VOT: February 8, 2024-“Maximize chances, minimize excuses” M-factor”

To achieve any dream or anything we desire in life, there are usually set goals and preparation made in advance. There are opportunities that give us the privilege to make prompt choices or decisions which are usually time bound. If we delay or make excuses in such decisions, we may lose the chance of the actualization or the full manifestation of the desired dream. The reason most people are slow to act or maximize their chances is because they fail to prioritize right. We must ask God, “The Holy Spirit” to help us to be diligent and faithful so that we do not miss or lose our chances to other people who may not be as qualified as us, because God qualifies the unqualified. Making excuses shuts the door against one who may be qualified and opens the door for another who may not be qualified, and not expecting to receive, but is simply quick to seize the opportunity.

M-1: Make use of every opportunity you have and put in your best. Opportunities come and go. Ensure that you do not undermine the opportunities or ignore them because if you miss them, another person will seize them and use them. Take heed, so that you do not lose your chances to others who are more prepared and do not make excuses. What you can do quick, do and do not procrastinate.

M-2: Mind-set shift or reset: Every situation or case per time and season is not exactly same for all. You cannot use what works for one to judge or assume the same method for another especially when it comes to issues of life similar for individuals. For example in marriage or relationships, there are similar cases, but different approach. We must be open to any differences or changes we have to make, being ready to switch or reset our mind to adjust to our environment or various situations.

M-3: Mediocrity is intolerable. We must put on our best according to God’s unlimited grace provided for us through Jesus Christ. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. As long as we acknowledge God in all our ways, the excellent spirit that has been deposited to our spirit-man by the Holy Spirit will empower us to deliver the best even in the toughest circumstance.

Joseph, Daniel, David, Esther and others in the bible were faced with difficulties, as they were also men of like passion, but they stayed focused on God and did not give excuses. Rather, they took advantage of their privileged position in God and through Christ they conquered their Goliath, Haaman, Pharaoh, Herod and al their stubborn pursuers. You have more power and security in Christ to likewise claim your inheritance S you utilize the chances you have been give. Act fast, time is not yours. It belongs to God. Do not waste your chances or opportunities to excuses.

Prayer: Father grant me the grace to apply my heart to wisdom and fulfill your plan and purpose for my life. I refuse to be a time waster or a waster of the chances or opportunities given to me. I ask for exceeding grace in Jesus’ name, Amen.

“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance to them all.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬.

“Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭14:16-18, 23-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

VOT: February 2, 2024

The Force of Violent Faith “F-factor”

Faith=Reception while Fear=Deception

The F-factor

Acronym of FAITH

F: Fight (Contend)

A: Activate the Word (Now)

I: Intentional (Violent)

T: Trust totally in God

H: Help from above by the Holy Spirit

Acronym of FEAR

F: False

E: Evidence or Expression

A: Appearing (Negative symptoms)

R: Real, but actually False

Faith in the Word of God amounts to reception of God’s blessings while fear is mostly worldly and is a deception from the devil (the pit of hell). While God Has made provision of the truth from His unfailing Word, the devil is constantly telling lies and misleading people by the wrong information in the world.

The Word of God is the “Truth” and is the antidote of fear which is a false imagination or suggestion from the devil, who is our adversary. The Word of God is unlimited while the World is limited (“l”). There is a constant war between the flesh and the Spirit of a man.

Violent Faith is the greatest weapon against any and every attack from the camp of the enemy.

David demonstrated violent faith even in the face of Goliath. He conquered and crushed the head of Goliath simply by his prophetic declaration of the Word of God and commanding the hosts of angels assigned to him to deal with the uncircumcised Phillistine that appeared as Goliath.

Any contending power of force can be likened to an uncircumcised Phillistine, and can likewise be brought down just as Goliath, Pharaoh, Haaman, Herod and any agent of darkness assigned against any Child of God.

“Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?””

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭17:26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:1, 3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John‬ ‭8:32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

VOT: February 1, 2024

Guard your EAR gate and Eye Gate “H.E.A.R+T=H.E.AR.T” T-H factor

The two words H.E.A.R and H.E.A.R.T are closely related, having a letter “T” that makes them differ from one another. Also the letter H is common to both.

We HEAR or receive information with our EARS which is the entrance point or main source while the information received is stored in our HEART. Therefore the onus is on us to either TAKE what will build our lives or TRASH what could destroy us on the long run.

Also we see or observe with our EYES, which creates images that are stored up in our hearts.

T-factor: Trust in the Lord and Take in the undiluted and unlimited Word of God which is able to transform you and build your up. Trash the World ideas which is diluted and limited and is set for destruction.

The H- factor represents the Holy Spirit, who is our great Helper. Once we stay connected to the Holy Spirit by total surrender to Jesus Christ, our Saviour, we will be able to store the right information in our heart and ultimately live a peaceful life in Christ. By the help of the Holy Spirit. We can also filter the information and take only the relevant or right information, making sure our hearts are pure as we pursue holiness.

