Ponder

Quarter of a Yellow Year: Around the Word in 90days

(1st Quarter)

Around The Word in 90 days

Chukwuemeka Mbah

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**Ponder: Around The Word in 90 days** © 2018 by Chukwuemeka Mbah. All Rights Reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means

including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only

exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

Chukwuemeka Mbah

Visit my website at www.ponder.com

Printed in the United States of America

First Printing: Aug 2018

CLISA Publishers Inc.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

—

LUKE 2:19(NIV)

This book is dedicated to the entire Team PONDER with special thanks to Samuel

Chikwere Clifford, Amaka Odukwe, Henry Mascot and Sandra Onyedum for believing we

can take the whole word to the whole world. It is also dedicated to you for taking out time

to read.

Author's Note

Thank you for joining us on this 90-day journey around the word as we

ponder on what the Lord has to say. At PONDER we have the mandate

to take the whole word to the whole world for we believe that it's only

the Lord's word that can rescue our lost world. No matter where you

are in this Christian journey there's always a word for you. Remember

that man must live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the

Lord. Come on board, fasten your seat belt and let us enjoy the voyage

together. Thanks for choosing to ponder with us. God bless you

endlessly.

For: Team PONDER

**Chukwuemeka Mbah**

Around The Word in 90 days

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 1**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Mary Mary**

A tale of two Celebrities

**Text:** Romans 10:17

_King James Version (KJV)_

**So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God**.

**Message:**

he basic requirement needed to get enrolled in the Christian

faith is Faith. Also, the primary ingredient needed to please God

Tis Faith. In fact, Faith is fundamental in every Christian activity

that anything done without Faith is a sin (Rm14:23). Thus if one thing is

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needful, that thing should be Faith. Now, the question is how do we get

Faith? This will lead us to the story of two Mary's.

Like our text provided, Faith comes by hearing...the Word of God. Our

First Mary knew this secret that is why when Jesus visited their home,

while her sister was concerned with so many things, she decided to

embrace that which is needful: that is sitting at the feet of Jesus to hear

him. Mary was so devoted to sitting at the feet of Jesus to hear Him that

she fell in love with His feet to the extent she wasted a perfume worth a

year's wage on his feet. (Luke 10:39, John 12:3-5, Isaiah 52:7). We can't

get Faith outside devoting ourselves to hearing the word. The power to

obey the word comes with the hearing, that is why when Jesus says 'rise

and walk', the hearer gets quickened immediately to obey.

Tomorrow we will examine the second Mary. But till then meditate on

this:

**Ponder:**

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_Luke 10:42a (KJV_ )

But one thing is needful

**Prayer:**

Dear Father, I receive the grace to hunger more for your word than my

daily food. Let your word dwell in me richly till it becomes flesh with

tangible evidences. That I can say by the year end that so mightily grew

the word of God in me and prevailed over every area of my life... In Jesus

name.

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**Day 2**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Mary Mary II**

A tale of two Celebrities

**Text:** Romans 10:17

_King James Version (KJV)_

**So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.**

**Message:**

oday we continue on the importance of Faith. We've established

from the word of God that Faith comes by hearing...the word of

TGod. You can't believe God to do what he has not said to you.

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Around The Word in 90 days

Faith doesn't come by focusing on a positive thought with your eyes

tightly closed. Nah! It comes automatically by hearing the word. And it's

only by Faith that we can get God to perform. Thus the genesis of divine

action is listening to the word of God.

This takes us to our second Mary. When the Angel appeared to give her

the word from God, she listened attentively to the letter. Otherwise, how

do you say be it unto me according to your word if you haven't fully

listened and understood what is said to you?(Luke 1:38). Note, Mary

didn't find it hard to believe and obey the words of the Angel because the

power to believe and comply comes with the word. It's left for the hearer

to activate it by mixing faith with the word in order for it to profit him

(Hebrews 4:2).

That's why Elizabeth advised Mary that blessed is she that believed: for

there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the

Lord (Luke 1:45). Guess, what? Mary didn't stop believing. The Bible

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recorded that she kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart

(Luke 2:19). That means that Mary continually considered 'all these

things' deeply and thoroughly; that is what it means to meditate. Today

she's the most celebrated lady in the Bible.

If there's anything to take out from the stories, it's the very words of Jesus

that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth

out of the mouth of God.

**Ponder:**

_Matthew 4:4b (KJV)_

but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God

**Prayer:**

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Around The Word in 90 days

Dear Father, again I receive the grace to hunger more for your word than

my daily food. Let your word dwell in me richly till it becomes flesh with

tangible evidences. That I can say by the year end that I so mightily grew

the word of God in me and prevailed over every area of my life... In Jesus

name.

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**Day 3**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Almighty God Ltd**

A Company limited by shares fears

**Text:** Mark 6:5

_(New Living Translation)_

**And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among**

**them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them.**

**Message:**

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Around The Word in 90 days

part from a limitation to its liability, a Limited Company is

also limited to the object of it's business as contained in the

Aarticles and memorandum of association. That means it's

illegal for a company registered solely as a construction company for

instance, to start selling sachet water. Limited infers that there's a limit, to

which scope cannot be exceeded.

It's amazing how we have registered God as a limited company in our

hearts. How we have limited Him by our unbelief, sin, lack of prayers,

fear, small dreams, doctor's report, certificate, bank account balance,

salary, dogma, doctrines and traditions of men. We often try to cage the

Almighty within our small denomination or the experiences and

imaginations of our tiny hearts. We often think he's either unable or

unwilling to help us. Forgetting the verses of the scripture that say with

God all things are possible (Mark 10:27, Luke 1:37).

Paul had to remind us of how limitless our God is when he said,

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"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we

ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," (Ephesians 3:20).

However, the problem sometimes is not that you don't believe that your

heavenly Father is able to do the impossible, but rather, a lack of belief he

can come through for you. To that Paul also asked, "He that spared not his

own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also

freely give us all things ?" (Romans 8:32).

Think about it today and repent from anyway you've been trying to

rationalise and thereby limiting the omnipotent God. If he cares enough to

know the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7) what other details of

your life won't he be interested in? All you need do is to find out what's

limiting God from manifesting fully in your life, if you ask Him he'll

show you.

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On the other hand, doubting the efficacy of God's word to you is like

tempting God, more so, it's another way of calling the only one who goes

by the name 'The Truth' a liar.

**Ponder:**

_Psalm 78:41(KJV)_

Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of

Israel.

**Prayer:**

Abba Father, I believe, please help my unbelief. Forgive me in anyway I

have limited you and please always remind me of times in the past you

came through for me. Thank you because you are mind-FULL of me. In

Jesus name.

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**Day 4**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Three Shades of Kindness**

Be mindful of Biblical adjectives

**Text** : Psalms 17:7

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right**

**hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up**

**against them**

**Message:**

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or some of us that have read the Bible from cover to cover over

time and can correctly predict succeeding lines and verses, it's

Feasy to get too familiar with the wordings of the Bible and take

them lightly. We become less attentive to the letters that they don't mean

much to us. Consequently we don't profit from every word spoken. That

could be the reason why 2 Corinthians 3:6 tells us that the mere 'Letter

killeth.' The spirit of the word comes alive when we ponder over it, and

we also know the 'spirit giveth life.'

It is necessary we pay attention to everything that is written, especially

adjectives used in the Bible. There's a reason why some words are used

and repeated over time for emphasis. Note that when read within context,

the Bible means all it says and says all it means.

Let's take a look at some adjectives used to measure God's kindness in the

Bible, using the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as an example. We have:

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Loving Kindness(Ps. 25:6), Marvellous Kindness (Ps. 31:21) and

Marvellous Loving Kindness (Ps.17:7).

It is Loving Kindness for a man to lay down his life for a friend and

Marvellous Kindness to lay down your life for someone you don't know

at all. However it is Marvellous Loving Kindness to lay down your life

for an enemy. Hallelujah!!!. To prove we were not just aliens but enemies

of God, Paul tells us in Romans 5:10 saying:

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death

of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

**Ponder:**

_Romans 5:10B_

... much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life ...

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Prayer:**

Lord I receive the power to meditate on your words day and night, for

wherein shall I make my way prosperous and find good success. Help me

Lord, in Jesus name.

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**Day 5**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Job Vacancy**

Position: Showcase Officer 1

**Text** : Isaiah 61:3b

_New International Version (NIV)_

... **They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD**

**for the display of His splendour**

**Message:**

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oday we will be putting our imagination to work on an issue.

Contrary to what the world may think and the systems of the

Tworld when it comes to recruitment, God often doesn't look for

those who think they are qualified because there's nothing else to qualify.

Rather, he looks for the unqualified to qualify them. Infact, your being

unqualified qualifies you to be used of God if only you are interested.

So let's imagine God is looking for someone to employ to showcase his

splendour, here's my guess on what the advert may read:

_The Great Commission of Zion Republic, with a global mandate is_

_seeking qualified candidates to take up the positions of Showcase Officers_

_across the continents._

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Around The Word in 90 days

_Job role:_

_The position holder is to be responsible for the display of_

_all the benefits and claims of the Commission._

_Will act as the brand ambassador._

_Will act as the heir of the MD/CEO and Chairman._

_Will expose all the adverse effects of the illegal trade_

_secrets of our competitors to our customers._

_Address all the health issues of our consumers and_

_prospective customers._

_Organise life capacity building sessions and educate_

_prospective customers on importance of taking eternal life_

_insurance policy._

_Customer attraction and retention._

_Represent the CEO in any location s/he is posted_

_Attend to any other duty that may be assigned by the CEO_

_from time to time_

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Around The Word in 90 days

_Qualifications:_

_Attitude- Broken and Contrite in heart [Ps. 51:17]_

_Be certified foolish and weak [1Cor 1:27]_

_Inability to speak will be an advantage [Ex. 6:30]_

_No academic qualifications required [Acts 4:13]_

_A shy and young inexperienced person will be preferred._

_[Jer. 1:6]_

_Poor and lower class citizens are strongly encouraged to_

_apply [Jms. 2:5]_

_People with other forms of disabilities will be considered._

_[Is. 6:5]_

_Send CV to -- >Jesus Christ:_

_Comehungryandthirsty@Jesus.now_

_Note : Even the non-shortlisted will be invited._

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**Ponder:**

_Isaiah 40:29(NIV)_

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

**Prayer:**

Righteous Father, I know for sure that without you I can do nothing. I

come to you as I am that your strength be made perfect in my weaknesses.

Make me a vessel for your noble use and use me for the display of your

splendour. In Jesus name.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 6**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Man-KNOW-Man**

in igbo- Í mâ Mmadù (IM)

**Text** : Jer 17:15

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and**

**maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD**

**Message:**

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once was interviewed for a juicy position in a top tier organisation

alongside a more qualified candidate. After the process I was

Iinformally hinted that I made it through and should expect my offer

soon. Then all of a sudden came a long silence, upon further enquiries I

discovered that the child of an influential politician who was still

undergoing the compulsory national youth service programme was slated

for the position though never showed up for the interview. Then it dawned

on me that I've been a victim of _man-know-man_. I guess you too might

have had your own experience.

It may not necessarily be wrong to leverage on our connections

sometimes, after all Elisha asked his host if she was interested in being

introduced to the King for favours [2 Kings 4:13]. However, depending

on your contacts, family background, network of friends, etc. is a sign of

idolatry and dependence on men, instead of God. Sometimes, when you

need people the most they don't come through for you. The Psalmist knew

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how useless it is to put our hope in man when it comes to fighting the

personal battles of life that he had to repeat it twice:

Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless (NIV) [ Ps.

60:11, Ps.108:12].

Therefore, seeing as it's proven that _man-know-man_ is sure to fail, why

don't we try _man-know-God_? If we invest the amount of time we spend

servicing our vital human relationships in knowing God, we will achieve

more than we bargained for and enjoy favours and privileges only God

can give.

Daniel who served in four different regimes of government, had this to

say about _man-know-God_ :

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Dan 11:32B (KJV)

"...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do

exploits".

Beyond knowing about God, do you know God?

**Ponder:**

Dan 11:32B

"...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits".

**Prayer:**

Dear Jesus,

I pray that I may know you, the power of your resurrection, and the

fellowship of your sufferings...(Phi 3:10). I've seen the power of your

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word, now I pray thee, expose me to the word of your power (Heb 1:3).

While the world may be clamouring for your acts, please show me your

ways as you showed unto Moses (Ps. 103:7). In Jesus name. Amen

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**Day 7**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **The Wedding Party**

And the unforeseen red thong

**Text** : Ephesians 5:27

_King James Version (KJV)_

**That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot,**

**or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without**

**blemish**.

**Message** :

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owards the end of 2016, Nollywood released an early Christmas

surprise with a romantic comedy by the name, 'The Wedding

TParty'. The Star studded blockbuster movie made a whooping

N200m in just 16 days far exceeding its N60m budget.

However, the mega fun that climaxed the movie at the wedding reception

could have been aborted because of the red thong found in the groom's

pocket as they rode to the venue. Obviously, he was innocent but that

didn't deal with the fact that he had a red thong on him. A friendly enemy

was bent on ruining his marriage and took advantage of his unguarded

moment (which she secured when he isolated himself from others) to sow

that evil seed of discord.

You know we can draw inspiration and spiritual lessons from that. God,

since He spoke to an erring prophet through a donkey has proven he can

speak to us through any medium. It goes without saying that we are the

bride of Christ [Is.54:5]. What may be likened to our church wedding has

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occurred when we gave our lives to Him, so what we are heading for in

this our Christian race is for the wedding party which the Bible refers to

as the marriage supper of The Lamb. The Bible puts it thus:

Rev. 19:6-7 (NLT)

_6Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd_

_or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder:_

_"Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns._

_7Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to Him. For the_

_time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride_

_has prepared herself._

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Hallelujah!!! You are tipped to be at the Lamb's wedding party not as a

guest but as a celebrant. However, remember our text that he's coming for

a church without spot, wrinkle or any such thing. Yes, it's possible you

may be without spot or wrinkle, but it doesn't end there. Do you have any

such thing? Do you have any form of 'red thong' in your pocket that may

threaten your making it to the heavenly wedding party? Are you without

blemish?

The heavenly wedding party is also high budget, star studded with all the

bible heroes you've ever heard of garnished with all the glamour and

trappings of divinity. I ask myself is there anything that could disqualify

me from making it to my own wedding party? Remember in the movie,

the familiar enemy was able to plant that evil seed when the groom

isolated himself and was unguarded in a compromised position. Take

heed!!!

**Ponder:**

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_Revelations 19:8 (NLT)_

"...She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear." For the fine

linen represents the good deeds of God's holy people.

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Unto you, who are able to keep me from falling [Jude 1:24], I recommit

myself. Please keep that which I've committed to you against that day [2

Timothy 1:13]. In Jesus name.

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**Day 8**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Who are you wearing?**

Celebs & Red Carpet

**Text** : Genesis 27:27

_King James Version (KJV)_

**And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his**

**raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the**

**smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:**

**Message:**

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t is said that the best thing a woman can wear is her confidence, but

it appears that red carpet reporters don't really share that view. In

Ithis world of fashion and daring designers, one of the commonest

questions female celebrities are asked on the red carpet is "Who are you

wearing?" Ryan Seacrest tried eliminating the "Who are you wearing"

question in 2010, and was criticized heavily for it.

It's easy to ascertain taste, and faster; to class people by who they wear.

Most times, our confidence is built by who we wear. Could that be part of

the reason why people are of the view that you should dress the way you

want to be addressed?

Who you are wearing does not only apply to fashion. It applies to every

other area of life. In politics, it could be the political party or godfather. In

career, it could be your referee or alma mater. In business, it could be

your brand or the franchise you enjoy. The instances go on. In the chapter

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we read today, Rebekah understood that wearing someone who enjoys the

goodwill you lack but need, can be a leverage. That is why she acted thus:

_"And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son_

_Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them_

_upon Jacob her younger son:..."_

[Genesis 27:15] KJV

This singular act among others enabled Jacob to approach his father Isaac.

This is similar to what we do now each time we put on Christ to approach

the Heavenly Father.

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If the smell of the raiment of the Son of Isaac smells so good to invoke

blessings, how do you think we are perceived now that we have put on

Jesus Christ the Son of God, and how much favour do you think we can

access from heaven? Most importantly we conform to who we wear.

That's why Paul said:

_"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,_

_and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the_

_flesh."_

[ Romans 13:14 ] NIV

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Again I ask you, Who are you wearing?

**Ponder:**

[Galatians 3:27] NIV

for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with

Christ

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Thank you for looking upon me only as found in Him. May I continually

take solace in Jesus Christ in whom I live, move and have my being

[Acts 17:28]. In Jesus name.

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**Day 9**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Friend Request +** �

Over 100 mutual friends

**Text** : Revelation 3:20

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and**

**open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he**

**with me**.

**Message:**

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as this ever happened to you? Let's say you are a single guy,

your friend starts offering you his unsolicited intel services

Habout some damsel, and after the whole briefing, you decided

to check things out for yourself. So you requested for her Facebook name,

after which you searched her out, checking out her posts and profile

pictures. At the end of the stalking season, you decided that this fellow

has caught your attention and you'd like to know her more and then you

send her a friend request.

You know that's how Jesus has been receiving intelligent briefing

concerning you [Gen. 18:21] and he's been checking you out and

weighing you [Dan. 5:17]. Unlike the girl in our scenario above, he might

have found you wanting, unattractive, weak, thirsty and hungry for

satisfaction. However, He still proceeded to send you a timely friend

request. That is why today's text tells us he's knocking at the door. And

guess what, even if you are hungry he's come with his own food ready to

sup with you.

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Today is a good day to accept the friend request of Jesus. Subscribe to the

Lordship of Jesus Christ in order to login to eternal life and browse all the

privileges of being among the sons of God.

Jesus loves you❤

**Ponder:**

[John 1:12a] KJV

But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons

of God

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Thank you for seeking out a sinful man like me to request for my

friendship. I accept Jesus Christ today as my Lord and saviour. Thank you

for saving me in Jesus name.

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**Day 10**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Growing back your hair**

**Text** : Judges 16:22

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was**

**shaven**.

**Message** :

osing your hair involuntarily can be embarrassing, but it

happens to millions of people across gender. Anyone can get

Lbald spots and lose hair. People may lose hair from an illness, a

bad diet, dandruff attack, etc., but most of all ...hair loss is hereditary. In

some cases, folks lose hair when their skin cells become damaged and

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stop producing the chemical keratin. According to Emily Ann, Keratin is

the key chemical that is used to grow hair, therefore one must produce

enough if interested in growing the hair back. A good way to make the

scalp grow hair back naturally is by drinking enough water and eating

adequate protein.

The importance of having hair on one's head can't be overemphasised. It

has both utility and aesthetic values. In the Bible, Nazarites are known

for growing their hair with a vow not to cut it [Num. 6:1-21]. There was

once a Nazarite [Jgs. 13:5] who lost the help of God's Spirit he enjoyed

because he failed to guard his hair [Jgs. 16:20].

Taking it a step further to apply it in our lives, the hair in the above

analogy could represent our spiritual strength, flair, zeal, passion and love

for God. It could also mean the holy state of our bodies that makes it

habitable by the Holy Ghost. Thus when a fellow retires from being a full-

time practising Christian to a part-time Christian of convenience, he has

lost his hair. When you lose your first love for God and outgrow your

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passion for His service, you are then baldt. How come you've become

bald without knowing? Isn't that the reason why the enemy has

successfully blinded your eyes and is afflicting you like the Philistines did

to Samson? You need to grow back your hair.

If you've lost your fervency and fire, thank God the story of Samson didn't

end there. He showed us how to grow back our hair. If you are in that

state of backsliding and you need your hair back, the Bible clearly says:

_"For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again,_

_and that the tender branch thereof will not cease."_

[Job. 14:7] KJV

Be like Samson who retraced his steps back to his source in the place of

prayers [Jgs. 16:22-30]. Don't waste your affliction, failures and

downtimes in vain. Let them be a learning curve. Don't let the guilt of sin

hinder you from reaching out to the only one who has power to wash

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away sins. Let your flaw get your knees on the floor and bring you back

to God. Let them make your hair begin to grow again. Don't be too proud

to ask for help, Samson asked for the help of a lad [Jgs. 16 :26]. It's

possible to be 100 years in the Lord and end up blind to spiritual truths.

Let that fervent new convert that can see guide your hands to the pillars.

Perhaps your case is not yet as bad as that of Samson's, but you are still

flirting with Delilah. Remember growing back your hair is not immediate,

thus you could miss out on irrecoverable precious moments while at it. It's

only curative and not as preventive as grooming and nurturing your hair.

Growing back your hair may take time, but like we saw in the first

paragraph, the right spiritual diet of word and prayer will get you there.

**Ponder:**

At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and

its new shoots will not fail.

_[Job. 14:7] NIV_

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**Prayer:**

Father please restore me totally in every way I've fallen in Jesus name.

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**Day 11**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: _**Noscitur a sociis**_

A word is known by the company it keeps

**Text** : Proverbs 13:20

_King James Version (KJV)_

**He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools**

**shall be destroyed.**

**Message:**

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ased on what we were taught, when it comes to the three arms

of Government, the Legislature makes the law, the Executive

Bexecutes the law, while the Judiciary interprets the law. In

order to give an accurate interpretation of the laws that will capture the

exact intent of the Legislature, the Judiciary often explores different

principles of interpretation. One of these, is _noscitur a sociis_ , a Latin

maxim which simply means- to understand the meaning of a word in a

given sentence, don't isolate it from the context in which it is used. Thus,

by looking at a word alongside other words listed with it, you can

decipher the meaning in that context in which it is used.

As you might have guessed, this principle is applicable also in

understanding humans. Jim Rohn, took the old adage, show me your

friend and I'll tell you who you are to the next level when he asserted:

_'You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.'_

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Around The Word in 90 days

Our text also re-echoed that we become the company we keep. Daniel's

success story is not unconnected to his relationship with his three friends,

they too associated themselves with the fourth man who came to join

them in the fire.

Therefore, in any area of deficiency that you desire improvement,

associate with those who are already successful in that area or are making

undeniable progress. The disciples of Jesus were able to do the kind of

things that Jesus did and much more because they kept company with

Him. Hence the scripture says:

_"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and_

_realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they_

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Around The Word in 90 days

_were astonished and they took note that these men had_

_been with Jesus " [Acts 4:13] NIV_

However, even when the icons you wish to associate yourself with are

beyond your reach and inaccessible, you can imitate the excellent things

you've seen them do to achieve the enviable results you admire. Scripture

encourages us to:

_'imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has_

_been promised.'_ [Heb.6:12]NIV

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Finally, still on our text, if your company defines you, why keep company

of fools? Are you a fool? From the biblical definition of a fool [Ps. 14:1]

it becomes clear why we are instructed not to be unequally yoked with

unbelievers. [2 Cor. 6:4]

**Ponder:**

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character..."

_[1 Cor 15:33] NIV_

**Prayer:**

Dear Lord,

We receive wisdom to be mindful of those we join ourselves with, for we

know there's hope when we join ourselves to the 'living'.[Ecc.9:4]. Shield

us from the company of fools and they which corrupt good character. In

Jesus name.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 12**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **ZAA**

Beyond an acronym

**Text** : Galatians 4:18a

_King James Version (KJV)_

**But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing,**

**Message:**

once was in a church service in a little city somewhere in Europe,

and the preacher made us repeat the word ZAA over and over again

Iduring his sermon. It felt as if we were in the children Sunday school

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class of some orthodox church. Then He took it to the next level, as we

were told things like- check your neighbour's ZAA level, ask him or her

if s/he has some ZAA, say Lord increase my ZAA, etc. At the end of the

day both the ZAA word and the Bible text where it was taken from stuck

with me.

ZAA means to be Zealously Affected Always. You probably might have

heard much about the adverse effects of having zeal without knowledge,

but it's equally unfortunate to have knowledge without zeal. Paul instructs

that our zeal shouldn't be occasional but always.

In doing the work of God, there are many reasons why we should be

ZAA. One, we'll make visible and remarkable progress in our own lives

that everyone can testify to [1 Tim 4:15]. Two, you'll become a very dear

valuable precious treasure, that God cannot afford to lose, as the scripture

captures it:

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Around The Word in 90 days

_"On the day when I act," says the LORD Almighty,_

_"they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a_

_father has compassion and spares his son who serves him ._

[Mal. 3:17] NIV.

This is what God has to say about those who serve and diligently seek

him:

_...I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.'_

[Isaiah 45:19b] NIV.

Paul adds:

_God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have_

_shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them._

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Around The Word in 90 days

[Heb 6 :10] NIV.

With regard to the work you are doing for God in your local assembly,

school, office, family, etc., are you zealously affected always? Or has

your love waxed cold as Jesus predicted would happen to many [Mat.

24:12]?

I have made a personal decision to be ZAA, what about you?

**Ponder:**

"...and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

_[Heb. 11:6c] KJV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

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Around The Word in 90 days

Please renew your right spirit within me. From whence I've fallen in my

commitment to you help me to retrace my steps back and love you with

all my being.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 13**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **The Fantastic Four Fourth**

You are now friends with Jay

**Text** : Daniel 3:25

_King James Version (KJV)_

**He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst**

**of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like**

**the Son of God.**

**Message:**

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Around The Word in 90 days

o you remember the interesting story of four young outsiders

that teleported to an alternate and dangerous universe which

Daltered their physical form in shocking ways? The four learnt

to harness their new abilities and worked together to save earth from a

former friend turned foe. I'll like to use the movie title to categorise the

four kind of friends I've observed from the Bible. Coincidentally, all their

names begin with the letter 'J'.

