Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves… (2 Corinthians 13:5).
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There’re those who think the Lord permits calamities or is responsible for misfortunes that people suffer. It’s like the fellow who lamented, “I’m out serving God, working for Him every day; yet, He allowed the devil to kill my baby.” But that can’t be true! The Lord isn’t responsible for evil or the mishaps that people experience; it’s not consistent with His nature. He is love personified; there’s no darkness in Him.

Whatever you may have suffered that’s inconsistent with the provisions of Christ in His Gospel, didn’t come from God. Life is spiritual and you’re responsible for your life—the things that happen with you. It’s about your faith and how you use it. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” This is a sovereign declaration; the question is, what are you doing with your faith? How are you putting your faith to work?

The Bible says, “Now the just shall live by faith…” (Hebrews 10:38). Using your faith to deal with the crises of life every day is your responsibility. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not
hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” That’s the key; doing the Word. You act your faith by “doing” the Word; we’re Word practitioners.

If things aren’t working out as you expect them to, the fault isn’t with God, for He is perfect. Since He’s perfect, then you have to check elsewhere for what might have gone wrong. It could be that you didn’t
understand Him or His Word well enough. Perhaps you didn’t do exactly what He said; or maybe your timing was wrong. Therefore, the right thing to do will be to examine your own faith as read in our theme verse.

The life of faith given to us isn’t a deception. The Lord isn’t hiding behind faith so He wouldn’t do what He said He’d do. Faith always works. If it didn’t work, then it wasn’t faith. Keep growing your faith by
increasing your knowledge of the Word.


PRAYER

Dear Father, you’re perfect and in you there’s no variableness, neither shadow of turning. I take charge of my life, growing my faith through the Word and strengthening it by use. I thus produce victories and
triumphs in every situation and circumstance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 18:30; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 13:8
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 6:15-7:1-6 & Psalms 60-63
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 5:9-16 & Isaiah 53

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) (John 10:10 AMPC).

I’ve always loved the window sitting on a flight. A window seat offers great views; it affords one the unique opportunity to be inspired by the things you see from such a high altitude: the icy expanse of the Arctic, the glistening peaks of the Alps, the Andes, the clouds, etc. Every so often, as I look out and savour the beauty and wonder of God’s creation, I say, “Blessed Father, you’re amazing! There’s so much beauty!”

Thus, before arriving at my destination, I enjoy the journey. Life is that way too; a journey to be enjoyed. Between now and when the Master comes back, there’s a lot to enjoy; therefore, no one should live a
frustrated life. If you’d learn to pay attention to all the beautiful things and people around you, to enjoy them, you’d live happy every day.

It’s a wise choice when you make up your mind to enjoy your life and yourself even in simple things. Some don’t even enjoy their meals; they always rush it angrily. Others wake up angry; even while driving or commuting to their place of work, business or school, they’re angry, unhappy and frustrated. They ignore all the love and beauty around them.

Read our theme verse again: Jesus came that we may have and also enjoy life! Enjoying your life isn’t only about going for a game show, or watching a comedy, or engaging in some adventure. Rather, it means enjoying every moment of life’s journey; enjoying everything you do, as long as it’s consistent with a godly life, because you’re a child of God and you know God is fulfilling His dream through you.

God has given you a life of joy, but you have the responsibility to express it. Let the joy of the Lord be evident in your life with such radiance that fully expresses the peace of God in you. Make a conscious choice to enjoy the moments of your life.
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CONFESSION
The Lord has given me all things richly to enjoy. He’s brought me into a life of rest, full of joy and glory. Nothing is too good for me. I’m full of joy today, living the great life of righteousness, health, wealth,
prosperity, and success that I have in Christ. Glory to God!

But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame (1 Corinthians 1:27 CEV).


God’s Word is so simple. His instructions may sound or seem trifling, but when carried out, they always produce the supernatural. Imagine that while in Church on a service day the Pastor says, “Tell three people, ‘I’m blessed and victorious.’” You might say to yourself, “I don’t have to do that.” Why? It sounds too simple to mean anything. But that’s where many have missed it. Our theme verse says God confounds the mighty with simple, little things.