There is so much news and information out there that can either build or break your Spirit-man leading to discouragement, depression and disillusionment.

Nugget: the choice is yours to either take in the right or trash the wrong information.

What we say and what we hear play an important role in what we become.

Therefore guard your Ear Gate and your Eye Gate.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭KJV.

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:34‬ ‭KJV.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭KJV.

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

VOT: January 24, 2024-Watch your Comfort zone “Spiritual Thermometer”

In as much as we all love to be comfortable and celebrate leisure or relaxation, we must take heed and give room for spiritual sensitivity. The devil is very subtle or deceptive in his ways. When life seems to be going smoothly and there is so much to be excited about, do not lose your guard.

Why is it when men sleep that the enemy sows tares? It is simply because he knows that is the weakest moment. On the other hand, God instructs us to “watch and pray” and also to be “sober and vigilant”

The word watch comes before pray, which means when we are watchful we would be able to escape the snares or traps set by the adversary.

The bible also warns against being at ease in Zion. The truth of the matter is that everyone still prays at the end of all happenings. Some pray early, some pray just on time and some pray later. In all, God is still merciful and makes a way of escape if we are ready to yield to the dictates and promptings of the Holy Spirit.

All that is expected of us is to watch our spiritual thermometer and ensure it is stable. Unlike in the natural realm where your thermometer is not meant to read too high which leads to fever, in the spiritual realm your spiritual thermometer must be as high as possible. The higher it is, the more fire we exhibit. Keep the fire burning. Do not be discouraged or dismayed.

Elijah called on the God that answers by fire when he confronted Baal and the four-fifty prophets, and the God that answers by fire gave him ultimate victory over his enemies.

Fire is the language the devil understands and bows down to anytime.

You can never pray too much when you are watchful, but you can easily become a prey when you are slothful. Take heed and do not yield to the deception of the enemy that you should take long breaks or vacation.

Vacation is great, but avoid spiritual vacation. A quick or precise prayer is still better than failure to pray.

PRAY so you not becomes PREY.

Action point

Revive your Prayer Altar and cleanse your heart from every unrighteousness.

“And the fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not be put out. And the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order on it; and he shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out.” Leviticus‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.” Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.” So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.””

‭‭I Kings‬ ‭18‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Woe to you who are at ease in Zion, And trust in Mount Samaria, Notable persons in the chief nation, To whom the house of Israel comes!”

‭‭Amos‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Prayer: Father do not let me to be at ease in any area of my life, especially my prayer life. Holy Spirit quicken me and help me to be spiritually alert and sensitive in Jesus’ name, Amen.

VOT: January 22, 2024

Stay under Spiritual Cover “Umbrella”

It is expedient that we stay under spiritual cover, just as we physically cover ourselves properly for protection. More importantly, we need to abide in the secret place of God Almighty. A good scenario is when there is heavy down pour of rain, the Umbrella is used to provide shade and protect ourselves from being wet. Only those who hide under the Umbrella are protected from the heavy rain.

Spiritually, we take cover by applying the Blood of Jesus Christ, which Has been freely given to us on the cross of Calvary when Jesus laid down His precious life. Another way of staying under cover is to be in fellowship, right association with people who God Has ordained and positioned to provide spiritual and physical guidance, counsel and support. You must be intentional about staying under cover. No man is an Island and we don’t have all the solution, because God created us one for another. We represent Him in different ways and with different parts of our being: hands, legs, voice and so much. When we stay under spiritual cover, we are shielded from the fiery darts and evil plots of the wicked.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence.”  Psalms‬ ‭91:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

VOT: January 20, 2024

Confidence the anti-dote of Contention and Confrontation “The C-factor”

The anti-dote of fear and anxiety is declaring confidently our true identity in Jesus Christ.

David demonstrated confidence and trust in God, and was not afraid to confront Goliath like all others. On the contrary, he boldly confronted Goliath and put him in his defeated state, referring to him as an “Uncircumcised Philistine” while he made his own identity clear as one who had the backing of innumerable company of angels, Jehovah Saboath “The Lord of Hosts” You must know who you are and make your contenders know that you are not their match. When you declare your identity, you automatically win the battle in advance to validate 1 John 5:4.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

‭‭I John‬ ‭5:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

Some of the C’s that will empower and equip us to emerge victorious as more than conquerors are as follows:

C-1: Confront your contenders boldly by declaring your identity in Christ. Let the contenders know that you know who you are and whose you are.

C-2: Confess the Word of God and it’s potency over the mountain or Goliath. Calling to remembrance past victories will validate your faith and establish present and future victories.

C-3: Conquer by using your spiritual weapons.

“Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” I Samuel‬ ‭17:36-37‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭35‬-‭39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

VOT: January 15, 2024- Fully persuaded by the Word or World?