First is Jonathan the friend of David. These are the kind of friends you

don't deserve but they love to contribute to your success story. Despite

being in a level higher than yours, they prefer you to themselves and

believe strongly in you.

Second is John the beloved. These kind of friends aren't really adding

much to you per se, but something about them makes you enjoy their

company, share secrets with them and of course you can count on them as

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Around The Word in 90 days

family. You are often on the giving side of the relationship but you really

don't mind.

Next is Judas Iscariot. These kind of friends take advantage of you and

take you for a fool. Jesus knew that Judas was stealing from the welfare

purse but He turned a blind eye. The climax of their selfishness and greed

is shown in their willingness to sell you off to the highest bidder, but

when you're no more in their lives it dawns on them how truly foolish

they've been while with you.

Fourth is that fourth man in the fire that came through for the three

Hebrew children [Dan.3:25]. He is the one and only. He's very loyal to a

fault that they call him faithful[Rev.19:11]. He really cares [1Pet.5:7]. He

always personalises your issues as if they are his [Matt. 25:40]. Unlike the

first that may not always be there when you need him, the fourth is your

ever present help in time of need [Ps.46:1]. He's closer than family, hence

the scripture referring to him asserts:

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Around The Word in 90 days

_"...and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother ."_

[Pro. 18:24B]

The fourth 'Jay' really needs no introduction, He is the fantastic fourth,

He is **J** esus **C** hrist, the Son of God. Are you friends with Jay-Cee? If

yes, why not introduce your friends to this friend so we all can become

friends?

**Ponder:**

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his

master's business. Instead, I have called you friends.

_[John 15:15]NIV_

**Song:**

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� There's no other friend like the lowly Jesus. No not one, No not one.�

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**Day 14**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Krypton**

A greater than Superman is here

**Text** : James 1:15

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it**

**is finished, bringeth forth death**

**Message:**

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n the legendary Superman story we were introduced to Krypton, the

greenish substance that weakens Superman. From a review I read,

Iit's understood that Superman utilizes energy from the sun at the

cellular level. Kryptonite interferes with this process, but the method by

which this happens is uncertain. The radiation from green kryptonite

might interfere with and overpower the solar radiation providing

Superman with his powers. Kryptonite could simply interrupt some

organic process within his body the way that a plant's photosynthetic

process could be blocked. That is to say, if Superman functions like a

solar panel, then the radiation from kryptonite displaces electrons in

Superman's cells, preventing the movement of the electrons to create

energy flow (Wilson).

In each of these scenarios, Superman can no longer access the powers

gained from Earth's yellow sun, making him vulnerable and leading to his

death if the kryptonite exposure is sufficient and continuous.

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The same applies to us as Christians. I can imagine Jesus address today's

crowd and point to you saying, 'A man greater than Superman is here.'

Yes! You are greater than Superman. However sin is to you what krypton

is to superman, and just the way kryptonite makes a mockery of all his

positive charges from the sun, that's how sin attempts to frustrate the

grace of God upon your life till it achieves a total separation from God

which results in death. Scripture says:

_'...and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death .'_

[James 1:15] NIV.

The limitations in our walk with God and consequent delay in

manifestation among men, could be as a result of the Krypton we've

refused to do away with. Superman doesn't go around playing with

Krypton, as such, we cannot continue to make a habit of sin. [1Jn. 3:9]

Do you know who you are? You are God's son and your nature is

righteousness. You are 'one man plural', God looks at you as an

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individual and yet calls you a holy Nation [1 Pet. 2:9]. That adjective holy

is very important because he knows sin is a reproach to any nation [Pro.

14:34]. Always remember that Krypton take away the super from the man

just the same way sin seemingly keeps God away from us. Flee from

sin.���

**Ponder:**

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed

remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born

of God.

_[1 John 3:9]NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

I believe your word that says sin shall have no dominion over me [Rm.

6:14]. I walk into the consciousness of my new nature in you. I believe in

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the possibility of perfection as you my heavenly Father is perfect [Matt.

5:48]. So help me Lord in Jesus name.

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Day 15

★★★ PONDER ★★★

Topic: **Ifechukwu & Ifeoluwa**

Between Self-made and God-given

**Text** : Isaiah 64:6

_King James Version (KJV)_

**But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as**

**filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the**

**wind, have taken us away.**

**Message:**

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Around The Word in 90 days

ased on my understanding of the scriptures, there are two types

of righteousness. One is self-made, the other is God-given.

BBoth have works attached to it, but while the former pre-works

to attract God's mercy and approval, the latter post-works as a form of

gratitude for having obtained God's approval and mercy. The former is

based on pride, ignoring the grace of God that has been made available to

all and insisting on doing things 'your' way. The latter out of humility,

having received the gift of righteousness by faith, knows that faith must

be backed up with works, and as such works in appreciation and

understanding of the value of the gift given. The futility of good works

based on self-righteousness is illustrated in the fictitious story below:

Two students were meant to appear before their principal on a Friday

general assembly for inspection. As at Monday morning, both had

sparkling clean white shirts. Both Ifechukwu and Ifeoluwa believed that

to appear clean on the said date, one has to be mindful to keep away from

dirt and anything else that could stain their white shirts. Ifechukwu who

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was very determined to appear clean stayed away from the playing field,

sweeping of class room and everything she perceived could stain or dirty

her white shirt. Ifeoluwa did the same too. However, as at Thursday

afternoon, Ifeoluwa decided her white top needs to be washed, after she

had reasoned that staying away from dirt and stains is not sufficient to

keep a white shirt clean and thus she took it for laundry. On the other

hand, Ifechukwu after inspecting her white shirt on Thursday afternoon

believed she had done a good job abstaining from dirt and didn't see the

need to wash, rather she added a little perfume.

Then came Friday, and it was time to appear before the principal for

inspection. Both girls looked sparkling clean from afar, but upon closer

inspection by the principal, she noticed that unlike Ifeoluwa, Ifechukwu's

shirt collar which fastened around her neck had dirt marks probably as a

result of sweat, same with the arm pit region. More so, the tucked in area

were cleaner and brighter than the remaining part of the shirt. As a result

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of this, Ifechukwu missed the opportunity for an all-expense paid

excursion abroad.

Just like Ifechukwu, moralists and self-righteous people believe being

humane and keeping away from wrongs qualify them for the kingdom of

God, but forget that keeping away from dirt alone doesn't make you clean

nor spraying perfumes or charitable works. Nothing guarantees

cleanliness like washing, hence the scripture which says:

_Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but_

_according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of_

_regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ;_

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[Titus 3:5]KJV.

Thus, you do not stay away from dirt to become clean, rather you stay

away from dirt after you've been washed because you are already clean.

**Ponder:**

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who

believe.

_[Romans 3:22a]NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Daddy,

Thank you for your gift of righteousness. May I show appreciation for this

gift by living in accordance with this new nature in Jesus name.

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**Day 16**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **MR. NIGER D**

Move!!!

**Text** : Acts 17:28

_King James Version (KJV)_

**For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of**

**your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring.**

**Message: .**

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y growing-up years were fun-filled. My elder brother was

two classes ahead of me but I always tried to match-up

Mwith him academically. I remember returning from school

once and asking him what they were taught in school that day. His reply

was "MR NIGER D". This sent me into a brief moment of confusion.

Who in the world is MR NIGER D? What is his state of origin? I decided

to query him a little further so he explained to me that MR NIGER D is an

acronym for the characteristics of living things – Movement, Respiration,

Nutrition, Irritability, Growth, Excretion, Reproduction and Death.

_(Ugochukwu Onyeka)_

I guess most of us had similar experiences at our first encounter with

MR. NIGER D who told us the characteristics of living things though

himself is non-living. However, we'll go ahead and study him.

Let's talk about movement. Even though it may not be with limbs, yet

every living thing moves. Likewise, though the reasons for motion may

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differ, yet one common feature spirits have is movement. Spirits are

never immobile. The first introduction of the Spirit of God in Genesis

revealed Him in motion over the face of the waters [Gen. 1:2]. When the

devil gave account of himself before God, it was recorded he moved to

and fro the earth [ Job 1:7]. Our Lord himself being possessed of the Holy

Ghost moved about doing good [ Acts 10:38]. Again, we are put on notice

in respect of our adversary who moves about like a roaring lion in search

of whom to devour [1Pet. 5:8]. So the question to ponder on is- in my

spiritual walk with God am I moving or am I static?

The heroes of faith were known for moving, it was recorded of Enoch that

he walked with God until he was raptured. Has your walk with God

degenerated from a walk to a chill with God? Are you at the same spot

you were when grace found you? Jesus is saying to you today: " _Let us_

_move over to the other side_." [Mark 4:35]

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How can the Spirit of Him that raised Jesus from the dead be in you and

be motionless? The heights you seek in God are at the other side and you

can only get there if you move. Oya move!!!

**Ponder:**

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and

be taken forward to maturity...

_[Heb 6:1]NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Daddy,

Grant me more insight into these things. Thank you for your Holy Spirit,

may my stagnancy not grieve Him as I decide today to move. In Jesus

name.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 17**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **You're Fired**

Previously on the Apprentice

**Text** : 2 Timothy 2:15

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth**

**not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.**

**Message:**

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ou're fired' is a common expression for dismissing a

person from employment. Beyond that, it is the most

'Yanticipated line used in the NBC reality show (The

Apprentice) by its former host, Donald Trump. Apart from downsizing as

a result of limited resources, noncompliance to laid down rules and lack

of knowledge are top reasons why organisations lay off.

Let's look at lack of knowledge: From "he doesn't know the job" to "she

doesn't know how to talk". Both stem from deficiency in knowledge.

God has made us Kings (physical dominance) and Priests (spiritual

dominance) for His service [Rev. 5:10]. However, is there a possibility

that we could be fired? Let's look at the scriptures to see the reason why a

King was fired:

_"...Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you_

_as king."_

[1 Sam 15:23]NIV

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And Priests:

_my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. "Because you have_

_rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests" [Hosea 4:6A]_

Thus knowledge and obedience to the word of God is vital to maximise

all the benefits and trappings of our office as Kings and Priests. It could

be the reason why Paul appealed to us to study to show ourselves

approved unto God [2 Tim 2:15]. We know the opposite of approval, so

don't think it's impossible for God to say, 'you are fired!', when He

doesn't approve of you.

**Ponder:**

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood...

_[1 Peter 2:9]NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Dad,

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I choose going forward to receive and do your words. May I grow in

grace and knowledge of the Lord. So help me God. In Jesus name.

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**Day 18**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **MR. NIGER D**

Respiration

**Text** : Genesis 2:7

_King James Version (KJV)_

**And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and**

**breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living**

**soul.**

**Message:**

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n physiology, respiration is defined as the movement of oxygen

from the outside air to the cells within tissues, and the transport of

Icarbon dioxide in the opposite direction. From the definition it can

be inferred that the whole respiratory process kicks off when oxygen is

introduced from outside. It takes an input to give rise to an output just like

the way garbage out is dependent on garbage in.

According to our text, the formed man was lifeless and couldn't garbage

out the expectations of God, until he breathed into his nostrils the breath

of life and he became a living soul. Likewise as a seed of God, you share

in his DNA and have the life giving breath in you. God expects you to

breath into the nostrils of any area of your life that is dead or never lived.

It could be your finances, academics, faith walk, health, relationships, etc.

The power to bring to life is in your tongue [Pro.18:21], and you can only

bring to life by speaking. Hence Jesus said, ' _the words I speak to you are_

_spirit and life'_ [John 6:63]. God expects you in faith to prophesy and call

forth that dead situation before you back to life.

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_8I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and_

_skin covered them, but there was no breath in them._

_9Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy,_

_son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord_

_says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into_

_these slain, that they may live."_

_10So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath_

_entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet_

_—a vast army._

[Ezekiel 37:8-10] NIV

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Let the breath of God through his words enter into that dead situation

today and watch it come alive.

**Ponder:**

This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath

enter you, and you will come to life.

_[Ezekiel 37:5] NIV_

Hymn:

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

fill me with life anew,

that I may love what thou dost love,

and do what thou wouldst do.�

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**Day 19**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Ghostbusters**

A call to save the day

**Text** : Mark 3:14-15

_King James Version (KJV)_

**And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he**

**might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal**

**sicknesses, and to cast out devils.**

**Message:**

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he 1984 Ghostbusters focused on the three former

parapsychology professors that decided to venture into ghost

Tremoval services. They became famous for trapping pesky

ghosts, spirits, haunts, and poltergeists. Thus, the city always looked up to

them to save the day.

Like I'll always say to you, a greater than Ghostbusters is here. Believe it

or not, you've been mandated to rid people, systems, institutions, etc. of

devils. One of the reasons why you carry the Holy Spirit is to cast out

unholy spirits. Our Bible text tells us that Jesus has given us the authority

to evict evil forces. Guess what? It's not an advice but an instruction.

You might have tried in the past to cast out devils and nothing worked.

However, remember in the 1984 movie, the Ghostbusters were professors,

meaning they spent time with books, in the same way Jesus in today's text

expects us to first spend time with him before launching out.

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So launch out today knowing fully well that you have all it takes to deal

with all those evil forces causing disorder, violence, sickness, divorce,

rejection of the gospel, failure and every other anomaly. It's time to arise

and manifest your sonship rights. You were saved to save the day.

**Ponder:**

...and to have authority to drive out demons

[Mark 3:15]NIV

**Prayer:**

Abba Daddy,

I go forth in your power, uprooting whatsoever you have not planted

around me. Grace me with your presence. In Jesus name.

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**Day 20**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Mirror, mirror on the wall**

Beyond a rhetoric

**Text** : 2 Cor 13:18

_New American Standard Bible (NASB)_

**But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of**

**the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to**

**glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.**

**Message:**

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irror, mirror, on the wall... who's the fairest of them

all?" is what most people remember the beautiful

"Mbut insecure Queen saying in the 1937 Disney

movie, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'. The mirror helped to

reaffirm her of her self-worth by reflecting her matchless beauty.

However, the mirror on the wall is limited as it only answers one

question, unlike our God given mirror that answers all questions.

As Christians when we get weary and doubt our place in God we should

recourse to the mirror we have in the word of God. It will reveal to us our

true image. Therefore, whenever doubt creeps in, pick up your Bible and

say, Mirror, Mirror... who's:

1. righteous? [ 2 Cor 5:21]

2. healed? [ 1 Pe. 2:24]

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3. forgiven? [ 1Jn 2:12]

4. blessed? [Eph 1:3]

5. loved? [Jer 31:3]

6. secured? [Ps. 91:11]

7. beautiful? [Ps. 139:14]

8. complete? [Col 2:10]

9. got the greater one? within [1Jn4:4]

10. got all things? [1Cor3:21]

When you check out the answers provided in your God made mirror,

you'll notice that the answers are consistent, and the answers point to you.

**Ponder:**

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Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like

someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself,

goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

_[James 1:23-24] NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Dad,

Open my eyes to see me as you see me. May I keep my eyes fastened to

the word till I become all it says I am. In Jesus name!!!

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**Day 21**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Happily Ever After**

A possibility and a promise

**Text** :

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with**

**them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever**

**be with the Lord.**

1 Thessalonians 4:17

**Message:**

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airy tales are like burger, on top is once upon a time, below is

happily ever after and in-between is all shades of everything.

FThe crises experienced in-between the peaceful beginning and

the beautiful end do not reflect both extremes. However at the end good

prevails over evil and when we don't see that, we stay glued in hope

knowing that it must end well.

The same applies to us as children of God. Scripture says many are the

afflictions of the Righteous but the good news is that the Lord delivers

them from them all [Ps. 34:19]. Note that it said 'from them all' and we

know all means all. Paul went on to tell us:

_I consider that our present sufferings are not worth_

_comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us._

_[Rom. 8:18] NIV._

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Therefore as you go through trying times, face persecution, discriminated

against, broken up with, demoted, laid off, called names, cry in pain,

denied of your rights and robbed of your entitlements, all because of your

Christian faith, rejoice� because you know there's a promising ever after.

Paul further encouraged Timothy, his protégée to endure hardness as a

good soldier of Jesus Christ [2 Tm2:3].

The reason is because the Lord himself said 'He that endures to the end

shall be saved' [Matt. 24:13] and assures:

_And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and_

_there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,_

_neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things_

_are passed away._

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[Rev. 21:4] KJV.

Let these � be your hope and comfort. Let the hope make you stay pure

[1Jn 3:3], knowing that the Lord has promised an ever after with Him

[1Thess 4:17].

**Ponder:**

For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off

_[Pro.23:18] KJV_

**Prayer:**

Abba father,

Thank you for the ever after you've prepared for me. I receive grace to

endure to the end. In Jesus name.

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**Day 22**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Who You Epp?**

A call to service

**Text** : Proverbs 19:17

_King James Version (KJV)_

**He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that**

**which he hath given will He pay him again.**

**Message** :

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he meaning of the viral song 'Who You Epp' by Olamide (a

Nigerian artist) simply means 'who have you helped?' It is a

Tcolloquial slogan used by street people in suburbs of Lagos,

Nigeria. It's consistent with the popular saying that 'people don't care how

much you know until they know how much you care.'

However, it appears it's not only Olamide that cares about who you've

helped, God also is interested. In fact, he made it a yard stick for

measuring true religion, hence scripture says:

_Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this,_

_To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep_

_himself unspotted from the world._

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[James 1:27] KJV.

Paul in his letter to the Galatian Church, told them:

_Carry each other's burdens , and in this way you will fulfil the law of_

_Christ._

[Gal. 6:2] NIV.

Yes. That's what the scripture says: the laws of Christ is fulfilled by

carrying each other's burden. That is why those He let inherit the

Kingdom were those who fed Him when He was hungry, gave Him drink

when thirsty, visited Him as a stranger and in prison, etc., not even all

those that did 'miracles' in His name made to the kingdom [Matt.25:34-

38].

True discipleship is made obvious in love. Jesus told his disciples, _'By this_

_everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another'_

[ Jn. 13:35 ], not if you speak in tongues.

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Again, we don't give help in order to obtain God's mercy and approval,

rather we give help because we have received of God's mercy and

approval. Your Christianity is worthless if it costs you nothing. The

hallmark of Christianity is in affecting lives. God bless you as you

secretly help someone bear their burden today and always.

**Ponder:**

For whoever does not love their brother and sister , whom they have

seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

_[1John 4:20b] NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Daddy,

May I freely give as I've freely received from thee. In Jesus name.

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**Day 23**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Obiagu**

Brave heart

**Text** : Proverbs 28:1

_King James Version (KJV)_

**The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as**

**a lion**.

**Message:**

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biagu is made up of two Igbo words presumed to mean heart

of a Lion but literally means heart of a tiger. Either way you

Ochoose to interpret it, it's usually used in contexts that describe

a brave heart. The Lion, for instance, is known for its brave heart and is

not intimidated by any. Solomon in referring to Lion as ?, puts it this way:

_"...a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing"_

_[Pro. 30:30]NIV_

Bravery which is often used interchangeably with courage, confidence,

boldness, etc., is very important in confronting our day to day challenges.

According to William Shakespeare, a coward dies a thousand times

before his death, but the valiant taste of death but once.

God equally expects us to be fearless and courageous. When He was

commissioning Joshua He repeated 'Only be strong and be courageous'

[Jsh. 1:7&9]. The reason God frowns against fear/cowardice/ timidity,

etc., is because He's always with us to deliver us. He told Jeremiah:

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_"Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you "_ [Jer. 1:8]

Even the Psalmist confirmed the above scripture when he said:

_"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of_

_death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me ;..."_

[Ps. 23:4]

This was David's secret in overcoming the storms of life. Personally I

believe it's an affront to God for us to fear mere mortals when God

Himself is in and with us. If God has instructed that you approach his

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throne with boldness [Heb. 4:16] do you think He will be excited to see

you approach the mountains of life with fear?

Paul in his letter to the Hebrews, informed us that there's a reward for our

confidence [Heb 10:35]. So no matter the size of lemon life has served

you with, the Greater one who lives inside of you is saying:

_So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I_

_am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will_

_uphold you with my righteous right hand._

[Isaiah 41:10] NIV.

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Take comfort in these divine assurances and confidently walk through life

today and always from a victory stand point with your 'Obiagu'. Nothing

is bigger than your Abba Daddy.

**Ponder:**

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid

; do not be discouraged , for the LORD your God will be with you

wherever you go.

_[Jsh. 1:9] NIV_

**Prayer:**

Dear Daddy,

I believe you are always on my side regardless. I confront life challenges

with this consciousness. No more will I magnify my issues above you,

rather I'll tell them how BIG my Daddy really is. In Jesus name.

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**Day 24**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Abba Father**

My Daddy Daddy

**Text** : Romans 8:15

_King James Version (KJV)_

**For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye**

**have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.**

**Message** :

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magine I walk up to you for a chat and introduce myself to you as a

police officer. What would come to your mind first? Is there a

Iproblem? Am I being suspected for a crime? Or is there a security

concern, etc. What if I walked up to you as a 'NEPA' official? You may

probably think it's something connected to power supply, bills, etc. that

inspired my reaching out. The same applies to God. When He appeared to

Moses He introduced himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,

because he was in a mission to rescue his children, Israel [Ex 3:6]. He

revealed himself to Elijah as the Lord of Hosts [1Kg 18:15] perhaps that's

why he had a penchant for calling down fire against the enemies of God.

Some of these men of the old testament were in their best, servants of

God. However when Jesus came into the scene He said He will no longer

call us servants rather upgraded us to friends [Jn 15:15] and further

upgraded us to sons of God [1Jn 3:1]. Hallelujah!!! So the God of the new

testament has not appeared to you in an impersonal way, rather as "Abba

father".

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The word "Abba" is an Aramaic word that would most closely be

translated as "Daddy." It was a common term that young children would

use to address their fathers. It shows the close, intimate relationship of a

father to his child, as well as the childlike trust that a young child puts in

his "Daddy". So God is Daddy² and has installed in us the Spirit of his

begotten Son Jesus so that we, His adopted sons can be heard when we

cry out 'Abba Father.'

He's no longer just the God of 'XYZ' to you, He's your very own

customised Daddy Daddy. That's to say that the same God that had

Moses, Joshua, Daniel and Elijah as His servants is your Daddy Daddy.

If he could honour and treat his servants well, imagine the endless

privileges you're entitled to as a son.

**Ponder:**

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Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,

the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father"

_[Gal. 4:6] NIV_

**Prayer** :

Abba Daddy,

� Thank you for being my heavenly father.

In Jesus name!!!

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**Day 25**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Kiss and Tell** �

Nothing French

**Text** : Luke 15:20

_King James Version (KJV)_

**And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great**

**way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on**

**his neck, and kissed him.**

**Message:**

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kiss as we know it is the touching or pressing of one's lips

against another person or an object. Kisses are priceless and

Ashouldn't be treated as casual. It's safe to assume as a young

man that if the priest has not given you the permission to kiss the bride,

you should refrain from doing so.

Beyond the kisses made in France, there are cultural connotations of

kissing and it varies widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss

can express sentiments of love, affirmation, respect, submission, greeting,

friendship, peace, among many others. In some situations, a kiss is a

ritual, formal or symbolic gesture indicating devotion, respect, or

sacrament. It's based on the above context that the Psalmist appealed to us

to kiss (Submit, respect, bow to, make peace, love) the Son, otherwise we

perish when His wrath arises out of anger:

_Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your_

_destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who_

_take refuge in him._

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[Psalms 2:12] NIV

On the other hand, to Kiss and tell means to participate in something

secret and private, and then tell other people about it. Like we already saw

in the verse above, kissing the son is a personal invitation that guarantees

refuge and great deliverance when his wrath will be poured on all the

children of disobedience [Col. 3:6] KJV.

However, the Bible expects us to Kiss and tell. Yes, the deliverance from

God's impending wrath you're enjoying is meant to be broadcasted so that

others can join you to Kiss (make peace with) the son. The Psalmist was

known for kissing and telling, hence he said:

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_I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great_

_congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as_

_you know, O LORD._

[Psalms 40:9]ESV

Here comes my question, have you Kissed (made peace with, submitted

to) the Son of God? If yes, you've Kissed him, it's time to tell the world

about your blissful experience. You were called to Kiss and tell.

**Ponder:**

You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has

not stopped kissing my feet.

_[Luke 7:45] ►NIV_

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**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

I thank you for the privilege of reconciling with you through your son.

May I tell everyone around about this spiritual love affair. In Jesus name.

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**Day 26**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Love**

Non elective

**Text** : 1 John 4:16

_King James Version (KJV)_

**And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is**

**love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.**

**Message** :

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t the centre of our Christian teaching is love. It's the core of

our faith, the reason behind our redemption and the

Apersonality of the God we believe in. If love was to be listed

among the courses needed to be taken in order to secure entrance into

heaven, I'm sure it will definitely be a non-elective. To know God is to

know love and that's not negotiable.

To sum-up his descriptive essay on love, Paul asserts that love is the

greatest when compared with faith and hope. You might have wondered

why and how he arrived at that conclusion. So have I, but here are my

thoughts.

One, love never fails [1Cor. 13:8]. It may seem hard to digest but it's

true. When everything else fails, love will still stand. As mighty as faith

is, it can fail. If there was no possibility of faith failure, Jesus wouldn't

have told Peter that he prayed that his faith fail not [Lk. 22:32]. Love

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when used as a weapon, always guarantees victory. No wonder why we

are told to love our enemies.

