Only Believe!

 “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken he said unto the ruler of the synagogue, BE NOT AFRAID, ONLY BELIEVE” Mark 5:36

Whenever we don’t believe God for His word or we conclude that something is impossible, we hurt ourselves. The bible teaches that all things are possible and God demands for our “believing” to work out possibility out of impossibility (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 9:23).

The truth is that lack of belief is actually a belief in something. There is no true “unbelief” in life. Every unbelief is a belief in something, a belief in the negative, of what is expected or thought; a belief in the status quo; a belief in what is generally accepted to be the fact; a belief in what has always been will be; a belief in something contrary.

The miracle you desire may not have happened to someone you know before, only believe that God can create it for you. The problem may be running in your family, only believe that it will not get to you. The doctor or the expert may have told you that there is no hope, only believe that there is hope in Jesus Christ. Jesus needs an agreement from you, that is, you need to believe that He can help you. Every time a man exercises unbelief, it shows that he needs more information (Romans 10:17).

Jairus was told not to trouble the Master anymore because they thought the situation had become hopeless. The girl was dead and this to them was irreversible. Beloved, that was a belief!! Jesus told him, don’t believe that, believe me and a miracle will happen. Jairus chose to believe Jesus and he got his miracle.

I see great testimonies coming into your life; only believe.

Prayer for today: Oh God, let there be your intervention in all areas of my life in Jesus name.

If your faith says yes……

“When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.” Mark 5:27-29

If your faith says yes, God will not say no! Throughout the scripture, God never denied a man whose mind is made up; whose confidence is unbroken. See Hannah (1Sam 1), Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego (Daniel 3), Esther (Esther 4), Jacob (Gen 32). The woman with the issue of blood in our text received her healing after making up her mind to touch the helm of Jesus garment.

“Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” Matthew 15:28

The story of the Canaanite woman in Mathew 15:21-28 is a powerful illustration of this truth. When she presented her request, Jesus did not answer her a word. Most people would have given up at that level, concluding that God is saying no or asking them to wait. This woman continued and the response of Jesus should have swept her off her feet but the woman’s confidence that she would receive her request was unbroken. Jesus concluded that her faith was great and gave her the miracle she desired.

Beloved, do you need a miracle, divine intervention, power of God or what? If your faith says yes, God will never say no!

This is your season of breakthrough, rejoicing and blessing in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: I received all that God has planned for me to receive this year in Jesus name.

The Humane Christian

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Matthew 9:36

Jesus is kindhearted. He was the manifestation of God’s love to humanity. A real Christian must be humane. He or she must be a channel through whom God’s love can be seen by people both Christians and non-Christians.

“Let brotherly love continue.” Hebrews 13:1

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

Jesus always responded to the need of people with compassion. An humane Christian is compassionate. An humane Christian will not steal or cause harm to another person. An humane Christian does not keep grudges, he or she quickly forgives. An humane Christian keeps the assembly of the people of God in unity and does not break them. An humane Christian puts the needs of others ahead of his or her own for the sake of Christ.

May the love of Christ be found in our hearts toward people so that they can see our good work and glorify our God in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God reveal myself to me and keep me in the envelop of your love in Jesus name.

The Ox Christian

“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

An ox is characterized by tenacity and hard work. It does not give up and it puts in all its strength to complete a task. An ox is willing to bear the burden, to do the work, and even to sacrifice himself. An Ox Christian is reliable, bears others burden, does not give up the faith and labors more abundantly.

“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” Mathew 9:35

In our text today, Paul said he labored more abundantly by the grace of God that was with him. Christians are encouraged to bear one another’s burden so that the law of Christ can be fulfilled. Jesus went about doing good, teaching, preaching and healing the sick. Beloved, by the grace that you have received you cannot afford to be a lazy Christian. God wants you to reliable, dependable and tenacious in faith.

May the grace be at work in you to complete the task given to you by God and to be consistent in faith in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God use me to accomplish your purpose on earth in Jesus name.

The Lion Christian

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1

A Lion is characterized by boldness and strength. Proverbs 30:30 says, “A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;” Our text this morning says, “..the righteous are as bold as a Lion” The boldness of a righteous is likened to the boldness of a lion. Every Christian has righteousness imputed in him through Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Revelations 5:5

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

Jesus was known for boldness and He was described as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Beloved as a Christian you are a Lion endowed with strength and boldness. If Jesus prevailed, you have prevailed. Let the Lion in you roar to conquer the wickedness of men and to possess your possessions. Let the righteousness that you have obtained through Christ be seen among men to bring glory to His Holy name.

