366 DAYS OF VICTORY

366 DAYS OF VICTORY

Joshua 1.5, 6, Luke 1.74-75, John 10.10,

The provision of the Lord for all His children in all generations is complete and consistent victory throughout the days of their lives. To have victory for 366 days simply connote one leap year of victory without defeat, success without failure, triumph without being subdued, conquest and deliverance without any oppression. However, God’s promise of victory is total without any exception. It includes victory over sin, self, sensuality, evil spirits and over Satan. Daily spiritual victory translates into the fulfillment of all God’s promises concerning our physical, financial and material needs. Jesus declared in the New Testament “I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10.10). This entails all that is needed for a fulfilled and accomplished life. Consistency in daily victory results into a complete year of total victory

Pitfalls and battles against Christian’s daily Victory 2 Cor. 10.3-5, 1 Peter 5.8,   

Understanding the main target in warfare gives the believer a good focus on the enemy and helps him to deploy the appropriate weapons that are needed for victory. Joshua in his time fought the Canaanites physically, but we are fighting a different warfare today. Our warfare today is more of spiritual than physical and therefore what we need to conquer differs. Our arch enemy is Satan who comes to steal and to kill and to destroy (John 10.10). However, we must strongly resist his devices which includes -  Sin (Rom 7.14, 19-24), Self will and self management  (1 Sam 15.23), fleshly lust (1 Peter 2.11),   Greed and get rich quick (1 Tim 6.9), Pride (Prov 16.18), worldliness (1 John 2.15-17), Hypocrisy and double standard life (Titus 1.16), Immoral thoughts and lifestyle, Prayerlessness and unbelief.

All these (and many more) are the tools in Devils hands and had made many people to fall. Saul, Israel’s first king was conquered, Gehazi the servant of Elisha became leprous, Achan died suddenly without repentance, Samson lost his ministry and his life abruptly, and many more like that. We must therefore look critically into our lives and be sure none of those satanic vices are seen in us so as to constantly overcome the enemy and win in the battles.  

Perceptions and provisions for our daily Victory. John 19.30, 1 John 4.4, Joshua 1.5, Deut 28.13, Deut 31.6,  Isaiah 35.4, 1 John 4.4.

Although God had made many provisions for our daily victory which we only need to hook up to, ye believers have responsibilities to take. The first step to daily victory is to be born again. This new birth experience launches one into the realm of victors to enjoy all that God had provided at Calvary. Christ died for our victory but this can only be enjoyed when an individual recognize him as Lord and Saviour.  After this, he needs to follow these steps to victory:

VIRTUOS LIFESTYLE – Let your life be a demonstration of the virtues of Christ. (1 Pet 2.21, 2 Pet. 1. 5-8)

INTERNALISE HIS WORDS – Memorise and practice the written word (Joshua 1.8, Col,3.16)

CONSECRATED TO THE LORD – Consecrate your heart, time and talent to God (Rom. 12. 1-2)

TRUST IN GOD IN ALL THINGS -  Have faith in God and His promises (Mark 11. 22-24)

OCCUPY IN HIS BUSINESS -   Ensure you always preach the Word  (Luke 19.13)

READINESS FOR HIS RETURN -Be watchful in always, preparing for the trumpet sound (Matt. 24. 42-44)

YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION  - Beware of tempters and their schemes (1 Cor. 10.12)

However, having played your part as a believer, God will back you up by His grace and make His promises fulfilled in your life. These promises include – Daily protection from all evil plans of the wicked (Ps. 37.40), Regular Answer to your prayers (John 14.13), Divine providence (Isa 25.4), Divine Support in Troubles (2 Tim. 4.18), Divine partnership in battle (1John 4.4)                  

Praying through to complete victory.  Luke 18.1, Matt. 26.41, Mark 3.27, 2 Cor. 10. 3-5, Gen. 32.24-26, 1 Chro. 4.9-10

Victory in every areas of life requires constant prayer and supplication to the Lord. Christ told his disciples that “men ought always to pray and not to faint”. And as He went the Gethsemane, He charged them to”… watch and pray..” This therefore tells all believers then and now that no meaningful achievement or progress could be made without prayer. Our prayers should be to dethrone Satan who wants to rule over us (Matt. 16.23), and lift up Christ in our victories. We must be ready to bind the strongman through fervent prayer and to liberate all his captives to liberty.  Then begin to claim God’s promises for your life and for your family. Remember, fervent regular prayer is the only way to supernatural victory throughout the 366 days of the year. 

