February 1

Job 9-10

Previously, Bildad the Shuhite had made many statements in his speech implying that all these misfortunes had come upon Job because he had sinned. Such afflictions do not befall the righteous, his thought was; If only the Lord truly finds Job is just, the Lord would deliver him, bless him, and set him up on high above his peers.  Now, Job starts by answering his friend, how can a man be just before God? This question asked by Job is of great importance to everyone living on this earth.  The truth is that no one can actually be just before the maker of heaven and earth. All our righteousness, at best, are all filthy rags. There is none righteous, not even one, there is only one who is worthy and can give us access into the presence of God. He is the only way and others apart from him are thieves, robbers, and hirelings. Jesus is our only saviour, redeemer and the only one that can make us stand in the courts of heaven justified without accusation. Those who believe in Jesus will not perish but those who reject him are condemned already because they have not believed in the only begotten son of God, filled with grace and truth. Job speaks further by analysing the fact that he and God are not on a level playing field which makes it impossible for him to contend or plead his case justly. For God is strong and powerful who created the heavens and spread them by his power, overturns nature and does wonderous things without measure. Sometimes, we can be quick to forget the greatness and might of God who made and sustain all things by the words of his power. Satan himself, is just one of the many creations of God and cannot match some of his creations.  Yet, most of the world are lying under his influence and yielding to his deceptions and manipulations. This is an affront to God, for those who yield themselves to evil do not know God at all and have no idea of what they are getting into or the damnation that awaits them after death. Many are blinded by science, religion, philosophies, and various teachings that hide the "truth" of salvation to them. Nevertheless, no matter where we find ourselves, if we seek to know the truth of God with all our hearts, we will certainly find Jesus. Job continues in his pain, accusing God of multiplying his pains and sorrow and even if he had a chance with God, he would not be held innocent. He believes that no matter how he pleads his case before God, it would make no sense since God is far greater than he is. Then Job wishes that if there was someone between him and God to settle their disputes, he would probably get on with life. Again, there is only one through which any man can get across to God, the man Jesus. During the time of Job, Jesus had not been revealed but we are blessed that our generation now has a way to knowing God and escaping his wrath through Jesus.  Now, Job continues in his speech which is tainted by the pain he is going through.  Is God one of us, like men? Does he have eyes like flesh, or does he experience the pains that we experience? Are the days of God like the days of men? No matter what I try to do, whether I am righteous or wicked, I cannot hold my head before God. My pain is too much for me, cease from punishing me that I may have a little comfort. Many people tend to think of God when they observe or encounter pain and forget that there is a devil. In this case, Satan was the arch enemy behind the calamity of Job. Through the power of Jesus, we can now trample over snakes and scorpions and overcome every power of Satan, and nothing can by any means hurt us.

February 2

Isaiah 23-28

Isaiah prophesies of the end of the commercial city of Tarshish and generally speaks of the end of time. He also foresees the great tribulation and the calamities that the earth is yet to face. In his visions, he sees the earth been hammered so hard from every side that it becomes upside down, with its inhabitants scattered everywhere. The book of revelation also confirms a tribulation period when the judgement of God will be poured out on the earth and the antichrist, often referred to as the man of sin, will be revealed. This man will be completely possessed by an evil spirit that would animate his every move.  His one world government will be totalitarian, and he would force everyone to have a chip either in his hand or forehead without which you cannot travel, buy, or sell. Without this chip, you would become economically incapable because this chip will be your identity and means of livelihood. The code of the chip will be six, six, six which signifies that you are now the property and bond slave of the antichrist and can no longer be redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Initially, many people had thought that these prophecies were mere fairy tales and could never come to pass. However, with the kind of changes we see happening in the world like the forceful requirement by government affecting the lifestyle of humanity, it is only a matter of time before these things will begin to manifest.  Isaiah also declares that it shall come to pass that the Lord will punish the host of the high ones. Now, who do these "host of high ones "refer to? These refer to Satan and his demons that deceives the whole world. A time would come when God brings to judgement all that is in heaven, on earth and under the earth. It is very strange that there are many people who are oblivious of the existence of spirit beings and the fourth dimension. They think humans exist on earth to live the way they like and then die, sort of like Solomon grandy and after that nothing else. Nevertheless, all evidence points to the facts that spirits exist, even the celebrities people adore take time to honour their gods in their movies, lyrics, interview, clothing, and awards. Isaiah also sees the coming of the Lord, proclaiming, in that day, the lord Jesus will come and establish his kingdom on the earth where every tear will be wiped away and all things would be restored by the word of his power. Those who trust in the Lord will not be put to shame for he will keep them in perfect pace whose mind is stayed on him for they trust him. Isaiah is assuring everyone who trusts the Lord never to be shaken by whatever happens on the earth but to be at peace. This kind of peace is a supernatural peace that only Jesus provides and is not impacted by the circumstances we face or the negative things happening around us. This is why believers cannot be afraid of the judgements of God which is meant to teach the earth righteousness. If God does not pour out his judgements, the world will not learn righteousness but continue in their ways of evil. The Judgements of the Lord are meant to purify the earth and to make all earthmen to know that God is still in charge of the earth and rules in the affairs of men. Every kingdom will come to an end and someday the kingdom of this world will be ended with all its possessions. While you are still alive, this is a time for you to make preparation so you can be amongst those that will live and reign with Christ in his kingdom.

February 3

Matthew 11-13

At this time, John the Baptist was in prison, and he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, if he was truly the Messiah and saviour of the world or should they be expecting someone else. John was going through some hard times and probably expected Jesus to supernaturally get him out of prison. He had waited for a while, but nothing was happening so began to doubt if Jesus was truly the Messiah. There are many people that have their belief and perception of who God is or should be. This is a free world, and we are all entitled to our philosophies about life and God. Jesus answered the question of John by sending proofs to him that he was the Messiah, these were proofs of the blind getting healed, the deaf hearing, lepers been cleansed, the dead raised up to life and the poor having the gospel.  The same Jesus still reveals himself to those who have genuine doubts about him or those wondering if truly he is the only way to God. Jesus is always opened to scrutiny and testing because that which is Light and true is opened for everyone to see. The bible declares that you should test and see that the Lord is good. Jesus is announcing to the world to come to him, and he would give them rest for their souls. Many people try to fill the vacuum in their hearts by searching for more money, getting more stuff, going to new places or trying to have fun. However, the vacuum of the soul can only be filled by the Lord himself whose yoke is easy, and his burden is light. Again, a man was brought to Jesus that was possessed by an evil spirit which made him blind and dumb. Jesus laid his hand on the man, rebuked the devil and the man was healed. There are many sicknesses and problems that are not of natural origin but caused by evil spirits, the solution to such sicknesses is to cast out the devil from the person. Thank God for doctors and modern medicine but the best of men are still men at their very best. Most doctors, who have practiced for a while should most likely have encountered patients that would not respond to medical treatments or manifest strange symptoms. The healing power of Jesus was so impressive that people did not know what to say but attribute his source of power to the prince of devils. This is the same today, people find it difficult to believe that Jesus still does miracles and think everything is of the devil. Do not get me wrong, there are many fake prophets out there, but the power of Jesus is still real as it was.  The dead is still being raised to life, the blind seeing, the deaf hearing and the power of sin is being broken. Whilst Jesus was teaching, some people came to him and said, your mother and brothers are outside wanting to speak to you.  Jesus gave a shocking response by saying that his mother and brothers were those who carried out his will. In essence, Jesus was saying that his spiritual family was the one he recognised as his true family. There are some that try to give great reverence to those that belong to the earthly family of Jesus.  Nevertheless, that which is of the flesh is flesh and that which is of Spirit is spirit.  The only way to become part of the family of God is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and do his will. Then, we would be recognised in heaven and our names will be written in the Lambs book of life.