Also, for something to be unfailing, means it must be very strong.

Scripture in trying to give us an idea of how powerful love is, said love is

as strong as death [SoS. 8:6]. The Holy Ghost (who's the most powerful

force on earth) manifests primarily through love. That is why we are told

the fruit of the Spirit is love [Gal. 5:22]. Everything else in the list is

found inside of love.

Two, Faith by itself is empty without love [1Cor 13:2]. This is because

faith is fuelled by love [Gal. 5:6]. Love is so accommodating and

understanding that it doesn't keep a record of wrongs [1Cor. 13:5], rather

it keeps busy covering up a multitude of sins [1 Pet. 4:8].

The reason why this little pinch on the subject of love is important is

because we are commanded by Christ to walk in love [2 Jn. 1:6].

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However, you cannot walk in something you don't know, talk more of

something beyond knowledge. It takes a deeper revelation and divine

enablement to 'fully' comprehend and walk in love. That's why Paul

prayed:

_And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge ,_

_that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God._

[Eph. 3:19]

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As the verse above� points out, when you know love beyond head

knowledge, it fills you with the fullness of God. This is because, God is

love and whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him [1Jn 4:16].

**Ponder** :

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love

[1John 4:8] NIV

**Prayer** :

Dear Father,

I want to know the love of Christ which is beyond knowledge in order to

be filled with the fullness of God. Enable me to walk in love. In Jesus

name.

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**Day 27**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **MR. NIGER D**

Nutrition

**Text** : Deuteronomy 8:3

_King James Version (KJV)_

**And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with**

**manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he**

**might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by**

**every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man**

**live.**

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**Message** :

If you've been following up on our series on MR. NIGER D, you'll notice

we've been mirroring this biological reality from a Spiritual perspective,

and we'll be looking at Nutrition today.

Nutrition is the ability of living organisms to feed. The reason for feeding

is to enable living things live and carry out life processes such as growth,

reproduction, etc. Likewise since our Spirit man has been regenerated, it

needs nutrition to be able to carry out spiritual life processes, such as

growth, reproduction, movement, etc.

However, the kind of food your soul needs is different from that of the

body. On pointing to the kind of nutrition that sustains the inner man,

Jesus made it clear that man would live by every word that proceeds out

of the mouth of God [Matt.4:4]. Just the same way the physical man

searches for his food, the inner man should in like manner be desperate

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for the sustaining word of God to remain spiritually alive. Jeremiah puts it

this way:

_Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was_

_unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called_

_by thy name, O LORD God of hosts._

[Jeremiah 15:16] KJV

Again, just the same way we have baby foods and adult foods in the

physical, there are diets for new converts and diets for mature Christians.

For new converts in Christ, Peter advised:

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_As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow_

_thereby_

[1 Peter 2:2] KJV

And Paul talking on the mature diet said:

_But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have_

_trained themselves to distinguish good from evil_

[Hebrews 5:14] NIV

Nevertheless, there's a regrettable trend: those who are meant to desire the

sincere milk of the word, as it relates to the elementary teachings of Christ

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[Heb.6:1] are in a hurry for power and hungry for hard core Rhema. More

devastating is a situation where those who have been in the faith for

donkey years still depend solely on Psalm 23 and selective of all the other

verses that promise blessings, without taking up spiritual responsibility.

Forgetting that to get the promise acquired you must follow the conditions

required. To such people, Paul has this to say:

_"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have_

_need that one teach you again which be the first principles_

_of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need_

_of milk, and not of strong meat."_

[Hebrews 5:12] KJV

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I may not know which of the categories above describes your current

walk with God, but today is another opportunity to take your nutrition

seriously in order not to be malnourished or consequently suffer spiritual

death.

**Ponder** :

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the

joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD

God of hosts.

[Jeremiah 15:16] KJV

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Feed us with your word. May it sanctify, enlighten, nourish and energise

us in Jesus name.

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**Day 28**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **#1 Jersey**

A goal for no goal

**Text** : Psalms 121:4

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep**

**Message** :

ccording to football bible, the reason behind the printing of

jersey numbers is simple: it helps referees and fans distinguish

Aplayers on the pitch. Numbered shirts were first worn in

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professional football by English clubs Arsenal vs. Sheffield Wednesday in

August 1928. At that time, starting players were wearing numbers 1 to 11

according to their positions on the field. The player manning the post is

traditionally #1 and often referred to as the keeper. Each player has his

role, for instance, the Keeper's major goal is not to concede a goal.

So let's go on our imaginative voyage. Imagine this life to be a football

match and you are making all the dribbles to achieve your goals but the

enemy keeps using his rough attackers and defenders to slow your pace

and keep you backwards with an aim of achieving his own goals in your

life.

How does it feel to realise that the one who wears your #1 Jersey never

slumbers nor sleeps? That your Keeper is known for keeping safe

everything that's under his watch? That no matter how hard your life is

tossed like a ball, that it will always end up in the safe hands of your great

Keeper? Paul had this conviction in him about his Keeper that he wrote:

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_For the which cause I also suffer these things:_

_nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have_

_believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that_

_which I have committed unto him against that day._

[2 Tim. 1:12]KJV

If Jesus is your #1 be rest assured that the devil can't score you even if he

has a successful dribble. No matter how hard the enemy tries, He that

watches your post is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you

can ever ask or think.

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**Ponder** :

I have not lost one of those you gave me.

[John 18:9] KJV

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

Thank you for being my #1 keeper. With you in my life I can be rest

assured that my future and destiny is secured. In Jesus name.

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**Day 29**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Verb**

A doing word

**Text** : Acts 1:1

_King James Version (KJV)_

**The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus**

**began both to do and teach...**

**Message** :

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he term 'verb', was gotten from the Latin word 'verbum'

meaning word. Verb is the most active part of speech. Among

Tother things, it's usually used in contexts that conveys an action.

That is to say a verb can express a physical action, a mental action, or a

state of being. In few words, a verb is a doing word.

Though not all sentences have verbs, but we know that the life of a

sentence is in the verb. This is because, verbs are the doing words needed

to vitalise a speech. In the same manner, the vitality in the word of God is

in the doing. In James' letter he advised the church that it's self deceit not

to verb the word.

_But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own_

_selves._

[James 1:22]KJV

I believe he said this for many reasons, one of which is: There's a blessing

that comes in applying the knowledge of the word. The blessing does not

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come with knowing but in doing what you know. Jesus from our today's

text began to do. He further confirmed it when he said:

_Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them_

[John 13:17] NIV

That means the word you know but don't do doesn't profit you. Another

reason we need to verb our faith is: The hallmark of our faith is connected

to our works. Yes! Action is the evidence of faith. Paul knew the

importance of adding some verb to our faith, that he likened it to the life

of faith:

_In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead._

[James 2:17] NIV.

You can't know too much and do too little or worse off do nothing. Jump

up this morning with a resolve to add some verb to your convictions,

dreams, knowledge of the word, etc. The life of faith is in the works.

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**Ponder** :

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is

dead.

[James 2:17] NIV

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

I resolve to take the step of faith by doing all that I've learnt from your

word. In Jesus name.

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**Day 30**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: ABC

Keeping it simple

**Text** : 2 Kings 5:13

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet**

**had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How**

**much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!"**

**Message** :

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here's more to ABC than just being the first three letters of the

English Alphabets. It can also be used to describe the rudiments

Tof a subject or to show the simplicity and ease connected to

doing something. Of a truth, this life is not that hard, some things are as

simple as ABC. It's said that life is both simple and complicated, but it

takes simple truths to solve complicated problems.

On the other hand, the demands of our Christian faith are equally as

simple as ABC. Yes, I said so. If you still have doubts, do you think Jesus

was kidding when He said, _"...For my yoke is easy and my burden is_

_light."_ [Matt. 11:30] NIV?

So, if you are carrying a yoke that's not easy or a burden that's not light,

you may wish to ask yourself where you got it from.

A typical example of His easy yoke is found in the great commission.

Despite how great the commission is, the fundamental part of it is still as

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simple as ABC. For instance, evangelism: some of us shy away from

evangelism because we think we don't know enough of the scriptures. We

want to wait till we've learnt how to talk very well in order to sound very

'photosynthesis' and convincing. To that Paul has this to say:

_"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power"_

[1 Cor. 4:20] NIV.

Still on evangelism, there are three key things you may wish to talk on

when sharing your faith with others. As you might have correctly

predicted they are equally as simple as ABC:

A. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Accept you are a Sinner. [Rom. 3:23]

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B. Believe in the salvation that's connected to Lordship of the

resurrected Jesus Christ. [Rom. 10:9-10]

C. Confess Him (Jesus) as Lord after having Confessed and

renounced your sins. [Rom. 10:9-13]

Next time you see a mountain standing on your way, remember that the

formula needed to take it off your sight might be as simple as ABC. Keep

it simple.

**Ponder:**

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his

subtility, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in

Christ.

[2 Corinthians 11:3] KJV

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**Prayer:**

Dear Lord,

Thank you for making your requirements less complicated. Please help

discover the simple truths I need. In Jesus name.

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**Day 31**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Prayer**

Surest way to be heard

**Text** : Ephesians 6:18

_New International Version (NIV)_

**And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and**

**requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for**

**all the Lord's people.**

**Message** :

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believe prayer is the link by which humanity connects to divinity. It

is the life wire of our spiritual life and part of the means of keeping

Iit active. That's why it is widely believed that a prayer less Christian

is a powerless Christian. There are so many reasons why we pray. The

Christian life we live by faith [Heb. 10:38], which has its faith powered

by love [Gal. 5:6], is only made available through grace [Eph. 2:8],

sustained by grace [1Cor. 15:10] and grace itself is obtained in the place

of prayers [Heb. 4:16].

Jesus maintained that men should pray always [Lk. 18:1]. Paul amplified

the words of Christ in our text for today. Yet some people fail to pray

because they think their manner of prayer is not conventional and so may

not be heard. I sometimes hear people wonder at how some

denominations say their prayers, and I'm like, 'since you are not the one

that answers prayers, it's really none of your business!'. That they don't

pray the way you know to do doesn't necessarily mean they pray amiss.

Paul in our text said all manner of prayers not some special kind. What

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matters in prayer is the heart and that's why scripture says the heartfelt

prayers of the Righteous make tremendous power available [James 5:16].

On the other hand, some believe their sins are beyond measure and

will make their prayers unanswered. And I ask, how else do you take

away sin if not by prayers? Besides, are you more sinful than demons?

Yes, are you? If demons could pray and get result [Mark 5:9-13], how

much more you that are made in the very image of God? Oya begin to

pray!

**Ponder:**

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should

always pray and not give up

[Luke 18:1] NIV.

**Prayer:**

Dear Holy Spirit,

Pray through me, for I am limited all by myself. In Jesus name.

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**Day 32**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Welcome to my Crib** �

Life of a Star

**Text** : Isaiah 56:7

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in**

**my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be**

**accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of**

**prayer for all people.**

**Message** :

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oday's topic is a popular line in MTV Cribs, which has

generated a loyal following among millions of MTV's audience

Tof teens and twenty-somethings.

Like its predecessor from the 1980s, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,

Cribs offers a voyeuristic glimpse at the fabulous, over-the-top mansions

that stars use to celebrate their success. The show tries to show that

celebrities, despite their eight-car garages and custom-built swimming

pools, are just people like everybody else. Cribs always makes a point of

going into the stars' kitchens and looking in their refrigerators, perhaps to

show stars do not necessarily eat anything out of the ordinary. Each visit

starts with the star opening his front door and saying, "Hi, I'm ______.

Welcome to my crib."

(Lifted & Edited)

I guess you already know where this is going, so let's imagine the

Morning Star (the Star of stars) himself opens the door of your heart to

cameras and millions of viewers globally, will he be proud to say "Hi, I'm

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Lord Jesus. Welcome to my crib"? Or have you not read that you are

meant to be God's home [John 14:23]? That God bought your body as his

exclusive apartment [1 Cor. 6:19-20] obviously more expensive than any

apartment on Rodeo Drive?

Still on my question, will the camera zoom capture a heart damaged by

porn, envy, covetousness, pride, fear, mischief and all sorts of vice?

There are two basic things we see in cribs: items and food. Aside food

every other item is a means to an end, i.e., tools used in getting things

done. Likewise, in this our human crib we use prayers as the universal

tool for every end. That's why Jesus insisted that his house shall be a

house of Prayers [Matt. 21:13]. Also when you look at Malachi you'll

notice that the essence of tithes and offerings is for food to be available in

God's house [Mal.3:10] and we know that the food for this human house

of God is the word [Jer 15:16]. Thus for food to be in abundance in God's

house means the word has to be in abundance, hence the scripture, 'let the

word of God dwell in you richly' [Col. 3:16].

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It's your responsibility to continuously build up and revamp this house

with the aim of making it more habitable for the Star of stars. In Paul's

letter to Jude he clearly charged us to build up ourselves and showed how

it's done:

_"But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your_

_most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,_ "

[Jude 1:20] NIV.

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And we know that Faith is the byproduct of the word of God [Rom.

10:17]. To re-emphasize the importance of the word and prayer, the 12

apostles (not some or 1 of them) agreed that the word and prayer should

be their chief focus [Acts 6:4]. You are God's crib, keep it holy and

inhabitable for his show off.

**Ponder** :

Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father

will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them

[Jn. 14:23]NIV

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

Thanks for your unfailing love. Please come and enjoy your home in me...

In Jesus name.

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**Day 33**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Prayer II**

Surest way to be heard

**Text** : James 5:16

_The Amplified Bible (AMP)_

... **The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes**

**tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].**

**Message** :

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oday we are continuing with our inexhaustible series on prayer.

We will stretch our study to find out why our prayers

Tsometimes lack the desired effect it's supposed to have. Could it

be that God takes pleasure in ignoring us? I don't think so, otherwise he

wouldn't have invited us to his throne of grace [Heb. 4:16] or instructed us

to call upon him in times of trouble [Ps. 50:15]. So what then could be the

problem?

Apart from praying amiss, our text reveals why some prayers we make

lack vitality. According to the text , prayer must be heartfelt in order to

make power available. Most of the recorded Miracles of Jesus were

preceded by "And Jesus being moved with Compassion...". There's a

place for heart connection in our interaction with divinity. You can't be

saying heartless prayers and expect it to have so much power. Have you

ever wondered why your mother's prayers over you are working? It's

because a key ingredient of prayer wasn't left out. Prayer must be

heartfelt. Why do you think Jesus wept before thanking God in the Prayer

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that raised Lazarus? If your prayer is casual and doesn't move you, how

do you think it can move God?

Again prayer must be continued, not a one off. Elijah prayed seven times

[1Kg 18:43] to attract the rain he had prophesied will fall. Jesus continued

in prayer in order to step down divine will. Scripture recorded he went

back the second time to pray [Matt. 26:42]. The parable in Luke chapter

18, was to show us persistence in the place of prayer. The widow kept on

pestering the Judge till she got an answer. You may have seen the cliche

Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH). Yes! Pray. Keep praying. If the

Holy Ghost doesn't move you, please by all means move the Holy

Ghost.... Oya begin to pray.

**Ponder:**

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should

always pray and not give up

[Luke 18:1] NIV.

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**Prayer:**

Dear Holy Spirit,

Pray through me, for I am limited all by myself. In Jesus name.

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**Day 34**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Heart** � **Break**

The flip side of love

**Text** : 1 John 2:1

_New International Version (NIV)_

**They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if**

**they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their**

**going showed that none of them belonged to us.**

**Message** :

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ccording to Greatist, Heartbreak is a term used to describe

crushing grief, anguish, and distress, often due to the pains

Aand strains of love. The experience of heartbreak can be so

intense that some scientists suggest it feels the same as physical pain. In

one study, people showed similar brain activity when they viewed a photo

of a former love and when they felt extreme heat on their arm.

So many things can be the cause of heart break but let's focus on lost love.

When people you know start becoming people you used to know, it

indeed hurts very much, having made yourself vulnerable to them by

opening up to them and sharing deep secrets. It equally hurts to know that

the people we care about the most are those we've empowered to hurt us.

In times like this, regardless of your gender, it's excellent to cry and take

out time to sober reflect till your healing process is complete. As a

Christian be thankful for such times because it's written:

_a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise._

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[Ps. 51:17]

Joyce Meyer once said that if we ever experience God's comfort in times

of mourning, we might be tempted to always look forward to such times

of pain. Also take comfort in the quote below:

_There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind._

C.S Lewis

However, one thing you should not do is to over appeal to someone to

stay in your life. No! It's unacceptable.

I was listening to one of T.D Jake's messages and he said:

_'When people can walk away from you, let them walk. Your destiny is not_

_tied to the person who left '_

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Guess what, that's so scriptural. When some of the disciples of Jesus

dumped him [John 6:66], he didn't go trying to talk things through with

them, rather he let them go. John, in our text for today, said the reason

why they left is because they did not really belong to us. Thus, it's not fair

for you to insist they stay out of their own will, because love does not

insist on its own way [1Cor. 13:5] and the only way the union can be a

success is if the two parties agree. Hence the scripture:

_Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so ?_

[Amos 3:3] NIV.

Let them go, if they no longer believe you are the right one for them.

Scripture says:

_Do not be yoked together with unbelievers_

[2 Cor. 6:14a] NIV.

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We have in the past interpreted this scripture to only apply to non-born

again Christians, but the truth is that no scripture is of private

interpretation [2 Pet. 1:20]. It can apply to many other things and that's

why it's compared to a double edged sword [Heb 4:12]. On that note, I

make bold to tell you that anyone who doesn't believe in you is a type of

unbeliever and you have no business forcing yourself to be yoked with

them.

Even if you were at fault and caused the walk away, so far as you've tried

to apologise and have repented, yet they still wouldn't stay, please let

them go. If they really loved you they wouldn't have left because love

covers a multitude of wrongs [1Pet. 4:8].

It doesn't mean that the person is a bad person, rather it does mean that

their own part in your movie is over. So why don't you fast forward to the

next scene? Like every other movie, at the end, it's going to be fine. If it's

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not yet fine, know that it's not the end yet. Hold that thought and perish

other thoughts.

Jesus is still in the business of loving you.

**Ponder:**

Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

[Amos 3:3] NIV.

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Thank you because you never give up on me. May I, like David, know

when to call it quit from mourning a lost cause and flip to praise. In Jesus

name.

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**Day 35**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Be my Val** �

A call to love

**Text** : John 13:34

_New International Version (NIV)_

**A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,**

**so you must love one another.**

**Message** :

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alentine's Day is a special day set aside to celebrate the most

confusing, abused, used, and misused four letter word called

V'Love'. According to Catholic Online, St. Valentine was a

priest with different stories concerning his life and arrest. A depiction of

St. Valentine's arrest tells that he secretly married couples so husbands

wouldn't have to go to war. Another variation of the legend of St.

Valentine says he refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, was imprisoned and

while imprisoned he healed the jailer's blind daughter. On the day of his

execution, he left the girl a note signed, "Your Valentine."

In any of the above, one thing was sure, he helped those who couldn't help

themselves. He gave a helping hand to people he hardly knew or have the

capacity to fully repay him. That's what God expects from us if we claim

we are religious. James had this to say:

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_Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look_

_after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being_

_polluted by the world._

[James 1:27] NIV

Of a truth most of us are kind and nice, but the problem is that we are

often nice to only those who can repay us or those who have been nice to

us. To that, Jesus has this to say: 'What do ye more than others?' [ Matt.

5:47].

As St. Valentine is celebrated world over today, across faiths, not for how

he treated his girlfriend (assuming he had one) or for anything solely to

his personal gain, if you listen attentively you could hear the faint voice of

that crippled street child saying, 'Be my Val'; the voice of that deserted

colleague, stranger, nerd, loaner, orphan, elderly, sick, sibling, widow,

parent, etc, saying, 'Be my Val'. Try doing something special for

someone who doesn't deserve it; someone who lacks the capacity to pay

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you back. Even those who take you for a ride and take your love for

granted can be included in your love list for today. It mustn't cost you

money but it must cost you your heart in order to be valued in heaven. It

may be a simple smile, 'hi!', hug, etc. Be a voice to the voiceless. Always

remember that the strength of the strong is made perfect in the weakness

of the weak.

Most importantly, remember to show love to yourself and resolve to be

better than you've ever been. Don't also forget those you care about.

There's a reason why your heart always goes out to them. In all you do

remember the second part of James' advise in the verse above: part of

loving yourself and others is fleeing from all appearances of evil. Happy

val.❤ Jesus loves you.�

**Ponder:**

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially

to those who belong to the family of believers.

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[Gal. 6:10] NIV

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Teach me how to continuously walk in love. In Jesus name.

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**Day 36**

**★★★ PONDER ★★★**

Topic: **Report Card** 

End of term fever

**Text** : 2 Peter 1:17

_King James Version (KJV)_

**For he received from God the Father, honour and glory, when there**

**came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved**

**Son, in whom I am well pleased.**

**Message** :

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report card, or just report, communicates a student's

performance in character and learning. A typical report card

Auses a grading system to rate the student's performance after

which the teacher then makes a general comment on the comportment of

the student.

Parents rely heavily on the teacher's feedback in the report card

concerning their Children/ward while counselling them. One thing about

report cards is, despite the fact that it's confidential, fellow students

wouldn't relent from poking their nose to see the content. During my time

in high school, some students had the reputation of excelling beyond their

peers, that their report cards were as public as newspapers. Some others

were famous for failing that repeating a class was no longer a luxury the

school could afford them. Such students were always reminded of the

school's policy when all the chances were exhausted: 'fail and fail out'.

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Actually, Reporting didn't start today. It's been in existence since Bible

times. Stay with me and I'll show you the report card of one terrible bad

student who ran out of luck and failed out.

King Belshazzar:

_25 "This is the inscription that was written:_

_MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN_

_26 "Here is what these words mean:_

_Menee: God has numbered the days of your reign and_

_brought it to an end._

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_27 Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found_

_wanting._

_28 Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes_

_and Persians."_

[Dan. 5:25-28] NIV

Below are the reports of some excellent ones:

Moses:

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_He said, "Listen to my words: "When there is a_

_prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal myself to_

_them in visions, I speak to them in dreams. But this is_

_not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my_

_house._

[Numbers 12:6-7] NIV.

Abraham:

_For I know him, that he will command his children and his_

_household after him, and they shall keep the way of the_

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_LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may_

_bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him._

[Genesis 18:19] KJV

Job:

_Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my_

_servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is_

_blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns_

_evil."_

[Job 1:8] NIV

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Then to the most excellent one:

Jesus:

_And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my_

_beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased._

[Mark 1:11] KJV

What about you? It may not be end of term(life) yet, but from your

performance so far, can you predict what will be the content of your

report card?

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**Ponder** :

"His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant!..."

[Matthew 25:21a]NIV

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

May what is written concerning me be excellent as I make up mind to live

up to your expectations. In Jesus name. Amen.

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**Day 37**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Trade by Barter**

The best forex deal ever

**Text** : Genesis 47:17

_King James Version (KJV)_

**And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them**

**bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of**

**the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their**

**cattle for that year.**

**Message** :

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ccording to the book, Economics: Principles in Action, Trade

by Barter is a system of exchange where goods or/and services

Aare directly exchanged for other goods or services without

using a medium of exchange, such as money. Unlike any other medium,

the reciprocal exchange is immediate and not delayed in time. It is usually

bilateral and guarantees receipt of immediate value.

The Owenite socialists in Britain and the United States in the 1830s were

arguably the first to attempt to organize barter exchanges aside from the

biblical account we saw in our today's text. However, it has been heaven's

way of doing business on earth since our earthly money doesn't have inter

galaxy value (£$¥€ and N inclusive).

In my view, Jesus' sole reason for coming to earth was for trade by barter.

Yes, he came to negotiate the best forex deals ever, as we will see shortly:

Deals:

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�� Traded his son of God position for our son of man

state that we being sons of men might become sons

of God [Jn. 1:12; 1 Jn. 3:2]

�Traded his everlasting life for our terrestrial life [Jn.

3:16]

�Exchanged his healing virtue for the stripes we deserved

[1 Pet. 2:24, Is 53:5 ]

�Exchanged his priceless peace for our punishment [Is.

53:5; Jn. 14:27]

�Traded in his righteousness for our sin [2 Cor. 5:21]

�� Traded in his riches for our poverty [ 2 Cor. 8:9 ]

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As if all these weren't enough, He still promised:

_Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and_

_because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you,_

_nations in exchange for your life_

[Is. 43:4] NIV

Wow!!! One would have thought that the trade deal with Heaven will

require parting with our valuable possessions, but it's the other way round.

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Divinity is interested in purchasing the things we call pain in exchange for

the things we esteem as gain.

The list is endless. As you already know, trade by barter is usually

immediate. Jesus has fulfilled his own side of the bargain and he's now

awaiting you to fulfil your part, if you haven't already, by giving him

your sin, self, poverty, wounds, etc, in order to receive all that He has

given. You might have traded your sins for his righteousness but still

legitimising your continuous retention of poverty in your mind set as birth

right, whereas he has traded same for his riches. Be a gentleman and

honour the terms of trade by letting go.

**Ponder:**

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

[Mark 8:37]KJV.

**Prayer:**

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Abba Father,

Thank you for opening my eyes to all that you've paid for, may I let go in

order to receive all that you've given. In Jesus name.

