Acts 19:11-12 - God of Miracles

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Exposition

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them – God used Paul to do what was unusual or extraordinary or great or you could say what was more than common. The Almighty God holds the power and He gives a Power of Attorney to whoever is willing to be used by Him. We read that Peter’s shadow healed the sick.

Acts 10:38 records 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. Miracles proclaim the power of the Almighty God. I am aware of a child that was born without eyes and through the supernatural power of God, the baby can now see perfectly.

God is still in the business of miracles. The gift of working of miracles is available to the saints. You want to be a vehicle that will free the oppressed – ask for the gift. There is nothing that is too hard for the Almighty and the All-Knowing God to accomplish. This is because what is impossible with men is possible with God. Take the supposedly difficult cases to Him today. The heavens are open.

Prayer

I need a miracle in my life today. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, remember me, remember my family, let everything that has not worked start working in Jesus name. Let your name, and your name alone be glorified. Let the lame rise up, let the physically and the spiritually blind start to see clearly in Jesus name. Let those that have resisted start to give in today in Jesus mighty name. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in a Year

Old Testament - Genesis 19, Genesis 20:1-18

New Testament - Matthew 7:24-29, Matthew 8:1-22

Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 7:1-9

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1 Kings 3:9 - Give me Wisdom

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Exposition

Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours? -  The earlier verses state that God visited King Solomon in a dream and He, God gave him a blank cheque to ask for anything. He could have asked for wealth and peace which are not bad in themselves but he asked for an understanding heart and an ability to discern the difference between right and wrong. Solomon certainly asked the right source as Proverbs 2:6 says for the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

I believe every person needs wisdom to succeed in life, in all our relationships, on the job or business, and in the Ministry to mention a few.  James 1:5 tells us that if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Paul praying for the people of Ephesus in Ephesians 1:18 asked that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened. Just as Solomon asked, you’d be better off to ask for the same gift so that you’ll be able to differentiate between lies and truth so that you will make the right call at all times. Adam and Eve lost it in the Garden of Eden when they could not detect that the serpent was lying to them, thereby falling into temptation.  

Although not part of our text today, Verses 10-12 tells us that God was pleased with Solomon’s request and apart from giving Him what He asked for, the got riches and honour to top it up. You can say the same type of prayers and in faith receive wisdom from the One whose wisdom created the heavens and the earth.

Prayer

I know that I need wisdom to survive in the world today, grant me wisdom O Lord. Help me Lord to use your wisdom not the wisdom of the world in the name of Jesus. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in a Year

Old Testament - Genesis 14, Genesis 15, Genesis 16

New Testament - Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 6:1-24

Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 6

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Isaiah 62: 6-7 - Watch and Pray

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Exposition

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem – God has called His servants to be on watch duty over the Church and the people. They are called to watch and pray for the government and the nation state too. As an adult man or woman, it is your responsibility to watch for your family too.

The watchman is meant to be on the lookout for the enemy approaching the city gates and informing the soldiers of what is about to happen.  It is safe to assume that many know that our adversary, the devil goes about seeking whom to devour. Therefore there is an urgent need for you to be diligent and courageous in your watchman duties. Today the adversary uses new methods in trying to breach your defenses, so it is imperative that you wake up and stand firm, refusing to be mincemeat for it to swallow.

Take a moment to understand that the scripture says, ‘I have set’. God has set means He has empowered you and you have all it takes as you depend on Him to help you in your duties.

which shall never hold their peace day nor night, ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, and give him no rest,  - The watch man is on duty all the time. 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 tell us to pray without ceasing. Luke 18: 1b says that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Persistence is required by you. This means you are meant to sleep with one eye open. The watch man is ever ready; the scriptures are a part and parcel of your being. You know your rights as a child of God and you are enforcing the victory that Christ gave to you on the cross of cavalry.

till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth – You are to continue to pray until your prayers are answered. After all the Bible says you should continue to ask until your joy is full. You are being encouraged to continue in prayer until such a time that the Church and its members become famous, a time when the outsider will indeed see you and declare that you are blessed by God. In answer to your prayers, there will be an increase in the House of God on every side, there will be unity and the love of Christ will wax strong.

