READ OUR DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PST.DR. MATTHEW AGADA
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
January 21, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 21, 2025
SECURING A GENUINE BUSINESS IDEA
We know now that the ultimate way to become rich is to go into your own business. Every sustainable business starts with a viable idea. Many people love to own a business but their main obstacle is lack of the knowledge of what to do. Therefore, the first step out of poverty is knowing what business to do. That knowledge comes through an idea. An idea is a thought that enters the mind pointing out the solution to a problem, or showing you a better way to accomplish a task. Ideas are the keys to creativity and innovations. The world today is ruled by ideas. Men of ideas are the ones sustain the economy.
To free your life from the slavery of the white collar jobs, you need to secure an idea of what to do to own your own business. As you look for ideas, it is important to know that there are different sources of ideas. There are Men’s ideas, satanic ideas and divine ideas. The source through which you get your idea is very important.
Divine idea is the best idea to desire and rely on. Satanic ideas can bring money to you but will result in the destruction of another person’s life or property to make you rich; and also, bring sorrow and destruction at the long run. Man’s idea can help but the process may be tedious and full of stress and temptations. A divine idea is an idea that originates from God. It comes by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is the idea that God backs up. Example, the idea God gave Jacob when he was being manipulated and frustrated by his uncle Laban (Read Genesis 30:25, 30-43).
If not for divine idea, Jacob would have died as a slave working for Laban. He would have ended as a liability to his children in his old age. Divine ideas may sound crazy when they come, however, when you believe and follow God’s guidance, it will result in breakthrough. When the prototype of the GSM phone that has revolutionize communication industry all over the world today was invented in 1982, a banker, by name, Jean-Pierre Gandois, of Credit Lyonnais, was approached to sponsor the patent. Mr. Gandois reportedly dismissed the invention as impractical and unmarketable describing it as a toy! GSM eventually has become the most widely used mobile communication standard in the world.
You need to be sensitive and smart to identify divine directives. God is not a man. His ways does not have to agree with your mental configuration. Like Jacob, believe and act as you are instructed. God’s idea will always lead to your financial breakthrough. Mr. Gandois, if still alive, will be regretting forever for not recognizing money when it came in form of idea. He lost a generational fortune. Your own case shall not be so, in Jesus’ name.
MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 48:17, “Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”
PRAYER: Father, inspire me always with good business ideas, and put me ahead of the economic hardship plaguing the world today, in the name of Jesus.
January 20, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 20 2025
WINNING THE WAR AGAINST POVERTY (2)
We have seen that the way to win the war against poverty is to establish a business of your own. Owning your own business can offer a wide range of benefits and opportunities. Below are some compelling reasons why you should own your own business.
Becoming your own boss means your hands have been loosened from the golden hand-cuff of the white collar job. You now have the freedom to make your own decisions, set your own schedule, and create a work environment that suits your interest and goals. When you own your own business, the profits generated enters your account. While there is risk involved in starting any business, there is also the potential for significant financial gain and personal wealth accumulation, which is of a greater possibility when the business is managed well.
Running your own business allows you to pursue your passions and interests. This can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in your work. When you work for another person you can be asked to do an assignment that is of no personal interest to you, and you have no choice but to do it. This could be frustrating at times.
Business owners have the opportunity to be creative and innovative. You can develop new products, new services, or solutions, and shape the direction of your business the way you want it. In managing your own business, you will need to develop diverse sets of skills, in management, marketing, finance and customer service. These experiences can lead to personal growth and the development of valuable skills in the marketplace.
When you own your own business, you have created your own job security. You no longer rely on the decisions of others but have personal control over your career and your life. Business owners have the ability to make positive impacts on their communities and the world at large, through job creation, innovation, or social service initiatives.
Running your own business makes it possible for you to spend time with your family. You will have more time to attend to personal needs. You can set your own hours and create a schedule that works best for you. Owning your own business provides you the opportunity to build a lasting legacy. You can create something that can be passed down to your children’s children.
I would therefore like to encourage you, if you have not set up a business of your own yet, to start thinking seriously about doing so. All it takes is an idea of what to do. The Bible says, if you can find it there shall be a reward!
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 24:27, “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, fire a viable thought into my heart to serve as key to launch me into my own business.
January 18, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 18 2025
THE VARIOUS MEANS BY WHICH SATAN CAUSES POVERTY (5)
Today, we shall round up this very interesting topic on the various ways satan strikes men with the curse of poverty. It will be good for you to scroll back to the beginning of this series and review these traps one after another to become conscious of them so you can guard yourself against the wiles of satan and prosper. Let us study this one more and we move on to other things.
GOURMANDISM: This term refers to a passion and great interest in eating good food and drinks. It is also called gluttony. A gourmand is a person given to excess in the consumption of food and drinks. A more popular word is glutton and another unpopular one is gastronaut. We read in the Bible the previous day that “the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags” (Prov. 23:21). People who are given to great appetite will end up in poverty. Have you noticed that Poor people eat more than the Rich people? The food the Rich eat may be better in quality and more expensive but in terms of quantity, the poor have bigger appetite than the rich. They eat with ten fingers! Many of them eat as if there is no tomorrow. So, they eat all their future today. While they are eating breakfast, they are already dreaming of what to eat at dinner!
When a man eats too much he would not have enough mental power to think big. Most of the blood he needs to power the brain for thinking are pooled in the gastric region to facilitate digestion. That is why most obese people don’t express enough mental prowess (with very few exceptions). In the book of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher says, “Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!” (Eccl. 10:16-17). Leaders need sound minds to think clearly and make resourceful decisions. Too much food in the belly will make a stupid leader.
Gourmandism, can have some notable negative impacts on one’s personal economy. Indulging in nice foods and dining out at high-end restaurants can regularly strain your budget, leaving less money for other essential expenses. The extra money spent on expensive dining experiences could have been saved or invested. Over time, all this money in the stomach could mean a smaller nest egg for emergencies or future financial goals.
People in the developed countries who develop this habit use their credit cards to fund their gourmand habits without being able to pay off the balance; and it can lead to accumulating debt. High-interest rates can make it difficult to pay off the debt, exacerbating their financial stress. Money spent on sumptuous foods means less money for other investments or opportunities. For example, instead of investing in education or professional development, money goes for transient pleasures of eating and drinking. Some people’s houses are in their stomachs, so they live as tenants all their lives.
Personal Lifestyle Inflation: Once a person is accustomed to a certain level of luxury, especially in the area of food eating, it can become very hard to scale back. This can lead to an unsustainable lifestyle that requires ever-increasing income to maintain, leading to a lifetime of personal inflation! When gourmandism (gluttony) leads to overindulgence, it can negatively impact health, resulting in obesity, arthritis, heart conditions, diabetes, kidney malfunctions, etc., leading to increased medical expenses over time. There is no gain in eating too much, even if you can afford it. While enjoying good food is an important part of life, it’s also very important to strike a balance to maintain financial security and good health.
King Solomon’s advice is, “When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite” (Proverbs 23:2). That means whenever you have the privilege to sit down to dine with a people who have the means and they spread the table before you, carefully think about what is before you. “Put a knife to your throat” means restrain yourself, if you have a big appetite. This advice is not only necessary when you are invited to a big buffet, control your appetite even if you are the one who can afford the luxury of a furnished table.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 23:20-21 [GNB], “Don’t associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food. Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to exercise self-discipline and have control over my appetite to eat when necessary and for strength and not for pleasure. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen!
January 17, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 17 2025
THE VARIOUS WAYS BY WHICH THE SPIRIT OF POVERTY STRIKES MEN (4)
We have looked at four major ways that satan binds people who refuse to worship him with poverty to deprive them access to the treasures of the earth. The only people he has no power over their economic destinies are the sons and daughters of God who know their God (Dan. 11:32), whom all creation awaits their manifestation (Rom. 8:19). Let us look at more ways satan strikes his victims with poverty. Only a fool sees a trap and walks into it. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Pro. 22:3). These traps are being revealed to you so you can hide yourself under the shield and buckler of truth (Psalm 91:4).
LOVE OF PLEASURE: The inability to postpone gratification is one of the weaknesses of poor people. Satan uses the love of pleasure to block a lot of people from experiencing financial breakthrough. Read Prov. 21:17: “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.” Does this sound strange to you? Look around all the bear parlours and the pleasure joints where people claim they go to relax in the evenings after work, how many rich men do you see there? There you meet men who can’t take good care of their families, men who are struggling to pay house rent and children school fees, men who are owing their neighbours and so on. There you see Civil servants and artisans who have no house of their own, and whose earnings cannot allow them to save.
Hear what the Bible says in Proverbs 31:6-7: “Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” Alcohol is for those who are ready to perish. When they drink and forget their poverty, how long will that amnesia last? The moment they wake up from their drowsiness and effect of the alcohol clears from their brain they return back to their misery! Going to drink alcohol to forget your poverty for few hours is not the solution to poverty, it is a change of mind set and labour that will do the magic. “Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment” (Proverbs 13:23).
No matter how much you practice the covenant of Giving and Receiving, if you are a lover of pleasure you would end up in poverty. This lifestyle will make you spend more than you earn. Combining the act of giving with a pleasure loving attitude is like sowing among thorns (Luke 8:7, 14). Your seed cannot bring forth fruits. Please be wise. Nobody is saying you should not enjoy your life, but learn to postpone gratification to a near future so you can invest at the right time. Remember the Law of Seedtime and Harvest.
ALCOHOLISM: This is also called Drunkenness. No chronic alcoholic ever becomes rich. If you see a rich man who is an alcoholic, the money he claims to have is not earned through the right means. Such men are living on stolen money, most of the time from government treasury. The truth remains: “He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich” (Prov. 21:17). Stand by a beer parlour and observe those drinking themselves to penury, you can’t find any serious minded person there. We saw above that alcohol makes them forget their poverty (Prov. 31:7). Forgetting your poverty and misery when you are drunk does not solve the problem. It makes it worse. The euphoria does not last.