February 4

Romans 9-10

Here, we see Paul unravelling the mysteries of divine election, grace, and the mercy of God. The Israelites where Gods chosen people from the beginning. The children of Israel had done nothing to merit this choice, but it was out of Gods own sovereign will. There are several records in the bible where the children of Israel chose to worship foreign gods instead of the God of heaven and earth.  God was angry with them and sent other nations to punish them and when they went through pain, they called unto God and he had mercy on them. Again, when they were at peace for a while, they went back to their gods and God punished them again. This cycle of human error continued until God sent his son to redeem the world. His son Jesus was to come from the nation of Israel and reach the whole world through his chosen people. Shockingly, the nation of Israel rejected Jesus and crucified their Messiah. Hence, the gospel of Jesus is available to whoever that believes irrespective, of where you come from or your religion. Now, one may wonder, why would God choose the nation of Israel when there were other nations? Why would Jesus be the chosen way to the salvation of mankind when there can be other ways? Paul answers such questions by asking, shall the one whom God made say why have you made me thus? In essence, are we in the position to question what God has done? What if God chooses to show his glory in a way we do not like or understand? Are we in the position to change the way God has chosen to do things or should we seek his will on the way things should be? Paul declares that Jesus has become offensive and a stumbling block to many people from getting to know God. This is because many people have refused to accept Gods' own choice, nonetheless, those that believe in him will not be ashamed. Paul speaks with great concern about the Israelites, praying that they would someday accept Jesus as their Messiah and be saved. The Jews prefer to follow a set of laws given to them by God but choose to reject the way of salvation the same God has provided. Our walk with God is meant to be continuous and progressive. Though God does not change, he tends to lead us differently every day. If we must be victorious in our walk with the Lord, we must fellowship and seek him daily. The children of Israel were stuck in their old ways and when God brought something new, they refused to embrace it. They preferred to hold on to the law, that required them to do many things to appear clean before God. The truth is that there is none righteous and none of them could meet up to the Law, they all fell short in some way. Even Moses, the one the laws were given to on the mountain of Sinai broke the two tablets containing all commandments the first day he came down. The Lord, in his wisdom has provided a better way which is to trust on the finished work of the perfect one, Jesus. Our journey in getting to know God starts when we believe in Jesus. As we continue to hear and hear his word we increase in our faith and knowledge of God. Remember, the greatest decision you would ever make on this earth is to relate with the creator of heaven and earth.

February 5

Genesis 20-23

After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham continued his journey and got to Gerar. He assumed that Gerar was like the other wicked nations, so he asked his wife to pretend to be his sister. In those days, kings had supreme power and could do almost anything they wanted. After living in Gerar for a while, Abimelech, the king of Gerar had a dream where God warned him sternly not to touch Abraham’s wife or he would die. For he had intended to take her to become one of his wives or concubines. God always has a way of protecting his own, sometimes in life we do not need to fight to have our way. We only need to be still and know that he is God. Jesus himself had the power to call down twelve legions of angels when he was been bruised, battered, and crucified on the cross but he had you and me in mind. He needed to fulfil the will of the father and ensure the redemption of mankind, so he submitted himself and went through the pains until the end. After Abimelech had his dream, he was afraid and restored Abraham’s wife to him. He also asked Abraham to pray for him as God had instructed. The bible says that the heart of kings is in the hands of God and like rivers of waters, he turns it the way he pleases. The problems in your life and our country are not too difficult for God to solve. As you continue to trust him, you would see him transform things in ways you can never dream or imagine. The prayer of Abraham was answered, and God gave children to the house of Abimelech. God also remembered Abraham and his wife Sarah got pregnant and gave birth to Isaac. At that time, Abraham was a hundred and his wife ninety years old. With God, your age is nothing but a number and no matter how much delays you may have faced, God can turn your disappointments into divine appointments for his glory. Notice here that Abraham's wife was barren, yet he was praying to God to bless a barren family. It was after this that God answered his own prayer. The bible informs us that God turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends. Never be overwhelmed by your problems or challenges, let your focus be on the Lord and keep praying for others with the same challenge and watch God answer your own prayers. In the process of time God asked Abraham to offer to him, his most precious possession, Isaac his son.  The one whom he had waited years and years to have. God always wants to get the best of us, he does not want us to give him a bit of our heart but all of it. We are to love the Lord with all our heart might and soul, nothing should be too precious for us to let go. God stopped Abraham from offering his son because what God really wanted was the heart. God is not after what we have but if we are willing to give what we have for his kingdom; it only shows we truly love him.  Because Abraham was willing to give one, God was willing to give billions. He said he would multiply the seed of Abraham like the stars of heaven and sand on the seashore which cannot be numbered. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity all trace their ancestry to Abraham, a man who was once childless, now the father of many. In our journey with God, we would go through different testing that would reveal what is truly in our heart. Are we seeking God because of ours problems? God is able to meet all our needs, but the best part is to desire to know God more and spend time in his presence.