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**Day 38**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Money Laundering** �

An intergalaxy crime

**Text** : Proverbs 21:27

_King James Version (KJV)_

**The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he**

**bringeth it with a wicked mind?**

**Message** :

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f there's any major crime African Politicians are known for abroad

(aside from violation of human rights) it will be money laundering.

IAccording to the book, "What is Laundering? Duhaime's Financial

Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Law", Money laundering is the

process of transforming the profits of crime and corruption into ostensibly

'legitimate' assets. It includes investing such proceeds in some lawful

venture or even charitable causes.

It's amazing how some of us indulge in some sort of spiritual money

laundering. We often try to enrich our accounts in heaven with ill-gotten

wealth, forgetting that we can't buy God over or blind him with mega

offerings, tithes, seeds, etc. from illegitimate means.

Money Laundering is an inter-galaxy crime with severe punishment. Let

me break it down:

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� If you a

�

re a student and you inflate your school fees/levies in order to

get more money from your parents or guardian, If you like use the excess

as a seed in your fellowship, heavenly Interpol has a warrant to arrest you

for money laundering.

� If

� as a business owner or worker you evade tax, cut corners or

provide substandard services/products just to maximise profit, my friend,

even if you testify in Church, and sponsor Reinhard Bonnke's crusade,

you are still guilty of money laundering.

�� As a wife, if it's only in your own customised market that food stuffs

go for triple the price, your market list is always rounded up to the nearest

whole number, if you like donate half of your bounties to the orphanage,

for falsification of facts, you may still be liable for money laundering.

The list is indeed endless. You and I know where we err in this regard.

You can't defraud Peter to pay Paul and give God his own share. Are you

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trying to make Him an accomplice? To such people this is what God has

to say:

_"These things you have done and I kept silent; You_

_thought that I was just like you. Now I will reprimand and_

_denounce you and state the case in order before your_

_eyes."_

[Ps. 50:21] AMP

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Repent and restitute where possible. With God the end does not always

justify the means. The means to that end has to be acceptable, otherwise,

God may not have regard for your offerings.

**Ponder:**

Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of

gravel.

[Prov. 20:17] KJV

**Prayer:**

Abba Daddy,

Have mercy and grant me the heart for honesty regardless. In Jesus name.

Amen

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**Day 39**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Legend of the Seeker** �

The ultimate search

**Text** : Matthew 7:7b

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Seek, and ye shall find;**

**Message** :

egend of the Seeker is a television series based on novels in the

series titled, The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind. The series

Lfollows the journeys of a long-awaited "Seeker of Truth" named

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Richard Cypher, a Confessor named Kahlan Amnell and others, as they

defend the people of their realm against tyranny and destruction.

Just like in the movie, each and every one of us is a seeker. The major

difference is in what and how we seek. For instance, while some people

in relationships are seeking for character flaws and excuses to pick up a

fight, some others may be seeking for how best to make things work,

hoping against hope. Again, while some people may be listening

attentively to a sermon to pick the very word for them, others may be

seeking for grammatical blunders and scriptural glitches. The truth is, at

the end, the scriptures cannot be broken, you'll get what you seek, hence:

_the one who seeks finds;_

[Matt. 7:8b] NIV

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Since it's guaranteed that we'll eventually get what we seek. Our Lord

Jesus has instructed that we seek first (first, not only) the kingdom of God

and it's righteousness and every other thing will be added [Matt. 6:33].

Jesus wouldn't invite us for a wild goose chase if there's nothing in it for

us. Hence the scripture:

_I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain._

[Is. 45:19b] NIV

However for you and I to benefit from the reward that comes from

seeking God, scripture further asserts the need for diligence in our pursuit:

_and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him._ [Heb 11:6C]

KJV

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If you notice, he rewards those who seek, not those who sought. Thus, the

call to seek must be continuous. Nevertheless, some people get carried

away by the reward that comes to those who diligently seek him that they

forget that the ultimate is not the reward for seeking but in finding what

you seek. Hence scripture gives us a clue on finding the one we seek:

_You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart._

[Jer. 29:13] NIV

We have to chase after God passionately with our heart till he feels

chased. It's the ultimate search. Abraham was a legendary seeker who was

seeking passionately for a city whose builder and architect is God [Heb.

11:10], alas when God ran out of things to reward him with, He showed

up as his exceeding great reward [Gen. 15:1b]

As a seeker, what are you seeking?

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**Ponder:**

Seek the LORD while he may be found;

[Is. 55:6] NIV

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

You are my priority, may I prove that in my actions and words in the

coming days. In Jesus name.

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**Day 40**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Present Aunty** � **♂**

�

A roll call

**Text** : Proverbs 8:34

_King James Version (KJV):_

**Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates,**

**waiting at the posts of my doors**

**Message** :

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et's travel back memory lane to the times we were still in

primary/junior secondary school – times when we had form

Lteachers with their long attendance registers. Those who

schooled in the south- eastern part of Nigeria can identify with the early

morning routine roll calls and the usual orthodox response of "present

aunty � ♂"

�

which earns a sign against one's name on the register.

Frequent absenteeism was a major crime punishable by manual labour or

cruel strokes of the cane, and in some cases, deduction of marks. Back

then, it was okay to miss church meetings and fellowships but definitely

not classes. Looking back now, nothing that impacts value is worth

missing.

Fast forward to today, being punctual and physically/mentally present are

very vital for the success or otherwise of some ventures. It's a sign of

seriousness and commitment to a cause. It's said that: _God is always_

_present to present presents_ � _to those who are physically present in his_

_presence._

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The truth is that God expects you to show the highest level of punctuality

to his meetings. It's not best practice to walk into church few minutes

before or after sermon and beat your chest that you were present for the

service. It's not biblical to deliberately skip church meetings and

fellowships. Isolating yourself from other Christians exposes you to so

much spiritual risks. Paul had to instruct in one of his letters saying:

_Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the_

_manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so_

_much the more, as ye see the day approaching._

[Heb. 10:25]NIV

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Although you and I might have in the past skipped classes, work, church,

etc. but I'll like to remind you that there's someone who considers you

very important and a priority that he has never missed any minor or major

event in your life. This is what scripture says of our God:

_**God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in**_

_**trouble.**_

**[Psalms 46:1b]**

**No matter what you are facing or going through currently,**

**never forget you have an ever-present help. Even when you**

**are unavoidably absent to take care of stuff, He's still ever**

**present to take care of those things that concern you.**

**There's a reason why He's called Omnipresent.**

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**Ponder:**

**Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears**

**our burdens.**

**[Ps.68:19] NIV.**

**Prayer:**

**Abba Father,**

**Thank you for being ever present. In Jesus name.**

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**Day 41**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Life Insurance**

Take Cover

**Text** : John 10:10b

_King James Version (KJV)_

**I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more**

**abundantly.**

**Message** :

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ometimes I ponder and wonder how insurance companies make

their money, especially in this part of the world. The reason is

Sbecause, here (Africa) people have not fully come to terms with

buying intangible assets or services. We believe so much on buying things

we can see. Selling a policy is like selling Ìkùkù (air). No one really

wants to invest in the winds. However, if people understand the benefits

of taking out a policy, they might be interested in getting a life insurance

cover because those who value life insure life. That brings us to the

question, 'what is Life insurance?'.

Based on what Wiki told me (do you trust him?), Life Insurance is a

contract between an insurance policy holder (e.g. you) and an insurer or

assurer (the insurance company), where the insurer promises to pay a

designated beneficiary a sum of money (the benefit) in exchange for a

premium, upon the death of an insured person (often the policy holder).

Depending on the contract, other events such as terminal illness or critical

illness can also trigger payment. The policy holder typically pays a

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premium, either regularly or as one lump sum. Other expenses (such as

funeral expenses) can also be included in the benefits. In sum, Life

insurance secures a future amidst the interruption of life by death or other

incapacitating occurrences.

Despite the fact that this terrestrial body doesn't have eternal value, it's

still important to have it insured, yet some of us have not thought about

insuring their inner man/soul against life after life. If this your present life

gets interrupted by death, do you have an insurance cover that'll secure a

place for you to spend eternity?

Jesus wants to insure your soul today if you haven't already transacted

with him. The only premium you need to pay is to believe in him, repent

of your sins and confess him as Lord and Saviour. In turn you'll start

enjoying the immediate benefits of eternal life while in this terrestrial ball.

There's nothing as assuring as a guaranteed life after life. Even if you

have insured your soul, hope you are still paying your daily premium by

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standing steadfast in faith and professing Christ? Your investment may

become a total waste if you stop paying your premium.

Does your life have an eternal value? If not, Get it insured now!!!

**Ponder** :

Yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

[John 5:40] NIV

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

I'm confident in you. No matter what may come my way, my life is in

your hands. Thank you Lord for the cover in the blood of Jesus. In Jesus

name.

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**Day 42**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **No Retreat, No Surrender Part 1**

Burn �your ship⛴

**Text** : Luke 9:62

_New International Version (NIV)_

**Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is**

**fit for service in the kingdom of God."**

**Message** :

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orry to burst your bubble, I'm not going to recap that awesome

1986 action movie by Van Damme� ,

� rather I'll like to share a

Sstory by John Ingrisano in Motivation.

In 1519, the Spanish Conquistador, Hernando Cortez landed his small

force of 500 soldiers and 100 sailors on the shores of the Yucatan

Peninsula in what is now Mexico. They arrived in 11 ships, and they

were far, far from their homeland, thousands of miles across the Atlantic

Ocean. (This was only 27 years after the discovery of the New World by

Christopher Columbus.) Their purpose was to conquer to Aztecs and

seize their vast stores of gold.

Upon disembarking from the ships, Cortez announced a decision

guaranteed to "motivate" his troops by putting them, quite literally, in a

do-or-die position. He ordered all the ships burned, thereby cutting off

any possible escape should events go poorly for them. They had no

choice: Succeed or die.

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It worked. With this small force, he conquered all of Mexico and

established a Spanish empire in the New World that lasted several

hundred years. His troops were probably less than thrilled; however, they

must have certainly given their expedition nothing short of their total

commitment.

The story above reminds me of the part of the scripture which says:

_If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they_

_would have had opportunity to return._

[Heb. 11:15] NIV

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Again, you'll realise that for you to really say, 'no retreat, no surrender',

you must have burnt your ship and every other exit options. You must be

completely sold out to that goal. You don't have the luxury of options.

Though, not everything in life requires this kind of decision - otherwise

God wouldn't have created options - however things that are connected to

your destiny require a firm decision without minding or meddling with

alternatives.

So this is my charge for you, that have: subscribed to the Christian faith,

just wedded, got into school, started your own God inspired business,

answered the call to ministry, embarked on a noble cause or ventured into

something by the leading of the Spirit which I've been unable to mention

– **No Retreat, No Surrender**!!!

Don't be like:

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_The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of_

_battle;_

[Ps. 78:9]NIV.

Especially when it comes to our Christian faith, it's a blood covenant

[Matt. 26:28] and like every other bloody thing you know, it can't be

treated lightly or with levity. Don't give up on your faith because of that

tempting pleasure, sickness, job offer, drowning hardship, etc. You didn't

come this far to only come this far. You have to endure hardship as a

good soldier of Jesus Christ [2 Tim 2:3]. Scripture says:

_But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved._

[Matt. 24:13]KJV

Be encouraged. Keep on keeping on and give up giving up. Remember, in

this good fight of faith: No retreat, No surrender.

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**Ponder** :

And, "But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in

the one who shrinks back."

[Hebrews 10:38]NIV

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

I receive the strength from you to be firm and keep hope alive. May I not

cower in the face of adversity. In Jesus name.

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**Day 43**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Offering Time** ��

Blessing time

**Text** : 2 Corinthians 8:19

_New International Version (NIV)_

**What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we**

**carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord**

**himself and to show our eagerness to help.**

**Message** :

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f there's anything that's agreed on across denominational doctrines,

from Catholicism to Pentecostalism etc., it's the concept of Offering.

IOffering time is blessing time. There must be a reason why it's a

fundamental part of service just the way 'Item 7' is to wedding reception.

So let's examine the concept of Offering using the 'WH' questions.

**Why**? Among the many reasons why we give offerings (Including the fact

that God instructed repeatedly that we don't appear before him empty

handed [Ex. 23:14, Deut. 16:16]), we give because it's a way of worship

and honour to God [Pro. 3:9] and a guaranteed act that attracts blessings

[Pro. 3:10, Acts 20:35]. It's not just an old testament tradition, Jesus

himself monitored offering time (Mark 12:41) and even called results

afterwards to show his endorsement.

**What**? You should give what you've willingly made up your mind to

give, not forced or manipulated to. I know you like to 'dash' God money,

but more important than your money to God is your heart [Pro. 23:26],

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your body [Rom. 12:1], your praise [Ps. 50:23] and so on. God has to first

accept your person before he accepts your offering, otherwise your

offering will be like the offering of Cain which God despised [Gen. 4:4,

Pro. 15:8].

Still on 'What': you don't just give God anything. What you give to God

is a reflection of what He means to you. God meant so much to David that

he said he will not give to God what costs him nothing [1. Chr. 21:24].

You should give beyond your ability to recall. If you can remember all

you've ever given then you've not started giving. When it was offering

time for God, he gave his best and what was most valuable to him – his

only begotten son [Jn. 3:16]. Cornelius gave to the extent that his giving

became a kind of 'national holiday' in heaven [Acts 10:4,31]. Can you

beat that?

**Who**? When you give, you are giving to God regardless of the channel, so

far as it's recommended by scriptures. That implies that offering time is

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beyond a Church affair. When you give to the poor (anyone in need of

help) you are giving unto God [Pro. 19:17]. In fact, it appears there are

more scriptures on giving to the poor and fellow brethren than giving to

the 'church'. However, that doesn't make any less important. Just

remember to cheerfully give.

**When**? This is the most interesting part. For you that God requires more

from [Lk 12:48] every time is offering time. Once you sense a need

around you, it's an alarm signalling offering time. Be you at work,

school, market, church, cinema, anywhere at all, and you sense the nudge

of the Spirit to give your money, time, service, presence, etc., to a noble

cause, that's offering time for you. Like you already know, offering time

is blessing time. You're blessed to bless, so bless and be blessed.

**Ponder** :

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Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not

reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

[2 Cor. 9:7] NIV

**Prayer** :

Dear Father,

Please teach me how to give. In Jesus name.

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**Day 44**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Divine Interruption**

All kindness, no rudeness

**Text** : Acts 10:44

_King James Version (KJV)_

**While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them**

**which heard the word.**

**Message** :

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ccording to the free dictionary, Interruption is to break the

continuity or uniformity of, or to stop (someone engaged in an

Aactivity) by saying or doing something. Interruption is usually

perceived to be rude. A typical example is that feeling you get when in

Nigeria, while glued to your favourite TV moments, and those your

unrelated cousins from 'PHCN' interrupt power supply.

However, there's someone whose interruption is an act of kindness and

always ends in good. He interrupted one lonely gentleman patrolling

round a garden in his birthday clothes. When he woke up from the

interruption he had company, not just any company – the first Lady

herself! [Genesis 2:21-25] He interrupted one Vagabond with dual

citizenship while on his routine 9-5 [Exodus 3:1-3] and he fought for and

got independence for his people, liberating them from their colonial

masters. He also interrupted one tall fine boy [1 Sam 9] who should have

been busy playing basketball but instead was running after donkeys. He

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made him the first king of a nation, even though he had low self esteem

and lacked confidence [1 Sam. 15:17].

Again, this interrupter extraordinaire interrupted one extremist and known

terrorist, who wasted lives in the name of God (you can see it didn't start

today) [Acts 9:3-5] and he became arguably the greatest from the early

church and saved lives in the name of God.

One thing these men shared in common is that they did nothing,

absolutely nothing, to attract the divine interruption. However, they didn't

mind being interrupted and enjoyed the interruption every step of the way.

In the case of Peter, while he was still making a lengthy speech, the

Divine Interrupter released His Holy Ghost on his audience.

Notwithstanding, they were other people we didn't get to hear much about

perhaps because they didn't welcome his interruption [Matt. 19:21, Luke

9:59-60].

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Today, the Divine Interrupter wants to interrupt you. Do you mind being

interrupted? Everything about divine interruption is all kindness and no

shade of rudeness. It's to your own good that you're interrupted. Listen

attentively to his inner voice within you, be sensitive to his nudging and

you'll experience his interruption as he moves to save you from yourself.

**Ponder** :

I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking

about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!

[Isaiah 65:24]NLT

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

Interrupt me anytime I'm going off track and bring me back to you. In

Jesus name.

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**Day 45**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Revamp-- >Reform-->Rebrand **

Many shades of repentance

**Text** : Hebrews 6:1-2

_King James Version (KJV)_

**¹Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on**

**unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from**

**dead works, and of faith toward God, ²Of the doctrine of baptisms,**

**and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of**

**eternal judgment.**

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**Message** :

rom our text today we can identify what Paul considers to be the

Fprinciples of the doctrine of Christ. The 7 of them are:

�� Repentance from dead works

� F

� aith towards God

�� Doctrine of Baptism l

�� Doctrine of Baptism ll

�� Laying on of hands

�� Resurrection of the dead

�� Eternal Judgement

Paul considers the understanding of these principles as elementary (basic)

that he said we shouldn't tarry on them but move on to maturity.

However, before we move over to higher things, let's refresh our minds on

the first principle:

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�Repentance from dead works

Let's use the elimination method to arrive at what repentance from dead

works is. First, it is not saying the sinner's prayer: that on its own is a

mere verbal renunciation of your old ways, confessing and affirming the

Lordship of Christ. Secondly, It is not making a new year resolution,

neither is it being spooky nor sanctimonious. All these have a form of

repentance but they are not the real deal.

Among other things, Repentance is practically a ~180°~ 360° turn around

from your old ways, a change of attitude, mind and action. Repentance

from dead works is a total departure from any work whether good or bad

that's done outside of Christ. It is forsaking any form of living that is

independent of Christ. This is Because all our works of righteousness

outside of Christ are, at best, filthy rags before God. True Repentance

must move from a revamp to a total reformation (internal) and rebranding

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(external). Sometimes, we skip the reformation and embrace the outward

rebranding but this ought not to be so.

It's possible to have said the sinner's prayer, carry Bible and be active in

Church without repenting. Have you truly repented? It starts from the

mind then a decision which translates to actions. May God help us in any

area we still need repentance.

**Ponder:**

I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

[Luke 13:5]NIV

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Open my eyes to see areas where I need total repentance. In Jesus name.

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**Day 46**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Divine Interruption II**

If you wait you'll waste

**Text** : Luke 8:44

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and**

**immediately her issue of blood stanched.**

**Message** :

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e were meant to look at Fire Insurance today but due to

Divine Interruption we'll be looking at Divine Interruption

WII. Like you already know, there's always a flip side to

every coin, so we'll be looking at the topic from another perspective. I

guess you also know that what we touch _touch_ us. Thus, we'll move from

those God interrupted to those who interrupted Him.

It is said, "If the mountain won't come to Muhammad then Muhammad

must go to the mountain." A renowned man of God also said, "if the Holy

Ghost doesn't move you, then move the Holy Ghost." Perhaps you

expected a Divine Interruption the first day we shared it, but didn't get

any. It's a two-way street, so please by all means it's time for you to

initiate the Divine Interruption. Below are some of the Interrupters in

Scriptures.

God was busy kinging his heavens when one youngster interrupted him

with his unsolicited 1000 burnt offerings. God had to return the favour at

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night by interrupting his sleep with a dream where he offered him a blank

cheque [1 Kg. 3:4-5].

In other news, Jesus after performing in Jericho was leaving the city with

his protocol team and a large crowd of fans, but the blind son of Timaeus

kept trying to interrupt him with his ceaseless cry, calling him by his

ancestral name and at last he succeeded. Jesus had to return the favour by

interrupting his tuneless music that was on repeat mode, summoned him

and offered him a blank cheque [Mk 10:46-52].

Again, a lady took it to another level. She didn't wait to be offered a blank

cheque, because she knew where to get exactly what she was looking for.

So, on that fateful day, Jesus was thronged again by his fans as he was

heading to perform in the house of Jairus. This woman interrupted him by

drawing her own cheque from the hem of his garment without his prior

consent. Jesus had no option than to endorse it.[Lk. 8:41-48]

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As you can see from the above stories, the people didn't wait for Divine

Interruption, rather they interrupted Divinity. A renowned man of God

once said, "if you wait, you'll waste." Arise, it's time to interrupt

Divinity, you can't continue being at ease in Zion. You could be out there

reading this and you have an ear that wouldn't hear, I have a word for

you, because it's written, "He that has an ear to hear, let him hear ..."

receive your healing right now!!! in Jesus name.

**Ponder** :

While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him

and said, "My daughter has just died.

[Matt. 9:18] NIV

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

As I seek to interrupt you today, arise and return the favour in Jesus name.

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**Day 47**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Fire** � **Insurance**

Take another cover

**Text** : 2 Peter 3:10

_King James Version (KJV)_

**...the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up**.

**Message** :

ased on my findings on Research media, Fire insurance

represents a contract where indemnification against the fire

Bconsequences is done by reimbursement of the damage either

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in instalments or variable lump sums. This consideration is applicable for

an agreed time period and fixed amount if fire leads to injury or loss.

There is a document named "Policy of Fire Insurance" embodying the

contract.

Taking a fire insurance cover is a backup plan that guarantees you'll be

reimbursed for incurred losses consequent upon fire. It's like copying all

your files into a hard drive or cloud awaiting retrieval in the event of a

virus attack or system damage.

So many people live their lives without taking a heavenly fire insurance

cover – including believers! I know you've taken a life insurance cover by

accepting Jesus, but that's not all. Our text today tells us that this

terrestrial ball we are living in called earth will be destroyed by fire: that

will include your money, certificates, fine clothes, iPhone8, X-

box/PlayStation, cars, houses, lands and every other asset. Everything will

be destroyed by fire.

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So do you want to be like that poor Lazarus who even on reaching

paradise was still perching in Abraham's bosom? To the extent that a rich

man in hell was still negotiating on how to send him on errands. God

forbid!!! You can duplicate all that you have (or wish to have) here on

earth by backing them up in Heaven.

One of the ways to do that is by sacrificial giving, Jesus said that giving to

the poor duplicates as treasures in Heaven [Lk. 18:22]. Giving to the poor

is like a way of paying premium to God [Pro. 19:17]. You see, that was

why the rich fool was taken, he wasn't backing up his earthly riches in

heaven [Lk. 12:21].

Other ways of backing up include soul winning, caring for the brethren

and so on. So next time you are considering making an earthly

acquisition, remember that the earth will be burnt with fire someday. Also

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remember to take a fire insurance cover by backing-up your assets in

heaven.

**Ponder** :

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,...

_[Matt.6:20] NIV_

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

May I not be like the rich fool, carried away by covetousness but wasn't

rich towards you. In Jesus name.

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**Day 48**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Great Expectations**

Be expectant

**Text** : Psalms 62:5

_King James Version (KJV)_

**My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.**

**Message** :

oday's topic, brings to mind the thirteenth novel by Charles

Dickens and his penultimate completed novel; however, that's

Tall that there's to it.

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It's said that necessity is the mother of invention. In the same way, I say to

you, expectation is the mother of miracles. Most of the beneficiaries of

great miracles in the Bible were first and foremost expectant. So it's

amazing how people can come before the presence of the Almighty God

that opens His hands and satisfies all living [Ps. 145:16] without

expectations. Scripture says the expectations of the righteous shall not be

cut off [Pro.23:18]. That means, if you expect nothing (because your

expectations wouldn't be cut off) you'll get nothing. The woman with the

issue of blood expected to be made whole if she'll succeed at touching the

hem of his garment.

Alas, be expectant!!!

Still on expectations, asides us having them, the Bible tells us that the

world has expectations of us.

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_For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the_

_manifestation of the sons of God._ [Rom. 8:19]

The world is sick and tired of hearing our endless confessions and

professions. They eagerly await our manifestation as the sons of God that

we claim we are. They've heard us speak in tongues, now they want to

hear us speak results. They want us to manifest like the first begotten Son

of God who went about doing good, providing lasting solutions to human

problems.

Alas, they are expectant.!!!

Finally, the greatest of all expectations for any heavenly minded believer

is the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture says:

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_To those who eagerly wait for Him He Will appear a second time_

[Heb. 9:28b]

It means that if you aren't eagerly anticipating, awaiting and expecting

Him, He may not appear to you at the second coming. God forbid!!! Thus

the second coming is exclusively for expectant Christians, for nobody gets

into heaven by accident. One of the ways we show that we are expectant

of the Lord's return is by being holy. Scripture says:

_And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is_

_pure._

[1 Jn. 3:3]

Alas, be expectant!!!

**Ponder** :

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For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

_[Pro. 23:18]KJV_

**Prayer** :

Dear Lord,

Give me this consciousness and may I be expectant at all times. In Jesus

name.

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**Day 49**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Alexander the Coppersmith**

Let Go and Let God

**Text** : 2 Tim 4:14

_New Living Translation (NLT)_

**Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will**

**judge him for what he has done.**

**Message** :

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he first time I heard of A-the-C was about ten years ago while

having a discussion with a friend. I've forgotten what we were

Tdiscussing about, but he said, "Alexander the Coppersmith has

done me great harm". I was like, "who the heaven is that?" Then he

referred me to 2 Tim 4:14.

If you think through your life journey, you'll notice that they've been at

least one A-the-C that have done you great deal of harm: people you've

been there for that have repaid evil for your good, people that failed to

reciprocate a convenient gesture, some stood against you for no just

cause. Be like Paul. Even if you can't bless them, at least, don't curse

them. Like Paul, hand them over to God and let Him take the vengeance.