May the Lion in you roar, may all timidity come to an end in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God let your righteousness in me be visible to all men in Jesus name.

The Eagle Christian

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount of with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

An Eagle is a unique bird that soars higher than any other bird, yet it accomplishes this feat without struggle. An eagle has the capacity to prey on the greatest of all snakes. God equipped it with great vision, great strength and great stamina. It is a great grace from God. One thing about the eagle is its ability to sense the direction of the wind, spread its wings in the right direction and be carried to the highest height by the wind.

God asked me to tell you that you can be an eagle Christian, graced with the vision, strength, stamina and help of God such that no satan (symbolized by the snake) can be a threat to. Your key is to wait on God, spend time with God. Cease from your own wisdom and struggles; connect to grace by spending time with Him who is able to turn your weakness into strength.

I pray for you that the grace to soar in all areas of your life shall rest on you.

Prayer for today: Oh God multiply grace unto me in Jesus name.

If you can speak correctly………

“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Mathew 12:37

If you can speak correctly, you can get anything you want in life! You can get a miracle from God and obtain favor from men. The storm or mountain confronting you will either stand or crumble depending on what you speak to it. Have you ever wondered that you must speak to God in prayer to receive from God and you must respond correctly in an interview to get a job? If you keep quiet when you are supposed to speak you will be in trouble and if you speak wrongly when you open your mouth to speak you will still be in trouble.

“And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” Mark 10:47-48

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45

Bartimeus resisted the charge to keep him quiet and He got his miracle. David had to speak to Goliath before bringing him down physically. Speaking correctly is a display of wisdom which depends on your access to correct information. Read books, meditate on scriptures, listen to Holy Ghost inspired messages, don’t be intimidated by anything or anyone to keep quiet when you are supposed to speak.

I decree that this week when you open your mouth, correct words that will bring you favor with God and men shall come out in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God put the right word in my mouth in season in Jesus name.

Five things wise people do

“The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.” Proverbs 13:14-15

Wisdom is the principal thing. The real wise men are known by the way they act and the results they obtain. Let me share with you this morning five things that wise people do.

They acknowledge the existence of God and put Him first in their decisions, plans, and actions. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” Psalm 14:1

They do what God says. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” Mathew 7:24

They prepare themselves properly for what they want to do. “But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” Mathew 25:4

They work hard and smartly do. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” Proverbs 6:6. “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” Ecc 10:10

They acquire and use relevant information. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15

You will not enter the snares of death and your way will not be hard in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in Jesus name.

Prepare for greater things

“Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved” Mathew 9:17

If you desire to experience new and greater things, you must be prepared to do what you have not done before. God’s word says new wine needs new wine skin.

You must consider few things.

Forget the past successes and failures, Philippians 3:13-14 says, “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,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Enlarge your capacity for God to work through you by thinking big, speaking faith filled words, sowing seeds and taking risks. Mathew 25:15 says, “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.”

Get anointed afresh. Acts 10:38 says, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

May you experience new and greater testimony this month in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God bring honey out of the rock for me this month in Jesus name.

Don’t wash your net!

“And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.” Luke 5:2

Giving up is not an option. It is always either too early or too late to give up, you will never find a right time to give up on a right cause. What do you then do? Update your information level, find better ways to do what you must do to achieve your goal, remain passionate.

In our text today, the fishermen were already washing their nets, they had given up. Why, they toiled all the night but they caught nothing. They were frustrated, dejected and tired because they put in the best but failed. Fortunately, they encountered Jesus who told Peter to launch the net back into the deep.

“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.” Luke 5:5-6

In the same place where they failed and had given up, they got a turnaround breakthrough. How? They encountered the right person and got a fresh information. Beloved, instead of giving up find out what you don’t know that you need to know. You are just an information away from a change of story.

May you encounter the person who has the information that you need in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God help me to get back to the height where I belong in Jesus name.

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish..." Hebrews 12:2a (New Living)

Sometimes we face challenges that look like 'wind' in our lives despite the fact that we have heard God and are sure of His miracle working power. At that time, what we need to do is to keep our eyes on Jesus and treat the 'wind' as a distraction whose aim is to create doubt in our hearts about what God has said. Devil knows that a man cannot sink until he doubts God.

In Mathew 14:25-31, we read the account of Peter who walked on water because Jesus told him to do it. However, when the wind came, he was distracted; he looked at the wind, doubted the word and began to sink. Beloved, keep your eyes on Jesus, he can take care of the wind.