February 6

Judges 1-6

After the death of Joshua, the tribe of Judah was chosen to go against the Canaanites. During their battle, they caught a wicked king named Adonizedek and they cut off his thumbs and great toes. Adonizedek confessed that he personally, had cut off the thumbs and toes of seventy kings. He was sure that what he sowed was now what he was reaping. One thing is sure in life and that is evil can never last forever also God knows how to reward the wicked in their own coin. Presently, Nigeria is saturated with evil ranging from Bokoharam, herdsmen, kidnappers, and many others. The truth is that those sponsoring this evil in Nigeria will never escape, no matter how high up they are placed.  Just like Adonizedek was rewarded in the same way he did to others, so shall it be to those that have destroyed this nation and shed innocent blood. This very year will be the year these evil men will all be brought down. The children of Israel served the Lord during the time of Joshua and the elders that outlived him. However, when all the elders that worked with Joshua were dead, the children of Israel yielded to temptation and yielded to their former ways, worshipping foreign gods like Baal and Ashtaroth. God was very angry with this attitude, and he let other nations come to deal with them and they suffered a lot. Even with that, God still had pity on them and raised up judges to deliver them. The bible says whoever breaks the hedge, the serpent will bite. The devil is constantly looking for loopholes to get a believer or bring accusation against him. Therefore, Satan is called the accuser of the brethren who accuses the believer day and night. There are many believers that have fallen by the wayside on their journey with Christ and given a leeway to the enemy. Different people fall for different reasons and Just like Matthew thirteen declares, some have fallen because their hearts are hard and they refuse to accept Gods truth, another group follows the Lord for a while and turn back when they face pressure because they are not rooted in God's word. Others seem to have started well but as they continue the journey, they fall for temptation of money, women, and the things the world has to offer. Finally, we have those refuse to fall for the enemy's tricks. These ones embrace the Lord and allow his word to take roots in their hearts and they end up yielding thirty, sixty and a hundred-fold return. God is willing to use anybody that is ready to respond to him. Just like he used Gideon and Deborah. Gideon actually had inferiority complex when the Lord called him, but God encouraged him and called him a mighty man of valour even before he accomplished anything. God is saying the same thing to you as well, that you are valued and important. It does not matter how many times you have fallen or failed just be willing to stand up and follow the Lord.  The Lord has a great plan and future for everyone no matter how messed up you think your life is. If you only believe, all things are possible to them that believe him. Decide to trust and follow the lord with all your heart and see how he turns your life around and makes you a blessing.

February 7

Revelation 1-6

David starts this psalm by asking, who shall abide in the tabernacle of God?  There is difference between visiting and abiding. There were two disciples who once followed Jesus and he turned and asked them, "what do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" where are you staying? Jesus said to them, come and see. They followed him and dwelt with him or abode with him. Abiding with the Lord is not a quick visit where you step in and step out but where you spend more time and absorb his goodness, wisdom, and grace. David gives some character traits of people that would abide in the presence of the Lord. These are people who work in righteousness, speak the truth, and stand for justice. As we walk with the Lord and continue in his presence, our character is being changed and perfected into the image and stature of Christ. The reason why you may observe some believers with certain character traits that do not bring glory to God is because they have not invested time dwelling in the presence of God. When one dwells in God's presence, you become empowered to overcome sin and the onslaught of the enemy is revealed to you. God shows you your errors and strengthens your character. When Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, his focus was to dwell in the presence of God for forty days where he received strength to overcome. Notice, his focus was not the enemy but the presence of the Lord, for he that dwells in the presence of the Lord will overcome the enemy. David continues his Psalm giving glory to God and gives a prophecy of Jesus, saying "For thou shalt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy one to see corruption". This prophecy came true because when Jesus died on the cross, he was buried for three days after which he arose from the dead. During this three days, the Spirit of Jesus descended to hell where the inhabitants needed to be enlightened on who the Messiah is. There were also those who were lawful captives that Jesus needed to set free. There are many mysteries in this world, but the name of Jesus is recognised in heaven, on earth and beneath the earth. This is the only name that evil spirits recognise and tremble. The presence of God unravels his path and will for you. You may be confused about some things going on in your life right now or thinking about making the right choice that will affect your destiny. I can assure you that God is not confused, has never been and will never be. As you dwell in his presence, you will see the Holy Spirit guide you in to making the best decision and bringing you out of every mess you may find yourself. The Holy Spirit is the most intelligent person from eternity past to eternity future and in between. He is willing to show you the paths of life for your destiny as you spend time fellowshipping with him. He would give you wise counsel that would perfect you and will always bring you victory at the end. In this new year, determine that you would spend more time in the Lords presence and observe how your joy is multiplied exponentially.

February 8

Job 11-12

The contention against Job continues but this time it is by Zophar the Naamathite. As far as he is concerned, Job is lying, and he does not agree with his statements. He believes God has been merciful to Job because he has not given Job the punishment he deserves. How could Job claim he is pure or clean in his eyes, what does Job even know about God and his wisdom? It is far deeper and higher than Job could ever comprehend or imagine. He then continues in the paths of his friends by urging Job to embrace the Lord and repent from his sins and wickedness. If only Job could put away his evil and wickedness, then his pain will be forgotten, implying that God would forgive and restore him from his misery. “And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.” However, if Job does not confess then his life will be like that of the wicked. Now, consider the pain Job is going through when his friends that should be a source of comfort are now pointing accusing fingers at him. The position of Job is so complicated and controversial that mere observation could not discern what he is going through. Sometimes Christians could be quick to make judgements about issues concerning the brethren without having insights into the spirit. The bible says as many as are led by the spirit of God are the sons of God and we would here a voice behind us saying this is the way, walk in therein. Diagnosing root problems with brethren can become devastating when we have not heard from the Lord. In essence, your good can be turned into evil when you base on speculation rather than Gods leading. Job could not hold this any longer but retorted back saying they are the wicked ones not him. He tells Zophar that nothing he says is new but the issue at hand here is different. If he were to look at it that the wicked are punished and righteous prosper, then why do the robbers prosper, yet they are evil? Job in his defence claims that it is no new knowledge that his calamity is caused by the hand of God. According to him, God has ultimate power to build and to destroy, to withhold and to overturn. “With him is strength and wisdom, the deceived and the deceiver are his.” In summary, what Zophar was saying like the other friends is that the calamity of Job was brought upon him because of his sins and God was punishing him. Jobs defence was that he does agree that this was brought upon him by God but not because of his sins. Again, both ideologies are wrong because they missed the fact that this was the work of Satan the deceiver, just like many believers do not discern the workings of the enemy in their lives. Another statement Job made that sounded quite spiritual was that “the deceived and the deceiver are his.” The bible is clear about those that are the Lords who walk according to his ways and statutes. Satan is against God and cannot be regarded as his so are those that walk as deceivers on earth. They are of their father the devil and are not the sons of light. God can use both the deceiver and the deceived for his purposes, but they will end up with their fathers, the one that they serve and live their lives for. It is great wisdom to seek out the reasons behind things in your life especially when you have faced repeated delays or setbacks. The Lord can always reveal the root of the issue if we can press further and allow him to lead us. Let us be like the Jesus who never judged matters by observation but what he was told by his father in heaven.