TRETS 29/09/2016.

WE DO NOT WELL

WE DO NOT WELL                               2 KINGS 7. 3-11, 1 Kings 20. 39-40.

The story of these four lepers had been strategically kept in scriptures for us believers today to awaken us from our state of lethargy and indifference toward the dying souls. Though they were separated out of the city (by law) due to their predicaments, yet they became highly privileged to encounter the supernatural abundance of the Lord at the gate of Samaria in the midst of severe scarcity of the city.  Though they, like every other person, satisfied their personal need, yet they realized the need of others and the danger of negligent and time wasting. Believers today have more to learn from these despised lepers. God had brought salvation to mankind freely in spite of the grave danger and penalty of sin yet many are still suffering from the ignorance of the age. As believers, we do not well to keep relaxed while they keep dying in their sins and we are comfortable in the church. Many souls are still yet unreached while we are enjoying, choosing and selecting sermons and messages, We do not well!. If we tarry any longer, mischief will surely come because to him that knows how to do good but does it not, it is sin.. We do not well. Now we have the bread of life, now we have the good tidings of the Lord Jesus, if our neighbors and relatives still die ignorantly unreached, what excuse do we have, We do not well. Their precious souls shall be required at our hand. The church needs to wake up from our slumber and realize the urgency of our task. And the value of their souls couple with the perils and danger of delay. They could die and go to hell, Satan and his agents could continue to devour them at will, Jesus is crying and pleading each day to you and me to reach and preach to them. He is saying will my sacrifice be in vain. “Souls are dying, men are crying but you are playing; won’t you lead them to the cross? Go and find them, please help to win them. Win the lost at any cost.“ But if you tarry longer mischief is imminent, for Woe to Him that is at ease in Zion! (Amos 6.1). We had allowed many unnecessary issues to hinder us from the most essential task of soul-seeking, soul-winning and soul-saving: WE DO NOT WELL!. Repentance from idleness, Renewal of our consecration to the Lord and concentration on Evangelism must be our focus Now before its too late.

The Calamity and Perplexity of the Lost. 2 Kings 6. 24-30, Amos 8.11, 2 Cor. 4.4, Eccl. 10.15, Rom 1. 21-22, Matt. 23.33, Jere. 14.14, Eph. 2.12, Job 7. 2-6.

The story in our text is very pathetic. The famine in Samaria was so severe that the people began to eat their children (2 Kings 6. 28-29). Their condition became so terrible that from the king to the least person were perplexed and helpless. The king had no other person to think for solution but Elisha the man of God. The Lord had said concerning this age that there will be famine of hearing of the word (Amos 8. 11). Our generation is that of spiritual and emotional famine. The people are (i) spiritually blind in their rat race of get rich quick. The more they toil, the more they suffer (2 Cor. 4.4, Eccl. 10.15), (ii) their hearts are darkened and filled with illusion and are foolish in understanding of God’s knowledge (Rom 1. 21-22), (iii) They are to face the damnation of hell fire (Matt. 23.33), (iv) Unfortunately more for them, many false prophets and false teachers are making merchandise of them telling them deceptive alternatives that doesn’t save (Jere. 14.14). (v) They spend their lives without peace, without hope and without God, therefore they are exposed to spiritual and physical danger, destruction, destitution and vanity (Eph. 2.12, Job 7. 2-6).

Compassionate Provision of the Lord. 2 Kings 7. 5-9, Luke 2. 10-11, Rom. 5.6-9, John 8. 32, 36; John 15.13, John 14.1,27; 2 Peter 1. 3-4

Thanks be to God! Who had not left us without care. In the midst of the scarcity and famine, Elisha, the man of God, prophesied abundance and plenty. This was fulfilled within twenty four hours and these four lepers were privileged to encounter this good news. They had stumbled into an absolute abundance and overflowing blessing, but they knew that they could never keep such a thing to themselves alone except they share the news. The same still apply to us today; as we see multitude around us that needs to be reached with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, in His compassion had made provision for the sin of the world. He wants all to believe in Christ and be saved (John 3.16). This salvation is given absolutely free for all men and its readily available anytime and anywhere (Isa 55.1, Matt. 22.4). However, embedded in this provision are all the other benefits like protection from evil, deliverance from afflictions, freedom from disasters, healing from all sicknesses, provision for all needs, satisfaction in time of sufficiency, guidance and direction in times of confusion and peace in time of trouble (John 14.1,27; 2 Peter 1. 3-4).

