all times. I open my spirit to You and I recognize that You are everything I ever need in Jesus name Amen.

TRUE IMAGE

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass" James 1:22-23 KJV

As a Believer in Christ, God sees you like a mirror capable of reflecting His glory and every Christian has a responsibility to allow God’s glory to reflect more and more through them. Don't allow your true image to be contaminated with the cares of the world, the information from the news media, from the doctor and from others change your true reflection of who they are. 

When you get out of the shower, you can’t see in the mirror because of the steam. You must clean away the layer of moisture on the mirror or you wait until the moist clears off before you can see your image. When we want a true reflection, an image that is the exact likeness of the original, there cannot be anything in the way that will distort the view, whether it's a steam on the mirror.

God used His Own very Image to create us, not the image of an Angel nor the image of any kind of beast of the field, but His Own Image. So when we look at our reflection, we should see God in us. His light should shine on us, and then reflect off us. God’s glory from His Word will always show your actual image.

Further Scripture Study: James 1:25 

Declare This: I am a reflection of Your Image and I will not allow the cares of this world contaminate my true image in Jesus name Amen.

KEEP ON MOVING

"Continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard." Colossians 1:23 NIV

The above scripture says to continue in faith; which means to stay the course, to stand firm in pursuing a goal or course of action and to persevere in the face of whatever challenges or obstacles one may encounter. 

Continuing in faith is not sitting still and doing nothing. As a Christian, you have to stay in the Word, unmoved, grounded and settled. The only way the devil can defeat you is to pressure you into throwing away the Word. Everything he does, every challenge he brings you is intended to make you doubt the Word of God. So don't let go of the Word, no matter what may happen, keep moving. Settle it with God in prayer and stay with it till the end. 

Stay Praying, too often we try to find a quick fix to our problems by asking everyone else to pray for us. There's nothing wrong, of course, with having others pray for you, but you'll never get your life to a place of permanent victory until you begin to pray for yourself. Don't always depend on others to do your praying for you, depend on God, stay true to you and remain persistent.

Further Scripture Study: 2 Timothy 2:15; James 5:13; Joshua 11:1-4

Declare This: I've made up my mind to continue in faith, in prayer and to also remain dependable till the end in Jesus name Amen.

TRUTH

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” Philippians ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The book of Philippians was addressed by Paul to the Philippians and the scripture above was an admonition on what they should think on. Our life grows as a result of what we fill our minds with and when you fill your mind with the Truth (God's Word), you can never go wrong. Jesus described Himself as the Truth, the only way to the Father, so the only way we can get to the Father is by accepting Him (The Truth). Also, it’s not just enough to know the truth, you must also "do" the Truth. Doing the Truth is acting totally according to the Word of God.

Be determined to express the truth by doing what the Word says. The Word says you are victorious, therefore live victorious; it says you are healed, live as the healed; it says you are blessed, a conqueror free from sin and death, live exactly the way the Word says you are, display God through you.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Further Scripture Study: John 14:6; John 17:17; 1 John ‭2:4

Declare This: Dear Father, You are the Truth. I believe the truth and I do the truth. I'll keep Your commandments and stay in the truth of Your Love in Jesus name Amen.

THE SUPREMACY OF LOVE

Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 CEV.

Dwelling on a hurt for too long can cause bitterness and hatred, which in turn can lead to depression. The moment you permit anger to linger when someone offends you, you’re on your way into depression. Depression is an extreme degree of sadness and dejection; this is very unhealthy and could open the door of your life to all kinds of diseases. It quenches the Spirit, creates a heaviness of the heart, destabilizes and slows spiritual growth, and eventually causes you to walk out of the Will of God.

You have the power to overcome anything through God’s love. It’s not God’s will for you to be depressed and walk in bitterness, rather He’d have you function in love. God’s Word can build you so that your emotions will always function in the direction of love. When you’re functioning in God’s love, you wouldn’t ponder on the wrong that has been done to you, because your emotions will be completely dominated by the love of God. Use the power of love to Conquer every situation today.

Further Scripture Study: Romans 8:15-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 12:2

Declare This: Father I thank You because I do not walk in anger, bitterness and malice. Love conquers, therefore I function in Your conquering Love always in Jesus name Amen.

THE SHIELD

"Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 AMP 

Would you like to quench every arrows the devil ever tries to shoot in your direction? Does this proposal sound too good to be true? Well, Ephesians 6:16 assures you that if you have your shield of faith lifted high in front of you, you will be supernaturally empowered to defend yourself against the fiery arrows of the enemy. But more than that, you will be able to literally extinguish every single flaming arrow the devil will ever try to send your way. 