February 9

Isaiah -29-33

This chapter begins by revealing God’s disgust to “Ariel” and the judgement that would be meted on them. This is the first time that this name is mentioned in the bible. The question then is why would God refer to Jerusalem as Ariel? The word “Ariel” means Lion of God. The Lord used this name to remind his people that they were strong, powerful, and fearless like a lion. Yet, they had cowered and fallen into idolatry and the deception of the pagans. Their prophets had also fallen into a great slumber and no longer heard the word of the Lord. The people claimed to love God, but their hearts were occupied with something else. Most people were living a life of hypocrisy, they were not seeking the Lord with their whole heart. This complacent attitude towards God always leads to a spiritual slumber. When slumber has infested a person or a people, they find it difficult to understand the word of God. The bible declares, “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot: for it is sealed.” God is no respecter of persons and if you seek him with your whole heart, your eyes will be opened, and you will experience his grace, favour, and blessings on every side. However, whilst the people of God will be experiencing calamity, Lebanon will be experiencing the blessing of the Lord because they valued the word of the Lord. Perhaps, that would propel the people of God to seek him when they become Jealous of the blessing of the Lord to other nations. Again, God declares his anger against his people for going into Egypt for support instead of asking him for counsel and help. Presently, this world which we live in is spiritual Egypt and many seek the things in the world for counsel and support rather than the Lord. When we seek the Lord, his spirit will guide and direct us. The bible says, “And thine ears hall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” The source of all problems in the world is not yielding to the voice of the Lord. The corona virus is just the beginning of the shakings that would permeate the earth. The world must begin to realise that there is a God in heaven that ruleth over the affairs of men. No matter the shakings that befalls the earth, believers have an anchor in the Lord and a fortress.  God is jealous when his people begin to seek other means to solve their problems rather than the Lord. The bible refers to us as the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We are to give direction and hope to the world irrespective of the challenges that confront us.We must not be like the Israelites that gave themselves over to idols forgetting that they were the Lion of God. Christians must never be fearful because it is not trait or character of the kingdom. Jesus never exhibited fear during his lifetime even at the point of death. We are of the bloodline of the lion of the tribe of Judah and cannot be tossed to and fro no matter the changes that occur in the world. Let our eyes be focused on him and we would see ever storm pass like nothing ever happened

February 10

Matthew 14-16

At this time, Herod the king was married to Phasaelis but one day he visited his brother in Rome and fell in love with his brother's wife. The attraction was so strong that he divorced his wife and eventually married Herodias. Sometimes when the lust of the flesh takes over a man, he tends to lose his sense of reasoning. The bible admonishes that one of the fruit of the spirit is self-control which constrains us from yielding to the direction of our five senses. As many as are led by the spirit of God are the sons of God and the leading of God is to perfect and establish us. This action of Herod was against Gods law and John the Baptist condemned it vehemently. Herod was angry and then put John in prison for speaking against his actions, it was during this time in prison that John began to doubt if Jesus was truly the Messiah. Whilst John the Baptist was in prison, Herod’s daughter danced before him, and he was so captivated and enraptured by her dance moves that he asked her to request whatever she wanted. Of all things to ask for, the bible said she requested for the head of John the Baptist in plate because she had been previously instructed by her mother on what to ask.  There are many things we would have to consider here. Firstly, why would Herod be willing to risk everything to take his brother's wife? Secondly, why would Herod arrest John, the man he feared only when he spoke against his marriage.  Thirdly, how was Herodias able to perfectly anticipate what Herod would request also instructed her daughter before time on how to answer. I put it to you my friends that Herodias was a witch and from the events, we can clearly see the trends of manipulation. Whether you like it or not, witchcraft exist, and it is well practiced even in the twenty first century. The main aim of witchcraft is manipulation, that is getting you to do things you never intended through spells. Witches work with evil spirit to carry out evil all over the world. One can never know who a witch is except through spiritual insight and revelation.  Witches are known to feed on human flesh and blood, that was why Herodias was so interested in the head of John the Baptist which would be presented as a trophy in her witchcraft community. When we partake of the holy communion, it reminds us of the Lord, that we are part of his family and connected to his body by his blood. Hence, we are part of Gods family, seated in heavenly places far above all principalities and powers where the wicked one is restrained from touching us. Jesus once asked a question of a lifetime, what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loose his own soul? When one looks at the earth from space, the world is like a little ball and as you travel further, it becomes smaller like a dot. It is this dot that humans scramble to get a piece of all their lives, yet the soul of a man is more precious than all these things. What can a man give in exchange for his soul? Jesus is the true bread that satisfies the soul, and we should devote our lives on earth seeking him so that we can become a light to the nations and will be well prepared to reign with him in is coming  kingdom.

February 11

Romans 11-12

As previously discussed, the Israelites were Gods chosen people that he wanted to use to spread righteousness to the world. However, they rejected their Messiah and crucified him on the cross because he came in a way they did not understand. Now, Paul is asking a pertinent question, has God then forgotten the Israelites because they rejected Jesus? His answer is no, for God still has great plans for the Jews and there is a remnant that will eventually embrace the Lord. It was like when Elijah thought he was the only prophet left because of the terrible persecution by evil Jezebel, he was oblivious of the fact that God had reserved seven thousand men who had not bowed their knee to the image of Baal. God has a way of protecting and providing for his own. There are many Christians who live in nations where they face heavy persecution because of their religion and stance for Jesus. Many have been beheaded, imprisoned, maimed, tortured but some others have been protected supernaturally by angels all to the glory of God. Recently, in Jos, there was a boy and his fourteen friends that were supernaturally protected from the bullets of herdsmen because he was a believer with a praying mother. The bible declares that no weapon fashioned against us shall prosper and all that rises up against us in judgement shall be condemned. The leader of the herdsmen was so shocked that that he wanted to know the charm the boy was using. The boy simply told him this was not a charm but the power of Jesus. The Lord knows how to preserve a remnant and protect them no matter how evil, vile, or satanic the environment may be. Paul continues, that we must remember the gospel was only offered to us after the Jews rejected their Messiah. If the Jews rejecting Jesus gave us such opportunity for the gospel, what will happen when they finally accept the Lord? It would lead to the resurrection from the dead, which indicates that one of the signs of the end time will be many Jews accepting the Lord Jesus as their Messiah. As believers, we must continue steadfastly in our following and loving of the Lord with the understanding that what happened to the Jews can also happen to us if we are not focused on the Lord. Our journey with the Lord is that we are saved, we are being saved and we shall be saved which is a continuous process. The Lord is still the lion and the lamb, filled with goodness yet severe, the one who saves but still the one that judges, we ought to understand both sides of the Lord in order to walk with him more perfectly.  As believers we are part of the spiritual body of Christ but each of us have different physical bodies and gifts. All of which should be used to the glory of God. For example, the way we speak and conduct ourselves can be a witness to somebody. Our gifts are also not meant to be used only in the church or a spiritual setting but can be a blessing to even those who do not believe the Lord.  The gift of Joseph was used to bless the whole world during a crisis event, in the same manner we should be willing to use our gift to bless others in our circular space of influence.