In another account in Mark 4:36-39, Jesus was in the boat with the disciples when the wind came. They were afraid but cried to Him. He rebuked the wind and that was the end of it. Jesus will do the same for you as long as He is in the boat of your life. So, beloved, don't be distracted, keep your eyes on Jesus, He will take you there. When you keep your eyes on Him, it means you stand upon His word.

You will realize your dreams. You will not sink in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Let the power of God rise against every storm in my life in Jesus name.

The fatherhood of God (3)

“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

Our father is the almighty God, He is everywhere and all powers belong to Him. He is beautiful for all situations. He has solutions for all His children. He has rooms for all His children. He is not intimidated by either our numbers or our problems.

“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.” Psalms 62:11

“One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:6

“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Isaiah 64:8

The responsibility of a father is to protect, provide, preserve and guide. You can always enjoy the fatherhood of God if you believe Him, accept Him as your father and yield yourself unto Him as a clay yields itself to the potter.

May you experience the fatherhood of God in every area of your life in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God you are my father, make me what you want me to be in Jesus name.

The fatherhood of God (2)

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44

We are children of God and we enjoy His fatherhood because we believe the truth of His word and reject the lies of the devil.

God created everyone but unfortunately, many people are not His children today. We became children of God through receiving the spirit of adoption (Rom 8:15) by believing Jesus who is the word of God and the Truth (John 1:12, 14). Adam and Eve chose to believe the lies of the devil and lost the relationship with God (Gen 3); Jesus called the Jew at that time children of the devil because they believed the lies of the devil.

Beloved, as children of God, it is our responsibility to continuously seek the truth of God’s word, believe it and walk in it for us to enjoy the blessing of His fatherhood at all times. No matter what you are passing through, devil or your circumstances do not have the final say, never accept or believe their lies. God has the final say, and if you believe and act on His word, you will have victory.

I see God showing Himself mighty on your behalf in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: I reject the lies of the devil concerning my situation in Jesus name.

The fatherhood of God (1)

“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.” Romans 8:15

Beloved, our heavenly father is a tested and proven father whom you can trust in all situations. Are you in the dark hour of your life? Call upon Him as a father. The presence of this trusted father can handle any challenge that the enemy may throw at you.

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2

“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” Isaiah 49:16

When I was growing up, there was this spot in our area where we lived that was very dark in the night. Whenever I had to pass through this spot, I would run for fear of possible attack from something or somebody. But I remembered one day that I had to pass through the same spot at a very late hour with my father by my side. I confidently walked not fearing anything because I believed that my father could handle whatever appeared against us in the dark spot.

Fear is a product of the spirit of bondage but the presence of a trusted father will break fear at all times.

Prayer for today: Oh God manifest as my father in my present situation in Jesus name.

It may not be easy but it is possible

“And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.” 2Kings 2:10.

Never interpret a hard situation to be an impossible situation. If you consider a situation impossible then the case is closed. Any situation that looks hard is an indication for a search for what will make it possible. When it looks hard, it means that more information is needed to achieve it or to get it done. When Elisha asked Elijah for the double portion anointing, Elijah told him that it was hard but if he could see him then it would be possible. All that Elisha had to do was to see Elijah so that what was hard could be possible.

“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” Exodus 14:15-16

Beloved, is there anything that you have been struggling to achieve but looks very hard? The Lord asked me to tell you that it is possible but find out what you must do to get it done.

It is your turn to experience a miracle.

Prayer for today: Oh God lead me by the way I should go and teach me to profit in Jesus name.

Two kinds of sight

“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servants said unto him, Alas, my master! What shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see, And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” 2kings 6:15-17

The King of Syria sent soldiers to arrest Elisha and when the servant of Elisha saw the enemy, he was afraid. This was because he had one kind of sight but the Man of God prayed for him and when he saw what he could not see before his fear disappeared.

Beloved what you have seen is the challenge but the Lord has sent me to make you see what you could not see. What you have not seen is bigger than what you have seen. Behind the challenge is a big victory, a big success, a big promotion, a big celebration. When the enemy comes with sickness, God raises a standard of healing; when the enemy comes with poverty, God raises a standard of abundance; when the enemy comes with failure God raises a standard of success, when the enemy comes with barrenness God raises a standard of fruitfulness; when the enemy comes with a barrier, God raises a standard of breakthrough. Beloved even if you have seen what the enemy has come up with, don’t fail to see the standard that God has raised against him. Now what should you do, change your language, let your language reflect what God has done and not what the enemy is doing. This is because what you see and say come to pass in your life.