Don't take laws into your hands nor try to avenge yourself because

vengeance belongs to God [Rom. 12:16-20]. Also, neither call fire on

them nor pray they die by fire. You are not Elijah. Let Go and let God.

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On the other hand, you might be the Alexander the Coppersmith that has
done great harm to someone else. Perhaps, in your mind you have

justifications for your actions and all, but something still battles your

peace and you know for sure that this very person(s) has something

against you. This is what the scripture says:

_23Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there_

_remember that your brother has something against you,_

_24leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way._

_First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and_

_offer your gift._

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[Matt. 5:23-24]

God values relationships. That accounts for why He hates strife, discord,

divorce, and so on. Thus if you are an Alexander the Coppersmith, please

go and make peace with your 'Paul'. However if you find yourself to be

the Paul, forgive and let God do the vengeance on your behalf.

**Ponder** :

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will

recompense, saith the Lord.

_[Heb. 10:30A ]KJV_

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

I let go of every hurt and hand over every offender to you. Have mercy on

me in Jesus name.

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**Day 50**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **The Audacity of Hope**

Why we roll the way we do

**Text** : Hebrews 6:18

_New International Version (KJV)_

**God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is**

**impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope**

**set before us may be greatly encouraged.**

**Message** :

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n his speech addressing the Democratic National Convention in

2004, Obama said: Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a

Ipolitics of hope? John Kerry calls on us to hope. John Edwards calls

on us to hope. I'm not talking about blind optimism here -- the almost

wilful ignorance that thinks unemployment will go away if we just don't

talk about it, or the health care crisis will solve itself if we just ignore it.

No, I'm talking about something more substantial. It's the hope of slaves

sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants

setting out for distant shores; ...the hope of a skinny kid with a funny

name who believes that America has a place for him, too. Hope in the face

of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope!

What then is this Audacity of Hope? According to Cambridge Dictionary,

Audacity is the courage or confidence of a kind that other people find

shocking or rude, so "The Audacity of Hope" means among other things,

having the guts to think and act in line with what you hope for.

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There's more to Hope than just a cliché for a political manifesto. There

must be something about Hope that made Paul compare it with love and

faith [ 13:13 of 1Cor. ] There must be reasons the word hope is

mentioned 129 times in 121 verses in the Bible.

What is this hope, that the absence of it makes the heart sick [Pro. 13:12];

that it holds promise for every living soul [Ecc. 9:4]; that on its account, a

tree that is cut down will sprout again [Job. 14:7]? Hope is so vital that it

forms part of the major ingredients for faith, thus faith is the substance of

things hoped for [ Heb 11:1 ]. This implies that something must be hoped

for, for faith to form.

Hope maketh not ashamed [Rom. 5:5] and that's why due to the hope you

have in Him despite your shortfalls, God is not ashamed to be called your

God [Heb. 11:16].

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Hope is very vital in this our voyage to heavenly glory. The real Audacity

of Hope is Christ Jesus in a believer. Hence scripture says, 'Christ in you,

the hope of glory' [Col. 1:27 ]. Paul also said that Christ Jesus is our

Hope [1 Tim 1:1, Titus 2:13]. This means that Christ is the courage and

confidence that makes us roll the way we do. No eternal glory is

guaranteed outside of Christ, the only hope to glory is the Christ in you.

Another question is, 'what do I do now I have this Hope in me?' There are

many things to do sustain this Hope, however the most important is

this��

_And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is_

_pure_.

[1 Jn 3:3] KJV.

Purity is an evidence that there's this blessed hope (Christ) in you that will

facilitate your glory. Purity is the evidence that you are a seeker, pressing

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towards the city whose builder and architect is God. Purity is a proof that

you have the audacity of hope.

**Ponder:**

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great

God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

_[Eph. 1:18] KJV_

**Prayer:**

Dear Lord,

I receive grace to live in line with this hope. In Jesus name

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**Day 51**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **LORD, i-1-2-10-Q-4-U** ��

Fixing the Puzzle

**Text** : 1 Thessalonians 5:18

_King James Version (KJV)_

**In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus**

**concerning you.**

**Message** :

irst and foremost, let's interpret this simple 'puzzle' of a topic. Just

Flike you predicted, it reads: Lord, I want to thank you for you.

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The Bible sometimes can be likened to a puzzle, where one is required to

put pieces together in a logical way, in order to arrive at the correct

solution of the puzzle. This is because all the truths you seek are not in

one verse, chapter, book or testament of the Bible. You use the Bible to

interpret the Bible just the same way you use already provided pieces to

fix a puzzle.

The reason why I am laying this foundation is because there are so many

things in the Bible that may seem irrational and we don't understand why

we should obey them. (If your obedience is complete please can you

signify by a show of hand ✋ ?

� ...Since I can't see any hands, I'll assume

that you all are as guilty as myself). That is to say you'll be more obedient

to the word of God if you understand the reasoning of God behind every

instruction. That's why we are advised to have the mind of Christ [1Cor.

2:16, Philippians 2:5]. I'm not saying you should understand all that God

instructs before you obey, but I'm saying a child who distastes beans for

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instance, may find a way around it if he's made to understand that eating

beans could make him grow as tall as Daddy.

Let's examine a biblical instruction and find a scriptural justification for

obedience:

1. Instruction:

In everything give thanks:

[1 Thess. 5:18a]

2. Question:

Why should I give thanks even in bad and ugly situations? Why is it the

will of God that I should be thanking Him even when I'm not in the mood

and don't feel like it? Why must I be thankful in all things?

3. Reason:

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_And we know that all things work together for good to them that love_

_God, to them who are the called according to his purpose._

[Rom. 8:28]KJV

Thus if you understand that all things work together for your good as a

lover of God, then it becomes natural to give him thanks in everything

because you know it always works out for good. I often say, "in the end, it

will all be good. If it's not yet good then know it's not yet the end." This

is the reason why some believers even in the midst of a bad situation can

still look up to heaven, and in addition to many other reasons to thank the

Almighty God, they'll also say:

**LORD, i-1-2-10-Q-4-U** ��

**Ponder** :

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love

God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

_[Rom. 8:28]KJV_

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**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

Thank you for being with me, even in the midst of my trials, in Jesus

name.

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**Day 52**

★★★✨ **PONDER+** ✨★★★

Topic: **Patience Vs. Procrastination**

Necessary sharpness by Derek Nwafor

**Text** : Gal 5:22-23

_King James Version (KJV)_

**²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,**

**goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, and self-control. Against such**

**things there is no Law**

**Message:**

To go or not to go? To do or not to do?

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hey say 'patience is a virtue' while 'procrastination is the thief of

time'. Strange that two very similar things can be so different in

Ttheir effect. While one can make someone appear like an

overnight success, the other ensures that they remain mediocre for

decades. But to the untrained eye it is difficult to tell them apart.

A patient person is set, prepared, trained, knowledgeable... waiting as it

were for the blast of an umpire's whistle... A procrastinator is likewise

blessed, empowered, trained, also ready, set, but... The whistle sounded

ages ago... And she is not willing to run/move.

Looking at it from a sporting example, in truth a patient person is actually

not idle. They are standing by waiting for the start whistle, or they are

training and stretching, prepping to be called out for their race. Patient

people may be more at risk than procrastinators - because they have an

earnest expectation. An earnest expectation is one you've invested in.

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The procrastinator has a passive expectation that soon the umpires will

choose to give medals to people... 'for showing up'! And therein we see an

interesting truth. Another difference between a patient person and a

procrastinator: it's not about what they expect... It's about what they

carry.

As far as leaving their homes and reaching the stadium is concerned, both

people have been actively expectant and successful. If life was about

'showing up at the stadium' then an athlete's tag will suffice, but since it is

about being an athlete - called to run - then we must go beyond the

passive 'half-expectation'. We must go on to train and prepare ourselves,

patiently waiting for our own race.

In truth the option of procrastination will always be there, but we must

practice rejecting it. Choosing to live at our full potential instead.

Philippians 3:13-14

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J.B. Phillips New Testament

_12-14 Yet, my brothers, I do not consider myself to have "arrived",_

_spiritually, nor do I consider myself already perfect. But I keep going on,_

_grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ grasped me. My_

_brothers, I do not consider myself to have fully grasped it even now. But I_

_do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind and with hands_

_outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal—my reward_

_the honour of being called by God in Christ._

Philippians 3:12-14

King James Version (KJV)

_12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but_

_I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am_

_apprehended of Christ Jesus._

_13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I_

_do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto_

_those things which are before,_

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_14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in_

_Christ Jesus._

**Ponder:**

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,

wanting nothing.

_[James 1:4]KJV_

**Prayer:**

Lord, let me always remember that true patience means intelligent action,

not hopeless passivity. Help me to be active, timely and fruitful while I

wait. In Jesus name. Amen.

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**Day 53**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Issue of Blood** �

Blood is thicker than Whatever

**Text** : Matthew 9:20-21

_King James Version (KJV)_

**²°And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood**

**twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:**

**²¹For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall**

**be whole.**

**Message** :

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he word 'issue', is often used, in a loose sense, to refer to a

challenge. For instance, you can substitute 'issue' in the

Tfollowing for 'challenge': "What's the issue?" "I have so many

issues"; "no issues at all." Therefore an issue of blood can mean, among

other things, a blood related challenge, or a challenge that's not

unconnected with blood.

Based on the above analysis, it is safe to say, if mosquitoes took some of

your blood during an illegal exchange and exposed you to malaria; or you

have life threatening cramps or unusual flows; or your Genotype is SS

with its many health concerns; , 'My Dear, that's an issue of blood.'

If you've entered into a blood covenant with a cult group or anyone at all,

through an initiation process or pre/extramarital sex; or the blood of Jesus

does not run in the DNA of your inner man, that is to say you are not yet

washed in the blood of Jesus, My Dear, you still have an issue of blood.

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If you are born again but you take the Lord's communion in an unworthy

manner [1 Cor. 11:27]; or you shy away completely from the communion

(which is the body and blood of Christ), My Dear, that's another issue of

blood. Have you forgotten that:

_Jesus said to them, "Very truly I tell you, unless you eat_

_the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have_

_no life in you ._ [John 6:53]

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The life of any living being is in the blood [Lev. 17:11]. That is why

Blood speaks. Remember the blood of Abel and that of Jesus [Heb.

12:24].

So if your business is not going the way it's meant to despite every

legitimate effort adequate to push it on, or you are encountering an

unusual set back or abnormal defeats in your affairs, then something

might be speaking against you...It could be another issue of blood.

Here are lessons we can take away from the story of the woman with an

issue of blood. First, "she said to herself..."I know so many great men of

God have said so many things to you, but faith comes alive as a result of

what you've said to yourself. What are you saying to yourself? That

woman preached Jesus to herself. What about you? Second, that woman

took relentless steps of faith towards encountering Jesus. What about you?

Third, that woman didn't wait for an opportunity to hug Jesus or to be

touched by him, she didn't try to book an appointment through Peter nor

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did she ask for a second opinion to validate her decision. She knows that

Faith can get results from little steps; the hem of a garment; as small as a

mustard seed, name it. The action you need to take for that miracle could

be something as inconsequential as the hem of a garment.

Listen my friend, every issue of blood is a challenge. You don't fight

blood with grammar, guns and all that. You fight blood with Blood. That's

why the Bible said we overcame by the Blood of the lamb [Rev. 12:11]

For how long will you wait for that special occasion?

For how long will you continue to wish away the challenges?

For how long will that affliction persist?

For how long will you accept an anomaly as norm?

Activate your faith. No matter how little, do something by faith Now!!!

**Ponder** :

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And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,

_[Rev. 12:11] KJV_

**Prayer** :

I activate the Blood of Jesus to overcome any issue of blood against me. I

have overcome by the Blood of the Lamb. In Jesus name.

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**Day 54**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Do me, I Do you**

God fit dey vex

**Text** : Hebrews 6:10

_New International Version (NIV)_

**God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have**

**shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.**

**Message** :

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o me I Do you' is a Nigerian version of the old mosaic law-

'An eye for an eye'. It's a way of getting even with someone

'Dyou believe you have a score to settle with. In one word, it's

called revenge. Hold this thought, now unto the next.

There are traits of God he expects us to adopt as his children, like being

perfect [Matt. 5:48]; merciful [Lk. 6:36]; holy [1 Pet. 1:16] and so on.

However, there are some things that are exclusive to God alone. One of

such is Vengeance [Rom. 12:19]. God expects you to let Him do what He

does best. Trust me, you can't get even with someone better than God

would for you.

However, there's a flip side to it. Our pay back God does not only get

even with the bad guys, he extends his 'vengeance' traits to good people.

Yea, He retaliates your acts of kindness.

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Let's look at what the Bible has to say about how God 'revenges' when

you treat him in the following ways:

�� When you honour God:

...Those who honor me I will honor, [1Sam 2:30]

�� When you despise God:

...but those who despise me will be disdained. [1Sam 2:30]

�� When you are faithful and blameless:

To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you

show yourself blameless, [Sam. 22:26,Ps. 18:25]

�� When you are pure Or devious:

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to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show

yourself shrewd. [Ps. 18:26; 2 Sam. 22:27 ]

�� When you draw near to God:

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. [James 4:8]

�� When you are kind to the Poor:

Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will give a

reward to the lender. [HCSB, Prov. 19:17]

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The above scenarios reflect a fundamental truth about God. The Bible

captures this truth clearly:

_Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a_

_man soweth, that shall he also reap._

[Gal. 6:7]

So my dear friends, how have you been treating God? Like a D.O.G �

or a G.O.D ?

� Find below some of the very last words of Jesus:

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_¹¹Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let_

_the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does_

_right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue_

_to be holy."_

_¹²"Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I_

_will give to each person according to what they have done._

[Rev. 22:12]

For someone reading this devotional today, God is saying 'Do me, I do

you.'

**Ponder:**

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your

heart.

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_[Ps. 37:4] NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

May I honour you as I ought to henceforth, in Jesus name.

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**Day 55**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **D &T**

For practicing teachers

**Text** : Acts 1:1

_New International Version (NIV)_

**In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to**

**do and to teach**

**Message** :

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To D&T means to 'Do and Teach' in that order. From our text today we

noticed that Jesus began to do first, before he began to teach. I'm sure you

know it's hypocrisy to teach and not do, but it's equally unfortunate to do

and not teach. Some people are tired of admiring and copying your way of

life. They want you to teach them what you know. Science has equally

proven that people attain mastery faster when they do and teach. In the

book of Mark, the apostles while making an account of their stewardship

replicated same:

_And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus,_

_and told him all things, both what they had done¹, and_

_what they had taught.²_

[Mark 6:30] KJV

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Again, our text reads:

_In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do¹_

_and to teach²_

[Acts 1:1]NIV.

After I came across some parts of the scripture, I resolved to D&T. I

noticed that Jesus used to D&T, likewise his disciples. So as a present day

disciple, I consider it a necessity to D&T in that order.

For some of us, the reason why we don't make out time to teach is

because our hearts have lost the burning passion for the Lord's work. We

claim we don't have so much time on our hands, so we've become

comfortable in delegating and sponsoring the work of the Lord rather than

doing it ourselves. We've gotten used to giving to God what belongs to

Caesar that we now give Caesar what belongs to God. More important to

God than your money is your heart and reasonable service [Rom. 12:1]

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The Lord instructed the following:

1. Be ye doers of the Word [James 1:22]

2. Teaching them all that I have commanded you [Matt. 28:20]

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May God help us as we begin or continue to do and teach.

**Ponder:**

... and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had

taught.

_[Mark 6:30]KJV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Help me to practice and share my Faith. In Jesus name.

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**Day 56**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Somehow Somehow**

I made it through regardless

**Text** : Psalm 103:2

_New International Version (NIV)_

**Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits--**

**Message** :

e, Nigerians have our unique ways of using words.

Sometimes we choose to repeat them in succession just to

Wemphasize on the point being made. Take for instance: fast

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fast, sharp sharp, small small, slow slow and so on. Today's topic is

captioned in a way to help emphasize the 'untellable' mercies of God on

our lives. The Psalmist said:

_Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits._ [Ps. 103:2]

NIV.

It's possible to forget some, but the Psalmist is appealing to you not to

forget all his benefits. You may be wondering, 'what are these benefits?'

Well, let me remind you of some.

Remember that year you were admitted into school, you were not sure

where the funds for fees and upkeep will come from, but somehow

somehow you are done with school and still wondering how you made it

through. What about that exam you took the other time? Not only did you

run out of time and as a result you couldn't finish, your answers were off

point too, but somehow somehow you passed with a good grade to your

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amazement. Or have you forgotten that job interview you went for? You

met applicants with more degrees than a thermometer, more connected

than Nokia, spoke more eloquently than CNN's Isha Sesay, yet somehow

somehow you got the offer and you wonder, 'how could this be', seeing

that you know no man.

I have not forgotten your own case: some people doctored their bank

account statement, some dressed on their Christmas clothes, others had a

vigil at the embassy, you watched as they were being rejected one by one.

Yet despite the fact you had a virgin passport, didn't even have up to the

amount for your flight ticket in your account, nor impress them with your

answers and nerd outfit, but somehow somehow you got a two years visa

with multiple entry. As for you, you saw the way other suitors were better

packaged, with better account balance, better body build, more tongued,

more worded, yet somehow somehow your spouse chose you.

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Due to limited space and time I'll omit your own case, but if you look

inward you'll notice you've been a beneficiary of his benefits. It is not a

one off, it's a daily occurrence [Ps. 68:19]. If any of the above scenarios or

similar experiences describes you, can you please advise your soul to

somehow somehow praise the Lord� .

�

**Ponder** :

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of

our salvation. Selah

_[Ps. 68:19]KJV_

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

Thank you for daily loading me with benefits. In Jesus name.

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**Day 57**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **5x/5000=12 and 7x/4000=7. Find X**

Show all working

**Text** : Mark 8:19-21

King James Version (KJV)

**19When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many**

**baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.**

**20And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of**

**fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. 21And he said unto**

**them, How is it that ye do not understand?**

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**Message:**

remember while growing up I used to be in love with maths. We got

along very well that I felt we were meant to be together. However,

Imy issues with maths began around when she started pestering me to

find her 'X' even though I didn't know 'Y'. I don't know if I have a

witness?

Life, like maths, often confronts us with tough questions mongering for

answers. Sometimes it leaves you clueless. In Mark 8:19-21, the disciples

were faced with an equation they couldn't balance. Have you sat down to

rethink how 5 loaves could feed 5000 with 12 baskets remaining? Or how

7 loaves could feed 4000 with 7 baskets remaining? Don't sweat it. You

can't find the X.

However, the disciples didn't bother figuring out how to find X because

the X-Factor himself was amongst them. Halleluyah!!! I don't know the

challenges you are facing currently. I don't know how much unpaid bills

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just like the multitude of 5000 and 4000 are sitted on your to do list

eagerly waiting to be fed, but I know one thing for sure, if you search

deep within, you'll find your 5 loaves, yes, if you pay closer attention

you'll get your 7 loaves in unexpected places, and if you take it to the

Lord himself you'll witness the multiplier effect.

Let me break it down: Jesus is the bread of life [John 6:35] and the same

bread of life is the word of God [John 1:1]. Thus, the first thing you need

to do is to find those few words in the scriptures concerning you and take

it to the master in prayers and use them in addressing those multitude of

issues threatening to drown you. The problem is that we often take tears

and every other thing to the Lord except the bread (the word) and expect

him to multiply it to feed our plethora of needs. Whereas we are to take

his words (just like the few loaves) to him and use same to address

whatever problems around us hungry for solution. The Bible says:

_Take words with you and return to the LORD._

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[Hosea 14:2a]NIV

Take the loaves to the master and watch him balance every unbalanced

equation in your life and still leave you with remainders. God bless you.

**Ponder:**

Take words with you and return to the LORD.

_[Hosea 14:2a]NIV_

**Prayer:**

Dear Father,

May I remind you more of your words than my problems, and may I use

them to fix the plethora of needs around me. In Jesus name.

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**Day 58**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Legend of the Seeker II**

The Davidic example

**Text** : Matthew 7:8b

_King James Version (KJV)_

**...and he that seeketh findeth;**

**Message** :

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he Igbo tribe in Nigeria has a saying, 'ihe onye chô ka ó fù'

which means: 'what one sought is what one found.' This saying

Tis consistent with our Bible text which says, 'He that seeketh

findeth.' I decree, may you find that which you seek in Jesus name!!!

However, what are you seeking? What you seek determines what you'll

find. Let's look at the scriptures:

_²²For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:_ [1Cor.

1:22]

From the above, the Jews were after signs [Mark 8:11] and the Greek took

pleasure in seeking out wise sayings and philosophies [Acts 17:18-21].

These things are not wrong in themselves, but they should come later,

after the kingdom is found with its righteousness. After all, God didn't say

seek only the Kingdom, rather he said 'seek ye first the kingdom.'

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Consequently, they couldn't receive the gospel, hence: _²³But we preach_

_Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks_

_foolishness;_ [1Cor. 1:23]. This was because the kingdom wasn't under the

radar of their search. So what then does it mean to seek the Kingdom?

In the first episode of our legend of the seeker, we talked about seeking

the kingdom of God. To seek the Kingdom of God is to seek the systems

and ways God the King runs his domain. One man decided not to be like

his fellow Jews who sought for signs, rather he decided to seek God's

ways:

_Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy_

_sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I_

_may find grace in thy sight:..._

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[Exodus 33:13] KJV

So what was the outcome? What did he find from his search? The Bible

recorded:

_He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel._

[Ps. 103:7] KJV _._

Halleluyah. Moses found the real deal whereas his brethren enjoyed the

side effects. For someone reading this devotional, God is saying, "Seek ye

my face. You've sought so many things and I helped you to find some.

When will you seek me?"�. The same thing God is telling you today,

was what He told King David many years ago:

_When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face,_

_Lord, will I seek._

[Psalms 27:8] KJV

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Take a cue from David and may your heart (not just your lips) respond to

his invitation to join a legendary search. May God lift you.

**Ponder:**

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face,

Lord, will I seek.

_[Ps. 27:8] KJV_

**Prayer:**

Dear Dad,

May my heart respond positively to your invitation today. In Jesus name.

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**Day 59**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **REMEMBER**

the tale told to three

**Text** : Nehemiah 13:31b

_King James Version (KJV)_

**...Remember me, O my God, for good.**

**Message** :

remember attending a human capacity development training away

from my home country sometime in mid-2015. The programme

Ilasted for over a month with delegates from all over West Africa.

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For ease of governance we were divided into groups and there was need

to elect three Presidents to lead the three groups. The position had its own

responsibilities and privileges garnished with exciting trappings and

razzmatazz. So the political being in the man was awakened. I remember

during my manifesto on the eve of the election how I made strong

campaign promises and further urged my group to: remember when I led

them to victory on various occasions; remember how I fought for and

defended our interests in the larger group; remember how I have served in

various capacities and been a friend to all and so on. At the end of the

manifesto night I was the most cheered, some said I was the best

pragmatic speaker of the night, others believed I was such a handsome

orator. A few were proposing to sign up for mentorship and everyone

nicknamed me REMEMBER.

Fast forward to the D-DAY, my fans across groups were congratulating

me in advance, I felt like a star. The votes were cast and counted, and

yours sincerely cruised to the other side of victory with a total of about 6

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to 9 votes or less out of about 100 votes cast. Of course my fans

remembered everything except to vote for me.

Perhaps you are having a good laugh at this time, but come to think of it:

is that not how most of us are to our Creator? We remember all the

created things he made and all his wondrous works. We even praise him

for it and set a day aside for thanksgiving but we still forget the Creator in

the midst of the activities. Indeed it's possible to do all of the above

without remembering the Creator. Here's the Preacher's stern warning:

_Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before_

_the days of trouble come and the years approach when you_

_will say, "I find no pleasure in them"-_

[Eccl. 12:1]NIV

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For the second category of people, you've not forgotten your creator and

He too is mindful of you. I want you to take your mind back to all the

times he came through for you and did great things for you, be like David

who said:

_I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your_

_miracles of long ago._

[Ps. 77:11] NIV.

For the third and last category of people, you've done noble by

remembering your Creator but it seems He has forgotten about you. I

want you to lift your voice like Nehemiah and cry out this prayer:

_...Remember me, O my God, for good._

[Nehemiah 13:31b] KJV

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**Ponder** :

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your

miracles of long ago.

_[Ps. 77:11] NIV_

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

May I stay mindful of you even as you remember me for good in Jesus

name.

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**Day 60**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **H &C**

Branded Men...

**Text** : Ephesians 2:4

_New Living Translation (NLT)_

**But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,**

**Message** :

he enemy is so wicked, even unto those who serve him whereas

our God is so rich in mercy that it spills over to those who don't

Tacknowledge or serve Him. That's why we should renounce the

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evil devil and embrace the good God. It's based on the above premise that

we will be studying briefly H&C to understand this God who's rich in

mercy.

I took out time to observe the life of a man whom God hated and another

whom God cursed.

Take a look:

**Hated Man:**

Before even being born or doing anything right or wrong, Esau attracted

divine hatred [Rom. 9:10-13]. Esau was so hated that he was called a

fornicator though there was no record of him indulging in any sexual sin.

Paul puts it this way: _Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as_

_Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright_. [Heb 12:16] KJV.