February 12

Psalm 143-145

When Abraham was very old, he decided to get a wife for his beloved son Isaac.  Abraham delegated this task to his eldest servant and was specific that the wife must be from his kindred and not the daughters of Canaan where he dwelt. This act can be likened to God the father, sending the holy spirit to get a bride for his beloved son Jesus. The bride here is not just anybody but those from a chosen and specific race. This is why the bible refers to believers as a royal priesthood, a chosen nation, and a peculiar people. Notice that the servant asked, "what if the woman is not willing to follow me, what do I do? If this happens, should I bring your son back to this land again?" Abraham was very clear that the woman had to come willingly. This is the same rule that applies to anyone that wants to be a bride of Christ, you must accept the invitation willingly and by faith. When the servant went to search for the bride, he decided that whoever would be the chosen bride will be the one that passes the test. Now the test will be the bride that goes the extra mile in not just giving the servant water when he asks but giving his camels as well. Though salvation is by faith, the parable of the ten virgins allowed only the five wise because they had extra oil. The disciples in the upper room were already born-again but needed something extra, "the infilling of the holy spirit before they could enter and manifest in the kingdom". Do not get me wrong, you cannot do anything to earn salvation but if you are truly saved and filled by the spirit, you will be empowered to go the extra mile. Going the extra mile is only a sign that you have been empowered because faith without works is dead. Many Israelites left Egypt and they were all saved by the power of God and not of their doing. Nonetheless, what we find is that only very few of them entered the promise land because of their attitude on the way. They were not willing to go the extra mile with the Lord but complained bitterly and were wiped out in the wilderness. The Lords plan for us is that we seek first his kingdom with all our heart might and soul and all the things we desire would be given to us. When Abraham was old and about to die, he gave gifts to the sons of the concubines but to Isaac his beloved son, he gave all that he had. Now one may wonder, where did he get gifts to give the servants if he gave all he had to Isaac. This was an impartation of the father to his son of the knowledge and promise of God. This is far more important than materials or gift that was giving to the servants. Jesus declares that all things have been handed over to him by his father in heaven and when Jesus ascended, he sent the holy spirit to us. Just like Isaac, when we receive the Holy spirit, we are receiving all things because all we will ever need, and desire consist in the holy spirit. Before Jacob and Esau were born there was already a prophecy that the elder will serve the younger.  The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, and the Holy spirit can reveal many things about our lives and future. The scriptures will reveal to us what the general will of God is for us but as we begin to spend time in the presence of the Lord, we would receive guidance from the Lord about our lives and destiny.  There are many people who go to seek prophets to tell them about their future but that is not necessary if you are a child of God. Even Rebecca in the bible was not known to be a prophetess, yet when she enquired of the Lord herself, the Lord spoke to her about the future and destiny of her children. In 2021, make the decision to seek the Lord yourself, you do not need to rely on anybody to tell you the mysteries of your life. If the lord decides to use someone to speak to you that is great but let your number one pursuit be to know God and hear him for yourself.

February 13

Judges 7-11

Gideon, who once had inferiority complex was encouraged by the Lord and then instructed to attack the Midianites. Whilst he was on his way, the Lord told him to reduce the number of the people for they were too many. The Lord needed the people reduced so that the Israelites would not take the glory for the victory he was about to bring to them. The same scenario will apply to the new divided Nigeria that will emerge from all this mess because Nigeria is destined to be saved. Now, God does not require too many people, but he would use those available until this nation is brought to its knees and we would have no other option but to reconstruct Nigeria. when all is said and done, no one will be able to take the glory for the newly emerged nations, but all glory will go to God.  Gideon sent back home, twenty-two thousand people who were not ready, but the Lord said those left were still too many. God then gave a final test which was to bring them to the water to observe the way they drank, following this, two groups of people emerged. The first were those who were alert and were in a position that required them to drink water with their hands. The second were a bit nonchalant and knelt immersing their faces to drink water. Gideon was then instructed to take the first group that lapped and were more alert, this group consisted of three hundred people. One of the questions we should ask is why the Lord brought them to a place of water to separate them. The bible declares that we are sanctified by the washing of water by the word. The water here points to the word of God which is the place of separation between the chaff and the wheat. It is sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The word of God can discern the intents of the heart of men and divide the true from the false. Jesus is called the word of God and when he comes to judge the earth at the end of time, he would separate the sheep from the goat. Now, Gideon having just three hundred men was to confront his enemies numbering as grasshoppers and their camels like the sand of the seashore. However, God had a strategy for Gideon, this was not to use swords or spears but mere lamp in pitchers and trumpets. This looked quite strange because going to war would require you to use battle weapons, but God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. There are those who tend to despise others because of their background, education, financial capability and so forth. Such people miss out a lot, but a man of the spirit moves in the direction of the spirit and never judges by observation. For example, Jephthah was a man despised by his people because he was a son of a harlot and a destitute wandering in the forest. Yet, when there was trouble, he was the one that one chosen to the lead the Israelites to victory. The forest fortified him and brought vain men around him that formed his army. Gideon then commanded his 300 soldiers to break their pitchers, hold the lamps in their left hand and trumpets on their right hand and blew it. Then they shouted, "the sword of the Lord and Gideon" and this confused their enemies that they came out and started running. Gideon was able to pursue and defeat all his enemies with just a few men because he had the backing of the Lord. In 2021, as you keep trusting the Lord, he would use the little you have and accomplish great victory, for you your family, your community, and your nation.

February 14

Psalm 18-20

David was always seeking every opportunity to sing and give glory to God. David thanked the Lord for delivering him from the hands of his enemies and especially Saul. He recognises that the Lord is his rock, fortress and the one that delivers him. Sometimes we can easily forget and put our trust in a system, money, qualifications, jobs, achievements and so forth. These things are transient in themselves, and we must recognise that the Lord is our true deliverer and the one we can put our trust in always. When we take stock of the recent events that have taken place in the world especially in 2020, it only goes further to buttress the fact that nothing material is permanent, and the lives of men are as fleeting as the vapour of smoke. It is only by the grace of the of the Lord that we have survived the onslaught of the enemy in this season. David admitted to God that his enemies were too strong for him, and he cried unto the Lord who heard his cry. The life of a Christian is a life of battles and just like David, we are destined to win all our battles because we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. However, we are sometimes overwhelmed by battles that appear too strong for us and we tend to wonder when it would all go away. The bible declares that there is no temptation that will confront any believer that God has not already provided a way of escape even before the temptation showed up.  Joseph in the bible was once confronted by a temptation that seemed very attractive at the surface. If Joseph had yielded to that temptation, he probably would have been favoured by the wife of Potiphar and get away with many things, but Joseph saw this sin as great wickedness. His refusal to yield to the temptation brought him to prison just like the refusal of David to yield to the temptation of killing Saul made him spend extra time in the wilderness. In time we see that our God is always the God of justice that raised them both and set them upon their thrones. In his wisdom, the Lord deals with people according to who they are, with those that are pure, upright, and merciful, he shows himself pure, upright, and merciful. In contrast with the froward, he shows himself froward. Hence, it is important to walk with the Lord in truth and spirit and continuously seek his cleansing. If we choose to walk in pretence and deception, we will never get the best from the Lord. Saul was a man that was not willing to submit totally to God and be patient with the Lord. He was always looking at the people and their reactions rather than the Lord. He dispelled all the witches from the land, yet his heart was not clean before God, and he was not willing to repent before God and before the prophet. The more he pursued David, the more David became wiser and stronger, the more he understood the routes in the wilderness and the more he was fortified to become a king. The challenges in our lives come to make us and not break us so we should not run from them. We should embrace our trials which are far more precious than Gold and as we continue to trust the Lord, he will wield them and use them for his glory. The glory of the Lord is Lord is declared in the heavens, the law of the Lord is perfect and his testimonies sure. Humans are the one who are imperfect and that is why we require the perfect one, Jesus to perfect us. Let us set our hearts and desire to more than anything this year even more than gold.