Let your spiritual eyes be opened to see the victory God has wrought for you in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things you have done for me in Jesus name.

The tide shall turn!

“And the Child grew, and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.” Luke 1:80.

Have you been working hard on a vision? Are you engaged in a wothwhile vision and it seems nobody has noticed you or that nobody is taking notice of your work? Have you been diligent in investing your strength and skills, and the reward has not come? God asked me to tell you not to give up, the tide shall turn! Your wilderness shall be over, your season of manifestation shall manifest.

“I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.” Psalms 89:20-21

“On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.” Esther 6:1-2

John the Baptist was in the desert until the time of his showing forth. David was busy taking care of the sheep in the wilderness, defending them against Lions and bears. Nobody noticed him, but God did. God later found him qualified to defend the people of Israel against Goliath. His time of showing forth came.

Mordecai protected the King against Murderers but nobody rewarded him. One night, God remembered him and he was not only rewarded, he was announced to the people.

Hear this, God is about to bring you an opportunity, it may look like a challenge but your breaking forth is hidden in it. It is meant to turn the tide in your favor.

Prayer for today: Oh God arise, let the tide turn in my favor, let my voice be heard in the city in Jesus name.

Your helpers shall be many!

“And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.” 2Sam 11:15.

There are certain battles you cannot fight alone no matter how skillful, talented or strong you are. Uriah might have survived in the hottest battle but for the fact that people withdrew from him. There was no one to support him. The strength of any man is the strength of the people that are committed to him, people that are ready to help him. You can do what you don’t have strength to do if people are available who have the strength and are willing to help you do it.

 “And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.” 2 Chronicles 26:15

“And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord God, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small.” Amos 7:2

To terminate smallness and become great in life, helpers are needed. You need someone to introduce you, connect you, inform you and mentor you if you want to leave the realm of obscurity. Every man needs an helper. May you never be alone. May you receive timely help. May the people assigned to help you locate you in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God let my helpers be many in Jesus name.

Christian giving 10

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

My final thought about giving: trust and obey God with your life including your finances, that is the only way to be happy in Jesus. God will speak to you through the written and the spoken word. If you have access to His word, you will not dwell in darkness. If you obey Him, you will enjoy His supernatural protection, provision and blessing.

It makes spiritual sense to contribute to the church and the ministry that is blessing you.

“Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:6-10

Our redemption connects us to Abrahamic blessings through the finished work of Christ (Galatians 3:13-14). Abraham obeyed God so should we. Abraham gave a tithe of all, even before the law came, so should we. Abraham believed God so should we. Abraham walked with God so should we.

May you walk with God in every area of your life in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God grant me access into the truth for my life and destiny in Jesus name.

Christian giving 9

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” Mathew 5:17

The Old Testament revealed three types of giving: firstfruits, tithes and offerings. The Old Testament introduced a religion driven by commandments but the New Testament introduced a relationship with God based on the Grace and the Truth. Jesus came not to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them. Today, the indwelling spirit and the engrafted word of God in our hearts empower us to fulfill the law or the prophet. Firstfruit, tithes and offerings became the least we could do because the disciples in Jerusalem gave all (Acts 2:42:47). Paul later speaking to the gentile believers encouraged them to give generously as they have purposed in their hearts. The Old Testament is an adequate reference to help us determine our giving.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

When the people asked Jesus whether they should give tax or not. Jesus said they should render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's (Mark 12:17). This means a part of our income belong to God and it is our responsibility to give it to God.

May you have revelation on giving that will grant you access into all that God has for your life and destiny in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God help me to walk in obedience to you in all things by your Spirit in Jesus name.

Christian giving 8

“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.” Luke 21:1-2

Christian giving is motivated as an act of worship unto God. Although God is self-sufficient (Acts 17:25), He is moved by our gifts and sacrifices (Gen 22:16-17, Gen 8:21). God’s intervention in the realm of men is through men. When He finds a willing man who gives as an act of worship and submission, He extends His grace and glory to such (2 Cor. 9:8). Jesus saw both the rich and the poor put their gifts into the temple treasury. Worship is not complete without giving.

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

“Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.” Zechariah 1:17

The vision of the church cannot be carried out without money. We are not expected to come empty handed when we come to worship God so that the cost of preaching the Gospel and meeting the needs of the needy can be covered. Even the wise men came with gifts and when they came to worship Jesus (Matthew 2:11).

May your worship be pleasing unto God. May your offering be pleasing unto God in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God give me the grace to worship you with my substances in Jesus name.