Think about this: when God delivered the children of Israel from the hands of their oppressors, the Egyptians, He didn’t lead them on the road that made the most sense. The Bible says, “Instead, he led them in a roundabout way through the desert toward the Red Sea…” (Exodus 13:18 GNB). Then, trapped between the Red sea and an invading army, Moses began to “pray” to God for intervention. But God interrupted him and said, “Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it…” (Exodus 14:16 AMPC).

Consider the simple instruction given to Moses for a problem of such magnitude! It didn’t make “common sense.” How could stretching forth your rod over the sea make any difference at such a critical time? But it did! Moses obeyed the instruction, the sea parted and the children of Israel walked through on dry ground. Hallelujah! God is still that way today. He gives simple instructions.

Also see the example of the Master: He said to a man with a withered arm, “...Stretch forth thine hand…” (Matthew 12:13). How could the man stretch forth the same hand that was withered? He could have complained, “Sir, can’t you see it’s withered?” But he didn’t; rather, he acted on that simple instruction and the Bible says the hand “was restored whole, like as the other.”

An instruction from the Lord, however simple, is for your benefit. When you’re in church for example, a consciousness of the presence of the Holy Spirit is so important. When instructions are given, comply. God always seeks opportunities to bless and improve our lives from glory to glory and many of such blessings are packaged in simple instructions of the Spirit

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the counsel I receive from your Word. My heart is attentive to the instructions from your Word and the Holy Spirit. Your guidance puts me over circumstances and challenges of life, to lead me in the path of success, victory, excellence and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me (John 14:30).

Demon spirits, if given a chance or a foothold, could harass, influence and even torment a Christian. Paul the Apostle enjoins us, “Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]” (Ephesians 4:27 AMPC).

Take for example some Christians who experience what seems like a nightmare, but actually more real an experience than a dream. In some cases, it could be an experience with some beastly figures. The person may be praying about these things, yet the situation lingers.

Oftentimes, it’s because Satan tries to maintain a connection between him and such individuals by sowing something in their hearts, such as a thought—an unclean thought. As long as such folks harbour and nurture those thoughts from Satan, a connection is established. So, even when they scare him off with the Name of Jesus, as long as his thoughts remain in their hearts, he maintains his connection and keeps coming back.

Sometimes, it could be fear. He plants fear and with that connection he keeps coming back. When you pray and rebuke him, because of what he’s kept in you which you’re helping him preserve without realising it, he keeps coming back. This is why, like Jesus, you must have nothing of Satan in you. He (Jesus) said in our theme verse, “…for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”

Keep your heart free from anything that’s of the devil. Refuse to harbour fear, anger, grudge, bitterness and unforgiveness. Let love rule in your heart. Never allow fear to take a hold of you, irrespective of the happenings around you. Jesus said, “...I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Luke 10:18). Never be afraid of him, for he’s a defeated foe, and has no authority over you.
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CONFESSION
I’m the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and I have the light of life. There’s nothing of darkness in me. Through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ by which I’m constantly cleansed and purified, Satan has no place in me. He has nothing in my life and I rule over him, in the Name of the Lord Jesus! Amen.

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4)  


It’s important for us to understand what’s meant by the statement “…baptized into Jesus Christ…”  in the scripture above. It’s different from dipping someone into water for a baptism. Water baptism is symbolic: when you’re dipped into water in baptism, you’re declaring that you’ve identified with the Lord in His vicarious death and burial. You’re brought out of the water in likeness of His resurrection.

The subject in Romans 6 isn’t water baptism. It’s the immersion of the believer into Christ, upon his proclamation of His Lordship and faith in His resurrection. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul the Apostle uses the term “in  Christ” when he declares: ...if any man be in Christ, He is a new creature....” You become one with Him! God sees you in Jesus Christ. When we say we’re in Christ, it’s not like having something inside a container; rather, it means we’re inseparably united with Him, joined with Him in one Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17).