February 15

Job 13-14

Here, Job continues his answer to Zophar by letting them know he has heard their words. As far Job was concerned, they do not have any superior knowledge than he does and no matter how they tried to package it, there was nothing new in their revelation to him of what they think is the cause of his situation. Job declares that he would continue to speak to the almighty and desire to reason with God. Again, this is always the good place to be with believers is to always reason with God more than men. For the Lord calls us himself saying, "come! Let us reason together, though your sins be as red as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow". There are many people who make the mistake of stop communing with God because of their situations and forget not realising that every solution to their problem is in the Lord. According to the Job, if they would have just kept their peace it would have been regarded as wisdom, but they proceeded to speak what they thought was right. In trying to defend God, they were speaking wickedly and deceitfully for him. Jesus is always our perfect example for judgement, he never tries to examine the evidence before him but always seeks to know what the heart of the master is about that situation. For example, when the woman caught with adultery was brought before him, he should have examined the evidence and condemned her, but this was not the mind of the father. The mind of the father was to reveal the wicked hearts and hypocrisy of the accusers and to set the women free from bondage and her devils. Job confesses that, "though he slays me, yet will I trust him". Though, this was a good proclamation by Job, the truth is that God was not the one trying to slay Job but the one who was proud of Job and boasting about him. God does not have any intention to destroy or punish any believer, but he does allow us to go through tries because we have been vested with enough power to overcome.  The bible says we could count it all joy when we go through divers’ trials because the trial of our faith produces patience that we may be perfect and thoroughly furnished lacking nothing. Job continues that he if he stops pleading his cause before the Lord who will do it for him? For if he stops speaking, he will give up the ghost. There is a lot we can learn from Job. The bible says life and death lies in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. When Jesus was on the cross after he had been bruised, battered, and shattered, he did not stop speaking. You must understand that he was going through intense pains from the crown of his head to the soul of his feet, yet he spoke more than the other men on the cross. He spoke to the thief on the cross, his disciples and to God and ended by entrusting his soul to God. Even though the Lord did not allow the cup to pass, he still trusted his father to the uttermost. Man, that is born of a woman is of a few days and full of trouble should not be the life of a believer. Remember, Job uttered this word out of his pain and distress. We should be full of life and conquest not just troubles because we are more than conquerors. When the enemy comes in one way, they would flee in seven ways by the power in the blood of Jesus. Do not get me wrong, trouble does come to believers, but we are to embrace our trials which are then used as steppingstone towards our destiny. Christians are meant to enjoy life and see every problem as an opportunity to reveal the glory of God in a new and special way.

February 16

Isaiah 34-39

This is a continuation of the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the day of the Lord and the end of time. A time is coming when the world that we are so accustomed to and love so much will come to an end. The day of the Lord will come when the world reaches its climax of sin and iniquity which brings forth his judgement.  All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree. We must understand that there is more than one heaven, therefore the bible declares that, in the beginning, God created the heavens – plural, and the earth - singular. Indicating that there is one earth and many heavens. The host of heaven that would be dissolved refers to Satan and his evil angels that have formed a barricade in the second heavens to try and intercept all that it's on its way to heaven and earth. It was from this region that that the angel Gabriel was intercepted when he brought the answer to Daniels’s prayer. These are the hosts that work together to accuse the brethren day and night under the leadership of the prince of darkness. The heavens shall be rolled, and we shall all see what is truly above and beyond the firmament when the Lord returns in his glory with the holy angels. These host shall be brought down forcefully because their end would be near, and this is when Satan will come down with great wrath to finally deceive the nations. Then the Lord shall begin to restore all things that was destroyed by the evil one and the introduction of sin. We are to be strong and not be of a fearful heart during these times. For behold, our Lord, the one who judges with vengeance will come and save us. Now, the king of Assyria had conquered many nations, and he now came against Judah but first sent his servant to Hezekiah. The words of Rabshakeh brought great fear to the hearts of the people and Hezekiah was heartbroken, covered himself with sackcloth and went to the house of the Lord.  This was the best decision he may have taken because when we encounter problems that we cannot handle, the best place to seek refuge and help is the house of God. There are many people that immediately begin to look for the support of others in times of crisis. People do have their place sometimes but the best remedy to search for is the Lord. It was in the house of the Lord that Isaiah met Hezekiah and gave him a word of encouragement. The Lord always bring a word of encouragement and direction, in this case, Hezekiah was to do nothing but to just watch and see how God handles the matter by causing Rabshakeh to have to go back. The Lord promised that by the way he came so shall he return for he will defend the city for his servant’s sake David. Now the Lord sent his angel which killed 185,000 soldiers of the king of Assyria. The Lord can solve every challenge in your life no matter how big it may seem.  Sometimes, he may require you to carry out certain instructions and at other times, the lord will want you to be still. No matter what the Lord requires of you, let your position be that you would trust him with all your heart.

