VOP 2022: May 20, 2022

Life as Earthly Book “Mirror it with the Word “Eternal Book of Life”

Our Life is in stages, seasons or like the Book, chapters.

In order for us to navigate life with ease, rest and eternal hope, we need to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, making Him the Captain of the Boat of our life.

Just as every Chapter of the Book has a message to pass across to the reader, every experience has hidden lessons that may be painful of gainful. Either way, it will end in praise when we choose to stay focused on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Even in the midst of the storm, Jesus enjoyed His sleep as if nothing happened until his disciples beckoned on Him. This is how God wants us to live a peaceable or peaceful life.

Prayer: Father please help me to mirror my life with the Word of God so that I will enjoy peace on earth and in eternity. Let my name be written in the Eternal book of Life in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nuggets

A Book has Chapters and pages

1. The Chapters-Times and Seasons which begin and surely come to an end.

2. It has characters, names and topics and is made up of pages which is, the details of the events that occur, some pleasant, exciting, some not clear and varying from Chapter to Chapter.

3. Some events or issues become clearer as you flip through the Chapters or pages.

4. The difficult Chapters pass and sometimes they become easier to understand in the later Chapters of life. The scripture, Romans 8:28: “And we know that, all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose” comes to play whereby God makes all things beautiful in His own time.

5. Regardless of how unclear or clear the book is, it will eventually come to an end.

6. We are the book or Bible that people read, to determine if they want their likes to be shaped that way. Apostle Paul boldly declared, imitate me as I imitate Christ.

7. The conclusion of whether the book is interesting or interesting depends on the readers and the owner of the book. The owner or author puts everything in the book to ensure that the book is meaningful, interesting and impactful.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1, 11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

VOP 2022: May 16, 2022- Be sober and vigilant “Complacency has costly consequences””

God is calling us to be more fervent and vigilant in these perilous times and not be complacent, careless or slothful. We must be Spiritually disciplined and not carnally minded. To be complacent is to pay less attention to things that matter much. It is spiritual Indiscipline.

Examples of Complacency vs. Fervency 

Vashti was complacent while Esther was fervent 

Eli was partially complacent because he did not restrain his Children, Hophni and Phinehas from walking in sin and disobedience

David walked in the fear of God, and was always quick to repent. He was a Man after God's heart. 

A person can be complacent in some areas and fervent in other areas. However, it is safe to be serious minded especially with spiritual issues of life.

Complacency: It means to be satisfied with a situation that you ought to be concerned about. To accept any outcome, even when there is danger or risk of negative consequence when indeed it could be prevented by being active, fervent and vigilant, obedience. Lack of interest (“whatever”)

Complacency is a symptom or by-product of disobedience. Some of the signs are: Slothful, lukewarm, prayerlessness, weariness, discouragement.

Vashti displayed complacency when she refused to obey the King Ahaseurus’ command. Esther narrowly escaped complacency when she yielded to the warning of her Uncle Mordecai.

"But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him" Esther 1:12.

The difference between Vashti and Esther is that Esther immediately adjusted and corrected the error of being complacent or nonchalant, but Vashti was not remorseful.

"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish". Esther 4:16.

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16.

For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them. Proverbs 1:32.

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. Luke 21:24.

Drawbacks or consequences of complacency

1. You stand the risk of backsliding. Hebrews 10:35-39

2. Retrogression: one step forward and the others backward; Stagnation. Falling into the trap of the enemy. Perdition may be a consequence (wasted life). Time is life. Procrastination is a brother or sister of complacency. Hebrews 10:35-39.

Nugget: To avoid the consequences of complacency. We have to be hot and fervent and not cold or complacent.

VOP 2022: May 12, 2022

Sow good seeds yield “Beautiful and Bountiful Harvest”

When God saw that there was so much evil in the surface of the earth, He gave a new Kingdom mandate of “Seed time and Harvest”

Please note the word “Harvest” not “Harvest time” as often interpreted wrongly.

It is “Harvest” because there is no time boundaries or limitations. Whatever we sow at a given time comes back to us as a harvest. Therefore, we must take heed and be intentional about sowing good seeds that will yield us and future generations “Beautiful and Bountiful harvest”

We sow good seeds by walking in the love and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit.