Ephesians 5:30 says, “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches...” (John 15:5), meaning that we’re of the same stock with Him. You’ve become the expression of Christ. This is how you should and must think. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says,  “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…”; that  body is Christ.

Now that you’ve been baptised into Jesus Christ, the Bible says to walk accordingly, walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Walk bold. Be absolutely fearless, knowing that you and Christ are one. With Him, you’re indomitable—ever making progress. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
I’m inseparably one with Christ, for in Him I live, move and have  my being! I’m the embodiment and expression of His glory and divinity. My inseparable oneness with Him makes me supernatural, impregnable to sickness, disease and infirmity. No matter what comes my way, I’m bold and fearless! Glory to God!

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret (1 Corinthians 14:13). 

Many years ago, as a young teenager, I was preparing, alongside my friends, for a crusade; so, we met often, praying and fasting, with words of prophecy. One day, I arrived early to pray ahead of the others. While I was praying, speaking in tongues, I had the intuition that I was saying things in the Spirit that had to do with the crusade, but the words were coming out in tongues and I didn’t have the interpretation. None of my friends, two of whom had the gift of interpretation of tongues, had come. 

I continued speaking in tongues and I was still feeling the unction so strong. Then, I said, “Lord, I need the gift of the interpretation of tongues so I can know what the Spirit is bringing to my understanding.” As I continued praying and speaking in tongues, suddenly, I received the interpretation and began to speak them out in English Language. Oh, how elated I was! 

Then I took my journal and began to write. I spoke the words and interpreted. And guess what? Those things that were brought to my understanding about the crusade all came to pass. Praise God! Interpretation of tongues is so important. Tongues and interpretation of tongues equal prophecy. And prophecy brings edification. 

As you speak in tongues in prophetic utterance, you can trust the Holy Spirit to bring the message to your understanding. If you thought you were blessed speaking in tongues, wait until you receive the interpretation. The experience will bring you such unspeakable joy! If you don’t have the interpretation, the Lord says to ask for it, and it’s His desire to grant it, through the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

PRAYER 
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit who has given me the ability to speak in tongues and commune with you in a heavenly language. I take advantage of this privilege, not only to declare divine mysteries, but also to bring them to my understanding through prophetic utterance, by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 
1 Corinthians 14:5; 1 Corinthians 14:12-19
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1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 7:1-53 & 2 Chronicles 29-30 
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 & Isaiah 3

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing (Genesis 12:2). 

God expects that when we receive His Word, we should live accordingly. When we have words in Scripture that show us principles of life or that give us definite instructions from God, we have to take heed; we have to take such words seriously and live by them. His instructions make great. 

Life becomes challenging, a labyrinth of confusion for those who don’t follow God’s Word but would rather act on human wisdom and intelligence. Take for instance, the experience of Isaac in Genesis 26. He received an instruction from the Lord not to leave his country to Egypt, because of the famine in his country. People were migrating to Egypt at the time for greener pastures so it made sense (human wisdom) that Isaac sought to leave Gerar to seek relief in Egypt. 

However, the Lord instructed him, saying, “… dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father” (Genesis 26:2-3). Isaac followed the Lord’s instruction and the result is penned for us in Genesis 26:12-13: he grew, waxed great, and became very great, so much so that the Philistines envied him in the same land that was impoverished by famine.

Follow the leading of God’s Spirit for your life. There’s no other way to greatness and a successful life besides following God’s plan, His instructions, will and purpose for your life. It makes no difference the pressure you’re under, yield to the Spirit for answers; don’t make impulsive decisions that’d most certainly worsen the situation. Consult and trust Him for guidance. 

The Holy Spirit knows and has the blueprint for your greatness and prosperity. Your greatness is His plan and His idea. He said to Abraham, “…I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). Never suppose that your greatness is dependent upon your works or anyone. As the seed of Abraham, greatness is in you, harnessed and brought to the fore as you follow God’s instructions and fulfil His purpose for your life.