Listen to this; this is very interesting: Prov. 23:19-21: “Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh (Fresh Fish and Pepper Soup): For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” A modern translation of the Bible puts it this way: “As you listen to me, my beloved child, you will grow in wisdom and your heart will be drawn into understanding, which will empower you to make right decisions. Don’t live in the excesses of drunkenness or gluttony, or waste your life away by partying all the time, because drunkards and gluttons sleep their lives away and end up broke!” (The Passion Translation). Why won’t they be broke? If you don’t have sense to invest, you will always be broke.
My godly advice based on the Word of God is: “Don’t drink alcohol and don’t give others to drink.” The book of Habakkuk says, “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness! Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD’S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory” (Hab. 2:15-16). You bring a curse upon yourself when you make a person to be drunk. Any sin he commits under the influence of that alcohol, you will share in it. Stay away from alcohol as a child of God.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 21:17, “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”
PRAYER: Father, since I have given my life to Jesus, help me to operate the mind of Christ. Deliver me from the spirit of alcohol and break the bands of addiction in my life. Teach me the way to invest my resources to procure a prosperous future, in the mighty name of Jesus.
January 16, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 16 2025
THE VARIOUS WAYS BY WHICH THE SPIRIT OF POVERTY STRIKES MEN (3)
SLOTHFULNESS: We are still exploring satan’s weapons with which he strikes people with poverty. One of these weapons is slothfulness. Other words you can use in the place of slothfulness are laziness, idleness, indolence, languor, etc. These are not good ways of describing a person. A lazy man is called a sluggard. King Solomon addressed the sluggard in Proverbs 6:9-11 saying, “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.” Laziness torments its victim with too much sleep. Too much sleep leads to loss of time. You need time to think because wealth comes from your ability to think.
A lazy man has no future in this world, particularly in the kingdom of God. This is one of the channels the spirit of poverty loves to suffer and afflict the black race most. Laziness, or a lack of motivation and personal determination can have significant negative impacts on an individual’s economic life. Without a proactive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges, individuals may stagnate in their careers. This can limit career growth and earning potential over time. For a worker, slothfulness often leads to poor job performance, reduced productivity, and missed opportunities for promotions and salary increases. Consistently low performance can result in job loss and difficulty finding new employment. Inconsistent work habits and lack of commitment can lead to unstable income. This can make it difficult for the lazy man to manage his finances, pay bills on time, and save for the future.
Building and maintaining professional relationships requires effort and engagement. Laziness can lead to missed networking opportunities that could otherwise provide career advancement and financial benefits. Financial mismanagement due to laziness, such as neglecting to budget or monitor spending, can lead to debt accumulation and financial stress. Financial instability and the consequences of poor job performance can increase the stress and anxiety in the sluggard’s life, affecting his overall well-being. With reduced income and financial instability, the individual may have fewer opportunities to enjoy activities, travel, and pursue personal interests, impacting his quality of life. Slothfulness is a dangerous lifestyle.
On the social level, slothfulness can negatively affect how colleagues, superiors, and potential employers perceive an individual. A reputation for laziness can close doors to new job opportunities and professional growth. In both personal and professional settings, being seen as a lazy person can erode trust and reliability, leading to strained relationships and fewer chances for collaboration. The Bible says: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Prov. 22:29). Cultivating a proactive, disciplined, and motivated mindset is essential for achieving financial success and personal satisfaction. Laziness can have far-reaching consequences on an individual’s economic life, affecting income potential, financial stability, career growth, and overall quality of life.
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Pro 10:4). Until you stop blaming others for your situation and begin to labour with your hand, you are still very far from the true riches. Without labouring, your desires can kill you like Proverbs 21:25 says, “The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.” It is good to have desires, but without hard labour desires will remain as day dreams. “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed” (Heb. 12:12). Satan is wicked. Don’t allow him to bind you with excuses and too much sleeping.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 20:13, “Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.”
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, You are holy. Deliver and preserve me from slothful lifestyle. I receive grace to be diligent in all that I do. Help me Lord, to remain focused and committed to my calling as long as Jesus tarries.
January 15, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 15 2025
THE VARIOUS WAYS BY WHICH THE SPIRIT OF POVERTY STRIKES MEN (2)
Poverty is not just a socio-economic condition, but a spirit. Just like fear is not a simple emotional condition but a spirit of torment, so also, Poverty is a spirit of deprivation. Satan himself is that Spirit of Poverty. Yesterday, we looked at two of the ways satan, the spirit of poverty, strikes people with poverty. These are: by living a sinful life and by rejecting godly counsels that can bail them out. If you see a sinful man in prosperity, don’t envy him. He is walking on a slippery ground. He is living a life that does not belong to him. He will not be there for long.
The Psalmist had an encounter in this dimension. He shared his experience in Psalm 73 for us to learn never to envy the prosperity of the sinner man. He said, “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore, pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
“Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors” (Psalm 73:4-19). Don’t ever envy the sinner that prospers, neither try to join their camp looking for money. Be contented with what you have per time and follow God. Righteousness is the bedrock for the true prosperity (Psalm 112:1-3).
PARSIMONY (Tight Fistedness): Another way that satan strikes people with poverty is to close their hearts towards the needs in the house of God and others that need their help. In the school of Kingdom prosperity, there is what we call “The Law of Giving and Receiving” (Phil. 4:15). This law was created precisely for the poor and not for the rich. One of the major ways that the spirit of poverty strikes people is to give them the excuse of “I don’t have enough to give.” God didn’t say you should give when you have enough to give. Rather, He said, if you say you don’t have enough, the little you have shall be taken away from you and added to the man who already has! “And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him” (Luke 19:24-27). If the poor allows only the rich to give, the rich will continue to get richer and the poor continues to get poorer (Mt. 25:28-29).
The Covenant of Prosperity hinges on the Law of Giving and Receiving. Jesus Himself hammered on it while He was here physically on earth. He said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). He again said in Luke 12:32-34, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Satan knows this is the key to wealth, hence he turns people’s hearts away from believing. If anything tells you not to give when there is opportunity to give, it must be the devil or yourself. God will never tell you not to give.
It is your obedience to this fundamental law of the Kingdom that destroys the yoke of the spirit of poverty in your life. If you are not ready to part with what is in your hand, you are not yet ready to receive God’s kind of prosperity that He gives without adding sorrows to it. Remember: “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (Pro. 11:24-25). If you don’t scatter, you cannot gather. I command the habit of tight fistedness broken in your life, in the name of Jesus! Become a giver and you’d end your journey of poverty forever.
MEMORY VERSE: Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I reject every counsel of the ungodly; I refuse to stand in the way of sinners. I choose the counsel of the Lord and to walk in the covenant. Help me to remain faithful and enjoy the blessings, in Jesus’ name.
January 14, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 14 2025
THE VARIOUS WAYS BY WHICH THE SPIRIT OF POVERTY STRIKES MEN
We have seen that Poverty is not just a socio-economic condition, but a spirit. Just like fear is not a simple emotional condition but a spirit, so also, Poverty is a spirit. Satan himself is that Spirit of Poverty. When Man fell at Eden, satan took over the control of our planet and its resources. What Satan was after when he invaded the garden at Eden was the wealth God buried there for mankind (Gen 2:10-12). After Satan took over the control of the resources of the earth, he distributes them only among people that agree to worship him (Mat. 4:8-9). He was so bold to ask even the Son of God to worship him, so he, satan could grant Him access to the things He, Jesus, created! Luke wrote in Luke 4:5-7: “And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.”
Satan is still using the same old technique till date to lure people to worship him to make them rich. Hence, the various occult confraternities and groups all over the world. Below are the various ways satan uses to launch people into poverty. Be careful not to fall a victim.
SINFUL LIFE: Sin is the original instrument satan used to introduce poverty into the world. Sin is defined as disobedience to the commandments of the Lord. Poverty originated when sin entered into man’s life as a curse of the Lord (Gen 3:6-7; Gen 3:17-19). The first thing man noticed when sin came was nakedness! “And they knew that they were naked” (Gen. 3:7). This is the first description of Poverty and lack – shame! Poverty was the first consequence of sin. “And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Gen 3:17-19). Which other way can you describe a poor man’s life better than this? Till tomorrow, satan still uses the avenue of sin to bind people with the yoke of poverty. Because lack was the first consequence of sin, prosperity also becomes God’s number one concern after Christ destroyed the power of sin (Luke 4:18; 3John 2).
RESISTANCE TO GODLY COUNSEL: The Bible says in Proverbs 13:18: “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” God has already given us various principles whereby we can out-wit the devil’s manipulations to keep us poor. God cannot perform any magic to get people out of lack except they learn and apply these principles. The spirit of poverty gains access to a man’s life when he is resistant to teachings and godly counsels as to how to be free from lack. Example, the instruction to pay tithe and give liberally.
The Spirit of Poverty influences people to refuse God’s principles of prosperity.
I met a teacher few years ago who was living in the town but the family was in the village. I asked why he was not with his family, and he said it was because he could not afford the house rent in the town since he was a teacher. In the process of counselling him how he could operate the Kingdom principle to prosper beyond his meagre salary, he said, “I know paying of tithe is my Christian obligation, but God knows, if I pay tithe I cannot survive.” Satan deceives people to resist godly counsels that can bring them out of poverty so he will continue to oppress them.
We will continue to explore these tactics of satan for the next few days so that we can take our stand against the wiles of the devil, to make our ways prosperous, trusting in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17). Please keep the date, and share these teachings with your friends.
MEMORY VERSE: 2Corinthians 2:11, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, fire more light into my soul that I might not be ignorant of the devices of the devil in his attempt to hold me down in poverty. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
January 13, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 13 2025
OVERTURNING POVERTY
Thank God for the ongoing spiritual exercise of Prayer and Fasting. Thank God for those things the Holy Spirit taught us in the past few days on the subject of the True Fast, which God recommended. The end result of the True Fast is to make the Believer a trustee of the wealth of the Kingdom. You cannot be a liberal soul and not be rich. The True Fast is a divine pathway out of poverty. Remember what God said in Isaiah 58:6-8 “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.” That is why I said the true fast is for your prosperity. It is the biblical prescription for those who desire to walk in the covenant of Kingdom prosperity.