Prayer

Help me to walk in the available grace to watch on behalf of the Church and my family. Grant me the required resilience I need as a watch man. Help me to tarry in the place of prayer. Open my eyes to all the tools for victory at all times. Help me to desire a deeper relationship with You.  Let my voice be respected in heaven at all times. I ask for speedy answers to all my prayers in Jesus name. I pray that I will always have a reason to praise You every day of my life in Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading Plan in a Year

Old Testament - Genesis 11:10-32, Genesis 12, Genesis 13

New Testament - Matthew 5:21-42

Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 5:1-12

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1 Peter 2:9 - You are Peculiar

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Exposition

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light – Reading this verse of scripture brings excitement and joy about who we are in Christ. You are a part of chosen generation or chosen race or people as some translations put it. You are chosen because God has entered into a covenant with you sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ. You are no more a part of the world. You live in the world but you are not of the world.

You are a priest with a royal character. Royals are brought up to have an impeccable character not tainted with bad behaviour. The High Priest used to be an intermediary between God and the people but after the work of Christ on the cross, everyone now serves God and has direct access to Him. You’ve got to start using the calling card. Revelation 1: 6 also says Jesus made us priests to God the Father.

Exodus 19:6 says, and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. This simply confirms that you are part of a people (the Church) that has been consecrated to God.

You are also peculiar or God’s special possession. Peculiar people are owned by God and are responsible to no other God. Peculiar people have access to blessings that no one else can have and they are taken care of in a very special way.

As you have been marked as special by God, the mark is meant to be revealed for the world to know. God wants you to show forth his praise meaning letting those who are not yet part of the family of Christ know the greatness and might of Your Heavenly Father.

Prayer

Lord, it is a privilege and an honour to be chosen by the Almighty God. I pray that You will continue to help me walk in the grace that is already available to me. With Your help I will forever remain in Your marvelous light as light will always overcome darkness. I will not go back to my past in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading in a Year

Old Testament - Genesis 9:18-29, Genesis 10, Genesis 11:1-9

New Testament - Matthew 4:23-25, Matthew 5:1-20

Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 4:1-8

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Psalm 37: 23 - Order My Steps O Lord

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Exposition

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way – A baby’s first steps are always a joy to behold by the family. Parents sometimes have to hold a toddler’s hands to support and balance before those first steps are made. Eventually, the baby walks unaided by anyone.

As parents hold the hands of little children, so also God holds the hands of His children as they navigate their way through life. Unlike parents who no longer need to hold the hand of a child, God wants to hold our hands forever if He is allowed to.

You’ll understand that God is Almighty and He knows the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end. God has a plan for you, so it makes sense to follow the Master Planner. Just as you know the potential in your children, so the Lord knows your potential too. You support your children in every possible way, so the Lord wants to support you too. He orders our steps through His word – the Bible and He speaks to us directly too. Isaiah 30:21 says whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, this is the way; walk in it.

It is beneficial if you allow God to order your steps for He is delighted when you obey Him. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”.  Psalm 1:6 tells us that for the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.  If you have been doing your thing and snatched away your hand from the Master’s hands, retrace your steps to where you left Him, the Almighty is waiting for you.

Prayer

Help me Father to study your word. As You speak to me help me to be sensitive.  I want to be an obedient child. I ask that You go the extra mile to keep me in check for my own good. I pray I will be a delight to You all the days of my life in Jesus name.  May I never follow the path of destruction in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading in a Year

Old Testament - Genesis 7, Genesis 8, Genesis 9:1-17

New Testament - Matthew 4:1-22

Psalms & Proverbs - Proverbs 1:1-7

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Deuteronomy 2:7 - God Will Continue to Bless Me

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Exposition

For the Lord your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing – This verse is read in conjunction with the previous six verses. The people of Israel had been wandering in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land for thirty-eight years. They are now directed by God to turn northwards and pass through the land of Seir. They were told to do business with them and in doing so, they should pay them for items brought rather than oppress them or mess about with them.