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This shows that Divinity perceives as fornication the act of exchanging

something of great value for less value. Isn't that what people do when

they sell their bodies? Anyway, let's get back to Jacob's twin. The hatred

for him was so much that Scripture puts it this way:

_"'I have loved you,'" says the LORD. But you ask, 'How have you loved_

_us?' 'Was not Esau Jacob's brother?' the LORD says. 'Yet I have loved_

_Jacob, but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his mountains into a_

_wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.'"_

[Mal. 1:2-3]

Yet the one who was so hated; whose mountain was supposed to be

wastelands and a desert; turned down a mega offer from his twin and the

Bible attested to the fact that he had enough. [Gen. 33:9]. He tasted of the

blessings of Canaan before his brother, the blessed [Gen 36:6-7]; had a

great family and generations; became as wealthy as the blessed so much

so that the Bible recorded that their riches were more than they could

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contain dwelling together. This was a fornicator that was divinely hated

from birth, yet your God whose hobby is showing mercy took care of him

and blessed him richly.

**Cursed Man:**

For killing his brother, God cursed Cain as captured in Gen. 4:11-16 .

God himself said that the ground would no longer yield its crop for him

and that he would be a restless wanderer on the earth. If that's not a curse,

what then is? The man cried out and your merciful Father put an

immunity clause on him so that none could kill him.

Fast forward to verse 17 - a cursed man had a wife, was blessed with a

son (remember being fruitful is a blessing from the Lord, Gen 1:28) and

guess what? He was the first person recorded in the Bible to build a

House Estate City�. Wow!!! A cursed man built a City and named it

after his son. How can someone prosper and thrive under a curse?

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If God could take care of the hated and cursed, what about you that he

clearly told:

_"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn_

_you withunfailing kindness.."_

[Jer. 31:3b]NIV.

The God whose job description and hobby is showing mercy, wants you

to know He's going to take care of you because he's still in the business of

loving you.❤

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**Ponder:**

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for

all who ask for your help.

_[Ps. 86:5]NLT._

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Thank you for being so rich in mercy. Please make me an object of your

mercy. In Jesus name.

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**Day 61**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Eye salve** 

Shine your eyes.

**Text** : Revelations 3:18

_King James Version (KJV)_

**I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be**

**rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the**

**shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with**

**eyesalve, that thou mayest see.**

**Message** :

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ave you ever listened to an anointed teacher of the word

dissect the verses of the Bible, and wondered wasn't it the

Hsame verse you've been reading for donkey years? How come

I am just seeing this in a new dimension? Have you ever opened the pages

of the Bible and it bored you till you slept off? Have you ever used

several translations and yet still miss out the point? Have you ever

wondered why you can finish voluminous novels in two days but can't

take on a book of the bible in one month? Have you ever struggled to read

the word and it was like mere ritual because you didn't get that sensational

burn, that inner kick that sets you on fire� and enables you to do? If any

of the above describes you, fear not. You are not alone. All you need is

eye salve.

Acts 8, tells us about a man that needed eye salve. He was the reading

the word like a novel-

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_30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man_

_reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you_

_are reading?" Philip asked. 31"How can I," he said,_

_"unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to_

_come up and sit with him._

Why do we need eye salve? eye salve enables our eyes to open, and it's

only open eyes that can see wondrous things out of the word [Ps. 119:18].

To get eye salve, you must like the Ethiopian Eunuch agree that you are

blind and lack understanding. That way you've positioned yourself to get

help. Here's what the Jews were told by the master:

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_Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of_

_sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt_

_remains._ [John 9:41]NIV

Second, you approach the Lord to anoint your eyes with eye salve [Rev.

3:18]. This can only be done through prayers as Paul showed us:

_I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in_

_order that you may know the hope to which he has called_

_you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy_

_people_

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[Eph. 1:18]NIV

Only then can your eyes be opened to see the Spirit behind the letter that

killeth [2 Cor. 3:6]. Only then can your eyes behold the word as flesh and

have it dwell with you. Only then can the word have full potency in you

and you find delight in it. Only then will it stop being a struggle and you

treasure it more than your daily food [Job 23:12]. All these are available

in the place of prayers. Pray that your eyes be enlightened and anointed

by the Lord.

If you are already operating in this level of grace, I have this to tell you:

_... Blessed are your eyes because they see_ , [Matt. 13:16] NIV

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**Ponder** :

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you

may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious

inheritance in his holy people,

_[Ephesians 1:18] NIV_

**Prayer** :

Dear Father,

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. In Jesus name.

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**Day 62**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **PDP**

Power to the People

**Text** : John 1:12

_King James Version (KJV)_

**But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the**

**sons of God, even to them that believe on his name**

**Message** :

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DP is one among many political parties in Nigeria. For the

purposes of today's devotional we will ignore the meaning of the

Pacronym and focus on their slogan: Power to the People.

Power to the people stems from the fact that there's no governance

without the governed (the people) and no true democracy without the

people. Thus since the people are that important, power should be vested

on them by empowering them with basic amenities and enabling

environment to thrive. Otherwise there may be no socio-economic

growth. This may lead to the people being unwilling to give their mandate

next time.

God is also people driven. His aim for blessing Abraham is to secure a

platform through which every nation of the earth will be blessed [Gal.

3:8]. He empowered Moses with the aim of liberating his people, Israel,

and gave Jesus in order to gain the whole world. God equally knows that

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it will be impossible for humankind to keep their pact with him by their

own strength without divine empowerment. That is why scripture says:

_Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power,_ [Ps. 110:3a]KJV.

That means the unwillingness of the people is because of the absence of

power. The power is made available to only those who have agreed to live

by the terms of the pact by receiving his legal representative, Jesus, hence:

_But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons_

_of God,_

[John 1:12a]KJV.

However, that the power has been given and available doesn't mean it has

been received or accessed. It's one thing for power to be given and

another for it to be received. To receive the power that has been

designated for the people, the scripture says:

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_But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;_

[Acts. 1:8a]NIV.

Hallelujah... So the only way to access or receive power is by the Holy

Spirit. Put differently, God's empowerment programme for the people is

all in the gift of the Holy Spirit. He's the Ace and the game changer.

Without Him you and I can do nothing.

You've done well by receiving Jesus but have you received the Holy

Spirit? Remember receiving Jesus entitles you to be 'given the power to

become' a son of God [John 1:12] whereas being led by the Spirit makes

you a son of God [Rom. 8:14].

Receive Power, Receive the Holy Ghost.

**Ponder** :

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For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

_[Rom. 8:14]_

**Prayer** :

Abba Father,

You said you'll give freely to those who ask for your Spirit [Lk. 11:13].

Thank you for giving me this priceless gift. In Jesus name.

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**Day 63**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **MR. NIGER D**

Growth

**Text** : Job 8:11

_Message (MSG)_

**Can mighty pine trees grow tall without soil? Can luscious tomatoes**

**flourish without water?**

**Message** :

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here are features which distinguish living organisms (things)

from non-living organisms. They are represented by the

TMnemonics: MR NIGER D. We've treated some of them

earlier and today we will be focusing on Growth. Growth is defined as an

irreversible increase in size or height of organisms. From my findings

online, Growth hormone determines growth and development, but the

release of this hormone is determined by genetic factors. The pituitary

gland releases the hormone, and any damage to this gland affects growth

and development. Exposure to a toxic environment as a child also affects

growth and development.

This same principle applies to your spiritual life. What toxic environment

are you exposing yourself to and yet expect growth? It could be bad

company, wrong spiritual environment, and so on. Spiritual growth does

not occur by default nor by the number of years you've been born again.

Our text asks the possibility of mighty pine trees growing tall without soil

or tomatoes flourishing without water. That is how impossible it is to

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experience spiritual growth without nourishment and a right spiritual

atmosphere/environment.

To grow spiritually Peter advised:

_Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by_

_it you may grow up in your salvation,_

[1 Pet. 2:2]NIV

If you paid attention, you'll notice that Peter said 'Pure' spiritual milk

(word) and not just any kind of spiritual milk. So many of us have

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experienced stunted growth because we've been exposing ourselves to

adulterated milk. Some are suffering from or have died of spiritual

Kwashiorkor. However there's hope if only such a one can decide from

today to take issues of spiritual growth seriously. Scripture assures:

_"At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will_

_sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail..."_

[Job14:7]NIV.

You may be wondering in what areas are you to grow spiritually? Peter

also made that clear too by saying:

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_But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus_

_Christ_.

[Pet. 3:18 ]NIV.

You grow in grace by approaching the throne of grace to obtain grace

[Heb. 4:16] and that's done through prayers you grow in knowledge by

studying and practicing the word, because Knowledge is perfected in

practice and not in theory.

You have to take root in the right spiritual environment in order to bear

fruit. There's no end to Spiritual growth, keep growing.

**Ponder:**

You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear

fruit.

_[Jer. 12:2]NIV._

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**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

May I make conscious effort towards my spiritual growth. In Jesus name.

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**Day 64**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **The Heart of the Matter**

A matter of the heart

**Text** : Proverbs 23:7a

_King James Version (KJV)_

**For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:**

**Message** :

oday we will be looking at the heart of the matter which is the

matter of the heart. Just like leadership, everything begins and

Tends in the heart.

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If you place a few candies side by side with a $100 bill, chances are that a

toddler may go for the candies forgoing the $100 bill. You may act

differently, being an adult because you know the value of that $100 bill

and that it can get enough candies to go round, unlike a child who sees it

as an ordinary paper.

Just like kids we are easily moved by outward appearances, but God

weighs the heart and treasures it, because of the value he placed on it.

Hence:

_a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise._

[Ps. 51:17]KJV.

So why is the heart very important to God? Scripture says:

_Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life._

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[Proverbs 4:23]KJV.

The answer is found in the above verse, 'for out of it are the issues of

life.' That is so true. Your thoughts, words, actions and inactions begin

with the heart. Once the heart is in order every other thing aligns. In fewer

words, you are a product of the pondering of your heart. Thus scripture

says: _For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he_ [Proverbs 23:7a] KJV.

You can now see why Jesus upgraded sin from just actions to thoughts of

the heart [Matt. 5:28], because once the heart ponders on it, it's only but a

matter of time before it comes to manifestation. Jesus puts it perfectly

when he said:

_But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and_

_these defile them._

[Matt. 15:18] NIV.

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This is why God's acceptance of people begins with the heart, because

with the heart man believes unto righteousness [Rom. 10:10]. However

for God to accept you, your heart must be in an acceptable condition.

Hence David prayed:

_Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable_

_in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer._

[Ps. 19:14]KJV.

God checks the meditations of the heart, that's how he found out that the

heart of man is deceitful among other things [Jer. 17:9]. However, He

knows we can do a good job in keeping our hearts free from sin, fear and

unbelieve. That is why He guarantees you'll see him if you maintain high

purity of heart, hence:

_Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God._

[Matt. 5:8] NIV.

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To see God, doesn't necessarily mean seeing visions of God but means

seeing the hand and intervention of God in every area of your life. To

someone reading this devotional God is saying to you:

_My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,_

[Proverbs 23:26]NIV.

**Ponder:**

My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,

_[Pro. 23:26]KJV._

**Prayer:**

Lord I give you my heart�

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**Day 65**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **MR. NIGER D**

Excretion

**Text** : Jeremiah 20:9

New International Version (NIV)

**But if I say, "I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his**

**name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.**

**I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.**

**Message** :

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ctually, when I first thought about doing a series on MR.

NIGER D, the first thing that came to mind was the 'E' part

Awhich stands for Excretion. Due to the fact I couldn't ignore

the rest, I decided to go through the other features too.

In order not to throw up while pondering, I want you to look at excretion

from a different light. See intake of food as input and excretion itself as

output. Good! Science tells us that the longer poop (output) sits in your

system after you felt the urge to empty your bowels, your body holds onto

toxins and poisons.

So let's look at it from the spiritual perspective. It's just the same way we

input, process and then output in the physical. Some of us have been

eating spiritual food since we yielded to Christ: great input but without

any corresponding output. So sad! That's why it seems most of us are

suffering from spiritual obesity. We keep taking in without giving out. If I

may ask, what have you done with all the great messages you've been

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hearing since forever? If you are a true Christian you'll share the

dynamics of your faith with others. An old testament prophet tried to

input without output and he had this to say:

_But if I say, "I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,"_

_his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary_

_of holding it in; indeed, I cannot_

[Jer. 20:9]NIV

So if you can; if you are not weary of holding it in; then I wonder what

kind of word you have inside of you. We've been mandated to teach

others what we've been taught. Jesus said:

_Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:_

[Matt. 28:20] KJV

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It's indeed a wake-up call for all of us to spread this gospel we've

received. It wasn't given to be hoarded, rather it was given to be

broadcasted. So it's time to output the treasures you have within.

For some, they've not had any meaningful input that can be digested to

give an output. You cannot give what you don't have neither can you

paste what you didn't copy nor copy what you haven't selected. So select

the word of God today copy those truths that will transform you and paste

it on any human page you come across.

If you are a living thing, you have to exhibit features of a living thing.

**Ponder:**

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses

entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others .

_[2 Timothy 2:2]NIV_

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**Prayer:**

Dear Lord,

Empower me with boldness to share the truth I've found in you. In Jesus

name.

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**Day 66**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **The Speaker**

Orator OR Oracle

**Text** : Proverbs 16:10

_New International Version (NIV)_

**The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray**

**justice**.

**Message** :

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ave you noticed that often times when you try to invite people

for special events designed to be intellectually engaging or

Hsoul searching, they usually ask, 'who's the speaker(s)?' These

days much value is placed on the Speaker than the speech. There are

Speakers among speakers. Today we will be looking at two categories of

Speakers among many.

**Orator**

According to a popular source, an Orator, or Oratist, is a public speaker,

may also be called an Oratorian — literally, "one who orates". They are

known for excellence in communication, smoothness and precision of

speech, oftentimes garnished with high sounding words. They also make

logical sense and can motivate with their multitude of words. However,

the challenge with motivational speech is that it gives one an exciting

mental picture of an ideal situation, inspires you to get there but doesn't

provide you with enough strength to sustain you through the journey.

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Thus you may become addicted to motivation till nothing motivates you

again.

**Oracle**

Back in ancient times, an oracle was someone who offered advice or a

prophecy believed to have come directly from a divine source. Oracles

don't speak to impress or entertain rather like broadcasters they step down

divine news the exact way it was written and coded in their tongues. A

good example was Moses whom God made a god to Pharaoh [Ex. 7:1].

Another example is Samuel whose words were so powerful that scripture

recorded:

_The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel's_

_words fall to the ground._

[1 Sam. 3:19]NIV

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Jesus took it to another level. He spoke with so much audacity and

authority unlike the orators of his time [Matt. 7:28-29]. His words were so

potent that it burns the heart of his hearers like fire�:

_And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he_

_talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?_

[Luke 24:32]KJV

The reason why this topic is important is because the kingdom of God is

not a matter of talk but of power [1 Cor. 4:20]. God expects your words as

His minister to be loaded with power and virtue. Hence the scripture:

_If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;_

[1 Pet. 4:11a] KJV.

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That means you cannot afford to casually speak when you are speaking in

the name of God. When next you are called upon to speak, remember

what heaven expects of you. Oracles speak forth miracles. Be an Oracle.

**Ponder:**

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man

minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:

_[1 Pet. 4:11] KJV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Blessed be your name for making me your spokesperson. May I never

disappoint you in Jesus name.

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**Day 67**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **HONDA ACCORD**

Full Option

**Text** : Philippians 2:2

_English Standard Version (ESV)_

**Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love,**

**being in full accord and of one mind**

**Message** :

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t will be hard to relieve me of childhood memories. Growing up was

fun on all levels. I remember those days, as a boy in the Children's

Idepartment. I used to participate in various acada-spiritual exercises

such as: ¹Draw your Swords, ²The Lord has something to say, ³Bible

Recitation, ⁴Bible Quiz and so on.

Talking of the Bible Quiz, some people got tired of the regular questions

with predictable answers and started generating their own innovative

questions from the scriptures. Such Folks would show you the things you

never knew that you never knew. For instance, they could say, 'Whose

responsibility is it to do the dishes, the Man or Woman?' I don't know if

you guessed right, but the answer is 'Man' based on:

_and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning_

_it upside down._

[2 Kg. 21:13] KJV

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What if you were told that Jesus was the first to have an SUV convo

?

y� :

_And he will go as forerunner before the Lord in the spirit and power of_

_Elijah,_

[Lk. 1:17].NET

I imagine your _flabber_ has just been _gasted_ , so you ask, 'which car did he

use then?' You'll likely hear a Honda Accord and He didn't even brag

about it: 'how?'

_For I did not speak of my own accord, [Jn. 12:49] NIV_

Well, since He didn't speak of his Honda, let's just talk about Accord.

'Accord' is one word you'll likely see more in Acts of the Apostles than in

any other place. Accord in the context used as a noun means agreement

and concord. It's a sign of unity- the tower of Babel could not be

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forcefully stopped because of accord [Gen. 11:6]. Take a Look at this

occurrence before the outpouring of the Holy Ghost:

_And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one_

_accord in one place._

[Acts 2:1] KJV

The Holy Ghost was given and received at that moment because they

were in one accord. Yes, because there was unity. How did I know? Let's

see:

_Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity..._

_for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore._

[ Ps. 133:1-3 ]KJV.

We know that when 'the Blessing' is mentioned in scriptures, it's in

reference to the Holy Spirit [Gal. 3:14]. It's only when we are united and

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of one heart that the Spirit can have sway in our midst. The Spirit can't be

activated where there is rancour and division. The Bible also says:

_And I will give them one heart, ¹and I will put a new spirit ²within you;_

[Ezekiel 11:19a].

This also shows it's only where there is one heart that the Spirit can be

unleashed. Therefore, as an individual, are you of one heart or double-

minded and at war with yourself? In your forums, family, fellowship,

church, team and so on, you can reach your full potential by the help of

the Spirit, and we now know the Spirit of God manifests only where

there's Accord.

**Ponder:**

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord

Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions

in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

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_[1 Cor. 1:10] NLT_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Make us one as you are one in Jesus name.

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**Day 68**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **NEW HEAVEN BUS-STOP** 

Destination of hope

**Text** : 2 Peter 3:13

_New International Version (NIV)_

**But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new**

**heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.**

**Message** :

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ew Heaven is what I grew up hearing the locals call one of the

highbrow areas in the southeastern capital of Nigeria.

NHowever, the actual name is New Haven but I guess since

they didn't have Haven in their vocabulary they had to substitute it with

the nearest sound alike. I had a branch of my family tree residing there. I

sometimes sneaked out of my high school hostel to spend the greater part

of my weekends with them because they had a penchant for dishing out

delicious meals.

To get there from school required a lot of leg work and some commuting.

However, there was this sigh of relief when I finally arrived at the New

Heaven Bus-stop, knowing fully well that I was in for another treat of a

life time.

Reflecting on those days now makes it a shadow of the New Heaven that

God has promised us: Scripture says:

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1 Then I saw " a new heaven and ...

4 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or

mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"

Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

[Rev. 21:1,4&5] NIV.

No one wishfully thinks his or her way into heaven. It's said to be a

prepared place for a prepared people. If life is currently serving you

lemon, let the thought of heaven make you endure its marathon race. We

were not guaranteed a safe trip but a safe arrival if we don't give up.

People don't miss out from heaven because they were too weak (because

his strength is made perfect in our weakness) rather because they gave up

along the way or they never joined in the race in the first place.

The one who died your death that you may live his life is earnestly

waiting to meet you at the dawn of life after life. Paul hinted:

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_When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with_

_him in glory._

[Col. 3:4] NIV

Let the thought of the best 'ever after' make you endure this life's trip till

you arrive at the real New Heaven Bus-stop.

**Ponder:**

Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up

here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked

on.

_[Rev 11:12] NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Help me and keep me from falling in Jesus name.

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**Day 69**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **MR. NIGER D**

Reproduction

**Text** : Matthew 1:1

_New International Version (NIV)_

**This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of**

**Abraham:**

**Message** :

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ou made up your mind to read the entire new testament from

cover to cover. Then you picked up your Bible and found

Yyour way to the first chapter of Matthew only to be bored with

a long genealogy. You might be wondering what Rhema you are to draw

from Matthew 1:1-16? The Rhema is simple: Reproduction.

A source has it that Reproduction is a fundamental feature of all known

life; each individual organism exists as a result of reproduction. There are

two forms of reproduction: asexual and sexual. In asexual reproduction,

an organism can reproduce without the involvement of another organism.

The genealogy outlined in the book of Matthew 1 was made possible via

sexual reproduction. However the following could be types of asexual

reproduction:

Moses -----> Joshua

Elijah -------> Elisha

Paul ---------> Timothy

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Jesus ------> the 12, the 70, the 120, etc.

You ----------> ???

How many people have you reproduced in the faith? You've been a

Christian for so long. So when will you start considering reproducing

after your kind?

Scripture says:

_Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my_

_disciples._

[Jn. 15:8] KJV

The critical part is that reproduction is not optional. Scripture also says:

_He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,_

[John 15:2a]

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It is time to take seriously the call to raise spiritual protégés. May God

help us.

**Ponder:**

Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from

God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. [1 Tim 1:2] KJV

**Prayer:**

Abba,

Help me to stay fruitful in you. In Jesus name.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 70**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Step-up**

Up your game...

**Text** : Jude 1:20

_King James Version (KJV)_

**But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,**

**praying in the Holy Ghost,**

**Message** :

Scripture says:

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_Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or_

_imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,_

[Eph. 3:20] NIV

owever, His ability to do immeasurably more than all you ask

or imagine is subject to his power that is at work within you.

HThat means if his power at work within you is small, His

ability to do in your life will be limited. Take for instance in Ephesus, it

was recorded:

_So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed._

[Acts 19:20] KJV

If you ponder on the above verse, you'll notice that the Word which I

believe had been in Ephesus, couldn't prevail until it so mightily grew.

That suggests your ability to prevail over your Ephesus (environment and

circumstances) is dependent on your spiritual growth. That's a sure way of

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stepping up your spiritual capacity to access all that has been freely given

by God.

Another area we need to step-up in order to receive all that God has for us

is in our human endeavours. If God gives you beyond what you bargained

for and you waste it or become unable to manage it, chances are next time

he will give you according to your capacity. Let's look at a Biblical

example.

In the book of Luke, Jesus told Peter, ' _...Launch out into the deep, and let_

_down your nets for a draught'_ [Lk. 5:4b] KJV. Peter didn't step-up his

capacity to receive, hence he said, _'...nevertheless at thy word I will let_

_down the net'_ [Lk. 5:5b] KJV. Jesus instructed that he should cast nets but

he, for reasons best known to him remained at a net level. What was the

outcome? He caught a draught that broke his tool of trade (net), which

also implies he lost some fishes. In addition he had to beckon on his

business partners to lend their hands which suggests that the proceeds

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from the catch would be split and couldn't be his alone. Scripture records

that both ships began to sink, suggesting another risk of losing his

business because of a blessing he was unprepared for.

So let's check out what happened next time:

Jesus again after resurrection, in the book of John gave the same

instruction but this time around he had to come down to his capacity by

saying, 'Cast the net.' [John 21:6] KJV. The outcome was that Peter

caught the amount of fishes he alone could drag [John 21:11] and the

blessing was just exactly to his capacity as scripture recorded that the net

was not broken this time around [John 21:11]. He couldn't get the mega

draught he caught the last time because he lacked the capacity to handle it.

This is a wakeup call to deepen our capacity on all fronts and step-up our

game in order to be able to house the kind of draught God has in store for

us.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Ponder:**

Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't

ask for just a few.

_[2 Kings 4:3] NIV_

**Prayer:**

Dear Lord,

Grace to build up ourselves in our most holy Faith and praying in the

Holy Ghost. In Jesus name.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 71**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Step-down**

Mastery births simplicity

**Text** : 2 Corinthians 11:3

_King James Version (KJV)_

**But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his**

**subtility, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that**

**is in Christ.**

**Message** :

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was once discussing with some friends about why God doesn't

abruptly interfere with human activities. For instance, when he

Ispoke with Moses that he has come down to rescue Israel. Why

didn't he just move with his fingers to Pharaoh's palace and request for the

release of Israel, and when Pharaoh refuses, give him a dirty slap that he

wouldn't recover from and then perform one special stunt and Israel

would appear at Canaan. Wouldn't that be more God-like?

But we have come to understand that God is so powerful that if he acts

according to the fullness of his powers the whole earth will explode.

That's why like the high voltage from a transformer that has to be stepped

down to carry our home appliances, God has to step down his power each

time he wants to venture into the affairs of men. For Moses he stepped it

down to a rod, for Elijah a mantle, for Israel an ark, for Samson his hair,

the climax was when he decided to step down into human flesh to find

and save the lost. If he chooses to act otherwise, then each time he comes

to the aid of his children there would always be earthquake and volcanoes.

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Scripture records that the hills melt like wax at his presence [Ps. 97:5] and

mountains skip like rams [Ps. 114:6]. There was a terrifying occurrence

when he came down to chat with Israel in the old testament. This is what

they had to say:

_18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet_

_and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a_

_distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen._

_But do not have God speak to us or we will die."_ [Ex. 20:18-19] NIV

The point is: the earth cannot contain the full manifestation of God so He

usually comes down to our level in order to transact with us. Also, he

simplifies his expectations of us in a manner our human mind can capture.

Now over to us. Paul cautioned that it is unprofitable to speak mysteries

to our audience without stepping it down to what can be easily understood

[1Cor. 14:6]. The proof of mastery is in the ability to simplify mysteries.