THE ROOT OF POVERTY: For you to successfully overturn any situation in your life, you first have to discover the root of the situation. People think that poverty is just living in ghettos, slums or in uncompleted buildings, but that is not the only truth about this dreadful state of life. King Solomon, the richest man in his time, left a caution in the book of Proverbs 6:9-11: “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”
Economically, Poverty as a state of having little money or asset; however, from scriptures, Poverty is deeper than that. Poverty is a spirit from the pit of hell that travels back and forth the surface of the earth; destroying the economic strength and potentials of individuals, families, communities, co-operate bodies and nations. It is a spirit-robber that robs people of their aspirations and desires for success and the fruits of their labour.
No one is born poor or rich. Everyone came to this world naked. When conditions are created for poverty, it comes upon individuals and cripples their economic potentials. Poverty therefore is not just a socio-economic state but also an extra-terrestrial entity. Haven’t you noticed, when someone is extremely poor, people say he is poverty-stricken. That means, he was struck by something called Poverty. Poverty strikes people like scorpions or serpents when opportunities are favourable for it to do so.
SATAN IS THE SPIRIT OF POVERTY: To be able to understand today’s discussion, please take your Bible and first read Ezekiel 28:11-19 before you proceed.
Did you see the prophecy concerning terrorism in the last verse (19)? All acts of terrorism are closely or remotely connected to financial gain, and they are orchestrated by the devil. Lucifer was an anointed Cherub, a high ranking angel that covered the throne of God. As a Cherub, he was one of the chief princes of God, with other princes under him until pride entered him, and he fell. See Isaiah 14:12-15: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
Lucifer wanted to exalt himself above all the stars or angels of God in heaven. His ultimate plan was to sit as God upon the mount of the congregation. In verse 14 of Isaiah 14, he concluded this way, “I will be like the most high God.” Lucifer planned his coup to overthrow God with a third of angels in heaven, but failed. He was then driven out of God’s presence with all the 1/3 angels that rebelled with him. These are now called fallen angels or demons. This happened before man was created.
RESULTS OF LUCIFER’S FALL: His name Lucifer changed to Satan, the dragon, old serpent, devil, etc. He lost the authority given to him by his Maker. He lost his friendship with God also and became a permanent enemy of God. As a result he formed his own camp with the angels that fell with him to contend with God, hence we have now two camps on earth engaged in spiritual combat: God’s Kingdom of Light and Satan’s kingdom of Darkness.
Poverty is one of the ways satan resists God’s purpose on earth. Satan (Lucifer) himself is that spirit of poverty. He was involved in an abundance of trade and business in the kingdom of heaven before man was ever created. He became so covetous that he violently assaulted the throne of Jehovah. He lost his place in heaven and was cast away from there into the planet earth. When he saw the riches God has placed on earth for man, he became jealous and sought ways of grabbing it. Hence the invasion of Eden that led to the fall of man. When Man fell, satan took over the control of the planet and its resources. What Satan was after when he invaded the garden at Eden was the wealth God laid up for the nations (Gen 2:10-12). In addition to the gold at Havilah, there were other precious metals, and crude oil as seen in the present day assumed location of Eden in the Middle East.
After Satan took over the control of the wealth of the world, he distributes them only among people that agree to worship him (Mat. 4:8-9). He claims authority over the present economy of the world. The only group of people that can challenge Him are the Redeemed of the Lord who are found faithful in their covenant walk with God and have received the power from above to create wealth (Deut. 8:18).
MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 4:10, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
PRAYER: Father, I dissociate myself from any money making process that is not in line with the principles of the kingdom of God. I identify fully with the covenant of Kingdom prosperity. Empower me by the Holy Spirit to become a Kingdom trustee, in the name of Jesus.
January 12, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 12 2025
THE IMPACT OF FASTING ON OUR HEALTH
There are several benefits in fasting. Fasting impacts our lives both spiritually and physically. When practiced with intention and wisdom, fasting can be a powerful tool to enhance our physical health, deepen our spiritual connection, and cultivate a greater awareness of our relationship with God and the world around us. One of the outstanding benefits of fasting is its impacts on our physical and mental health.
The Bible, in the book of Isaiah says when we fast, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily” (Isaiah 58:8). The Bible does not tell us the details of how this happens, however, science does. This is very important because many think that fasting helps only in spiritual matters. Fasting has both spiritual and scientific impacts on health, and understanding these perspectives can provide a holistic view of its benefits and considerations. Our discovery this morning is on the impacts of fasting on our health.
Fasting is a spiritual exercise that involves abstaining from food and sometimes drink for a period of time to seek a closer relationship with God. This is a way to purify the soul, focus on prayer and the Word to gain spiritual clarity. During this period we give ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. These acts of praying and studying the Word of God keeps us in God’s presence. The more you enjoy God’s presence in praying, the more of God’s nature that robs on you. The more you gain insight into the word of God, the more of God’s life that penetrates your soul.
This is what made Jesus to stay healthy all His earthly sojourn with us. Jesus was never sick once throughout His days as a man because of divine nature. Believers have the privilege of partaking of the same divine nature. Apostle Peter said, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). When you are a partaker of the divine nature, you are immune to sicknesses and diseases.
Scientifically, fasting has been studied for its various health benefits, particularly in the context of intermittent fasting. Below are some of the key benefits of fasting on our physical health which we have discovered.
Weight Control: The Bible makes us to understand the importance of our bodies to God. God lives in us to impact the world. Therefore a healthy body is very important for a successful spiritual exploit. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” For your body to be acceptable to God you are to “lay aside every weight” (Heb. 12:1), so you can be able to run the race set before you. Every weight refers to both spiritual and physical weights. Every aspect of athletics demands you lose weight to be able to compete. Fasting helps to reduce calorie intake thereby promoting weight loss. Weight has no medical advantage, rather, it goes with a lot of health complications.
Blood Sugar Control: Abstaining from eating food improves insulin sensitivity and help manage blood sugar levels, by optimizing metabolism; which is beneficial for those at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Heart Health: Studies have shown that intermittent fasting may positively impact blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health.
Brain Function: Fasting can potentially improve cognitive function by stimulating neurogenesis (the production of new brain cells) and enhancing memory recall and protecting you against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer.
Inflammation Reduction: Fasting has been shown to decrease levels of inflammation, which is linked to chronic heart diseases, arthritis, etc.
Longevity: There is evidence that fasting can promote longevity and protect against age-related diseases. When we fast, our bodies initiate a process called autophagy, where damaged cells are recycled and replaced, leading to improved cellular health and potential benefit of long life.
Cancer Prevention: Some research results indicate that fasting may help reduce the risk of certain cancers by promoting autophagy, as mentioned above, a process where cells remove damaged components.
These are the processes that God built into the human body at creation to give man a healthy life. Though sin opened man up to sickness and diseases, Jesus came to give us life that we might have it in abundance. Through the process of fasting we are able to provoke these processes of healthy living to enjoy that abundant life, both spiritually and physically. With this understanding I believe your love for fasting is now amplified. You will enjoy the exercise better. Engage in this exercise on your own intermittently without waiting for your Pastor to declare a fast for the church.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 23:2, “And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.”
PRAYER: Father, thank you for giving me insight into the medical benefit of fasting on my physical health. Help me to engage in this spiritual exercise intermittently to enjoy both the spiritual and the health benefits, in the name of Jesus.
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 11 2025
GOD’S PURPOSE FOR THE TRUE FAST IS YOUR PROSPERITY 3
Today we shall conclude our discussion on the true fast that is acceptable to God. Let’s go back to the book of Isaiah chapter 58 and read from verse 3. God’s people were fasting but God was not responding. So they asked God, “Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?” The Lord replied and told them why. “Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.” We observed yesterday that the picture of the congregation that God saw in the days of Isaiah is not too different from what we have today. People say they are fasting, yet they lived in strife and unforgiveness. They quarrel and “smite with the fist of wickedness.” Outwardly they look very pious and humble, yet what God is seeing inside them is bitterness, envy, jealousy, hate and seeds of discord. This is hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is one of the seven things that God hates (Prov. 6:16).
In verses six and seven, God begins to show us the type of fast He expects from His people. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? (Isaiah 58:6-7).
The acceptable fasting is a lifestyle of Agape love, geared towards bringing out the nature of God in us. It expresses the love of God beginning with forgiveness. The true and acceptable fast is to: Stop every form of oppression and wicked acts towards others; forgive all offences and let go of your offenders; no malice or envy or jealousy in your heart towards any; no calumnies or back-biting; and not to enslave anyone under your control, especially your workers. This is love in full manifestations! It is called self-denial! The first condition of the acceptable fast is to “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” It is to “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.”
It is good to abstain from eating and drinking for some hours a day or for some days as the case may be, like what is going on now in most of our Churches, but without love for people, your fasting is simply a hunger strike! Your prayers will not be heard. Fasting is self-denial. Take note of What God calls the true fast: “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:7). Fasting is to live a life of kindness and generosity. Can you see why your fasting does not end after abstaining from eating for some hours in a day for 21 days in January? Do you know what I have observed? As fasting is going on now, Service attendance is full daily. However, after the 21 days of this special program, some people will go on leave. They have bribed God with daily Service attendance for many days. God should leave them to pursue business now till they start facing any trouble, before they come again to look for God. If no trouble, bye-bye to God!
You cannot bribe God with fasting. Fasting is for your prosperity. Living a fasted live is not in abstaining from food for many days but a life of liberality, which is the foundation for Covenant prosperity. “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (Pro. 11:25). God said, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:7). The fast that God prescribed is to assist the needy and the less privilege members of the community. It is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and to provide shelter for the homeless. This is what the Christian calling is all about – showing the love of God to the world (Matt. 5:14-16).