CONFESSION
I’m the seed of Abraham, graced for greatness and anointed to be fruitful and productive in every good work. I’ve been ordained to prosper and to live in glory. Therefore, I live the glorious life, fulfilling my purpose and destiny in Christ. Great things are happening for me and through me, by the power of the Word and the ability of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 
Genesis 26:12-13; Galatians 3:29; Proverbs 4:13

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 6:1-15 & 2 Chronicles 26-28 
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2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 & Isaiah 2

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).  
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Imagine you were on a flight that was experiencing some turbulence and you were beginning to get worried. Then you heard the captain say, “Please be informed there’s some turbulence in the air, but it’s not a problem at all. So, sit back and relax; we’re fine.” You’re most certainly going to feel a sudden calm; the anxiety will disappear. Why? The captain says the turbulence doesn’t matter!
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This is the kind of assurance we have from Jesus in our theme verse. He said, “…be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Such powerful, comforting and uplifting words! In the midst of the trials, temptations, troubles; in the midst of the persecution and hatred, He wants you to be of good cheer, because everything is going to be all right. Never allow sadness and unhappiness in your life as a result of whatever you may be going through. You’re a victor in Christ Jesus.

TEven when things don’t seem to be going right, be unflustered. The Word says, “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2). That challenging situation is for your promotion and testimony. You live on the mountaintop, because you’re seated together with Christ in the place of glory and dominion. Therefore, when you face distressing situations, turbulent times, live above them.

Even when things don’t seem to be going right, be unflustered. The Word says, “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2). That challenging situation is for your promotion and testimony. You live on the mountaintop, because you’re seated together with Christ in the place of glory and dominion. Therefore, when you face distressing situations, turbulent times, live above them.

Christ has made us masters over circumstances. Now He wants you to display extraordinary courage in fulfilling His dream for you. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything…” (NIV). It makes no difference what’s going on; don’t lose your cool! It’s been written about you already that you won: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Cheer up, for your future is greater than your past. Praise God!
CONFESSION
God has separated me from the world and given me a life that’s beyond this world: a life of faith and victory through the Word. I live victoriously and triumphantly above sickness, disease, inflation and terror. I’m more than a conqueror because greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world. Hallelujah!

I pray that Christ may make His home in your hearts through your faith; so that having your roots deep and your foundations strong, in love, you may become mighty to grasp the idea (Ephesians 3:17 WNT).  
As a result of ignorance of the Word, some Christians sing certain songs that aren’t consistent with the New Testament. For example, some would sing, “Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me.” That doesn’t make any sense, because the Holy Spirit lives in you. He’s not in heaven; so, where is He going to “fall” from?
They could sing such a song and get so emotional and cry, thinking they’re getting blessed. But the truth is, they’re not really getting blessed; rather, such songs create a certain kind of unbelief that’s difficult to cure, resulting in their faith getting weaker and more and more ineffective.
How could a Christian be asking the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on him when the Holy Spirit is with us and in us forever? Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16). Since the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, He hasn’t gone back, and He’ll never leave us. It’s a painful thing in the body of Christ, to see God’s children in search of what they already have.
This isn’t unconnected with the reason for the Apostle Paul’s prayer in our theme verse: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith….” “Wasn’t Christ already dwelling in their hearts?” you may wonder. Yes, you’d notice he didn’t say, “Our hearts”; he was praying for the spiritually immature in Christ.
That’s how we pray for young converts, because they haven’t recognized the indwelling Christ. Sadly, many, including those who have been Christians for a long time, still require this prayer today because they haven’t recognized the indwelling Christ. They’re still in search of what’s right inside them. They want something to come from Heaven; yet, everything they could ever ask for has been granted them (2 Peter 1:3). Colossians 1:27 says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Recognize Him in you. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
Christ is alive in me, because He has settled and made His home in my heart by faith; everything about Him is resident in my spirit. I’m living the supernatural life, naturally, because Christ is in me. I don’t walk in darkness about anything, because I’m conscious of His light in my heart, guiding me in the path of righteousness, to fulfil my destiny in Him. Hallelujah!