…They Don’t Count At All

…They Don’t Count At All

How terrible when all people speak well of you; their ancestors said the very same thing about the false prophets [Luke 6:26 GNB].

God desires that every one of us to be successful. And depending on your level of success, you’ll automatically become a persona non-grata to some; you’ll attract adversaries. This isn’t out of place. Never be worried, downcast, feel rejected or sad if there are those who are against you, or those who don’t accept or approve of your success.

Actually, when you identify those who are against your success, you should be glad! The reason is that this world is so big, with a population in excess of seven billion people. Those who are against you left everything else just to be against you; that shows you’re very important. So, get excited when you’re criticized by your adversaries.

There’s something inspiring n what T.L Osborn said several years ago; he said, “when you see a man with many or powerful or influential enemies, mark that man, for he’s going places.” How true! You measure a man’s strength, worth or value, not by friends, but by the power of his adversaries. You measure a man’s greatness or influence, by the number or power of his enemies.

As long as you’re successful, your detractors will have you in focus. Once you’re no longer as radiant or successful as they think, they wouldn’t care. But you don’t need to bother about them, because they don’t count. When they come out against you, they’ll stumble and fall, because the Lord is your salvation. Never give thoughts and undue considerations to Satan, and the activities of wicked and unreasonable men that seek to bring you down.

Understand this: your daily life is the fulfillment of that which has already been written. The psalmist affirmed, “…when the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumble and fall.

Therefore, refuse to be distracted. Focus on what you’ve been called to do. There’s no need to pray about your enemies; instead, love them as Jesus said: “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” [Luke 6:27-28].

                                                                                  Confession

The peace of God garrisons my heart and mind in Christ, irrespective of the adversaries around me. My heart stayed on the lord who is my rock and fortress, my protection and my salvation. Now and always, I walk in victory, and in the dominion of the Word, reigning by grace through righteousness. Hallelujah!

Put Your Name There

Put Your Name There

The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth [3 John 1:1-2].

The Apostle John established the fact, that above everything else, it’s God’s desire that we prosper I all things: spiritually, mentally, physically and materially. God’s dream is for us to be excellent and live in divine health always. Someone might say, “But that statement in our opening scripture was specifically addressed to Gaius; so it’s not applicable to us today.”

Well, 2Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God…” therefore, this beautiful thought John penned down is from the Spirit of God, and it’s still as relevant today. Gaius has gone to heaven, the apostles have gone to heaven; we’re the ones on the scene today. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” His Word is for now; so, 3 JOHN 1:2 Isn’t for Gaius today; it’s for you, because it’s consistent with the provisions of the Gospel of Christ.

You might as well read the entire opening verse again, and instead of Gaius, insert your name. That’s what you do with God’s Word; you make it personal to you, because His Word is to you personally. When you hear or study the Scriptures, especially the Epistles, personalize the Word; insert your name. For example, don’t just read Philippians 4:13 as though it was only for the Apostle Paul. If your name smith, say, “I smith, can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

Take possession of the Word; apprehend it and make it yours. Don’t say, “He’s talking to us”; no! Say, “He’s talking to ME!” The Word of God is for you to live in, and live by. Always personalize the Word for your progress and blessings.

                                                                        Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, I yield to the Word, which prevails in my life, causing me to consistently make progress and walk in your glory. I prosper in my spirit, soul and body, and in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

As You Look You’re Changed

As You Look You’re Changed

Looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith… [Hebrews 12:2].

Everything the Father is and has is in Jesus. Colossians 2:9 says, “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. “ He’s the expression of the totality of divinity. Now you can understand why He said, “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” [John 14:9]. In the eleventh verse of the same chapter, He said,” Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me…”[ John14:11].

Therefore, to behold Jesus is to behold the Father. Today, we see Him in the Word, for He’s the living Word. He’s the beauty of God. Another beautiful thing is that the more you know Jesus, the more you see Him in, and through the Word, the more you know and see yourself, because you’re in Him. You can’t know Jesus without discovering yourself. The Bible says as He is, so are we in this world [1 John 4:17]. So, to know Him is to know yourself.