This is why God wants to bless His people: For them to become a blessing. We are not only sent to preach the good tidings of the kingdom but also to take care of the sick, the hungry and the naked (Matthew 25:31-46). The acceptable fast allows you to express your righteousness through your good works of righteousness. It makes you a co-worker together with God (1Cor. 3:9; 2Cor. 6:1). The acceptable fast enables God to use you to fulfil His promises towards mankind especially the household of faith (Gal 6:10). The true fast is to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate and trusting in the Lord who has given us all things richly to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).
Did you take note of this hidden instruction in verse seven of that passage in Isaiah 58? “…and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Part of the conditions for the acceptable fast is to take good care of your family members. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1Timothy 5:8). Take good care of your family especially, your spouse, children and your siblings. Love your spouse dearly and provoke not your children to wrath. Provide them spiritual resources so they can know the Lord and learn to serve Him and walk in His ways. Don’t live a hypocritical life before your children. Be an example to them in all aspects of life. This is the true fast that God has chosen. Without these, no matter how you deprive yourself of food, your voice cannot be head on high at the throne of grace.
When you live like this you will be a prosperous fellow. The wealth of the gentiles will be converted unto you. Whatever you lay your hand upon shall prosper. You will become God’s trustee on the earth. These are the category of people God is looking for in this generation to commit abundance into their trust for the Gospel. Therefore, go beyond 21 days of abstinence from food unto living the fasted life. Keep loving and giving. The fasted life is a life of loving and giving. This is the road map to the heart of God.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 11:25, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
PRAYER: Father, I receive grace to go beyond the annual 21-Day Prayer and Fasting program to living the Fasted Lifestyle. Fill me with the spirit of liberality and love to care for my family and the needy around me, in the name of Jesus.
January 10, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 10 2025
GOD’S PURPOSE FOR THE TRUE FAST IS YOUR PROSPERITY 2
Isaiah 58:1-5: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. ‘Wherefore have we fasted,’ say they, ‘and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?’ Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.” Verse 5: “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?”
Because of the way fasting was done in Old Testament in the form of sorrowing and mourning and repentance or as a way of humiliating self to win God’s pity and compassion, it is called “A day of affliction of Soul,” a day to humble self and as making yourself suffer punishment for errors. This is the way the heathen religious people fast. This is the way the Pharisees fasted. To man, this is a display of great spiritual achievement. Fasting for this way makes them feel a sense of achievement spiritually.
This may shock you, from Isaiah 58:1-5, God calls this ancient way of fasting rebellious and sinful! (Isaiah 58:1). Modern translations use the term “transgression” in place of rebellion, and both words are virtually the same. Rebellion means opposition to Authority, not willing to obey rules or not willing to accept normal standard of behaviour. Transgression on the other hands also means, going beyond the limit of acceptable standard of the Law in behaviour and conduct.
The picture God saw in his people in the days of Isaiah has not changed much even in our own generation. You see people so religious; on Sundays Churches are filled; when prayer points are raised, come and see people praying with all manner of acrobatic show. When music starts, they are all on the floor dancing and praising the Lord. How many are standing before God blameless? God is not moved by our external display of zeal and devotion. He is moved by the state our hearts. We touch God with our hearts. The Bible says, “God looketh on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). Many who have tried to bribe God with fasting of abstinence often got disappointed. I have met many who went to various deliverance centres and were placed on the prescriptions of fasting for various number of days without any result. These also tend to ask the same question, “Why is God not answering us?”
Fasting without a change in attitude makes you to fall below God’s expectation. That is what is called sin. According to Lev. 16:29, a day of fasting was to be a day of rest. A day that sacrifice was made for the sins of the nation and so everyone was to be sorry for his/her sins with soberness. However, God’s people at the time of Isaiah were labouring and even exploiting their workers on fasting days. Their fasting was for contention. They fasted and prayed for evil to happen to others. Their fasting was for strife and debate – quarrelling and fighting. Is it different today? Have you not seen brethren, after a wonderful service, just outside the Church auditorium quarrelling and even fighting right there in the Church? People in the same congregation, fasting together and yet will not salute each other!
“You cannot fast as you do this day and expect your voice to be heard on high.” In Isaiah 58:5, God condemned the ancient way of fasting characterized by wearing of sack clothes, spreading of ashes to lie upon and bowing of head as a sign of sorrow and affliction of the soul to seek for God’s pity. From verse 6, He begins to announce the true way to fast, the fast that God accepts. In the old method of fasting, there is a high tendency for pretence and hypocrisy. There are a lot of cover-ups.
Fasting in its original context is “self-denial.” Self-denial is different from self-affliction. Self-affliction is ungodly. Self-denial portrays love, while self-affliction portrays hate. The acceptable fasting is geared towards bringing out the nature of God in us, which is love. It expresses the love of God. It puts God before self. The true and acceptable fast is to: Stop every form of oppression and wicked acts towards others; forgive all offences and let go of your offenders; no malice or envy or jealousy in your heart towards any; no calumnies or back-biting anyone; and don’t enslave anyone under your control, especially your workers. This is love in full manifestations! It is self-denial!
What is the first condition of the acceptable fast then? “Love your neighbour as you love yourself;” “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.” This is called the golden rule. The golden rule is a very powerful practice of self-denial.
The true fast is actually the honest display of godly character. In God’s definition of fasting, to fast is to love. Fasting is a lifestyle and not what you do for a number of days and stop. The true fast is a way of life, living for others to live.
It is good to abstain from eating and drinking for some hours a day or for some days as the case may be, like what is going on now in most of our Churches, but without a godly character and love for people you are wasting your time and energy. Therefore, let us examine ourselves during this period and ensure our relationship with both God and men are in line with the principles of holiness. Forgive all those you have grudges against and remove all the bitterness, envy, jealousy, etc. from your heart. You cannot be fasting and living in sin at the same time. Repent!
MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 58:4, “Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, forgive me my sins and restore my soul. Help me, Holy Spirit, spread the love of God abroad in my heart to let go of all offenses and to be able to love people unconditionally.
January 09, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 09 2025
GOD’S PURPOSE FOR THE TRUE FAST IS YOUR PROSPERITY
It has become a tradition, at least in our country, to declare fasting and prayers in the month of January each year. The number of days vary from congregation to congregation. However, most Pentecostal Churches operate the 21-Day program. As most Churches are in this program now, it is my pleasure to bring you this revelation on the true fast that God recommends for His people as contained in the Word of God. Whatever you do with understanding has the backing of the spirit of faith; conversely, whatever is not done in faith is sin before God, no matter how religious it may appear (Rom. 14:23). If you fast the fast that is not acceptable before God it is counted a sin against you. Therefore, understand the true fast that God has chosen so that your labour in this spiritual exercise will not be in vain or counted as sin before God while you are thinking you are doing a great job.
Fasting in its original context is the act of abstaining from either food or drink or both for a period of time. This practice is found in all the different kinds of religions in the world. Today, many Christian denominations have established fasting (in this context of abstaining from food) as a dogma or a worship principle. Others take it as their only way to accessing God’s mercy and goodness. To many preachers in Africa, there is no solution from God outside fasting. To them there can be no deliverance except you have fasted. In fact, fasting has even become an issue of competition between some Christian denominations to see who will fast for longer days within the year. Knowledge is power. We need knowledge.
Studying this subject carefully, I found out from scriptures that fasting does not appear as an ascetic practice in the worship of Yahweh in the Old Testament; neither in the New Testament as in other religions. In the Old Testament, Fasting appears as a token of sorrow and mourning (1Sam. 31:13). Fasting is also seen as a sign of repentance from sin and disobedience (Neh. 9:1; Jer. 14:12; John 3:8). Fasting was combined with prayers during periods of crisis when divine intervention was needed (2Sam. 12:16; Judges 20:26; Ezra 8:21-23). The only fast that was prescribed as part of worship was the fast of the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29). Also after the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC, the people established four sessions of fasting in the year; the fast of the 4th, 5th, 7th and 10th months. These were not instituted by God, hence were not respected by the Lord (Zechariah 7).
In the New Testament, the disciples of Jesus were observed not to fast like the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist (which originated from the days of captivity). The attitude of the Lord toward the question of fasting as a way of worship was casual (Luke 5:33-39). He did not impose it on them as John and the Pharisees did to their own followers. In answer to the curious question of John’s disciple, Jesus told them that fasting was not necessary at a period of joy. His coming was “Joy to all people” (Luke 2:10-11). As long as the bridegroom is present, His friends do not fast. After his departure they could fast. He described the practice of fasting often of the Pharisees as an old wine skin or an old garment, which cannot support or sustain the new wine and the new garment He has brought to the earth to give unto men.
Nevertheless, He did not condemn the fasting of abstention from food out rightly. He taught that such fasting should be done secretly and there should be no public display. In Matthew 6:16-18 He said, “Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” In the epistles to the early Churches, fasting was not prescribed as a key to liberty in Christ, but as a means of personal edification and putting the flesh under subjection to the renewed spirit man. This is to enhance spiritual sensitivity and flow. Under a proper spiritual flow, all demons are at your command (Mark 9:29). When you are spiritually alert and sensitive you can easily hear the voice of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2).
I am not making light of the place of fasting by abstaining from food, drinks, sex and other fleshly pleasures. Jesus recommended we fast after the bridegroom has left; that is, after He was taken away from us physically. However, fasting of this nature should not become a dogma or a doctrine which some people hold as their ministry’s tool of operation, instead of the Word of God. I want to bring you to a higher and deeper dimension of the subject of fasting, which is far beyond abstaining from food and drink. When the Lord opened my eyes to this depth, I understood why Jesus was casual about the subject, which to John the Baptist and the Pharisees was most central in worshiping God.
Let’s take a little break here for the sake of time. Tomorrow, we are going to see God’s position on how to fast in order to win His heart to bless us abundantly. God bless you.
MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 58:5, “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, open Thou the eyes of my understanding to know you better, and to have a deeper insight into the knowledge of Your Word, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
January 08, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 08, 2025
CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL EDUCATION
(TRENDS THAT ARE ENFORCING FINANCIAL LITERACY WORLDWIDE 2)
Yesterday we were looking at various trends in the world that are forcing people to start striving for financial education. We have mentioned the Emergence of Cashless Society, Internet/Mobile Banking, Online Shopping, etc. Let me add few more to the ones of yesterday to convince you totally and motivate you to pursue financial literacy without further delay. These are issues we come faced to face with on daily basis. If you are not familiar with them, you can easily lose your money or be cheated by fraudsters.
NEW RETIREMENT PARADIGM: In the past, the burden of the Pension Fund was on employers and Government and managed by professionals. Workers had no contribution to their pension fund. Today, things are different. Workers are required to make significant contributions to their retirement plans. Every Civil Servant needs to understand how this is done in order not to run into trouble after retirement. This calls for financial education.
LONGER LIFE EXPECTANCY: Originally, God intended for man to live hundreds of years on earth. According to Bible records, men were living up to nine hundred years and above up to the time of Noah. When the population of mankind began to increase, spirits were said to have started meddling with human procreation and these led to some human species of giants on the earth causing trouble (Genesis 6:4). The Bible records in Genesis 6:5-6 & 3: “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. And the LORD said, ‘My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years’.”
Now, the life expectancy for the civilized world at birth is 75 years for men and 80 years for women. In Nigeria by 2023, this was 60 years for men and 64 years for women. However, the life expectancy for the covenant children of God as seen above is 120 years! Isaiah 65:20 tells us that a child in the Kingdom of God should live a minimum of 100 years! God’s wisdom says in Proverbs 9:11, “For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.” That means, there is possibility for the Redeemed to live beyond the 120-year mark! Therefore, God’s children have the longest life expectancy in the world. This means we must have a financial plan that will not only sustain us during our active life but a plan that will also sustain us through our old age. This calls for financial literacy on the part of all children of God who believe in this promise.
SO MANY FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDERS: Today we have, scattered everywhere, several financial services providers such as banks, credit unions, insurance firms, credit card companies, etc. These are all seeking to do business with you. They need your money. Without adequate financial education, you can be lost when they invade you with their options. You need to be equipped with financial knowledge and capacity to evaluate the options and decide the ones that best suit your needs. It will make you smarter and sharper. Without adequate financial knowledge, you can fall cheaply as a prey to “4.1.9ers”, scammers, or other Ponzi schemes and fraudsters, who are desperate for your money by all means. I know many who in the bid to make quick money have lost quite a great fortune through this channels. Don’t be a victim.
THE RECESSION/ECONOMIC CRISIS: Because of the economic crises and recession in many parts of the world, prices of things are rising daily; at the same time, we are paying higher for services also. These all lead to rising inflation, generating tensions, fear and anxiety with no answer in view. Correct financial decision is very crucial now than ever. Financial education is not only for business people or investors but very useful to every average family. It will help you to know how to create your own household budget within your means per time, initiate saving plans, manage your debts, and make strategic investment towards your children’s education, building your own house and towards the days of retirement and old age. Financial literacy will help even a student to manage his pocket money well and even invest in mini-businesses on campus to boost personal income for personal upkeep.
LACK OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT: In those days, graduates do not line up in the labor market. Today, we see accountants, engineers, and lawyers hovering from one private school to another looking for teaching appointments because there are no jobs for them. In Nigeria today, we see Graduate Medical Doctors hanging around for 2 to 3 years looking for where they could do their housemanship! Government is not employing and they are not encouraging the private sector in terms of social amenities to create jobs. In our country, there is no social security fund that support the unemployed and retirees. Even the western countries are already noticing a great gross depletion in their security trust fund. With adequate knowledge
These are some of the trends that are forcing us all to strive for financial education. It will prepare us adequately for the new phase of the world economy which is that of the Kingdom of God. It will make you a wealth creator and an employer of labour. This is what will make the difference clear as God has promised us in the face of abject misery (MALACHI 4:1-3). The new economic system will favour only the faithful people in the Kingdom of God. Financial education now becomes a compulsory subject you must pass.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 9:9, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
PRAYER: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name, may this truth fill the Church to truly be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Help us to understand in depth, how to walk faithfully in the covenant of Kingdom prosperity, and be above only and never beneath the poverty line, in the name of Jesus.
January 07, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 07, 2025
CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL EDUCATION
(A GLOBAL CRUSADE LEADING TO THE NEW PHASE OF THE WORLD ECONOMY)
WHAT IS FINANCIAL EDUCATION? Financial Education is the process of learning how to manage money and other assets that produce wealth. It is the acquisition of the knowledge of how to make profitable financial decisions which is very vital to our everyday life. For you to enjoy the economic prophetic agenda of this end time as a Christian, you must be financially literate. Financial literacy imparts the knowledge every family member needs to plan how not to go into debts, how to raise money to build their own house, run their own business, train children in school and ensure there is a source that will cater for them at retirement and old age. It helps you to understand market trends, how the banks function and how to operate your account and to avoid running into trouble financially.
Studies conducted by different financial services companies show that workers with high financial literacy can double the wealth of those who are ignorant of how to plan for retirement. People with low financial literacy borrow more, have less wealth and pay more for products. People with low financial education do not invest and are often in debts. People without financial understanding lose their collaterals to banks and other financial houses for lack of understanding of loans and credit facilities. Majority of people in the world are financially illiterate (both whites and blacks) in both the developing and the developed economies. What the poor man needs first to become rich is not money but financial literacy. “The Economist” magazine, recently described this first stage of the Economic Revolution as “A global Crusade which is underway to teach personal finance to the masses”.
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THIS GLOBAL CRUSADE? To us as God’s people, it is to make us financially literate. That is, to impart the people with the knowledge and the skill to deal effectively with everyday financial issues in line with God’s word, in order to make the right choices towards meeting their needs. It enables people to develop and improve on their financial capacity. Financial capacity is the ability to successfully manage your money and assets, keeping track of your financial transactions, plan ahead, make informed decisions about financial products and stay up-to-date about financial matters that affect you.
TRENDS THAT ARE ENFORCING FINANCIAL LITERACY WORLDWIDE: In today’s world, faced with economic challenges of which God forewarned us through His prophets and apostles, making a thoughtful and well informed financial decision has become more important than ever. There are many converging trends that are now making it mandatory for every sensible person to start seeking financial education, most especially God’s people, to whom belongs the new phase of the world economy. Common among these current trends includes the following:
THE EMERGENCE OF CASHLESS SOCIETY: A cashless society is a society in which purchase of goods and services are made using credit cards or electronic funds transfer systems rather than with cash or cheques. In the past generations, cash was used for virtually every purchase. Today, the use of cash is fast dying down even in our own country, Nigeria; whereas cash is now rarely used in most of the developed nation.
INTERNET/MOBILE BANKING: Internet/Mobile Banking is a service provided by a bank or other financial institutions that allows its customers to conduct financial transactions outside the banking hall using their computers and mobiles devices such as tablets or smartphones through the internet. This reduces the bank’s cost of handling transactions and relieves the customer the stress of going to the bank for simple transactions like paying for purchased items, fund transfer, checking for account balance, etc. No cash is involved.
ONLINE SHOPPING: The way we shop has also changed remarkably. Online shopping has become the top choice for the new generation. Many things you need can be gotten online. You don’t need to leave your house to the supermarket or the electronic store to buy what you need any more. Whatever you need today can be bought online including eggs, sweets and biscuits, even a plate of food! Payments are made online or at delivery. You don’t need to handle any cash! For you to truly enjoy business in this our day of internet and information technology, you must be financially literate. Financial literacy includes the understanding of financial systems and instruments and how to use them.
ATM/POS (Point-of-Sale Terminal): ATM means “Automated Teller Machine”. It is an electronic cash machine – an electronic machine that enables customers to withdraw paper money or carry out other banking transactions on insertion of an encoded plastic card called ATM Card. You are already familiar with that. They have become a major way of cash withdrawal and transfer of funds more than ever.
POS means “Point-of-Sale” terminal. It is a computerized replacement for a cash register. It has the ability to record and tract customer orders, process credit and debit cards, connect to other systems in the network and manage inventory. POS terminals are used in most establishments today: in Fuel stations, restaurants, lodgings, hotels, supermarkets, etc. On every corner of the street today you will see an Operator calling for users. Many people holding the POS machine today don’t even know up to half of the functions of the machine in their hands. For you to truly enjoy business in this our day of internet and information technology, you must be financially literate. Many people have lost good fortunes in recent times via POS operators because they are ignorant of how they use them. Financial literacy includes the understanding of financial systems and instruments and how to use them.
Tomorrow I will show you few other trends that are forcing all of us now to register for financial literacy. We must all rise up to shift from analogue to digital life in this digital age in order not to be left behind.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 19:2 (ISV) “Furthermore, it isn’t good to be ignorant, and whoever rushes into things misses the mark.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, give me a good understanding in the science of money and prepare me for my financial breakthrough in the face of abject misery and gross darkness coming upon the earth. It is my turn to shine, in the name of Jesus!
January 06, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 06, 2025
DEVELOPING THE RIGHT MIND-SET FOR WEALTH
In building a solid financial foundation for wealth creation, the first step is to create the right Financial Blueprint towards becoming a millionaire. We have discovered that our financial blueprint is normally programmed into our sub-conscious mind during childhood by what we hear, see, and experience. Your present financial capacity is therefore the reflection of what that blueprint has been. If this capacity has not satisfactorily helped to meet your needs, well, the good news is that it can be changed. That is to say that your mind can be reprogrammed to enlarge your internal capacity for wealth, to enable you acquire, manage and distribute wealth as God has designed life to be for you; as the scripture declares, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2). “As thy soul prospereth” means your capacity can be enlarged.
It is also written, “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited” (Isa. 54:3). You need to enlarge your internal capacity to accommodate any level of unprecedented financial breakthrough; “Because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee” (Isa. 60:5).
Your first habitation is in your mind. Where you live in your mind is what determines where you live physically in life. You must change your blueprint to enlarge your internal capacity. This brings us to today’s focus on laying a solid foundation for financial success which is Financial Literacy. You must be financially educated.