The shield of faith is very important. When a believer lifts his shield high and holds it out in front of him where it belongs, that shield divinely energizes the believer to stand bravely against every assault of the devil. It becomes supernaturally empowered to act as an impenetrable wall of defense against the enemy’s tactics. In other words, Faith is a shield to the believer. This doesn’t mean the devil won’t try to stop you, but when the shield of faith is held out in front of you as it ought to be, you become divinely fortified “…to quench all the flaming arrows (fiery darts) of the wicked.” Refuse to be a victim of any kind of arrow that flies by day or by night.

Further Scripture Study: Psalms 91:5-7; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1-5 

Declare This: Dear Lord, thank You for giving me the shield of faith. My faith is saturated with Your Word to extinguish every flaming arrows the devil attempts to throw at me in Jesus name Amen.

THE WORD

“But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim.” ‭‭Romans ‭10:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

When God created the world, we understand that the Word was already in existence. John ‭1:1‬ ‭says “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Now the Word (Christ) dwells in the heart of every true Christian. The moment you believe and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you automatically invited Him (The Word) to live in you and with the Word in your heart you can dominate your world. The Word has exerting great power to do what it says it will do and it is sharp enough to cut anything that plans to stop your progress in life in Jesus name. No weapon or power can stand God's Word and all the answers you'll ever need is in His Word. Take full advantage of the Word and give no room for any vacuum. 

Further Scripture Study: Romans 10:9; Hebrews 4:12; John 14:6; Gen 1:1 

Declare This: I am dominating and controlling my life with His Word and I declare that every distracting thoughts is cut off by the Word of God. I put my life under subjection of the Word in Jesus name Amen.

HIGHEST PRIORITY

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”‬‬‬‬‬‬ Psalms ‭27:4 KJV

David says "One thing have I desired of the Lord".... Why is he desiring one thing from the Lord? There are several other things he would have desired also but his utmost desire was the House of God. 

One thing means of highest priority, utmost importance and of greatest degree. One thing have I desired of the Lord, not from your job, world or that thing that you hold in high regard etc. There is a purpose and a pattern for God's House, it's not just on Sundays or Wednesdays only but all the days, every day and at all times. 

The latter part of our text verse says to behold the beauty of the Lord, the awesomeness, sweetness and loveliness of the Lord. The best way to behold this beauty is by dwelling in His house. So make up your mind to be relevant in His house, remember He is counting on you.

Further Scripture Study: 1 Corinthians 15:58; Psalms 34:8; Psalms 16:11

Declare This: Father, thank You for the passion and zeal You have instilled in me. I recognize my responsibilities in the house and I faithfully and effectively yield myself to be used of You in Jesus name Amen.

YOUR CHOICE

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. Deuteronomy 30:19

One beautiful thing about God is that he does not impose His Will on us, He gives us the ability to choose, even though He’ll advice you to make the right choice still He won’t impose that choice on you. You have the choice to either choose to win or lose, live or choose to die etc. I encourage you to choose to win and choose to live because when you do, He will win with you and keep you in the pavilion of His Presence. 

Choosing to win does not mean you're not going to face challenges or difficulties, it only means that when this issues come up; your mentality to win will help change it into your testimony. God has given us the free will to live a victorious life free from lack, sickness, sadness, anger, malice, bitterness and poverty, but it’s still our choice to choose, so make up your mind to always choose rightly.

Further Scripture Study: 1 Kings 18:21; John 8:23; Genesis 39:20-21

Declare This: Thank You Father for the ability to choose rightly. I declare that i am Your representative and my life is a reflection of Your goodness and glory in Jesus name Amen.

TIME TO DASH

"Then the LORD answered me and said, “Write the vision And engrave it plainly on [clay] tablets So that the one who reads it will run.” Habakkuk 2:2 AMP

So many times you come across Christians who make plans of what they want to do and achieve, but often times they rarely achieve such plans or goals, why? Most times, they forget to put into actions the part that says "run". To run means to act quickly, to dash, to make corresponding action and move under continuing power and drive. 

You cannot plan to be an influential Christian if all you do is to write down the vision. You must make plans, strategize and run with the written down vision. Take for example someone who wants to own the biggest farm in the world. If this person doesn’t take active action of buying and cultivating the land then his visions are still written down as a plan. You can’t keep sitting on the fence and praying for God to make your vision come alive when the power to run is in your hand. So don’t keep waiting on something to happen, you make it happen now and through God's help you’ll see your plans and vision come alive.