February 17

Matthew 17-19

After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John unto a high mountain where he revealed his glory to them. One may wonder why after six days. There is a seven-year theory that is subliminal in all scriptures which reveals that the world is six thousand years old, and the Lord will return at the climax of the six thousand years. It will be to establish his millennium reign in the at the beginning of the seven thousand years. Understand that six is the number of man and seven is the number of perfections hence, Jesus only took men that walked closely with him to be perfected above. Likewise, all those who walk closely with the Lord on this earth will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air when he comes back in his glory and be made perfected in him. When they were in the mountain with the Lord, Moses and Elias were with him. Moses represented the law whist Elijah represented the prophets, we must realise that we cannot be perfected and complete until we are joined with them that has gone before us. We all constitute the body and need one another to complete the Lord’s work. Moses and Elijah had appeared to encourage the Lord to fulfil his destiny, for their destiny and the destiny of all was hinged on the Lord taking up the cross. Peter was tempted on building a monument on this encounter, but he was reminded that the focus must be on Jesus. When the disciples came to Jesus and asked why they could not cast out the devil, he answered and said because of their unbelief but he added by saying that this kind goeth not but by prayer and fasting. In simple terms Jesus was saying that you cannot attain the faith to cast out this kind of devils until you have fasted. There is a way abstinence from food can help us become more focused on the Lord and alert. Food makes the body heavy resulting in a slower response to the spirit. When Peter was cornered about his master paying tribute, Jesus accepted to pay the tribute to prevent offence not that he completely believed in it. Sometimes in our lives, we need to adjust to avoid hurting others for the bible exhorts us to live at peace with all men as much that lieth in us. Jesus talks about the power of agreement saying that if two people shall agree concerning anything, it shall be done by our father in heaven. However, the enemy uses conflict to stop people from coming together and agreeing in prayer. Therefore, the enemy facilitates divorce and separation on every level because he knows the power of agreement. Yet, when Jesus was asked if it was ok to divorce, his answer was that it was not so in the beginning. If you want to understand the perfect will of God, then go back to the beginning when God made all things well before the introduction of sin.  Sometimes, people ask, if there is truly a God in heaven why is there pain, suffering, sickness and evil. Why does he allow all these? They forget that there is a devil that goes around messing the lives of people all over the world. Adam and Eve lived a perfect and wonderful life in the garden until the enemy showed up. Even though we live in an imperfect world, the bible says we are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This means that we can continually experience the peace, bliss, and glory of God in our lives and families irrespective of what is happening around us.

February 18

Romans 13-14

Here, Paul is admonishing believers to be subject to leaders. All leadership has been placed by God no matter how evil they may appear. During the time of Jesus, Herod was the leader and Jesus never tried to resist Herod or criticise his policies. Also, Paul at the time he was writing this letter was under Nero who was wicked and blamed the great fire of Rome on Christians. There are spiritual powers that rule over the physical ones so our focus should be on the lord.  Nevertheless, there are some exceptions to balance these instructions and wisdom is of the essence. The bible says that there is a time for peace and a time for war and many nations could only gain independence when they revolted against tyrannical government. Overarchingly, government has been instituted by God to curb evil and instil order so becoming a patriot and law-abiding citizen is a requirement that every believer should imbibe. There are believers who are always looking for ways to circumvent the law and cheat the system, this is not the kind of Christians we ought to be. We are supposed to be examples and represent the Lord and his kingdom very well, in doing this, those who do not know the Lord will be easily won by our good conduct. The way we view other believers is also important especially when it relates to trivial things like what we eat drink or wear. There are many denominations that have built a doctrine out of these things and causing people to fall into bondage. Humans are different and will always tend to have different proclivities. Hence, we should not judge others by what they like or what they do not if it does not violate the commandments of God. We are all a product of our environment and teachings which help to shape our lives. It affects the way we see things and think, someone may see something that is neutral as evil. For example, there are many Christians that still consider jewelleries as a sin or women wearing trouser and even moderate drinking. Again, the standard of judgement is not us what we do or do not do, the standard is the Lord. This was why the judgement of Jesus was kind of different and sometimes shocked many people. He always judged by what he was told by his father despite what the law says, evidence or pressure from people. Please, let us be careful how we judge or point fingers at our brethren. Remember that these people are servant in the Lord’s house and are subject to their master who sees the circumstance of their actions and their hearts more perfectly than anyone can ever see. The more perfect way is to help and pray for our brother by finding ways that will make them grow in Christ and not be discouraged. We could also go the extra mile by denying ourselves certain things that may offend a brother at that moment even though it may be right but in this case we are considering the faith of our brother a higher value. For the kingdom of God is in righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy ghost and whatever promote these attitudes should be always encouraged. We are members of one body and if a part of your body is diseased, you will not despise it but support it to the uttermost. Let this be the attitude we adopt to support and encourage our brethren and bring out the best in them in this new year.

February 19

Genesis 28-31

Now, the same way that Abraham was concerned about his son getting a wife from his people. Isaac was also concerned about Jacob getting a wife in Padanaram and not the daughters of Canaan. This attitude seems to have been passed from generation to generation and still adopted by the Jewish people who hardly marry outside their own community. Prior to this time, Jacob had tricked his brother to get the birth right from him and now it was no longer safe for him to cohabit with his brother. Jacob was right in desiring the birth right because of the prophecy of his destiny, nevertheless he was not right in getting the birth right that way because a destructive means cannot bring about a constructive end. Now Jacob was headed towards Haran, the same place that his grandfather Terah died. It was also this same place that God appeared to Abraham again and instructed him to take the right direction to the place how would show him. So, Jacob was moving towards this area, got tired and used stones as pillows, in essence his head was upon a rock. He then had a dream where he saw angels ascending and descending upon the ladder and that ladder points to Christ. Jacob had that dream because his head was well positioned on the rock, we all need to rest upon the rock of ages and see how he reveals great and mighty things that we do not know. The ladder that connected heaven and earth was Christ and without him no one can have access to the father. Every step of the ladder is a spiritual experience of the believer, and the Lord would require every one of us to move in the direction of continuous spiritual growth until we attain to the measure, stature, and fullness of Christ. One may wonder why the ladder appeared to Jacob, at that time, Jacob was not fully submitted to God which implies there were still some attitudes and character traits attributable to a supplanter. Perhaps, the ladder reminded him it was his decision to grow and develop as much as he wants, he could press on till he ascends the ladder and encounters God. The same is true of every believer, we can be as close to the Lord as we want. As the bible admonishes, draw nigh to God and he would draw nigh to you. When Jacob awoke, he blurted out the following word "Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know". The will of God is not easily discerned and many times we may be oblivious of what God is doing. Hence, the believer should constantly be humble as a child and willing to learn in order to get the signals of the leading of the Spirit. When Jesus declared himself to the Jews, he was rejected because they did not understand their time of visitation, God was in their midst, and they knew it not. When Jacob asked the people of Haran to water the sheep their reply was that they could not until all the flock was gathered together then they would water the sheep. This points to Jesus the water of life; the disciples were not ready to feed the flock until Jesus was resurrected and the stone rolled away, and they were gathered in the upper room and filled. Only then could they feed Gods flock. This is same with us as well; we must seek to be filled with the spirit all the time.