God’s design for the believer that is found faithful in the Covenant is to make him a financial magnet. When you become a financial magnet, “the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee” (Isaiah 60:5). That means, money comes to you rather than you pursuing money the way the people of the world do. The wealth of sinners shall be converted into your hands through God’s preordained strategies. Solomon lived as a financial magnet; and the Lord said, “A greater than Solomon is here.” That is talking about you and me! But you need to pay the price. The price is financial education.
Money comes and dwells only with those who know how to manage it. Hence, you need financial education. Money is very volatile and slippery. It comes and goes. However, if you have a working knowledge of money you will be able to get it, tame it, and you would be able to effectively manage and distribute it; and even store it to a point of surplus. I was not fortunate to acquire this education early and because of that I lost a lot of investment opportunities. The world economy is changing hands already. Soon, it shall be the turn of the kingdom of God. The time of the children of the world is fast running out. If we, the elect of God, must successfully manage the upcoming divine program of wealth transfer, we must first be ready with open minds to learn about money. We must learn how to get it, store it and distribute it the covenant way. Rather than labouring to be rich, labour to know how to be rich (Prov. 23:4).
When you know how to be rich, money comes to you. As Robert Kiyosaki said, your money will work for you, instead of you working for it. When you are financially literate, you will not pursue money like the people of the world who are living outside the covenant do. Money will pursue you and overtake you (Deut.28:1-2; Matt. 6:33). The knowledge of how to be rich is what is called “Financial Literacy” or “Wisdom for Wealth”. Money without this wisdom either kills the owner or flies away from the person (Eccl. 5:13). The knowledge of money puts you in control of money. When you are financially literate, you control money instead of money controlling you.
Examples abound of many children of the rich that became heirs of great fortune, but unfortunately lost everything few years after taking over their father’s estate. Many professional footballers who became very rich at the peak of their careers suddenly became “Mr. Nobody” after retirement. Many Lottery winners whom people thought will never taste poverty again forever lost everything within a very short time. Do you know why? They had the money but knew near to nothing about the science of money. There are things the rich know and do which the poor do not know nor do. So, they struggle continuously in their finances; yet they are in the same country, invariably in the same town and possibly in the same Church!
The greatest need of Believers today in all Churches is financial education. Church people need financial education more than any other aspect of the Gospel now because of what is happening to the economy in every part of the world. Today we know virtually everything about deliverance, sanctification, consecration, faith, healing, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and all manner of revelations in the word of God. However, financial education is almost unknown in the Church of Christ. Majority of believers are always broke! To many, it is like a taboo to talk about money matters in the House of God. We are entering the era that the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto us; when we shall glory in the forces of the gentiles coming unto us (Isa. 60:5). Won’t you prepare for it? Your level of preparation determines your level of allocation.
What you read from school only prepares you to be a good employee for business owners and the government. However, a good financial education will turn you to be your own boss, a business owner and an employer of labour. Without this approach you cannot be rich. God wants you to own your own business so He can bless you without limit (Mal. 3:10). He wants to bless you without limit so that you can become a blessing (Gen 12:2). Learning about money therefore is the number one step towards becoming a covenant financial magnet. Prepare to be financially educated because money is coming. All it takes is a quest for knowledge. Develop a craving to know what it takes.
MEMORY VERSE: Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee.”
PRAYER: Father, give me a new heart – a meek and humble heart that craves for knowledge. Also create in me an insatiable thirst and hunger for knowledge, in the name of Jesus.
January 05, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 05 2025
YOUR MIND AND YOUR MONEY 2
The mind is what controls everything in a man’s life. It is called the battle ground. God touches your life through your mind. Satan too controls people through their minds. Both good and evil enter your life through your mind. Your financial wellbeing is determined by the financial blueprint found in your mind. Do you understand? Therefore, at every moment of our lives, each of us has either a financial success or a financial failure blueprint in our subconscious minds, which determines our financial destinies. These blueprints are the pictures we formed in our minds about money and possession. The financial design you have in your subconscious is what eventually manifests in the level of your financial status.
You are in relationship with money inside before you relate with it physically. This is a principle and not an evidence of love for money. Thinking about wealth and how to handle large amount successfully is different from loving money. Before God does anything for you, He wants to first see the blueprint of what you have in your mind. It is this blueprint that shows Him your capacity, so that He will not kill you with His blessing. “And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever” (Gen 13:14-15).
If you are in the habit of thinking “Me, I just de manage life” which is a “Never-having enough” mentality, you will end up becoming poor. If in your family it is always, “We cannot afford it”, “things are hard,” you will suffer financial hardship. I’m telling you the truth. Until you can see it on your inside, you can’t see it outside. This talks about the power of imagination. With your power of imagination, you conceptualize whatever God has promised you. When you are pregnant with it, you will eventually deliver it. Hear what the Lord God Himself said concerning this principle in an earlier age of man’s development: “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do” (Gen. 11:6).
Financial Blueprints start forming at early childhood by what we see, hear and experience as we interact closely with our parents, relatives, teachers, and spiritual instructors like the Sunday School teachers, Pastors, etc. No child came out of the womb knowing anything about money. People are taught how to think about money and how to handle money. The way you handle money today was learnt from some people, whether you realize it or not. These lessons are not taught the child in a formal way like school lessons. The way a person handles money or relates with money is as a result of the mindset he/she built up subconsciously from childhood through the people the person grew up with.
If the wrong information is passed on to the child, that wrong information goes a long way to his adult life to affect his capacity for money. His financial foundation has been destroyed. However, if the correct lesson is passed at that early age, the future of such a child will be very promising with all things being equal. How does this happen?
BY WHAT YOU HEAR: What you hear about money, and rich people when you were growing up affects your financial destiny. Poor people are far, far more in population than the rich in any society, so most of us are likely to hear more of the poor people’s language than the rich people’s language. Example: “It is not easy”; “We cannot afford such a luxury”; “We just de manage”; “Money is hard to get”; etc. Statements like these which you heard as you were growing up form a mindset in your Subconscious mind and influence your financial life negatively in adult life, if you don’t have the opportunity to wash them off your brain. This is called VERBAL or AUDIO Programming.
BY WHAT YOU SEE: Everything Jesus taught and did on earth were what he saw the Father did. “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will” (John 5:19-21). Children grow to take after their role models who in most cases are their parents. Consciously or unconsciously, we take after one or more persons’ lifestyle in life. Everyone’s lifestyle involves how he handles money. You cannot completely describe a person’s lifestyle without considering how he relates with money. So a man is either stingy or generous. He is either prudent or extravagant and wasteful in the way he spends.
Were the people you grew up with rich or poor? Were they investors or consumers? Were they givers or always begging? Did money come easily to the family or it was always struggles, struggles and struggles? Were Daddy and Mummy always arguing about money and even fighting because of money? Were they always borrowing and running away from creditors and asking you to tell one lie or another to cover them? Children learn everything by modeling. The ways you see the people you grew up with behave towards money enters your subconscious mind and goes to affect your adult life similarly. This is called VISUAL or GRAPHIC Programming of the subconscious.
One of my pastors’ wives in those days misbehaved in the public one time. She was struggling for gift items that a newly wedded couple were giving their guests at their wedding reception. While I was reproving her for behaving indecently in the public like she did knowing she was a pastor’s wife, she replied, “That is how my mother used to do”. This is called Role Modeling or Visual Programming as mentioned above. An adage says, “Like father like son”. This one is “Like mother like daughter”! That adage is true. Parents are the first role models of their children. Even in adult life, we are still modeling after the people we relate with either directly through personal contact or indirectly through their books, tapes or Social media. Solomon said in Proverbs chapter 13 verse 20, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed”. Visual Programming is of God, but we should emulate those who modeled after God and His Word.
MEMORY VERSE: Luke 8:18, “Take heed therefore how ye hear.”
PRAYER: Father, open thou my eyes to behold wondrous things out of thy law to flush out all the junks in my subconscious mind hindering my financial breakthrough, in Jesus’ name.
January 04, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 04, 2025
YOUR MIND AND YOUR MONEY
The mind plays a crucial role in your overall wellbeing in life. This becomes most vital when we are talking about generating wealth. Your mind controls what comes into your hands through attitudes, knowledge, habits, and even emotional intelligence. Cultivating a positive, strategic, and disciplined mindset enhances a man’s ability to achieve financial success and prosperity. The Bible emphasizes this very strongly, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. Romans 12:2 tells us, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” For you to partake fully in the coming economic program of God for His people, you need a mind set that is quite different from that of the people of the world.
Understanding the intricate link between the mind and wealth creation can greatly empower your mental faculties for your financial breakthrough. Without controversy, all I am saying is, you need financial intelligence to be rich. Financial intelligence is the knowledge of money, investment and how to manage your financial resources. Without adequate financial intelligence you cannot be rich. It is the reason why many university graduates are roaming the streets today not knowing what to do to feed themselves, but looking for white collar jobs.
The mind is the womb in which wealth is conceived. God does not create any one poor or rich. Every one becomes what his mind is able to conceive. The mind is the drawing board for whatever a man becomes in life. Whatever you cannot conceive in the mind you cannot give birth to in your life. The mind is the principal determining factor when it comes to what a man makes out of life. King Solomon said in the book of Proverbs, “For as he thinketh in his heart so is he” (Prov. 23:7).
The journey to a life of abundance, whether in the world system or in the Kingdom of God begins with the development of the right attitude of the mind. In case you don’t know, let me inform you that rich people and poor people do not think the same way. The most differentiating factor between the rich and the poor is the state of their minds. If you want to help a poor man become rich, the first thing to do is to change the way he thinks. The poor man is poor because he thinks poor people’s thoughts, while the rich man is rich because he thinks rich people’s thoughts. The mind is like a drawing board for whatever a man becomes in life – whether rich or poor.