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You don't walk up to an unbeliever and start speaking _Christianese_

thinking you can impact them effectively. There's a simplicity that's found

in Christ [2 Cor. 11:3] outside of which is corruption. To simplify the

mysteries of our Faith, You have to have a mastery of the word,

understand it for yourself and rightly apply same to yourself and others.

Paul said:

_Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be_

_ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth._

[2 Tim. 2:15] KJV

To keep it simple and effective, step it down.

**Ponder:**

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the

simple.

_[Ps. 119:130] NIV_

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**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

May I operate in wisdom and understanding when sharing my faith with

others. May I keep it simple and precise. In Jesus name.

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Around The Word in 90 days

Day 72

★★★ PONDER ★★★

Topic: **Don't tell me Nonsense**

Wisdom of Foolishness

**Text** : 1 Corinthians 1:25

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness**

**of God is stronger than men.**

**Message** :

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n African artist said in one of his songs, 'Don't tell me

Nonsense.' However I say unto you: pause and listen to every

Anonsense coming from a divine source. Paul encouraged us to

be quick to listen [James 1:19] for it's in so doing that you can make sense

out of nonsense. Some people by listening to nonsense have turned the

course of their lives around.

First on our list is Naaman, who believed the nonsense told by his maid

servant that a spooky fellow could heal his leprosy. Finally, he got on his

way to meet with Elisha the possessor of the legendary mantle only to be

diverted to a not so cool river to play hide and seek in the water for seven

times. What nonsense? [2Kg. 5:1-19].

What about the Widow of Zarephath? She had given up on life, was on

her way to prepare a type of last supper when one man showed up and

started ranting nonsense. First, he asked her to get him some water. While

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on her way pretending to be courteous then came another punch of

nonsense: "And bring me, please, a piece of bread." [1 Kg. 17:11] NIV

She had to pause for a second and gave him a piece of her mind.

Thankfully she complied with the nonsense and we know how the story

ended.

Just imagine at a time Nigeria and some other countries of the world are

undergoing economic recession, a _preacherprenure_ comes out to say,

"tomorrow about this time, a liter of fuel will go for One Naira and One

naira will exchange for One dollar." Isn't that a load of nonsense too

heavy for one ear to hear? But that's what happened in 2 Kings 7:1:

_Elisha replied, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says:_

_About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel_

_and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria." [NIV]._

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A member of the intellectual elite who couldn't stand hearing nonsense

mocked the possibility and consequently he received a curse that reduced

his life to nonsense [2 Kings 7:2].

Let's not forget all the nonsense that preceded water being turned to wine

at Cana of Galilee [John 2] and all the nonsense talk that took place before

Lazarus was brought back to life [John 11]. The truth remains that the

miracles came to be as a result of some persons' belief in nonsense.

Is there any divine nonsense you heard growing up or at the beginning of

this year that you've jettisoned? Pick it up and continue to run with it,

because at the end that nonsense will make so much sense out of your life.

Even the very word 'non-sense' suggests that 'sense' can come out of 'no

thing'. You are blessed.

**Ponder:**

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For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

_[1 Corinthians 1:21] KJV._

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

I receive grace to trust you with all my heart without leaning on my own

understanding. In Jesus name.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 73**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **GRACE**

An enabler

**Text** : Titus 2:11

_King James Version (KJV)_

**For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all**

**men,**

**Message** :

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o understand the concept of Grace, it's important to first

understand what Grace is not. Grace is not God's waiver of the

Twages of sin or leniency towards unrighteousness. Grace is not

God's approval of lawlessness, incompetence or laziness. Grace is not an

alternative to works of righteousness, nor does grace displace it. In fact,

grace enables you to do an acceptable work.

For those who believe Grace is God turning a blind eye to sin or winking

at sin, because much Grace abounds where sin thrives got it all wrong. If

it was so, Paul wouldn't have warned:

_¹What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may_

_abound?_

_²God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?_

[Rom. 6:1-2] KJV

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To deepen my understanding of the concept of Grace I sought the views

of some practicing Christians I respect, below are their views:

_"Unmerited favour"..._

Engr. Chijioke Okoli & Pstr. Chika Edeh

_Other than the usual unmerited favour, I would say GRACE is the_

_strength and ability of God made available to us._

Dr. Joy Ogbonna

_God's grace is an extension of everything that makes Him God (extended)_

_towards a person. It affects the person, their life or their circumstance in_

_any number of ways that are necessary to facilitate God's plan for the_

_person's life._

Pastor. Derek Nwafor

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 _Grace is the beginning and the end in all a Christian does._

 _Grace is the single most distinguishing factor in a Christian's life._

 _Grace, all encompassing in its reach, manifold in it's operations,_

_distinguishing and evident in action, favourable to its_

_beneficiaries and extravagant in giving is the evidence of God_

_with us._

Engr. Aham Onyeneke

_Grace is not really a thing but the personality of Jesus. The Bible said_

_'Grace and Truth came by Jesus'. When you encounter grace it enables_

_you to do what ordinarily you cannot do._

Dr. Chukwuemeka Anikene

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Great definitions and description of the concept of Grace. However,

there's something about the last definition that resonates with me. It is the

fact that Grace is an enabler.

Among other things, Grace is the permission, ability and willingness to do

righteousness. Grace is a by-product of Knowledge. Peter said:

_Grace and peace be multiplied unto you_

_through the knowledge of God, and of_

_Jesus our Lord,_

[2 Pet. 1:2] KJV.

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Grace is the spiritual energy boost that equips you for good works in

Christ Jesus:

_But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace_

_which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I_

_laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the_

_grace of God which was with me._

[1 Cor. 15:10] KJV

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Thus the Grace of God you've received is not for fancy or a license to sin

but an energy boost to live right and do the works of righteousness. To

that Paul advices:

_We then, as workers together with him, beseech you_

_also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain._

[2 Cor. 6:1] KJV

**Ponder:**

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive

not the grace of God in vain. [ 2 Cor. 6:1 ] KJV.

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**Prayer:**

Please help me God. In Jesus name.

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**Day 74**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Game Over**

You win!!!

**Text** : Psalm 30:5

_King James Version (KJV)_

**For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping**

**may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.**

**Message** :

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ames are usually very engaging and interesting. Whether it is

virtual or real time, every game has an allotted time to it and

Gupon the expiration of which it will be Game Over.

Game over is an end message in games which signals to the player that

their play time is over, usually received after losing all of one's lives,

scores or after successful completion of a game. Just the way humans play

games, evil forces also play games but this time around with human lives.

In the book of Job (Chapters 1&2) we saw how the devil was negotiating

for an opportunity to play with Job. He tried the first round in chapter one

and lost out. Instead of calling it quits, he negotiated for a second round

and explored all the cheat moves available. Perhaps he felt it was Mortal

Kombat and this was how he held down Left, Right, Left, Right, triangle

in an attempt to Finish Him!: _So Satan went out from the presence of the_

_LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the_

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_crown of his head._ [Job 2:7] NIV. Despite everything he did, when it was

Game over, Job still won.

The same applies to the Demoniac, who a legion of demons were using to

play Tomb raider [Luke 8:26-33 ]. As Jesus stepped into scene it was

game over and he won.

Many other instances abound. I don't know the exact game the enemy

may be playing with your health, finances, relationships, career, family,

etc, and each time you try to resist him he tells you, "someone cannot play

with you? is that how you used to do?". Yes, stand strong and tell him

there's no space for him to play with you anymore. Scripture says:

_Neither give place to the devil_. [Eph. 4:27] KJV

Still on the matter, I do not know the number of uppercuts jabs you are

currently receiving from the enemy, neither do I know for how long it has

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been. Hear me, every problem or difficulty is a visitor and every visitor

must go at some point. That's why scripture says:

_For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,..._ [2 Cor. 4:17a] KJV

If the Bible says the affliction is for a moment, then it's for a moment, and

the last I checked a moment just passed that means your miracle could be

now. Therefore, I decree it's Game Over for whatsoever that has troubled

your life till this time in Jesus name!!!

Finally, the most anticipated Game Over by fellow saints, is the end of

our sojourn here in this wicked world. That's when the Son of man will

appear in his glory, in the sky, to take us home with him. It is the Win of

wins. Scripture records:

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_And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and_

_there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,_

_neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things_

_are passed away._

[Rev. 21:4] KJV

I look forward to the ultimate Game over, with Jesus telling me,

"Congratulations! You Win"

**Ponder:**

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far

more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

_[2 Cor. 4:17] KJV_

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**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Remind me to always begin with the end in mind. To stay hopeful in you.

In Jesus name.

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**Day 75**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **The Flip Side**

The uncommon view

**Text** : Genesis 50:20

_New International Version (NIV)_

**You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish**

**what is now being done, the saving of many lives.**

**Message** :

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he essence of today's topic is to encourage us to approach the

scriptures with an open mind and not to look at verses of the

TBible only from the lenses of what we used to know. That way

we can be able to draw fresh nutrients from divine meals and gain new

horizon of perspectives to the ancient word.

According to a defining source, Flip Side is the reverse and usually less

popular side of something or someone. There are flip sides to some of the

admired characters in the Bible. Same applies to the ones we loathe and

don't wish to be like. The different shades of these characters are there for

us to understand that there's good in everyone of us and possibility of evil

in the bests of us. Consequently, we are expected to love everyone

regardless. Also, for us to know that scripture is not limited to a private

interpretation [2 Pet. 1:20]. Let's take a look at two characters from the

scriptures.

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Samson for instance, we are so quick to judge condemn him for his

interest in Philistine ladies forgetting that both his strengths and

weaknesses were divinely configured for a purpose. Scripture says:

³His father and mother replied, "Isn't there an acceptable woman

among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the

uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?" But Samson said to his

father, "Get her for me. She's the right one for me."

⁴(His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was

seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time

they were ruling over Israel.)

[Judges 14:3-4] NIV.

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If you study the prophecy concerning Samson you'll notice that he wasn't

designed to live forever but specifically to deal with the Philistines

[Judges 13:5b]. There was no better way of getting even with the

Philistines in a justifiable way except through that divine set-up. If we

look at the bigger picture we'll notice that Samson fulfilled purpose more

in his fallen state than when he had his eyes and dreadlocks in place

patrolling round town killing animals and telling riddles. You'll also

notice that there was no better occasion that could get all the Lords of the

Philistines (i.e. their legislators, judiciary and the executive) in one venue

at the same time except 'a night of a thousand laugh' with Samson as the

host comedian. That's how their gathering to mock Samson ended up as a

gathering to mourn them. Scripture recorded that he killed more

Philistines at his death than in his life time [Judges 16:30]. If he wasn't a

Success, he wouldn't have been featured in Hebrews Hall of Faith

[Hebrews 11:32]. This isn't a justification for carelessness or sin but a

pointer that the all aware and pre-informed God can make good come out

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of every written off situation. Samson knew that for sure that's why he

maintained communication with his source.

Let's take it to another level. I know you hate Queen Jezebel. So do I.

However have you seen some strong loyalty traits in Wife Jezebel [1

Kings 19-21]? She was her husband's confidant, had his ears, she fought

his battles for him, cared for him to the extent of being concerned about

why he would skip a meal. As to her Faith, she was so devoted to her god

that she wasn't afraid to seek the life of the daring prophet that called

down fire� **** from heaven and slaughtered 450 prophets of her god.

Despite that such energy was channeled to a wrong cause, don't you think

there's a thing or two to learn and admire in her?

Jesus said, 'love your enemies' [Matt. 5:44]; Paul said, do good unto all

men [Gal. 6:10]. This could be partly because there's a flip side to

everyone. That person you are wishing to die by fire could be someone's

loving spouse, friend, child or parent. If you look real hard you'll find an

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excuse to love the mean and unlovable. If you still can't find any reason to

love, take a look at the flip side and remind yourself that they too are in

the image and likeness of God. I'm sure you love the image and likeness

of God.

**Ponder:**

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private

interpretation.

[Pet. 1:20] KJV.

**Prayer:**

Father Dear, broaden my vision in Jesus name.

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**Day 76**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **419**

The Philippians perspective

**Text** : Isaiah 45:3

_New International Version (NIV)_

**I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that**

**you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons**

**you by name.**

**Message** :

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ccording to a source, advance-fee fraud, also known as a 419

fraud, is a type of scam in which the victim is convinced to

Aadvance money to a stranger. In all such scams, the victim is

led to expect that a much larger sum of money will be returned to him or

her. The number "419" refers to the section of the Nigerian Criminal

Code dealing with fraud, the charges and penalties for offenders.

In Nigeria, some believe that clergymen have abused scriptures and use

them as a tool for extortion. They believe gullible people are made to

advance some fee in anticipation of a major breakthrough or the like from

heaven. One of the major verses used in driving this prosperity campaign

is found in Philippians 4:19. Consequently, in some quarters, these

preachers and their messages are referred to as 'Philippians 419'. Let's

look at the scripture in question:

_But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory_

_by Christ Jesus._

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[Philippians 4:19] KJV

Due to the controversy associated with the subject of prosperity, many

preachers shy away from the topic. However, the truth is, you didn't write

any part of the Bible, and you are mandated to take the whole word to the

whole world. You cannot cherry pick suitable topics that you believe are

less offensive. If you can preach holiness, you should also preach

prosperity because the death of Jesus that brought about salvation is a

complete bouquet. Salvation includes salvation from sin [1Jn. 3:5],

sickness [Matt. 8:17], poverty [2Cor.8:9] and so on. Now, let's zero in on

poverty:

_For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich,_

_yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be_

_rich._

[2Cor. 8:9] KJV.

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If that  doesn't convince you that God wants you to be rich, what about

this:

_Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his_

_servant._

[Ps. 35:27b] KJV

Wow, your prosperity gives him pleasure meaning your poverty gives him

displeasure. Perhaps that's Old Testament, you still want something more

convincing from the New Testament. Interestingly, the New Testament

places premium on prosperity above all things:

_Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper_

_and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth._

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[3 Jn. 1:2]KJV.

That shows the prosperity of your soul should be directly proportional to

your material prosperity. You shouldn't be rich in spiritual things and be a

pauper in material things, because the same God that created the spiritual

sphere also created our earthly realities. He wants you to have dominion

[Gen 1:26]. That is why he gives you power to make wealth [Deut. 8:18].

Don't be deceived to believe that God wants you poor so that you

wouldn't sin. If that be the case, does it mean you haven't been

committing sin all the while you have lived in lack? Poverty is neither

spirituality nor a cure to pride and sin. The reason why some people are

too critical is because of poverty. Money answereth all things [Eccl.

10:19]. Thus, the absence of money makes them question all things.

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Dearly beloved, it doesn't matter if your sole motive for coming to God

was to be prospered, after all he has not commanded the house of Jacob to

seek him in vain [Is. 45:19b]. What is wrong is making earthly wealth

rather than the kingdom your priority even after encountering Christ

[Matt. 6:33]. This is the assurance from him:

_Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of_

_thine heart._

[Ps. 37:4] KJV.

**Ponder:**

Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth

for ever.

_[Ps. 112:3] KJV._

**Prayer:**

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Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now

prosperity. In Jesus name. [Ps. 118:25 ]KJV.

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**Day 77**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **MMM**

GH to PH

**Text** : 2 Corinthians 8:14

_New International Version (NIV)_

**At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in**

**turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality.**

**Message** :

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ased on a leading newspaper's report, the Nigeria Deposit

Insurance Corporation, NDIC, recorded that three million

BNigerians lost N18 billion (over $48.6mUSD) to the Ponzi

scheme, MMM, an acronym for Mavrodi Mondial Movement/Moneybox.

The scheme was founded in 1989 by a Russian, Sergey Mavrodi with his

two brothers. It encourages its subscribers to provide help (PH) in order to

be qualified to get help (GH). For reasons beyond our focus the scheme

has not been able to meet-up with the tall demands of its participants.

However, a greater than the former is here. It is My Maker's Mandate

(MMM) that you first of all get help (GH) in order to provide help (PH).

God knows you can't give what you don't have. The seven sons of Sceva

tried to provide help (PH) to just one person and they got the beating of

their lives [Acts. 19:16]. Jesus foresaw it and warned his disciples to tarry

in Jerusalem till they get help (GH) [Lk. 24:49]. This is because on our

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own we are unprofitable, hence Jesus said, "without me ye can do

nothing." [Jn. 15:5]. David knew where to GH and that's why he said:

_¹...I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help._

_²My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth._

[Ps. 121:1-2] KJV.

Why does God want us to get help (GH)? It's simply because he wants us

to provide help (PH) when the need arises. Here's God's invitation to get

help:

_Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain_

_mercy, and find grace to help in time of need._ [Heb.4:16] KJV

Hallelujah!!! We get help from the throne of grace in order to provide

help in time of need. God wants us to be his medium of providing help to

the ailing world. In fact, the gospel is God's way of providing help

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through us whom he has given help. For instance, among the reasons why

Abraham was given help is that through him God may provide help to all

the nations of the earth:

_And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through_

_faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all_

_nations be blessed._

[Gal. 3:8] KJV

The same applied to Moses: his rod was anointed to provide deliverance

to Israel. Samson too got help in his dreadlocks in order to provide help

for Israel. Jesus knew the importance of getting help that he had to tarry

for 40 days getting help from His Father in order to provide help to the

whole world. Scripture shows us how Jesus got help¹ and provided help²:

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_How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with_

_power:¹ who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed_

_of the devil;² for God was with him._

[Acts. 10:38] KJV

How about you? Having received help from God, have you been

providing help? Help could be material [Eph. 4:28], spiritual [Col 1:9], or

even both [1 Cor. 9:11]. The earnest expectation of creation is for us to

provide help [Rom. 8:19].

Go ahead and provide help today, and if you need to get help in any area

of life, this is my prayer for you:

_May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from_

_Jerusalem._

[Ps. 20:2] NLT

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**Ponder:**

Freely you have received; freely give.

_[Matt. 10:8b] NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father, may I avail all that you've given to me to bless my world. In

Jesus name.

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**Day 78**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **The Fate of Faith**

Why we believe

**Text** : 1st. Peter 1:9

_King James Version (KJV)_

**Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls**.

**Message** :

here's so much to say about Faith: from its condition (whether

dead or alive) to its size (whether little or great) and even

Tincluding its origin, peers and functionality. It is the basic

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requirement in pleasing God [Heb. 11:6] and very key to our calling.

That's why our journey is called the Christian Faith. Today we want to

find out the end of our Faith. What is the hallmark of Faith?

I may not be able to accurately define Faith but there are certain features

that must be present in Faith. Scripture says:

_Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not_

_seen._

[Heb. 11:1] KJV

That implies that faith must be NOW, not in the past or the future; it must

substantiate a hope; it must evidence the unseen. That's to say that Faith

is the now tangibility for an expectation yet to materialise. It's like a

promissory note, for example, a cheque which though not money in itself

evidences the possible availability of it.

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Usually the evidence in Faith is the word of God. The only proof that

heroes of Faith had to show for what they anticipated was the word God

gave them and nothing more. That's why scripture says:

_So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God ._

[Rom. 10:17] KJV

Thus they used the word of God as security, collateral, initial deposit that

guaranteed the occurrence of other events. When doubt came, they

replayed the exact words God gave them over again. Notice that scripture

says, 'hearing and hearing' so the word must be heard over and over to

build up power. That's why the Psalmist said, 'God hath spoken once;

twice have I heard' [Ps. 62:11]. Also note that Faith comes by hearing..

'the' word of God not just 'any' word from God. There's an exact word for

every situation, it takes that word that's customised for you and you've

heard to build Faith.

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The entrance of that word gives light [Ps. 119:130] (direction,

understanding, insight, etc). Once that word comes, it shows you what to

do and gives you the ability to do it, because where the word of the King

is, there's power [Ecl.8:4] and we know he sustains all things by the word

of his power [Heb. 1:3]. There must be a 'doing' to faith and that's why

faith without works is dead [Jms. 2:26]. It is that 'doing' that completes

Faith [James. 2:22]. However in order not to be valued as nothing [1 Cor.

13:2b] Faith must work through love [Gal. 5:6].

What then is the main aim of our Faith? What's the critical success factor

for Faith? What's the fate of Faith? It's possible to use Faith for achieving

other purposes without actually obtaining its essence. Faith has an end in

just the same way the end of having money is to afford goods and services

and the end of education is to be informed and enabled to have a better

life. The scripture below tells us the end of our faith:

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_Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls._ [1 Pet.

1:9]

Abuse of Faith is when it's used for every other venture except the

salvation of your soul. Are you saved?

**Ponder:**

You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith

was made complete by what he did. [James 2:22] NIV

**Prayer:**

Dear Father,

Help me that my faith fail not in Jesus name.

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Day 79

★★★ PONDER ★★★

Topic: **The Door**

What Morpheus told Neo

**Text** : John 10:9

_King James Version (KJV)_

**I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall**

**go in and out, and find pasture.**

**Message** :

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ometime in 2011, I decided to pitch my legal services to a high-

net-worth-individual for obvious reasons. I knew there was

Snothing extraordinary about my credentials that could get his

attention so I decided to resort to emotional intelligence by leveraging on

something we both had in common. Immediately he saw the name of our

alma mater he replied the SMS I sent him and fixed a meeting. The rest is

history. For me then, my alma mater was the door to that opportunity.

Literally, a door is a moving structure used to block off as well as allow

access to the entrance or exit point of an enclosed space. Connotatively, it

can mean access to opportunities or a barricade to intrusion.

Life is made up of many doors. It seems everything in life has a door. For

instance, your eyes, ears and so on can serve as doors to your mind. That's

why we are advised to be mindful of the kind of information we expose

ourselves to.

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On the other hand, it's one thing to find a door and quite another to walk

through it. Morpheus, in the movie, Matrix, said to Neo, "I can only show

you the door, you must go through it." Same way, divinity can open doors

for you but you have a duty to walk through it. Also, just as we saw it in

Matrix, the same door opened at different times can lead to different

places. Thus, what we make out of opened doors is our responsibility.

For instance, Paul requested the brethren to pray that a door be opened for

his message [Col. 4:3]. In Troas, a door was eventually opened for him [2

Cor. 2:12]. However, in another place a door was opened for him but he

encountered great resistance:

_because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are_

_many who oppose me._ [1 Corinthians 16:9] NIV

Just like Paul, there might be a career, marital, academic, financial or even

ministry door that has been opened for you, yet some forces are

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vehemently opposing your entrance. Or there could be opened doors of

escape and your adversaries are obstructing your exit. Note: the fact that

there's divine open door doesn't mean it wouldn't be contested by evil

forces. However, I decree that opposition defeated and the door stays

open for you and yours in the name of Jesus.

The reason I prayed in the name of Jesus is because He's the door opener,

and this is what he's telling a user of this devotional:

_...behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:_

[Rev. 3:8a]KJV.

Hallelujah!!! Peradventure you need to access God, His salvation and the

blessings He provides, Jesus the door opener also doubles as the door:

_I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go_

_in and out, and find pasture._

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[John 10:9]KJV.

Here's the paradox: for you to access Jesus the Door of doors you must

first open the door of your heart for him to come in. Hear his request:

_Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and_

_opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me._

[Revelations 3:20] NIV

Why not open-up your door to the door opener and let him walk you

through his door of endless bliss??? God bless you.

**Ponder:**

... Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:

_[Rev. 3:8b] KJV_

**Prayer:**

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Abba Father,

You are the one that open doors that none can close, thanks for being my

door opener. In Jesus name

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**Day 80**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **MLM**

Building downlines

**Text** : Matthew 20:21

_New International Version (NIV)_

**"What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these**

**two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in**

**your kingdom."**

**Message** :

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ulti-level marketing (MLM), also called network marketing

and referral marketing is a controversial, pyramid shaped

Mmarketing strategy where profit is theoretically derived

from two revenue streams: from direct sales to customers and also from

commission based on the sales of recruited team members (the down line

distributors). I've participated in several MLM initiatives and have come

up with the conclusion: if you can get downliners, organise seminars, help

build your downliners and cycle out severally, then you have no excuses

for not being involved in active evangelism.

Just as I met a leader in one of the schemes and negotiated if I could have

two of my accounts under him- one on the left and the other on the right-

a woman in the Bible negotiated same with Jesus:

_"What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two_

_sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your_

_kingdom."_

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[Matt. 20:21] NIV

If  can motivate you to go all out to refer people you don't even know

into an MLM scheme, how much more should a crown of righteousness

[2 Tim. 4:8] inspire you to refer people to your Jesus? This is what awaits

all that will participate in heaven's MLM:

_...and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and_

_ever._

[Dan. 12:3b] NIV

It's high time people started signing-up to Heaven on your account. Let's

be passionate about heaven's referral business; it pays immeasurably more

than anything else. You can imagine the reward awaiting Andrew for

referring Peter to Jesus. This is what Andrew did:

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_The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon_

_and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the_

_Christ)._

[ Jn 1:41 ].

Who will you sign-up today?

**Ponder:**

Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, "We have found

the Messiah" (which means "Christ").

_[Jn 1:41] NLT_

**Prayer:**

Dear Lord,

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I receive power and boldness to bring people to you going forward in

Jesus name.