February 20

Judges 12-16

After Jephthah lost his daughter that was sacrificed, he is later confronted by the men of Ephraim that falsely accused him of not asking them to fight against Ammon. They then proceed to put fear in him by intimidating him, saying they would burn him in the house with fire. Remember, his daughter, who he loved so much had just been sacrificed in fire because he had already made a vow to God. This is the same strategy the enemy uses against us to find fault in us and accuse us for he is known as the accuser of the brethren. Jephthah did not allow this get him down but gathered the men of Gilead and defeated the men of Ephraim because they did not know how to speak peaceably. The bible says we are more than conquerors and can never the intimidated by the tactics of the enemy no matter how manipulative it seems; we must be resolute until we overcome. Again, after the death of Jephthah and some other judges, the children of Israel went back to following other gods and he gave them over again into the hands of the philistines. Every time we go back to evil, it always brings back evil consequences of pain, suffering and death. This applies to either an individual, a nation or a community, when you add "d" to the word "evil" it becomes devil. This may sound funny but anywhere you find evil, the devil is not far from that place, but scripture admonishes us to give no place to the devil. It was now time for the Lord to deliver the children of Israel after they had been in bondage for forty years. The Lord decided to choose Manoah and use his wife that was barren. The ways of God are past finding out, she may have been mocked for her bareness, but the Lord was preparing her womb to bring forth a deliverer called Samson. In the time of waiting where sometimes experience barrenness or the wilderness experience, we must continue to press on the Lord and have faith for we no not the day of our visitation. The angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah's wife first knowing fully well the character of the man. Unlike his wife who accepted all that was told to her by faith, Manoah wanted to know the name of the angel, honour him, and thought he would die after he believed he had seen God.  Samson is now grown up and decided to get a wife for himself, but his parents advised him otherwise, however Samson was now a "big boy" and very strong, so he replied to his parents with a harsh and disrespectful reply, get her for me for she pleaseth me well. This was a disregard of the fifth commandment which says honour your father and mother and because he dishonoured his parents, at his wedding he was also dishonoured because his wife was given to his best friend. Samson was again angry with the Philistines; he found the jawbone of an ass and slew a thousand men with it. An ass is known as a beast of burden and in order to carry the burdens of others you will need a strong jaw which refers to praying. Samson killed a thousand men with this jawbone and the bible declares that one person will chase a thousand and two people ten thousand. In the life of Samson, he had loved many women but when he came to the valley of Sorek was when his downfall began, after meeting Delilah. There are certain places we should not go and certain people we must not meet. As believers, we need to be well positioned in the mountain of the Lord’s house or ascend to his hill. In that way, the enemy will not be able to reach us.

February 21

Psalm 21-23

David comes before the presence of the Lord singing and giving him praise and thanking the lord for his goodness. He declares that God has given him his heart desire and has not withhold the words of his lips. This is the desire of every believer on earth that their desires be granted but why is it we often do not get our prayers answered or desires granted? Is it that God does not want to give us answers to our prayers or our heart desires? Far be it from the Lord to withhold any good thing from us, for if he was willing to give us his son then he would be willing to freely give us all things? Jesus said that he would do whatever we ask in his name so that the father will be glorified in the son because answered prayers glorify the father. Nonetheless, the reason why we do not have desires of believers granted is that many of these desires are not in line with will and plan of God, also the Christian may not be matured enough which then propels him towards desiring the wrong things. Other times, the enemy hinders what we desire through his antics and manipulation. The secret to having all our desires met is seeking the kingdom first and all other things will be added unto us. David was always after the will of God that was why the Lord called him a man after his heart. He was so overwhelmed with God’s blessings, favour, and honour that he continually gave God glory in his praise and prayers him. This is another attribute we must learn from the lord which is that of thanksgiving, no matter how little and insignificant we may think what we are thankful for is.  There were ten lepers healed by Jesus and the one who came back to say thank you was the one that was made whole. David's thanksgiving and prayers gave him prophetic insights into the Lord Jesus on the cross. Hence, when Jesus said, “my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? He was only quoting the psalm of david that prophesied his situation. If the Lord was not forsaken, sinners could not have been accepted for the exchange of salvation was concluded on the cross. Just like David, if the Lord is our shepherd, we cannot want because the Lord is the one who leads, guides, and protects us to the place of supply. There are Christians who are always in need and want but this is not the will of the Lord. When we trust the Lord, no matter where we are, the Lord would locate us there and provide for us. Even when the one hundred prophets were in the cave hiding from Ahab, the Lord ensured that they were fed and provided for.  The Lord makes us to lie in green pastures just like a sheep, God will position us in place of comfort and satisfaction and rest. When we are exhausted and tired, his word restores our soul. Even though we are in the midst of evil, the Lord will protect us and we need not fear. The bible is filled with testimonies of supernatural deliverance. There are stories of people in our generation that have disappeared, have experienced angels stopped bullets and have been transported out of a car accident. The supernatural exists and still abounds today if only we can believe the Lord, all things are possible to him that believeth.

February 22

Job 15-16

It seems like Job friends may not have been able to contend with Job during his glory days and now was a good time to speak their wisdom to him as well. This time Eliphaz is the one speaking to Job and asking if a wise man like Job should be uttering such vain knowledge and filling his belly with the east wind. As far as he was concerned, Job was condemning himself by trying to justify himself before God. Job saw himself as innocent of all these calamities, but his friends always thought there must have been a mistake somewhere or some sought of rebellion. He proceeds to ask job if he was the first man born or if he was made before the hills? What is it you know Job, that we do not know ourselves?  Afterall, we have amongst you here people that are older than your father. They also asked Job if he had heard the secrets of God, with us, this is different. The bible tells us that the Lord does nothing until he has revealed it to his servants the prophets, hence we are entitled to secrets. Jesus said all that the father told him he has shared with us. We are blessed and privileged by the Lord to blesses us and shows us great and mighty things that we do not know. Again, the friend of Job begins to talk in some way insinuating that Job was the cause of his problem. Words like, "those who live by their own rules can expect nothing but trouble and the longer they live, the worse it gets". Also using other words that referred to Job as a hypocrite, saying that they will be desolate, and fire will consume their tabernacles of bribery. The words used here by Jobs friend was quite harsh because Job was misunderstood to be the cause of his own calamity.  This was actually far from the truth because Job as only the object and subject of contention. Sometimes we are misunderstood by the closest of friends and allies. This is the reason why we must continually put our trust in God and not man, for men are only mortal and subject to failures. Job was quite disgusted by these words and called his friends, "miserable comforters". He continues with his disappointment with his company that were to strengthen and encourage him with their words are now breaking his heart. Words are very powerful, and the bible says we would eat the fruit of our lips. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and we shall have whatever we say. Let us always be the ones that encourages the brethren and not tear them down. There was never a time Jesus ever blamed anyone even those that we guilty, but he healed them of their calamities and advised them to go and sin no more. Jesus always had compassion on people that moved him to heal and deliver them. Job continues to lament because of his pains and trouble that he is constantly facing, and he says, "my friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God". Even though Job was facing constant pain and disappointment, he was continually pouring his heart and frustrations to God. He goes further to say, "o that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleaded for his neighbour". We are blessed to have Jesus as our Lord, mediator and saviour who is constantly making intersessions for us before the father. Thank God for Jesus who saves us from all the plans of the wicked one, may hi name be glorified forever more.