Therefore, having provided an escape route from the disaster that looms ahead, God calls every one to embrace the love and the gift, and be genuinely saved from sin and be sure he is free from spiritual poverty (like the lepers). Then remember those multitude of helpless people who are still weary of their sin and don’t know the way (John 1. 40-42a).

Compelling reasons for urgent proclamation of the gospel. 2 Kings 7.9, John 4. 34-38, John 20.21, 1 Cor. 9.16, 1 Cor. 7.29, 2 Tim. 4. 1-4, Dan. 12.3

The lepers resolution was “we do not well”, we must proclaim this or else delay will surely bring mischief on us. This is passionate enough because of their knowledge of the famine in the land. Indeed, the perplexity of the people around us should move us to preach to them. The souls that are perishing should motivate us to reach them. The sacrificial investments of the Lord should compel us to proclaim the good news otherwise untold punishment awaits us. (i) Christ commands us to preach to them ( Mk 16.15, John 20.21). (ii) The danger and penalty of our disobedience must constrain us to preach to them (1 Cor. 9.16). (iii) The shortness of time warrants that we leave everything else and evangelize now (1 Cor. 7.29), the possibility of wastage of the souls through harness of heart by Satan must make us start now (2 Tim. 4. 1-4), (v) the certainty of death and judgment of hell for sinners must make us preach (Heb 9.27). (vi) The Assurance of success and immense blessings for soul winners must motivate us to preach (John 4. 34-36). (vii) The presence of the Lord now and in eternity should joyfully attract us to winning souls (Dan 12.3). Knowing these compelling factors, let us wake up, and use all methods available to proclaim Christ, publish the revival program, evangelize and harvest them to the fold. It’s a rewarding exercise else He will tell us.. “We do not well”

SOULS ARE DYING, MEN ARE CRYING!

As we look all around us,
All the fields are white,
They're ripened unto harvest,
Yet so quickly comes the night.
Christians must get busy,
There's so much work to do.
Here's an urgent task awaiting you.


Souls are crying, men are dying,
Won't you lead them to the cross.
Go and find them, Please help to win them
Win the lost at any cost.


Check your fold, my christian brother,
See if all your children are in.
Are there some still straying in the
Blackened fields of sin.
You must go out and win them,
Go quickly without delay,
Soon the trump of God shall end the day.


Go out and win, rescue from sin,
Day's almost done, and the battle's almost won.
Souls are crying, men are dying,
Win the lost at any cost.

STUDYING THE WORD FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND SUSTENANCE.

Text:  1 Peter 2. 2, 2Tim. 2.15

Desiring milk among children is a characteristic of their growing process. This they do till they reach the age of stability and are able to feed themselves through strong food. The same applies in the spiritual realm. Every believer, whether young or adult, must desire the milk of God’s word to grow up to sustenance, stability and full spiritual independence. Studying the Word is the age long process of reading the scriptures, meditating upon it and applying it to our daily life. This is as compulsory for a believer as his daily meal because though the physical food sustains the body, the Word of God keeps and stabilizes the soul and the spiritual body. Therefore, failure to remain consistent through in the study of the scriptures is a sign of spiritual laziness and lethargy, and may lead to compromise and backsliding. Commitment to regular study of God’s Word makes us strong and healthy spiritually. It also keeps us stable in the midst of destructive winds of doctrines around the world today.

Perils and Spiritual Sterility through ignorance of God’s Words. Hosea 4.6, Mark. 4. 14-19,

Every Christian is commanded to love God’s word and study it for growth and sustenance. Failure to do so makes us ignorant of God’s promises and purpose for our lives and brings destruction, spiritual famine and damnation. A believer who is void of the Holy Scriptures won’t know how to overcome temptation and to escape the snares of the devil (Eccl. 9.12). Stagnant believers always become carnal, worldly and compromising and will eventually backslide and die spiritually. This however breeds a weak church where canal comparison, envy and jealousy, murmuring and backbiting become apparent. Purity of heart and life, commitment and consecration, evangelism and soul-winning, and other spiritual accomplishments, will become forgotten as selfishness and worldly traits take over the congregation.