No wonder the Bible says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in glass the glory of the lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the lord” [2 Corinthians 3:18]. The glory of God is Jesus Christ; He’s the effulgence or brightness of God’s glory, and the express image of His person [Hebrews 1:3]. Thus, as you behold the glory of God in the mirror of God [His Word], you’re transfigured from glory to glory. The more you behold Him I the Word, the more you see that you’re exactly like Him: the perfect reflection and reflector of God’s glory.

Keep your eyes on Him and be continually metamorphosed from glory to glory. James 1:25 says anyone who continues to look is blessed. In other words, he’s like a tree planted by the rivers of water, forever fruitful, productive, and prosperous in all things.

                                                                              Prayer

Dear Father, I thank you for your Word that transforms me from glory to glory. As I study and meditate on your Word, I’m metamorphosed, and positioned for the higher lie of glory and triumphs, filled with strength, courage, faith and wisdom to do your will, and fulfill my destiny in you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

You’re The Blessed Of The Lord

You’re The Blessed Of The Lord

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ [ Ephesians 1:3].

Notice the construction above; the Apostle Paul wasn’t praying or making entreaties or begging God for spiritual blessings, no! it’s an energetic outburst of luxuriant, profuse, and exuberant worship. He glorifies the lord who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms. He had the mentality that he was already blessed with all spiritual blessings that exist, and became poetic in praise. This should be your testimony!

Be full of praise to God because there’s nothing you don’t have, and there’s nothing you can’t do! You’ve been endowed spiritually with all things, and for all things. Why did Paul use the phrase “spiritual blessings?” It’s because if you have the spiritual blessings, then you have all earthly blessings, because spiritual gives birth to the physical. The lesser is included in the greater.

This world came from the spirit realm. The Bible says in the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth [Genesis 1:1]. God is a spirit; so, the spirit-world pre-existed the physical world. Therefore, the spiritual blessings are greater than the physical blessings, because they’re the ones that gives rise to the physical blessings. So, there’s no need to beg God to bless you; instead, become exuberant with Him in praise for already blessing you with all spiritual blessings.

He’s given you all things [1 Corinthians 3:21], and made you a partaker of his divine nature  [ 2 peter 1:4]. He’s made you sufficient in his sufficiency; to be fruitful and productive in every good work. He’s given you his spirit to lead and guide you in wisdom to fulfill your destiny in Him and be all that He’s ordained you to be. This should be your thinking, testimony, and worship.

Learn to say, “Blessed be God who has me in all things, and made me the testimony of His glory and revelation of his grace and righteousness.” You’re the blessed of the lord, and not only that, you’re also the conveyor and the vent of his blessings.

                                                                                  Prayer

Dear heavenly father, I worship and extol your Majesty today, for you’ve blessings in the heavenly realms in Christ. I’m conscious that I’m the conveyor of your blessings, imparting my generation with the blessings of your kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

We’re Of The Same Family

We’re Of The Same Family

And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise [ Galatians 3:29].

God chose to identify Himself in the scriptures, not as the God of all men but , as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In Exodus 3:15, He told       Moses,”…say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” He let Moses know that the revelation of Himself that He gave to those men would be the foundation for their relationship.

You may call Him the God of Elijah; that’s okay; He indeed blessed Elijah and wrought many great works through Elijah , but he never introduced himself as the God of Elijah. You may call him the God of Moses, Joshua or Samuel, but He never introduced Himself as such. He identified Himself with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

You might say, “Well, it’s a family thing: father, son and grandson.” Yes, but the beautiful part is that we belong to that same family. We’re connected to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You’re connected to the most sublime, prosperous, wealthy, and blessed family that ever existed. Galatians 3:16 says, “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.”

Notice that God didn’t say “seeds,” referring to Christ. And the Bible says, “And if ye be in Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” [Galatians 3:29]. We belong to Christ. We’re in Christ. Moreover, Romans 8:17 says we’re joint-heirs with Christ, who is the heir of all things and beneficiary of the Abraham blessings.

We’re of the same stock; from the same lineage and family tree. Not only has God identified Himself with us, He’s brought us into oneness with Himself. We’re in union with Him. We’re bearers of His Name, partakers of His divine nature, and carriers of His glory.

                                                                               Confession

I’m the seed of Abraham and therefore an heir according to the promise. I belong to the wealthiest and most sublime family there is, and I walk in blessings untold. I’m empowered to prosper, and positioned to be fruitful and productive, glorifying God with my life, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.