Architects and Engineers use drawing boards to draw plans or blueprints of buildings before they are turned into reality. Similarly, people draw the plans of their financial lives first in their minds before this is translated into physical reality through the works of their hands. You must have observed that most poor people sweat more in physical labour than the rich. Since their mind set is that of poverty, no matter how much they labour they continue to suffer poverty. A gift of a large sum of money cannot make a poor man rich without a change of the way he thinks. This is why Jesus did not perform miracles of financial abundance for the poor; rather He preached the good news to the poor (Mat. 11:5; Luke 4:18). The aim is to first change the way the poor thinks so that when God begins to bless him financially, the blessing will not be lost or mismanaged.
For you to become a millionaire, you have to first create the blueprint of a millionaire in your mind. The picture you have in your mind is the design that God will enable you to actualize. No man can become greater than his thoughts. That is why the Bible in the book of Philippians, encourages the people of God to think right. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise think of those things” (Phil. 4:8). The truth is, a man is literally what he thinks. A successful life is not an issue of chance or luck. Wherever a man finds himself per time, the thoughts that he has built into his character brought him there.
A man therefore builds his destiny by his thoughts. Our life is what we make it to be by thinking. This is a natural law, which no man can change. Do you want to be a millionaire? Think like a millionaire. Your true size is not in your height or weight; your true size is in the capacity of your mind. Where you are today is a direct product of your past ways of thinking and where you will be tomorrow is the product of how you begin to think from today. Someone said (and I believe him), “Not having enough money is never ever a problem; not having enough money is a result.” It is a result of how you have been thinking; and your action produces the corresponding result. Being rich or poor is a result. Each is a fruit of the seed of thoughts that have been sown in the past over time.
In the next few days I want us to explore this dynamic topic of the role the mind plays in our prosperity. Such knowledge is the key to loosing the band of poverty off your neck. Our Papa, Bishop David Oyedepo said, “It is not yet prosperity when you are able to pay your rents or even build your own house, pay your children’s school fees, send money to your parents in the village, and meet your family’s basic needs; you talk of prosperity only when you come to the position of distributing and communicating wealth stress-free.” This cannot be possible without a renewed mind. See you tomorrow.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
PRAYER: Father, help me to be diligent enough to renew my mind towards economic empowerment. Increase my hunger for knowledge until I become financially intelligent enough to start creating wealth at will, in the name of Jesus.
January 03. 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 03, 2025
KING SOLOMON, A BUSINESSMAN OF GOD
King Solomon is often regarded as one of the wisest and wealthiest kings in the Bible. His reign, traditionally dated to the 10th century BC. He was a successful Statesman and a Businessman in historical and biblical narratives. King Solomon was a Man of God. “And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar” (1King 3:3-4). Though Solomon was born to a wealthy family as a prince, being one of the sons of King David, however, his wealth was not a product of inheritance. It is true that he had an encounter with God where God promised to give him wealth and riches, but the money did not come to him from the blues; neither did he fold his hands waiting for prophecy to fulfil itself. He went into real business, trading both intellectually and in the sales of products.
Below are some of my findings that proved Solomon to be a very successful Businessman of God:
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: Solomon’s gift of wisdom, granted him by God, was the foundation of his success. When God offered to give Solomon anything he wished for, he chose wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-12). This wisdom became what we can call in modern terms an intellectual property (IP) that launched him into limelight and fame, to the point of international recognition.
Intellectual Property refers to creations of the mind that are legally protected from unauthorized use by others. These creations can include inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce.
While the concept of intellectual property (IP) as we understand it today did not exist in Bible times, King Solomon’s wisdom, literary works, and innovations can be seen as forms of intellectual contributions that resemble modern IP. Examples:
1. Wisdom and Proverbs: Solomon was renowned for his wisdom, which was sought after by leaders and people from various nations (1 Kings 4:34). His wisdom can be likened to an intellectual asset, as it had immense value and influence. He authored many proverbs and sayings that are collected in the Book of Proverbs. These proverbs offer timeless wisdom and practical guidance, which can be seen as intellectual property that has been passed down from generations to generations.
2. Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon: Solomon is also credited with writing the Book of Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. These Holy Ghost inspired literary works reflect his deep philosophical insights and poetic expression, similar to modern literary IP.
3. Architectural Innovations: Solomon’s construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and his other architectural projects demonstrated his innovative ideas and designs. Though there were no IP laws at the time, these contributions had a lasting impact on cultural and religious history because they were divinely protected.
4. Administration and Governance: Solomon’s administrative and governance strategies, such as the division of Israel into districts for efficient management (1Kings 4:7-19), reflect his intellectual prowess in the management of state affairs.
Although Solomon’s contributions were not formally recognized as intellectual property in the Biblical era, his wisdom, writings, innovations, and governance can be seen as valuable intellectual assets because they brought him enormous wealth year by year. The Bible says, “And all the kings of the earth” (including the Queen of Sheba) “sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year” (2Chron. 9:23-24).
TRADE AND COMMERCE: Solomon established extensive trade networks that spanned the ancient world. He formed trade alliances with neighboring kingdoms, including Tyre, through agreements with King Hiram. This partnership facilitated the import of cedar wood and skilled labour for his monumental construction projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem, popularly known as the “Temple of Solomon.” He engaged in profitable trade with countries like Egypt and Tyre, importing and exporting valuable goods such as horses, chariots, cedar wood, etc. (1Kings 10:26-29).
HIS MARINE BUSINESS: Solomon built a fleet of ships that sailed to distant lands, bringing him annual returns year by year. Solomon’s fleet, built in collaboration with Tyrian expertise, operated from the port of Ezion-Geber near the Red Sea. These ships traveled to Ophir, bringing back gold, silver, ivory, and exotic animals, which did not only make the king wealthy but contributed greatly to the wealth of Jerusalem. “For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance” (1 Kings 10:22-23, 27).
EFFICIENT HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Under Solomon’s rule, significant infrastructural improvements enhanced trade efficiency and regional control. He constructed roads and fortified cities like Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer, which became commercial hubs. The construction of the First Temple and his royal palace symbolized economic stability and attracted trade partners. Solomon effectively managed a large workforce, including skilled labourers and artisans from different regions, to complete these grand projects. He organized labour into shifts and ensured efficient use of resources (1 Kings 5:13-18).
TAXATION AND TRIBUTE: Solomon established a structured system of taxation of his subjects and tribute from regions under his domain, ensuring a steady flow of revenue to support his administration and projects (1 Kings 4:7-28). Solomon’s wise management of natural resources, such as the mines of Ophir where gold was extracted, contributed significantly to his wealth (1 Kings 9:28).
In summary, King Solomon’s expertise as a businessman of God lay in his strategic use of godly wisdom, diplomacy, resource management, and trade to build one of the wealthiest and most powerful kingdoms of his time. His ability to balance economic growth with spiritual devotion made him one of the most remarkable figures in Bible history.
MEMORY VERSE: Luke 11:31, “…behold, a greater than Solomon is here.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me the kind of Wisdom and largeness of heart you gave to Solomon so that I too can excel in the Marketplace because a greater than Solomon dwells inside of me.
January 02, 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 2, 2025
A BUSINESSMAN OF GOD (3)
BIBLE EXAMPLES OF BUSINESSMEN OF GOD
Is it possible to combine spirituality and business? Can a man be spiritual and at the same time be a good businessman?
This is a question many Nigerian Christians in business need to answer. I have heard people saying, “When it comes to money matter, put God aside.” What? If you remove God out of money matter, all you see is fraud, lies, cheating and all manner of corruption, for the love of money is the root of all evil (1Tim. 6:10). The Bible is full of examples of great Men of God who at the same time were successful and rich businessmen. Let´s look at a few examples:
MR. JOB, FROM THE LAND OF UZ
The Bible says in Job 1:1-3 (MKJV) that there was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. He had a lot of possessions and a very large household, so that he was the greatest man of all the people of the East, the most civilized world in his time; and at the same time the most God fearing person on earth! (Verse 
.
.Job was able to combine the fear of the Lord with a successful business career without any controversy. A great lesson from the life of Job is that when he lost all of his wealth and his children to satanic attack, he did not sway in his integrity and commitment to God. Therefore, God gave him even greater riches, (double of what he lost) at the end of his tribulations. Job is a great example of a Businessman of God whose deepest identity and life was in his relationship with God rather than an identity based on his business and wealth. As people say, “His values were deeper than his wallets!”
A FAMILY OF FOUR GENERATIONS OF “BUSINESSMEN OF GOD”
In the book of Genesis, we can see four successive generations of businessmen who at the same time were great men of God: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. These were the great patriarchs who were the founder of the Jewish race and the covenant that God made with man, both the Old and the New Covenant/Testament. They were not only a holy family, but also an entrepreneurial family! Each of them had both strong spiritual life (with personal relationship with God) and a powerful business mind at the same time.
ABRAHAM: God Himself referred to Abraham as a prophet in Gen 20:7 and is the father of faith to all believers (Rom. 4:11). He cut a covenant with the Almighty God, and God called Himself after Abraham – “I am the God of Abraham” (Exodus 3:6, 15, 16; 4:5). So Abraham was definitely, a mighty holy man of God; but he was also a very wealthy man. His business employed hundreds of people, about 318 as mentioned in Gen. 14:14; and he just grew wealthier over the years. He was said to be very rich in silver, gold, and had vast herds of livestock (Gen. 13:2). He was truly wealthy!
ISAAC: Isaac, Abraham’s covenant son, was the next generation who also had a strong relationship with God, and God confirmed his covenant to Isaac several times. He heard from God how to invest in times of financial down-turn and made himself a good fortune, to a point of national attention and envy. (Gen 26:12-14). Isaac’s fortune was beyond what he inherited from his father, Abraham. He was self-made through hard work by turning a financial crisis into an opportunity following divine direction. Isaac was both a God-fearing man and a man shrewd in business. (Read what His enemies said to him, Genesis 26:26-29).