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**Day 81**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **The Confessor**

Path to inner peace

**Text** : Psalm 32:5

_King James Version (KJV)_

**I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I**

**said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou**

**forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.**

**Message** :

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onfession of sins is a fundamental requirement in the Christian

Faith. Among a plethora of meanings, a confessor can mean a

Cperson who confesses. There are many reasons why we are

required to confess our sins. One of them is because:

_People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they_

_confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy._

[Pro. 28:13] NLT

That means failure to confess sins means loss of an opportunity to obtain

mercy. Those who don't confess sins usually don't because they think they

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are cool and have no sin in them, but the truth is that they are

unknowingly calling God a liar. Hence the scripture:

_If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar_

_and showing that his word has no place in our hearts._

[1 John 1:10] NLT

Confession of sins can occur on various levels. The first is confession to

one's self, which is also known as remorse, and usually can be in form of

godly sorrow leading to repentance [2 Cor.7:10]. That was the experience

the prodigal son had with himself first before returning to his father:

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_I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both_

_heaven and you_ ,

[Lk. 15:18] NLT

Note he told that to himself before launching out. After that, the next step

is to confess to God, because every sin is primarily against God. David

was both a notorious offender and a relentless confessor. Each time we

list the sins of David, we often forget this one. However he showed us

how to confess to God:

_Then David said to God, "I have sinned greatly by taking this census._

_Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing."_

[1 Chro. 21:8] NLT

Obviously God forgave him and this is God's promise to us each time we

confess our sins:

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_If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to_

_cleanse us from all unrighteousness._

[1 John 1:9] KJV

In addition, scripture also encourages us to confess our faults to each

other. That's why some denominations encourage their members to go for

confession. The idea is for us to receive total emotional healing and have

the burden of guilt lifted. You see, it's possible for the sin to be forgiven

and yet the effect is still there. The effect of sin is not good for your

spiritual health, hence we are told:

_Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may_

_be healed._

[James 5:16] NLT

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Another step could be to confess to the person we directly offended just as

Shimei confessed to David in [2 Sam. 19:19, 23] and received

forgiveness.

There are no guarantees that humans will always forgive when we confess

our sins against them, but take comfort in the fact that if you confess and

genuinely repent, the one who answers prayers will forgive your sins and

show you mercy. Don't let any sin steal your peace and deny you from

fellowship with Holy Spirit. The first step towards restoration to Him is

confession of sin.

**Ponder:**

But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.

_[Ps. 38:18] NLT_

**Prayer:**

Dear Father,

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Please forgive me for every sin against you and my fellow men. In Jesus

name.

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**Day 82**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **The Carpenter**

Her rare dare

**Text** : Mark 6:3

_New International Version (NIV)_

**Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of**

**James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?"**

**And they took offense at him.**

**Message** :

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od is interested in everything we do because one way or the

other it can be used to advance God's kingdom. That's why

GPaul encouraged us that we should do everything as unto the

Lord:

_Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as_

_working for the Lord, not for human masters_

[Col.3:23] NIV

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A typical example is our profession. No profession is to be over esteemed

or looked down on. What matters is that what your hands find to do is

done with all your heart [Ecl. 9:10].

Take for instance carpentry. I have a carpenter friend, Audrey Forson,

she's the CEO of Tekura Arts & Furniture, Accra Ghana. I was inquisitive

to know how a carpenter is defined in her circle and these are her words:

_I think carpenters are people skilled in cutting and joinery of wood for_

_construction work and for making furniture_

_What makes them special is the key role they play in society I guess_

It dawned on me that carpentry is a profession close to God's chest. Each

time he intends to save entire human race from destruction he requests

carpentry services. First was Noah who built an ark [Heb. 11:7] to save

humanity. We also have the four carpenters that came to liberate Judah

from the horns of the Gentiles intending to scatter them [Zech. 1:20-21].

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When it was time to save mankind eternally, he appointed a carpenter as a

foster father for the Messiah [Matt. 13:55] and even Jesus grew to become

a carpenter [Mark 6:3].

Alas, when the time came for the ultimate sacrifice, God used one of the

simplest products of carpentry, a cross, to show the simplicity of the

gospel and how easy it is to construct our relationship with God (l) &

man(-).

You too can become a carpenter by using the word of God to chisel out

unwanted excesses in your life. It also includes using prayers by the help

of the Spirit to hammer in Christian virtues like nails able to hold you

firm and together amidst pressure.

Paul sensing you'll need some carpentry skills advised:

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_But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying_

_in the Holy Ghost,_

[Jude 1:20] KJV

**Ponder:**

20And the Lord shewed me four carpenters.

21Then said I, 'What come these to do?' And he spake, saying, 'These are

the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head:

but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles,

which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.'

_[Zech. 1:20-21] KJV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Liberate from all bondages and may I build my relationship with you. In

Jesus name.

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**Day 83**

★★★✨ **PONDER+** ✨★★★

Topic: **All in the Name**

What is your name?...ft. Dr. Emeka Anikene

**Text** : Mark 5:9

_New International Version (NIV)_

**Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion,"**

**he replied, "for we are many."**

**Message** :

What's your name?

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ames have always been a thing in our clime. There goes a

story about a community that gives their children names by

Ndropping a spoon or plate on the floor. Whatever sound that

made was going to be the name of the child. The story is not likely true. I

do know that often consultations are made before children are given

names. Most times we forget even the meaning of our names and would

blurt it out without thinking when asked "what's your name?" Not so with

our Saviour, Jesus The Christ. His name of course was "Saviour"

translated literally. Hear what the Bible says:

_' ..And you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from_

_their sins'._

[Matt. 1:21] NASB

Yes, His name is His job description! In whatever area you are struggling

with, run to Him and simply call Him by His name JESUS. Throughout

time, the message of this name has wrought miracles, converted the heart

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of terrorists (Paul), the heart of scammers (Matthew the Tax collector),

the heart of the adulterers (Mary Magdalene). And what does the Bible

say?...Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever. [Heb 13:8]

Dr. Anikene

Still on names, apart from the name of Jesus, the highest name one can be

called by is the Son of God. Few people enjoyed this privilege like

Adam [Lk.3:38], Israel [Ex.4:22] and Jesus [Heb. 3:6]. If you study the

scriptures well, you will discover those so called, achieved great feats on

the face of the earth and the effects are still felt till this present time. It

includes the sons of God that married the daughters of men and gave birth

to Super Heroes [Gen 6:4]. It's impossible to be the son of a Lion and not

be a Lion. How dare you be a son of God without being a god. The Sons

of God among other things enjoy divine protection and provision. While

you brag about wearing Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole and so

on, let me remind you that Adam's clothes were designed and tailored by

God himself:

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_The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed_

_them._

[Gen. 3:21]

The privileges are limitless. That's why the whole creation is earnestly

waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God [Rom 8:19] because they

are solution providers and game changers.

Guess who God has instructed to be called the son of God? Either way

you look at it, it's YOU . Hence the scripture:

_Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we_

_should be called the sons of God:_

[1 Jn. 3:1a] KJV

**Ponder:**

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Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we

shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;

for we shall see him as he is.

_[1 John 3:2] KJV_

**Prayer:**

Dear Lord,

Help me to live up to my name in Jesus name.

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**Day 84**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **The Transformer**

the making of a +

**Text** : 2 Corinthians 3:18

_King James Version (KJV)_

**But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the**

**Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as**

**by the Spirit of the Lord.**

**Message** :

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transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical

energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic

Ainduction. There's another view to the term I'll like us to adopt

for the purposes of today's devotional. That is, a transformer as one who

transforms.

The introduction of Jesus to the world transformed so many things. One is

our calendaring system which he altered. Today the international standard

is to designate years based on a traditional reckoning of the year Jesus

was born — the "A.D." and "B.C." system. "A.D." stands for anno

domini, Latin for "in the year of the lord," and refers specifically to the

birth of Jesus Christ. "B.C." stands for "before Christ."

Another is the cross. The cross before the coming of Jesus used to

represent something sinister. That's why scripture says:

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_But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he_

_was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our_

_wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who_

_is hung on a tree."_

[Gal. 3:13] NLT

However since Jesus visited the cross, it has become a beacon of hope, a

symbol of our faith and a sign of purity. Today the Red Cross as their

name implies uses the cross sign as their logo. It's used in vampire movies

to scare evil forces, used in mathematics as a sign for addition, a mirror of

the innumerable values that Jesus adds to our lives. The list is endless. If

he could transform the fate of a wooden cross, how much more you made

in his image?

If you've truly accepted the salvation and lordship of Jesus Christ there's

no way he wouldn't transform your life in obvious ways while you are

devoted to him [1 Tm. 4:15]. There's no way the spirit of Him that raised

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Jesus from the dead will be resident in you and be 'dulling' [Rm. 8:11].

The Spirit is the engine for transformation.

If like me, you wish to see an evident positive transformation, this is the

Lord's road map to it:

_":but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,"_ [Rom. 12:2b]

KJV

Renewing of mind is a continuous process powered by exposure to the

word of God and prayers, and is the guaranteed path to transformation.

Stay transformed.

**Ponder:**

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the

renewing of your mind.

_[Rm. 12:2a] NIV_

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**Prayer:**

Dear Lord,

Transform my life in Jesus name.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 85**

★★★✨ **PONDER+** ✨★★★

Topic: **Two Essentials of Faith I**

Because He is God...ft. Asangansi D. Asangansi

**Text** : Mark 11:22

_New International Version (NIV)_

**"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.**

**Message** :

_²²And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. ²³For verily I_

_say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be you_

_removed, and be you cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart,_

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_but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he_

_shall have whatsoever he saith_

[Mark 11:22,23] KJV

hese two verses encapsulate the basics of faith. The first basic

of faith which Jesus reveals to His disciples is that faith should

Tbe in God. Your faith, my faith should not be on a job, good

economy, reliable government, brilliant doctor, an experienced lawyer, a

supposedly new and effective drug, or even a reliable spouse. All these

things are good. In fact, there is nothing wrong in searching for these

things. However, if our faith will hold fast in this troubled world, it must

not be in the elements of this troubled world, but as Master Jesus has

prescribed: it must be in God. But why? Why must faith be in God? There

are a number of reasons why faith must be in God:

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Firstly, God is the owner of this world and its contents, and as such, it is

His place to do as He pleases with the elements of this world. Scripture

puts it this way:

_"The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world and they_

_that dwell therein"_

[Psalm 24:1] KJV

Or as in the Amplified version:

_"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness of it, the world and they who_

_dwell in it."_

See, God owns the inhabitants of the earth and everything else in it, this

includes your spouse and other things you might be depending on, even

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the tiny microscopic bacteria belongs to God. And it pleases Him to move

them in ways that will benefit us all.

Asangansi D. Asangansi

I strongly agree with the above views. Imagine if you have the privilege

of negotiating the rent for an apartment directly with the Landlord and he

gives you a certain discounted price after you've discussed with his tenant

who gave you a different price higher than that given by the property

owner himself. Whose price will you most likely believe and deal with?

It's amazing how the owner of this terrestrial ball has given us his word on

issues but we jettison it and seek comfort and security in words of our co-

tenants.

The words of Jesus, "Have faith in God" were not advisory in nature or

merely suggestive and persuasive. It is a command and a clear instruction

to believe God, which makes it a sin to doubt God and walk in unbelief,

hence the scripture says:

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_and everything that does not come from faith is sin._

[Rom. 14:23b] NIV

**Ponder:**

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

_[Mk. 11:22] KJV_

**Prayer:**

Father in heaven. You are God even in the earth. Thank you for in your

great majesty you rule over this earth and you are constantly moving the

things around me for my good. I hereby surrender to you, trusting you.

Now I set my faith in you. In Jesus' precious name.

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**Day 86**

★★★✨ **PONDER+** ✨★★★

Topic: **Two Essentials of Faith II**

Because of the Covenants...by Dahvid Asangansi

**Text** : Mark 11:22

_New International Version (NIV)_

**"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.**

**Message** :

_"...To whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants..."_

[Romans 9:4] KJV

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oday, we look at a second reason why our king, Jesus, said to

"have faith in God". Our second reason is simply put: that there

Tare standing covenants. God Almighty has at several times

covenanted to do good to all of us. He did it through Noah [Genesis 8:20-

9:17]; Abraham [Genesis 17:1-9]; and more recently through Jesus Christ

His son [John 3:16,17].

These covenants are for the betterment of mankind and God is ardently

doing His part in keeping His promises, and it is our faith in Him that

activates the benefits of these covenants to work in our lives and families

too.

This faith in God is not an attempt to convince God to do something on

our behalf, God's heart is already set to support and strengthen you by

reason of these covenants. There is nothing you need today which God

has not already envisioned and also provided for through His covenants,

and by these covenants He expresses His commitment to love you, care

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for you, supply your needs, heal your body, protect you and yours,

increase you financially, bring you to stardom, and to keep you in peace.

_"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man... but_

_[God] will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that you may_

_be able to bear"_

[1 Cor. 10:13] KJV

There is nothing that can happen to you, or come against God's children

that will take God by surprise. There is nothing the enemy can do to you

that God will be short of options or response. God is zealous to prosper

you and it is your faith in Him that connects you to His prosperity.

**Ponder:**

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Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and

the covenants , and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the

promises;

_[Rom. 9:4] KJV_

**Confession:**

I rejoice in God, for I know that He rejoices over me.

He is not too far for me to reach, and He is not too far from reaching me.

I receive His covenant promises and I enjoy them daily as I breathe.

Hallelujah!

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**Day 87**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Fashion & Dress Sense**

God's view of you

**Text** : Matthew 22:12

_New International Version (NIV)_

**He asked, 'How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?'**

**The man was speechless.**

**Message** :

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oday's topic may seem too basic but the way some of the

Christians in the generations behind us dressed made people

Twonder if dressing poorly was part of spirituality. It was easy to

identify some denominations of Christians by their less fashionable way

of dressing, low quality clothing and sometimes poor hygiene. Some

others took it to the other extreme by dressing in ways inconsistent with

their professed faith.

Where then is the balance? What does the Bible say about fashion and

dress sense? Let's draw inference from scriptures:

In addition to covering of nakedness, God desires his people to dress in

colourful, high quality and beautiful attire [Ex. 39:1]. Hence:

_And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother for glory and_

_for beauty._

[Ex. 28:2] KJV

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This may sound untrue but he'll prefer it's tailored by skilled designers:

_Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters_

_that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may_

_serve me as priest._

[Ex. 28:3] NIV

The Ladies are not left out too. Instead of wearing Bridget's mini-skirt, the

Bible shows that as a King's daughter your clothes should be long and

beautiful:

_She was wearing a long, beautiful robe, as was the custom in those days_

_for the king's virgin daughters._

[2. Sam. 13:18b] NLT

God does not wish for your clothes or foot wears to be old and worn out:

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_Yet the LORD says, "During the forty years that I led you through the_

_wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your_

_feet._

[Deut. 29:5] NIV

That suggests that God intends you have clothes and foot wears on when

you are on the move. He doesn't want you to be part of the nudist

community that walk around naked. In addition he wants you to cover

yourself properly:

_Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter_

_did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him._

[Acts 12:8] NIV

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You can't afford to be dirty sometimes. God demands that your clothes are

always clean and that you 'make-up' and stay fresh. Ecc. 9:8 puts it this

way:

_Always wear clean clothes, and never go without lotion on your head._

[GOD'S WORD Translation]

OR

_Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!_

[NLT].

God wants women to dress properly, modestly and discreetly [1 Tim.

2:9]. In as much as God expects more from you, he doesn't have a

problem with you as a Lady if you make your hair, put on gold jewelry or

dresses:

_Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and_

_wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;_

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[1 Pet. 3:3] NASB

As a gentleman you should endeavour to put on a leather belt around your

waist. Even John the Baptist who wasn't famous for a great dress sense

didn't go without a leather belt [Matt. 3:4]. Don't just have a belt, make

sure you use it. Jeremiah had this to say:

_So I bought a belt, as the LORD directed, and put it around my waist._

[Jer. 13:2] NIV

God wants you to dress for the occasion. You can't wear your night wear

to Church or dress too casual for a formal function. In one of Jesus'

parable a man missed the King's banquet because he didn't dress for the

occasion:

_He asked, 'How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?' The_

_man was speechless._

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[Matt. 22:12] NIV

God doesn't want you to expose your private parts [Ex 20:26]

However, more important to God is that you put on your spiritual attire

too. Just the same way he clothed Adam and his wife [Gen3:21], God has

clothed us with garments of salvation and wrapped us in the robe of

righteousness [Is. 61:10]. We are to always be on our spiritual attire,

spotless. On the most important outfit to wear, Paul perfectly puts it this

way:

_Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think_

_about how to gratify the desires of the flesh._

[Rom. 13:14] NIV

**Ponder:**

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Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think

about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

_[Rom. 13:14] NIV_

**Prayer:**

Abba Father,

Thank you for your views on life issues. In Jesus name.

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Around The Word in 90 days

**Day 88**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Tongue**

Small but mighty

**Text** : Proverbs 18:21

_New International Version (NIV)_

**The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will**

**eat its fruit.**

**Message** :

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ack in my primary school days, I considered myself as a quiet

pupil yet I couldn't understand how my name usually got

Benlisted among the noise makers in class. It seemed my tongue

had a will of its own, for while I believed my mind was at rest, my mouth

was in overdrive.

The Bible defines the tongue as a small part of the body but very loud; it

can cause great damage with just a small spark [Jms. 3:5]. Sometimes we

don't know that people make an impression of us not by our appearance

but by the things we say, and they are hardly wrong. This is because the

Bible says that the mouth speaks out of the abundance of what's in the

heart [Matt. 12:34] and as a man thinks in his heart, so is he [Pro. 23:7].

So it tallies if you are judged by the things you say.

Just as a fountain doesn't send forth bitter and sweet water from the same

point, James advised that as Christians our mouths shouldn't voice

contradictory things [Jms. 3:10-11]. Often times when we pray, we

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declare things we wish to see done on the face of the earth but when we

step out from the place of prayer, we use our tongues to contradict the

things we've said, thereby killing them. This is true because the power of

both life and death belongs to the tongue [Pro. 18:21]. Sometimes, it

seems after you've given life to your prayers with your tongue, you end up

killing them with the same tongue through voicing words of unbelief.

That could be the reason why David said:

_...I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a_

_muzzle on my mouth..."_

[Ps. 39:1] NIV

You can't call yourself a Christian and speak loosely. If you do, your faith

is questionable. James in his letter said:

_Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein_

_on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless._

[Jms. 1:26] NIV

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In fact, the Biblical idea of perfection is the ability to be faultless in

words:

_For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same_

_is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body._

[James 3:2] KJV

Remember that God listens to you just as a Father listens to his little child.

So, be careful with the things you say because He has assured:

_... 'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very thing I_

_heard you say:_

[Num. 14:28] NIV

Since our tongues are wired to our hearts, let's therefore endeavour to fill

our hearts with healthy and edifying contents. Let's think things through

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before we talk and not the other way around. Hence, James' timely advice

on the subject:

_My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick_

_to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,_

[Jms. 1:19] NIV

**Ponder:**

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the

same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

_[James 3:2] KJV_

**Prayer:**

Dear Father,

Let my words unto thee Glorify, unto my fellow men edify and unto the

enemy terrify. In Jesus name.

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**Day 89**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Tongues²**

Of men and of angels

**Text** : 1 Corinthians 14:2

_King James Version (KJV)_

**²For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men,**

**but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit**

**he speaketh mysteries.**

**Message** :

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esterday as we pondered, we discussed the tongue. Today

we'll be looking at tongues. As the name implies, it's obvious

Ythat we are talking about more than one tongue. It seems

there's a you tongue and another which the spirit uses in making

intercession. If you ponder a while you'll notice that on the day of

Pentecost, the tongues spoken by the disciples were understood by the

multitude respectively [Acts 2:6]. Whereas, the tongues being referred to

by Paul in 1 Cor. 14:2 can't be understood by any man. That perhaps

explains the concept of the tongues of men and of angels in 1 Cor.13:1.

However, let's hover around the benefits.

First, 'tongues' is a gift of the Holy Spirit [1 Cor. 12:10] and an evidence

that one is possessed of the Spirit [Acts. 19:6]. That means there's no

speaking in tongues without the Holy Spirit. Thus the Spirit is the supplier

and sustainer of tongues.

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Second, the Holy Spirit is given to anyone who dares to ask God. Hence

Scripture says:

_So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how_

_much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who_

_ask him."_

[Lk. 11:13] NLT

Part of the support services the Holy Spirit provides to a believer is the

enablement to pray [Rom. 8:26]. He gives the utterance [Acts 2:4]. Thus

praying in tongues means praying in the Spirit. Hence Scripture says:

_"For if I pray in an unknown tongue, MY SPIRIT PRAYETH, but my_

_understanding is unfruitful."_

[1 Cor. 14:14] KJV

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Note, since it's the spirit that is praying, and the spirit is of God, the

prayer goes to no other but God. It's like a coded message that's classified

and exclusive to its intended recipient, God. Such a person is said to be

speaking mysteries [1 Cor. 14:2].

Third, since the words of the Spirit of God are still the words of God, and

we know the word of God edifies [Jn 6:63], thus anyone who prays by the

Spirit edifies himself. So it serves dual purposes: one, as means of

conveying our classified supplications to God and the other as a means of

receiving edification from the words of God used in the transmission.

Hence the Scripture says:

_⁴He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;..._

[1 Cor. 14:4] KJV

We cannot successfully build ourselves up in faith without praying in the

Holy Ghost. There's a limit to what our human understanding and

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language can carry in the place of prayer. That's why Rm. 8:26 says, _'for_

_we know not how to pray as we ought.'_ [KJV]. Thus the necessity to pray

often in the Holy Ghost:

_But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith_

_and praying in the Holy Spirit,_

[Jude 1:20] NIV

Paul instructed that we do not forbid speaking in tongues [ Cor. 14:39]

rather that we should always pray in the Spirit:

_Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,_ [Eph.

6:18a] KJV

How can you make power available when you can't pray for an hour

[Matt. 26:40]? How can you pray for an hour if not in the Holy Ghost?

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**Ponder:**

⁴He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;

[1 Cor. 14:4a] KJV

**Prayer:**

Holy Spirit,

Please help me pray in Jesus name. Amen

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**Day 90**

★★★ **PONDER** ★★★

Topic: **Mile Two** 

A better bus-stop

**Text** : Pro. 13:4

_New Living Translation (NLT)_

**⁴Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will**

**prosper.**

**Message** :

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ile Two is a known commercial bus route in Lagos. It is a

highly dense area with its own fair share of the Lagos

Mtraffic. One would ordinarily think that Mile two should be

an offshoot of a Mile one, however the latter seems to only exist in Port

Harcourt, a different city donkey miles away from Lagos.

Talking about Mile One, a friend enlightened me about a custom

prevalent during the era of the Roman empire. I was told when a Roman

soldier on his way back from a battle with his weapons and spoil of war,

meets anyone on his path and places his sword on the shoulder of such a

one, the person is expected by custom to help the solider with his load for

a mile. If he then chooses to go a second mile, he'll be entitled to get a

fraction from the soldier's spoil.

Hardly did they as at that time desire to extend their involuntary service to

Mile two, they were comfortable just stopping at Mile one. However,

when Jesus came into the scene he said:

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_If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles._

[Matt. 5:4] NLT

There's a reason why Jesus made that statement beyond partaking of a

soldier's spoil. It is because it's also a principle of the kingdom that you go

an extra mile beyond what is required of you in every area to be construed

as worthy [Lk. 17:10]. For instance, in matters of righteousness, Jesus had

this to say:

_For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the_

_righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into_

_the kingdom of heaven._

[Matt. 5:20] KJV

Check out the account of some of the people God used. They had

distinguished qualities above others. Moses was the meekest man on earth

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[Num 12:3], Job was the most perfect on earth [Job 1:8], Daniel and

Friends were ten times smarter than the scholars of Babylon [Dan. 1:20]

and so on.

All these men above went the extra mile in distinguishing themselves.

They worked hard, made compromises and sacrifices, and never took the

grace of God for granted, rather leveraged on it to achieve results. For

instance, Moses whom God gave the award as the meekest worldwide,

turned down the divine offer from God to use his lineage to extend the

covenant and wipe out the entire Israel [Ex. 32:10-12]. In another

situation, he 'prostrated' before God for 40 days in intercession for God's

people [Deut. 9:25]. That's leadership, that's going the extra mile. Paul

also had this to say about how he wouldn't just chill with the grace of God

in him rather put it to use in going the extra mile:

_But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor_

_on me-- and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the_

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_other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by_

_his grace._

[1 Cor. 15:10] NLT

Did you notice that he said, 'not without results' in the above verse?

Showing also the link between extra mile (i.e. 'harder than') and results.

That shows extra mile distinguishes. In your work place, you desire a

promotion. Go the Mile two. In your academics you want to have

excellent results. Go the Mile two. In your relationship you, want to have

an unending bliss. Go the Mile two. In everything you do, to stand out

you have to move from Mile one to Mile two.

You have been wishing, dreaming and desiring so much like a lazy man

without results [Pro.13:4]. You can't be outstanding without standing out.

These are the words of Jesus to you:

_... what do ye more than others?.._ [ Matt. 5:47 ]

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Go the extra mile. Move from Mile one to Mile two.

**Ponder:**

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor

on me--and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the

other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by

his grace.

_[1 Cor. 15:10] NLT_

**Prayer:**

Holy Spirit,

Please help me put the extra effort, in Jesus name. Amen

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# Document Outline

  * Ponder
  * Author's Note
  * Thank you for joining us on this 90-day journey around the word as we ponder on what the Lord has to say. At PONDER we have the mandate to take the whole word to the whole world for we believe that it's only the Lord's word that can rescue our lost world. No matter where you are in this Christian journey there's always a word for you. Remember that man must live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Come on board, fasten your seat belt and let us enjoy the voyage together. Thanks for choosing to ponder with us. God bless you endlessly.