“And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”” Genesis‬ ‭8:21-22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” Hosea‬ ‭10:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭NKJV. ‬‬ “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

VOP 2022: May 8, 2022

Model, pattern and partner with Christ-The Godhead “Bible or Title”

The best Model or pattern we can ever compare our lives with is Jesus Christ. He lived an exemplary life while on earth, without spots, blemish or flaws as a “Model” for creation. While men model their lives according to the life styles of man made “Stars” we are created and saved to follow Christ’s life as our “Divine Model” and enter into the most reliable partnership with God The Father, The Sin and The Holy Spirit. All that pertains to life are in God’s hands, revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.

When we surrender our “All” to Him, He will exchange our weakness with His strength, His Grace for every Disgrace, His fame will cover our shame and above all He will turn our pain to gain.

All that is required of us is total focus on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith; walking in the fear of God and in humility.

We take on His supernatural attributes and drop off our natural or human characteristics which are carnal and unproductive or unfruitful. Make the best choice by partnering with God the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.” I John‬ ‭5:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

VOP 2022: May 7, 2022

Gratitude a guarantor of Greatness “G-factor”

It is said that an attitude of gratitude determines your altitude. In other words the height you can attain depends on your actions and reactions while at the bottom or while climbing to the top. Gratitude is an intentional act of appreciation. It is not hidden, but always shown or obvious to anyone who is observant, especially when it is reflected in physical appearance or our body language. Some reasons why we must demonstrate Gratitude always are:

1. God is faithful and must be glorified

2. God’s Goodness is revealed to all especially those discouraged.

3. Gratitude Guarantees more blessings from God and men

4. Grows and matures us spiritually

5. Gives us first place in the Heart of God

6. Grateful or thankful hearts attract new mercies of God

7. Greatness is attained through a heart of gratitude

“And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:38‬ ‭KJV.

“giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭KJV.

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:5-7‬ ‭KJV.

“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

VOP 2022: May 4, 2022

Complete Beauty “Beyond Silver and Gold”

The fact that you live in a beautiful house, drive a beautiful car or live in a beautiful environment does not make your life beautiful. A life without Jesus Christ, though in a beautiful environment is worthless. Also we often think that most needs can only be met materially or physically, as long as there is money or silver and gold. Interestingly what we need sometimes to solve a problem is making sure that the foundation is established in righteousness through divine connection with Jesus Christ our saviour. We must be guided by the Holy Spirit as well as the right association, which could be the vehicle which the Holy Spirit will use to transport our blessings or bring solution from the spiritual realm to the earthly or physical realm.

Peter and John addressed the Lame man at “The Beautiful Gate” saying silver and gold they did not have, but in the name of Jesus (Christ) he should rise up and walk. They did not have the physical means of provision by giving him money which was referred to as “silver and gold” but they had or possessed the real power source “Jesus Christ,” who was able to heal the Lame man and set him totally free from the oppression and long-standing stagnation. A divine encounter with Jesus Christ moved the Lame man from just sitting by the beautiful gate to a realm of all round or complete beauty, whereby he was able to rise up walk, leap for joy and ultimately live a beautiful life. Peter and John proved to the lame Man at the Beautiful Gate that they did not have silver and gold, but they had what was beyond silver and gold, the name of Jesus Christ.

Nugget: Until a life has Jesus Christ, its beauty cannot fully manifest or be recognized. We must seek after Jesus Christ for complete beauty and manifestation of the glory of God.

Prayer: Father make my beauty to be complete as I yield myself more to you and stay connected with the Holy Spirit.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,” Philippians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” Acts‬ ‭3:2, 6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

VOP 2022: May 3, 2022

Perfection of Beauty: Perceive, Conceive and Receive. PCR factor

There are three steps to perfection of the beauty of God and fulfillment of God’s plan.

Perceive: This refers to spiritual sensitivity and the ability to see beyond the natural realm. Most dreams start with a thought it imagination which is secret , hidden to all, but known to you by divine revelation.

Conceive: this is the next level after we perceive, there is a process of carrying the dream whereby it is developed further and grows to maturity.

Receive: This is the reality and evidence which becomes obvious to all. It is the full manifestation of the power and glory of God.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, Neither have entered into the heart of man, The things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah‬ ‭55:8-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

VOP 2022: May 1, 2022

Victory Guaranteed “Spiritual Validation” V-factor

Our Victory through Jesus Christ, our Saviour Has been pre-ordained from the foundations. In the Creation, Man was declared as the carrier or conduit of Power. The Power was given to Man to dominate and subdue the earth. This is enhanced by our determination to do our part as God Has done His own part.