Christian giving 7

“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;” 2 Corinthians 8:1-3

Christian giving is motivated by sacrifice unto God. By sacrifice, I mean giving to God when it is not convenient because of Him. God does not require a sacrifice of goat and sheep from us anymore but a sacrifice of our commitment and dedication unto Him. Of course, we all go extra mile to meet a need if we are committed (Luke 21:1-4).

“Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Psalms 50:5

“And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.” 2 Samuel 24:24

The church in Macedonia supported Paul’s ministry not because it was convenient but because of their commitment. They were willing to do beyond their power. David refused to take the oxen and the land from Araunah free of charge because he felt that his offerings unto the Lord must cost him something. The truth is that when we give sacrificially, we provoke His intervention in our lives (Genesis 22:16-17, Luke 6:38). You can never lose when you give to God.

May you your offering calls God’s attention in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God give me grace to be committed to you in all things in Jesus name.

Christian giving 6

“And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”  2 Corinthians 10:6

Christian giving is motivated by obedience to God. The best of God is accessed through obedience. Anyone trying to use sweet words to motivate you to disobey God is working for the enemy and wants to prevent you from receiving the best of God. As Christians we must give based on obedience to both the written and the spoken word of God. Anytime you hear God and obey Him, you position yourself for the supernatural.

“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5

“Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.” 1 Kings 17:9

“His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” John 2:5

Beloved, giving is commanded by God as an act of faith in Him. Giving is biblical way of accessing the blessings of God (Deut 28:1-13, Luke 6:38, Phil 4:18-19). The widow of Zarephath was having her last meal but yet God commanded her to sustain the man of God. She obeyed and consequently received the supernatural provision of God. Her last meal did not finish until there was abundance in the land.

May you hear God when He speaks to you. May you walk in obedience to Him in all things in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God give me grace to obey you in all things in Jesus name.

Christian giving 5

“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”  Romans 8:24

Christian giving is motivated by hope for an harvest and a reward. God is a rewarder (Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 11:6c, Rev 22:12). You can have hope without faith but you cannot have faith without hope.  Hope provides the path for your faith to work. When you abound in hope, you will give joyfully and cheerfully. When you give cheerfully, you will experience supernatural harvest and reward.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13.

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

It is exciting to give to God in hope and faithfully. Hope in God cannot fail. Numbers 23:10 says, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” 1 Cor 1:20 says, “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”

As you give to God I decree that your hope of harvest and reward shall become a reality in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh my soul, put your hope in God in all things in Jesus name.

Christian giving 4

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6

Christian giving is motivated by faith in God just as all our actions must be motivated by faith. We do not walk by sight we walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7) because whatever is not of faith is sin (Rom 14:23). We must give to God because we believe that He is our source. We must trust Him with our finances knowing fully well that what we give does not leave our lives but will come back to us as an harvest.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Eccl 11:1

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:  Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” Hebrews 11:17-19

When Abraham was offering Isaac as a sacrificial seed he did not think he was losing him. He was doing it by faith. He believed that God will raise him from the dead and give him Isaac back. Whenever we give to God as Christians we are not losing what we give. 2 Cor 9:10 says, “ Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” Giving to God is an act of sowing that precedes a great harvest.

May you see God as a source that never dries. May you walk by faith and not by sight in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God help me to always give to you by faith in Jesus name.

Christian giving 3

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

Christian giving is motivated by six factors that include love, faith, hope, obedience, sacrifice and worship. Let me talk about love motivated giving today. Christian giving is motivated first by love for God and secondly love for your neighbor. When you give as a Christian, you are fulfilling the law and the prophet. You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Mathew 22:37-40

“If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?.” James 2:5-16

When you give to God’s work, you are expressing your love towards God. When you give to your neighbor, you are expressing your love towards him or her. The bible says love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:8).

May your life be full of love in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God help me to walk in love in your house and towards my neighbors in Jesus name.

Christian giving 2

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  Matthew 6:21

If your treasure is there, your heart is there. If your money is there, you are there. You cannot claim to be involved in anything in this world without your money being involved.  It is possible to give as a Christian in kind and not in monetary term alone. One of the breakthroughs in the Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea happened when an old woman brought her food plate and chopping sticks as an offering to God. Rich believers bought the little material for millions of dollars.

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Acts 9:36

“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:  For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Luke 21:1-4

Christian giving is not measured in value alone but also in the level of sacrifice involved. Christian giving is driven by a vision for the things of God. Let God and the people feel you in the church where you worship. May you be a cheerful giver, may you be relevant in the church of God in Jesus name.

Prayer for today: Oh God give me a vision for your house in Jesus name.