The wealth of knowledge you have especially of the Word of God determines whether you can easily fall prey to the lies and wiles of the enemy. As we know, the devil is very subtle or crafty and can easily dissuade anyone from the truth of the Word. He uses temporal circumstances that are unclear to deceive any of his target from following God’s ordained path or divine direction which leads to life eternal. While the devil’s aim and evil desire is for man to be destroyed or deformed, God’s aim and good desire is for Man to be restored and transformed. However, God Has given Man the authority and also free will to make wise choices that will secure his life permanently and in eternity. The Word of God clearly tells us that, it is the Word of God that we know that makes us free from the deception of the enemy. Therefore, the onus is on us to study to show ourselves approved.

“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” John 8:32 NKJV.

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭28:24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭KJV.

VOT: January 13, 2024-Stand, do not drawback “Be steadfast”

Only those who press harder and wait patiently to the end see the manifestation and partake of the fullness of the pre-ordained blessings in every situation. When we turn back or draw back half-way or almost at the edge of our breakthrough, we lose all the time and resources invested in the journey or any project we embark on. On the other hand, enduring trials or challenges has a hidden treasure which will only be discovered at the end of the story. Waiting patiently on the Lord, makes us matured spiritually and multiplies His grace upon our lives.

Hannah did not draw back or quit visiting Shiloh, though she did not receive answers to her request early as she expected. The grace of God abounded towards her until her time of manifestation of the glory of God. Those who wait on the Lord are rewarded and compensated beyond their human imagination and comprehension.

Sarah waited for Isaac, and she was elevated to a higher position of Mother of nations.

David waited patiently for his time to reign as King and endured so much afflictions, but found favour with God. The choice to wait patiently is yours to make. There is no profit in giving up or looking back. Lot’s wife became a pillar of Salt when she looked back.

Nugget: The only treasure in the past is the lessons you learn which are meant to encourage and strengthen others in the present and those coming behind. Delay is not Denial, therefore we must follow “Divine timing”

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:35-39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭19:15, 26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians‬ ‭15:58‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

VOT: January 12, 2024

Spending the currency of Time wisely “T-factor”

Time is life and can be likened to currency because it must be accounted for wisely. The labourer receives his wages according to the time invested on the work or assigned role or duty. Also we calculate age based on the number of years lived and each year is based on the number of days (365 or 366 days) make (One year or Leap year, having and additional year) The days can be broken down to hours (24hours) make one day. Each hour is 60 minutes and each minute is 60 seconds.

Having done this calculation, it is therefore very clear to all that “Time is Life” and as such we can refer to it as Currency.

Therefore, what we do with the “minutest”

of the time factor determines how far we can go particularly in achieving our goals and ultimately fulfilling our divine purpose as God ordained for every individual He created.

Now that we know how important the time we have all been given is, we must make conscious efforts and be intentional about spending time wisely.

Avoid procrastinating and embrace prompt response to the needful, so that you can enjoy the blessings or benefits God Has reserved in Heaven and will ultimately be deposited in our earthly account.

Whatever we need to do, we must do it quickly,‘particularly “Soul winning” because our times are in God’s hands. He decides what to do, who to keep and how we should utilize the time.

Nuggets

T-1: Time. Everyone has been given the same time (24hours) a day. We must therefore use it accordingly. No one has more time than the other. Therefore, we must stop making excuses and simply ask God for grace when needful. In the parable of the talent, the one who refused to use the talent that he was given tried to give a good excuse, but Jesus did not endorse it.

T-2: Thanksgiving. While waiting for answers to your prayers, give God quality thanksgiving, worship and praise. You can never praise God in vain, because while you are praising Him openly, He is working behind the scene and perfecting every good work concerning your life. Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25 is a practical example. King Jehoshaphat and the nations that contended with him is also a good example.

T-3: Talents: Your talents will be best utilized when you follow divine timing and divine instructions. Take heed and use time wisely because “Time is not yours”

“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ “But his Lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.” Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭24‬-‭28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ NKJV.

VOT: January 11, 2024

P.R.E.S.S on the Wheels of Grace “G-factor”

Every vehicle has four wheels and four tires usually attached to each Wheel, including an extra me also known as the “Spare”

We are constantly riding on the four wheels with an extra which is supernatural from God. The P.R.E.S.S factor: The extra “R” means “Reliability” on God.

P.R.E.S.S-1 Peter 5:10

P: Perfect

R: Reliability

E: Establish

S: Strengthen

S: Settle.

All we are and all we have is by God’s Grace. The necessity of Grace cannot be over emphasized. Grace is wrapped up in God.

G-factor

G-1: God is the author and finisher of our faith

G-2: God’s Goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life

G-3: Guidance by the help of the Holy Spirit

G-4: Grounded in the Word

G-5: Greatness is embedded in our knowledge of God

G-6: Growing is continuous process

G-7: Glowing as the Light shines and no darkness can comprehend if.

G-8: Gladness; of heart

G-9: Gratitude

G-10: Glory of God revealed in His fullness of time.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” I Peter‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭8:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