Since our victory was settled already on Calvary, there should be no fear of losing because we carry the DNA of God which does not have defeat in, but rather guarantees us deliverance from every programmed destruction. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross was not in vain, but was actually to terminate every contrary covenant of death, afflictions, frustrations and condemnation. It replaces evil with goodness, mercy, favour, Joy and Peace Overflow.

If the Son Has made you free, you are free indeed. Boldly receive your free gift of Salvation and unlimited benefits by the power and grace of God, Amen.

Prayer: Father grant me the grace to work in agreement with Heaven to accomplish my earthly assignment and ultimately to be victorious on earth and in eternity in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Our validation of the Victory we have is in:

1. The name of Jesus Christ

2. The Blood of Jesus Christ

3. The Word of God

4. The Holy Spirit “Seal of Promise”

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.” I John‬ ‭5:4-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭12:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,” Philippians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭NKJV.‬‬

“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

‭‭I John‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

VOP 2022: April 30, 2022

Fruit of the Spirit before the Gift “Holy Spirit”

So many people are eager to receive the “Gift” of The Holy Spirit more than the “Fruit”.

Although both are important, preference must be given to the Fruit first, then the Gift will follow. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance. This means God can show case His power through any Vessel He chooses for His glory and by reason of His Sovereignty. What He (God) is interested in is our availability. This is why it is said that He uses the foolish things of the world to confound and even dumbfound the wise. For example, God can work miracles through the hands of an unbeliever, if that is the person available to meet a desperate need of His Children. It is a mystery, but clearly explains why Jesus Christ died for all. However, a believer in Him Has added benefit of knowing His ways and more details than an unbeliever.

Therefore, the fruit of the Spirit is more important than the gift because there are people than perform what appears to the world as miracles. Pharaoh did signs and wonders, though inferior. Some were deceived are are still deceived by fake signs and wonders.

Let us desire to walk in the Spirit and manifest the fruit of the Spirit especially love. When we have love, God can trust us more with His gifts, especially for edification of the body.

Prayer: Oh Lord help me to thirst and hunger more after righteousness so that I will be filled with the Holy Spirit and manifest the fruit of the Spirit in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nugget: The fruit of the Spirit counts in eternity above the gift because the fruit is for the development of our Godly character while the gift is to bless others and ourselves ultimately, only if we make it to glory. Choose the fruit first and then the gift will follow accordingly.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians‬ ‭5:22-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans‬ ‭11:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:1-2, 8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

VOP 2022: April 28, 2022

Divine Ability covers Disability “Qualifier of the Unqualified”

While men see or focus on physical appearance and disability, in the midst of it, God establishes His divine counsel and plan, showing forth His power and divine ability. He Has the power to make all things work out perfectly, falling in line or aligning with His will or purpose. Obstacles or setbacks do not move or stop God’s plan, but rather move Him to do miracles which lead to a glorious comeback or turn around for good and for His glory. A hopeless case, handled  and settled by God becomes a positive point of reference for future miracles leading to endless victory and eternal glory.

Mephibosheth was lame at his feet, but his story changed when David was prompted one blessed day to remember the Covenant he had entered into with Jonathan, his grand Father to be a blessing to him. He was led by the Spirit of God to lift Mephibosheth from the dungeon of Lo-debar to the place of prominence, God’s chamber. He was moved from a place of being despised to a place of dignity.

Ziba pointed out his disabilty of being lame at his feet which would have been a good reason to disqualify him, but David insisted to see him and said he should still be brought forward to eat and dine with the kings at the table. This meant his lame feet will always be covered as he dined with the kings at the table. Mephibosheth was divinely positioned to partake of the blessings which God Had ordained for him and his lineage in remembrance and fulfillment of the Covenant of life which David and Jonathan had cut previously. God does not forget even when we think He Has, but will quicken men to remember and keep their part of the Covenant.

Nugget: Your disability of inability might be visible to all, but God is able to redress you and move you to a new realm where your disability becomes invisible to the natural eyes and as such you will be better addressed.

“And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. 2 Samuel 9: 1-8 KJV.