Principles of Systematic Study of God’s Word. Ezek. 2. 8-9, 3:1, Rev. 10.9, 1 Peter 1.23,

God had always commanded His children at all levels and in all ages to be diligent in reading and studying His words. It is an imperative command that we should study to know the instruction of the Lord and to carry them out promptly. However, to do this effectively requires systematic approach in our study. The following principle will help every believer to grow spiritually through the word.

Preparation:

i.                 Know the author of the scriptures. Without salvation experience, the Bible remains a closed book to anyone. Knowing God at new birth brings the Holy Spirit into the heart and life of an individual. It convicts of sins, and causes the sinner to take decisions to please the Lord as master. Note that the Holy Spirit now resides within the new born Christian to interpret God’s word to Him (John 15.3; John 6.63, 1 Pet. 1.23). As a child of God, now you can have access to the treasury of the Almighty.

ii.                  Have a good motive as you approach God for clarity of His word. Your main goal must be to know God more, and get more intimate fellowship with Him. Therefore be prepared to acquire as much from Him as possible (Phil 3.10). You need a longing heart that pant after God’s word (Ps. 42.1-2).

iii.                Believe that every word you read from the Bible is from God and is for your learning, instruction, admonition and correction. Also note that it contains promises you need to claim, and pitfalls you need to avoid that it may be well with you (2 Tim 3.16-17, Rom. 15.4).

iv.                 Ensure you have a solitary, quiet place where you can study and meet with your God. Remember, it is a place where God speaks to you through His word. Be ready to listen to all He says and be prepared to carry it everything He speaks out (Exo. 24.2,12, 15).

v.                   Be submissive to the Holy Spirit as your teacher and instructor. Your attitude must be “Speak Lord, thy servant heareth” (1 Sam. 3.9)

Practice:

i.                    You must practically get your study materials ready before your study time which includes a Study Bible with concordance and dictionaries, Devotional materials, Bible Atlas and maps, Encyclopedia of Bible Topics (1 Cor. 14. 7-9). These materials will further explain details of the scriptural passages and their backgrounds.

ii.                  Get also, writing materials to jot down what the Lord speaks to you.

iii.           Chose the pattern of study you which to follow. You can either study the bible by books (Book Study), By Bible character (Character Study), or by Bible doctrines (Doctrinal study). Whichever one you choose will give you the same inspiration through the Holy Spirit.

iv.                 Be systematic in your study to follow the chronological order of the chapters. Note that jumping chapters will make you miss so salient points of the scriptures that are equally beneficial to you.

v.                   Make a commitment to the Lord to be consistent and prompt at your personal altar. Consecrate your time to it and be sure you don’t miss the set time.

Prayer and faith: James 1. 5-6, Mark 11.24, 1 Tim. 2.8

You need time to pray before and after your study. Since you are carrying out a spiritual exercise, Satan may bring distractions, disaffections and discouragement to hinder the study but with prayer, you will overcome them. You also need to manifest faith in God to receive your entire heart request concerning your desired growth. Note that God knows your desire and is ready to meet them particularly as it is to His glory. Pray that God will give you grace to heed all the warnings and avoid all the pitfalls that the character fell into. Take time to claim the promises and ask for grace to manifest God’s glory as stated the passage read.

Profits and Success through regular Study of God’s words. Joshua 1. 8, Ps. 1.1-3, Psalm 119. 1-12, Prov. 4.18

Regular study of God’s words makes us a strong believer that is growing daily from one level of perfection to another. It brings supernatural spiritual growth and secular promotion and success. Few of the profits of heart-warming study of God’s words include but not limited to:

(i)It gives us an assurance of salvation as we continue in the Word and gives us sound spiritual foundation that cannot be moved in times of temptations and trials. (Ii)Helps us to discover the will of God to be done and that of error to be avoided. (iii) It enables us to understand and to know God more intimately and to do exploits for Him (Dan. 11.32) (iv) It makes us grow into wisdom beyond the human understanding and to excel above our adversaries (Ps. 119.98), (v) It makes us grow in Spiritual experiences and stable to withstand all forms of weather (Prov. 4.18). (vi) It helps us to discover hidden promises for special people who walk intimately with God (Isa 45.3). (vii) It helps us to discover God’s voice. Now God can speak to us as He spoke to the saints of old. It’s a wonderful experience when the Almighty God becomes your partner in your spiritual, ministerial and secular endeavour