Further scripture study: Galatians 5:7

Declare this: Thank you Father for the ability to write down the vision. I declare that as I run with this vision, every one of my plans come to life and achieved in Jesus name Amen.

WHICH ARE YOU?

"Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God]". Philippians 2:14-15 AMP

When Our Lord Jesus Christ walked the shores of the earth, He was a Problem-Solver all over. When you read the account in John 2:1-12, you will notice Jesus solving the problem at a party by turning water to wine. Also in Matthew 14:13-21, He fed over five thousand men, beside women and children with only five loaves & two fishes. He solved the challenge of letting them go home hungry. He did not murmur or complain about the situation before Him, instead He took advantage of the challenge and made a testimony out of it. The question now is which are you? Are you a solver of problems or you're a problem to be solved? 

You must realize that the power to make positive changes in the world around you lies within you. If you don't like the way something is, don't complain, grumble and murmur, change it. Complainers and those who murmur don't have a place in the kingdom, they never make any lasting impact in the world and they are always distracted from the good of the land. The world is looking for Problem solvers and God's people have been called to be just that. 

Further Scripture Study: Philippians 4:13

Declare This: My life is in You Lord, my strength is in You Lord and my hope is in You Lord; therefore I have the ability to solve problems in my world by the power of Your Spirit in Jesus name Amen.

THE LOVE KEY

“Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” ‭‭1 Corinthians ‭13:4-7 NIV

‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬There is no way you can go through a locked door without having the right key to unlock it first. Living a victorious life without having love is absolutely impossible. As Christians, Love is the very core of our Christian Faith and this differentiates us from others. It is that very key that unlocks every door for a Christian. When you have this Love key there’s no limit to where you can get to or what you can achieve. There is absolutely no door too difficult that you cannot open.

Be determined to use that Love key everywhere you go and see how God will make a way for you in ways you can only imagine.

Further Scripture Study: Luke 6:35; John 3:16; 1 John 4:7-21

Declare This: Thank You Father for I possess the only key that can help me  win throughout the year. I'll hold on to Love always in Jesus name Amen.

POUR YOUR LOVE

Now when Jesus was [back] in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very expensive perfume and she poured it on Jesus’ head as He reclined at the table. Matthew 26:6–7 AMP

Jesus was in a house in Bethany when a woman came to Him with an alabaster flask containing very costly fragrant oil. She poured the oil on His head because she loved the Lord. She had set her love upon Him.

Two thousand years have passed since this woman anointed Jesus with the expensive oil. She never expected in her wildest dreams that her act of love would be told down through the ages. Many kings and rulers have come and gone. Their great acts have faded from the memories of men. But what this woman did for Jesus is still told today around the world as a memorial to her.

What you do for the Lord is forever compared to what you do for others. Find the time to always pour your oil on Him by taking time to worship and genuinely show your love for Him from the depth of your heart. Set your love upon Jesus, make Him the love of your life always and He will stand, protect, defend, deliver and set you on high always.

Further Scripture Study: Psalm 91:14

Declare This: Dear Lord, thank You for Your Love. I pour my love on You and set my affection in Your Word in Jesus name Amen.

TRUST

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

Trust is a deep and powerful word which is mostly misunderstood by many. It is the reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing. This is the reason you do not find written anywhere in the Bible to trust man; because man's ability can be limited. Your obligation to people is to love them irrespective of their ability to meet your needs or not. Many are broken, hurt, pained, sad, grieved, bitter, disappointed, oppressed, angry, dejected, rejected et al because they have put their trust in man. 

Trust is in two ways; its either you trust in God or Satan; Trust in your ability or Trust in God's Ability; Trust in God for your needs or trust in the government. Believe in God's ability, Trust in the Lord and see Him perform strong on your behalf. Trust in the goodness of God and the life He gives. No one person, event, circumstance, job, or relationship has the power to define who you are, or who you are going to become. You are stronger than you know.

Further Scripture Study: Psalms 4:5; Psalms 37:1-5; Psalms 146:3;

Declare This: Dear Father, my trust is not in my family, job or business; but my trust is totally in You and You alone in Jesus name Amen.

SPIRITUAL WEAPON

"For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4 AMPC 

If we are going to live a peaceful life with everyone whom we come in contact, we must realize that the battles we fight are not physical but spiritual. They are not to be directed toward another human being but should be directed against the forces of darkness because our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12). When we fight against another we are not fighting against the one who is at the root of our fighting. Fighting against one another will never help spread the message of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Satan is the real enemy and he lies in wait to find our weaknesses and then attack us. When we fight against another we give Satan the opening he needs to make ineffectual our testimony of the life-changing power of what Christ did for us. Our text verse says the weapons are not weapons of flesh and blood but strongholds (spiritual forces). When we go into these spiritual battles, we fight with weapons that are not of this world.