Why should the people of Israel behave in such a manner when they could easily overrun them? They had been blessed by God. God had provided for them and they did not need to be greedy or wicked. The past year was challenging but God saw you through. Will God do as He has always done? Yes, He will, because He is faithful and faithfulness is His nature. He saw you through difficult times and I can assure you that things will improve for you and your household in Jesus name. Treat people the way God wants you to treat them not the way their behaviour requires that you respond to them.

You can pray that whatever you do is blessed by God.  He did that before and you will not be an exception. You have always been in God’s view because He neither sleeps nor slumbers.  The Lord has always protected His people so become a part of that special group by accepting Jesus as your Lord. If you are already one, be determined that nothing will separate you from the love of Christ. Stay in the big tent and you will testify of God’s goodness in Jesus name.

Prayer

I ask that You bless everything I do. Lord, I am thanking You for upholding and seeing me through the last year. Things were difficult but I can count my blessings. I can name them one by one. As you did in the past, I ask that You help me in never departing from your sight in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading in a Year

Old Testament - Genesis 2:18-25, Genesis 3, Genesis 4:1-16

New Testament - Matthew 2:1-18

Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 2:1-12

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2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises Are Sure

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Exposition

For all the promises of God in him – The Almighty God has made lots of promises to all of mankind. These promises are found in the written word – the Bible which is why one must make a conscious effort to study the Bible every day.  You will need to study the Bible so as to be able to appropriate these promises to yourself.

Please note that as this verse tells us, the promises are made through Jesus Christ. This means that without accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, the promises can’t work for you. Some of these promises are that God has promised to be your God and you will be showered with His love, God has promised to be available and present in your life.

God has promised to pardon your sins if you confess and repent of your sins. He has promised to cleanse you and protect you. He has promised to provide all your needs and give you His Spirit. God also says that everything that happens to you will work out for your good. What an awesome God!!

Yes and in Him Amen - This continues to affirm that the promises are affirmed in Jesus as Revelation 3: 14 calls Jesus, the ‘Amen’.

They are yes because it is certain that they will be fulfilled. Numbers 23:19 says that God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? This verse speaks for itself. Whatever God promises always happens. Amen means true, faithful and certain. May you receive the promises in Jesus name, Amen

to the glory of God through us – When you hold on to the promises of God and you receive them, God is glorified. When you take the step of faith and you preach the gospel, God is also glorified.

Prayer

In this New Year, I ask that You help me to search for your promises to me by studying my bible every day. I say thank you, Lord for all your promises to me. I thank You for those that have come to pass. Let those that are outstanding come to pass speedily in Jesus name. Amen.

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Bible Reading in a Year

Old Testament	New Testament	Psalms & Proverbs

Genesis 1, Genesis 2:1-17

Matthew 1:1-25

Psalm 1:1-6

Psalm 118:24 - The Day Made by God

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Exposition

This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it – The Psalmist simply lets us know that seeing a new day or in this instance, a New Year is not of our making. There is no skill or intellect involved in being alive to see a New Year. Many must have made plans for this day, but sadly it is not so. We are alive because of the grace and the mercy of God.

That is why our response to the benevolence of God is rejoicing and gladness. It is a day of joy and rest. It is also a day that a decision can be made to decide to follow Jesus for the rest of your life after realising that without Him the situation would be different.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for allowing me to see another year. By your grace I am alive and I am we. Going forward, I ask that You help me in my desire to renew my relationship with You. Lord, my tomorrow is in your hands, let this New Year be the best year ever in my life. Protect me from all evil in Jesus name. Amen

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