If we are going to destroy the works of Satan, we must learn to constantly put on the whole Armour of God-Ephesians 6:10-18. As we hold on to God's Armour, we can use them to demolish those strongholds. Our spiritual weapons has the divine power to defeat and annihilate strongholds and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. 

Further Scripture Study: Isaiah 54:17, Ephesians 6:10-18 

Declare This: Dear Father, I will not allow the strongholds of the evil one win over me. I will always put on the Armour of God and be victorious in any battle that comes my way in Jesus name Amen.

SECRET PLACE

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" Psalms 91:1 NIV

This Psalm is classified as a Psalm of Confidence and the opening verse of this psalm have been quoted countless times and repeated in the hearts of God’s people even more frequently: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” 

Psalms 91 verse 1 is specifically talking about where you are in the spirit. Do you dwell in the secret place of the most high? Anyone who dwells in the secret place shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty i.e. under the cover, protection of the Almighty. What is the secret place? Christ is the secret place and also the dwelling place. When you dwell in the secret place, it means you're dwelling in God (In Him). Just like the father eagle who protects his young high on a mountain ledge, God protects and covers you under His Shadow. In that place there is no sickness, no disease or infirmity, only divine health.

If you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.” The psalmist is inviting us to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. If we walk with Him and trust in Him, you can count on Him at any time.

Further Scripture Study: Psalm 91; Isaiah 33:24 

Declare This: Thank You Heavenly Father for hiding and keeping me in the secret of Your dwelling in Jesus name Amen.

GREAT POWER

“But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:” ‭‭Romans ‭10:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

When God created the world, we understand that the Word was already in existence. The Bible says in Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; this means the Word preexisted the beginning and the Word is God Himself. John ‭1:1‬ ‭says “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

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Now the Word (Christ) dwells in the heart of every true Christian. The moment you believe and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you automatically invited Him (The Word) to live in you and with the Word in your heart you can dominate your world. The Word of God is the engine that releases Love and Love releases your authority to do whatever you desire. When Love is not in your life, it means the Word (Jesus Christ) isn't living in you. You are literally giving authority to the devil over your life.

Hebrews 4:12 says "The word is quick, powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword...., This means dominating with the Word brings your desires quickly to you, the Word has exerting great power to do what it says it will do and it is sharp enough to cut anything that plans to stop your progress in life. Make up your mind this year to only dominate with the Word of God and let "Love Domain" in you. Let it engross your spirit, soul and body; Give no room for vacancy. 

Further Scripture Study: Romans 10:9 

Declare This: I am controlling my life with His Word and I declare that every distracting thoughts is cut off by the Word of God. I am winning, ruling and reigning, I put my life under subjection of the Word in Jesus name Amen.

FRAME YOUR WORDS

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach; because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans ‭10:8-9‬ ‭AMP‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The way to win and possess your inheritance in Christ is through your Confessions. As the scripture above says, confession is with the mouth and When you confess the Word, you are responding to God's Word in agreement with Him. 

According to world's definition of confession, it is a formal statement admitting and acknowledging that one is guilty of a crime. But according to the Word of God, Confession is duplicating the very same things in accordance with and in response to the Word of God. It is affirming something we believe, testifying to something we know and witnessing for the Truth we have embraced.

It’s important to note that Confession is not denying physical facts and temporary circumstances, but instead it is based on the truth of God's Word concerning such situation. The prophet Abraham was called the father of many even before he had his own son at an old age. Remember your words reveal what you truly believe, so frame your words with the right confessions because your future is at the mercy of your mouth.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Further Scripture Study: Romans 4:17

Declare This: Dear Lord, thank You for the power of Your Word. I boldly proclaim with my mouth that all things belongs to me. I am taking charge of my world and as I make these confessions my faith grows and increases in Jesus name Amen.

DON'T BE LATE

"But Thomas, one of the twelve [disciples], who was called Didymus (the twin), was not with them when Jesus came". John 20:24 AMP

Many times you see Christians coming late to church or programs that relates to the things of God. The portion of scripture above vividly describes many Christians and why they miss their miracle; not being at the right place at the right time. They go to their job place early but come to church late and the amazing thing is that some people think God can meet them anywhere they are. Of course, He can but He's got principles too. He is not a scattered God neither is He a careless God, a big no; He is very organized, detailed, understanding and True. 

The Lord Jesus made an appointment with His disciples that He would meet them after His resurrection at a specific time, but out of the twelve disciples only Thomas was not there. He missed the blessings the Master came with and because of that someone else collected the blessings. God can give something that is supposed to be yours to someone else just because you arrived late to receive it. Like the saying "better late than never", yes there are times when some unexpected and unforeseen things happen and you come in late; it's understandable. But when you find yourself late on every service day then you need to check yourself. It is "better never late" than better late than never. 

Further Scripture Study: Matthew 28:10 

Declare This: Lord, I receive this word today into my spirit and I ask your forgiveness in anyway I've done wrong. You have called me to do something great for You, and I’m not going to let the devil or my circumstances chase me away from where I know I need to be in Jesus name Amen.

BE AN EXAMPLE

“Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 AMPC

Timothy is called to be an example of the believers; to be an example means "to be a pattern, a model, something to be copied or followed". Everyone is living an example one way or the other, it’s either good or it’s bad. To be an example is not allowing others to diminish the importance of what you are doing maybe as a parent or as a youth leader. Timothy had to refuse to be discouraged from those who might have thought he was too young. 

In Titus 2:7-8, Paul admonished Titus "In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works....To be an example is to pattern yourself in your passion, zeal, zest, readiness, character, attitude, dedication, excitement etc. It is not being negligent of your main responsibilities.

Are you an example to your world (Home, job, friends, family, colleagues, attitude, character)? God has called us to pattern ourselves in the same way He patterned Himself when He walked the roads of Galilee and the streets of Jerusalem. Don't fake yourself thinking you're leading by example when deep in your heart you know its all fake. Be genuine and true firstly to yourself before you can be an example to others. 

Further Scripture Study: 1 Timothy 1:16; Philippians 3:17 

Declare This: Dear Lord, I follow the example You already laid out for me. I pattern myself and live according to the ways You've showed in Jesus name Amen.

TIME OF BOLDNESS

"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world". 1 John 4:17KJV

Whenever you're faced with unwanted challenges and it seem everywhere you turn to is against you, what do you do? What do you do in that time of crisis, Our Jesus Christ faced challenges when He walked the streets of Galilee and journeyed from one City to another. What did He do in the time of crisis?

Our text scripture says that "we may have boldness in the day of judgment"; boldness here means confidence, courage and fearlessness in the day of judgment. The day of judgment is that time of crisis; Judgement is from the Greek word "Krisis", this is where the English got the word Crisis. Whether you have crisis in the world, city, job, family, home or personal life, a time of crisis is the time of boldness.

When you have boldness in the day of crisis, God will give you rest round about. At that moment when fear grips your heart, if you are working in The Father's Perfect Love, you will have boldness at that time of crisis to overcome it. When you find yourself in crisis, that time is the time to activate and stimulate your faith in boldness and tell yourself I am an over-comer. It is that time you"ll say it is well in the midst of this temporal adversity. You must realize that it's not just what happens in your life that is important, but what you do about it. You are His priced possession.

Further Scripture Study: Job 22:29; Joshua 6:14-21; 1 Samuel 17

Declare This: Precious God, I thank You for Your Love and for demonstrating how it is to live and win everyday. I stand in boldness as an over-comer always in Jesus name Amen.

NO IMPOSSIBILITY WITH GOD

And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” Ezekiel 37:3 AMP

Ezekiel is faced with a seemingly unfortunate and discouraging situation. God spoke to him through dreams and visions and in the record of his 22 years in ministry, we find at least six separate visions that Ezekiel received from the Lord. 

Perhaps his most recognized vision, one that even many who have never read the Bible are somewhat familiar with, is concerning a valley filled with lifeless dry bones. This vision revealed Israel's conquered condition in captivity and its restoration. The Lord asked Ezekiel if these bones could live? Ezekiel looking at millions of dead, dry bones … scattered about 100’s of square miles said, O Lord God You know.

The scripture makes it clear from a human perspective there was absolutely no way that there would ever be life there again. Verse 2 of Ezekiel 37 says "They were dry" meaning no life remained in them. Ezekiel had to go round and round several times the bones, that he might take exact notice of them, of their number, situation, and condition. No created power could restore human bones to life, God alone is the Restorer. 

No matter where you are, no matter how dried up you are in your spirit, you can come alive. No matter how long you have been down, God will raise you up. There are no impossibility with God. If you have been dead spiritually for a week, or for many years, God can lift you up because He isn’t into dead things. 

Further Scripture Study: Matthew 19:26; Jeremiah 32:27 

Declare This: Precious Heavenly Father, You are the God of all impossibilities and nothing can limit You. Thank You for making alive and changing any unwanted situation in my life in Jesus name Amen.