JACOB: Jacob was definitely a man who heard from God always. There are many examples of him receiving dreams and words from the Lord. In one of such occasions, he encountered God through an angel and said he saw God face to face (Gen. 32:30). He went over the river empty handed when he fled for his life from his brother, Esau; but returned to Canaan with a great household and vast possessions! He made a vow to pay his tithe and to build God a temple; and God honoured it and prospered him. He did his business as directed by the Holy Ghost and prospered by the hidden wisdom of God. His financial turnaround started when he stopped working as an employee for Laban, his uncle, and started his own business as God directed him (Gen 30:30-43). This saying is so true for Jacob: “Where the big money is, is in owning the business and not in working for it.” Jacob’s prosperity was so evident when he sent his ten sons twice to Egypt, to import food during famine with more than enough money. The last time he said to them, “Take double money in your hand”! (Gen. 43:12).
JOSEPH: The forth examples of the combination of great Men of God and business in this family of Abraham was Joseph, the second to the last son of Jacob. Joseph was a man of great integrity and prophetic anointing. He walked closely with God his whole life and, his life is a prophetic symbol of Christ. God blessed Joseph with a great business mind that was just amazing. By his management skills he saved the nation of Egypt and her neighbouring countries from starvation. Joseph was a great Man of God and a great Businessman at the same time. By his management insight, running Pharaoh’s business together with his own, he made a fortune for himself, and brought the whole family into wealth.
CONCLUSION: None of the above individuals had to compromise with his faith or integrity because they were businessmen. We can rather see that their walk with God was the prime reason they were so successful in their businesses, as Proverbs 10:22 (ESV) says: “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” There are many other examples in the Bible of the combination of being a devoted Man of God and doing business at the same time. Solomon is another big example, but time will not allow me to speak much on the Solomon’s fear of the Lord and His prosperity now. So we can draw the conclusion that business and spirituality don’t have to contradict each other. The important thing when we do business is that we maintain a high level of integrity and a right heart, walking in the fear of God.
MEMORY VERSE: Hebrews 6:12, “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
PRAYER: Father, as I interact daily with the world, please help me never to compromise with my faith, but to preserve my integrity in all financial matters, with both believers and unbelievers. Help me to remain always transparent and honest in all my business activities, in the name of Jesus.
January 01. 2025
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
JANUARY 1, 2025
A BUSINESSMAN OF GOD (2)
HAPPY NEW YEAR IN THE NAME OF JESUS! It is a great privilege to see another New Year. To God be the glory. At NewPhase, the Lord says it is our year of Supernatural Conquest. Our prophetic declaration is “I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR.” This prophecy will answer in everything you do throughout this New Year, in the name of Jesus. Our discussion yesterday was on the Businessman of God. He is a Businessman who is at the same time a Man of God, or a Man of God who is also a Businessman. He knows he is not in business for his belly but doing business for God. He sees business as a ministry; as a means of reaching people for Christ, and at the same time making money for the expansion of the Gospel of Christ.
I said yesterday that the Body of Christ is in dire need of Businessmen of God now, more than she needs Bishops, Apostles, Pastors, Evangelists, Prophets and teachers. Without enough money, these pulpit ministers will end up frustrated in their ministries. Money does not come through prayers, it comes through business enterprise. We have prayed enough and preached enough. Let’s go to the marketplace now and occupy! What does the businessman of God look like?
SOME QUALITIES OF A BUSINESSMAN OF GOD
He is a Proven Child of God: He is genuinely born of water and the Spirit, over whom sin has no more dominion. His love for God is palpable! He is filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. His heartbeat is kingdom endeavour. He is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Everywhere he enters, people know that this a spiritual man. His identity with Jesus Christ is unquestionable.
He is a Man of Integrity and Personal Discipline: Job in the Bible was a Businessman of God. He said, “God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live” (27:5-6). He did not misbehave or live carelessly nor carnally because he had much money. Hear him again, “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour’s door; let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her” (Job 31:1-11). All true Business men and women of God live their lives the way Job did. Breakthrough does not make their heads to swell with pride. They understand very well the word of caution in Deut. 8:11-19 (Read it).
He is a Man of Double Passion: His passion is two dimensional: A passion for serving God and a passion for doing business. He has an overwhelming desire to please God and to meet the needs of humanity, thereby commanding the flow of the abundance of the sea into his account (Isaiah 60:5). Mr. Stanley Tam said, “God Owns My Business.” Every Businessman of God looks at their Business enterprise as a Ministry. They all have the “God owns it all” mentality towards their businesses.
He is a Man of Focus: Concerning the Lord’s end time army to which the Businessman of God belongs, Joel 2:7-8 says, “They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march everyone on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.” The man understands why he is in the marketplace. He is not a “Jack of all trade” but a specialist in his area of discipline; so he envies no man but totally focuses on his enterprise without distraction. He allows the Holy Spirit to guide him in all his decision makings.
He is a High Risk Taker: To others, he is taking too much risk, but actually he is a man of faith. Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit he strikes at deals like an eagle. Some deals may look very risky but because he hears from the Lord, he is not afraid of taking the step. This puts him above his peers in seizing opportunities.
He is a Liberal Soul: Job said in his book, Job 31:16-22: “If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; if I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.” My God! This man placed himself under a curse should he fail to succor the needy! Job’s life was an epitome of hospitality. This is how the Businessman of God lives. He cannot sleep when he knows someone somewhere has no food to eat.
He Camps Regularly in God’s Presence: The Psalmist echoes the heartbeat of every Business man and woman of God. He said, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me” (Psalm 63:1-2, 7-8). He spends time with God regularly to receive strength and to be refilled with God’s power, to be able to deal with the oppositions out there in the marketplace. The Businessman of God knows he is always in the battlefield, so he has to live ready, fully cladded with all the armour of God. Hence, he does not toy with God’s presence in his life.
If you desire to become a businessman of God this New Year, build your life in line with the few qualities mentioned above. You will become a friend of God, and He will stand as your Senior Business Partner for ever.
MEMORY VERSE: Romans 8:29, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
PRAYER: Father in the name of Jesus, fill me with Holy Spirit and let the fruit of the Spirit flow out in my personality. Help me to carry the image of Christ to the Marketplace, to shine with your love so men can see my good works.
December 31, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 31, 2024
A BUSINESSMAN OF GOD
We have seen the role of Business Enterprise in God’s agenda for world evangelism. It enables the Businessman to serve as a witness for Christ with his life of integrity and to minister the Word to clients and colleagues when opportunity arises, while at the same time, making money for the spreading of the Gospel. Hence, God is in great search for faithful business men and women now, even more than pastors and evangelists. “And I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30). God is looking for faithful men and women to stand in the gap as trustees of Kingdom wealth for Christ, more than Prayer Warriors now; to fund the expensive programs of the Gospel, in the midst of a depressed world economy.
The Body of Christ is in dire need of businessmen of God now, more than she needs Bishops, Apostles, Pastors, Evangelists, Prophets and teachers. Without enough money, these pulpit ministers will end up frustrated in their ministries. Money does not come through prayers, it comes through business enterprise. We have prayed enough and preached enough. Let’s go to the marketplace now and occupy!
WHO IS A MAN OF GOD?
“And A MAN OF GOD came to Eli and said to him, ‘The Lord says, “Did I let myself be seen by your father’s people when they were in Egypt, servants in Pharaoh’s house?” (1Sam. 2:27). A man of God is a messenger of JEHOVAH, the Almighty God.
“And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city A MAN OF GOD, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go” (1Sam. 9:6). A man of God is a man of honour whose word God honours as he gives men direction and counsel according to the will of God.
“Then A MAN OF GOD came from Judah by the order of the Lord to Beth-el, where Jeroboam was by the altar, burning offerings. And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD …” (1Kings 13:1). A man of God is a man that has the mantle of authority and power over ancient altars to pull them down and overthrow them (Ref. Luke 10:19).
“Then the woman said to Elijah, Now I am certain that you are A MAN OF GOD, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is true” (1Kings 17:24). A man of God is a man that has the true Word of God in his mouth.
“And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, ‘If I be A MAN OF GOD, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty.’ And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty” (2Kg 1:10). A man of God is a man full of the power of God and can execute judgement upon the camp of the enemy at will (Ref. Act 13:8 = Paul versus Elymas the sorcerer).
WHO IS A BUSINESSMAN? A Businessman is a person that establishes and administers business activities for the purpose of making profits. He is a man that engages in the provision of goods or services and creating values to meet people’s needs in exchange for money.
A BUSINESSMAN OF GOD therefore, is a Businessman and at the same time a Man of God. He is an entrepreneur that is at the same time a messenger of God. An entrepreneur in whose mouth is the true Word of God and whose word God honours. An Entrepreneur that has the mantle of power over ancient altars and grooves, and can command fire from heaven at any time to consume the works of the devil and his agents. A BUSINESSMAN OF GOD is therefore a Business Man for God. When satan sees such men in the market place he trembles! Now, such men are not common. However, God is determined and He is about to release multitudes of such soldiers, men and women, into the marketplace, all over the nations of the earth, for an economic takeover!
Are you willing to make up the hedge, and stand in the economic gap before God for the world? Can God entrust you with such power and authority? All it takes is faithful stewardship in your covenant practices. Receive the courage and the faith needed to walk before God in full integrity of heart to be chosen as one of God’s trustees, in the name of Jesus.
MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 60:13, “The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.”
PRAYER: Father, grant me the grace to make up the hedge, and stand in the economic gap before You for my generation, in the name of Jesus.
December 30, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 30, 2024
THE ROLE OF BUSINESS IN THE GREAT COMMISSION
Some of the greatest prophecies concerning the prosperity of the end time Church are found in the book of Isaiah. In chapter 60, verses 4-6 it says, “Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the ABUNDANCE OF THE SEA SHALL BE CONVERTED UNTO THEE, THE FORCES OF THE GENTILES SHALL COME UNTO THEE. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD. Verse 16: Thou shalt also SUCK THE MILK OF THE GENTILES, and shalt SUCK THE BREAST OF KINGS: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
These are prophecies of supernatural prosperity for the end time Church. God knows we need a lot of money to take the Gospel to every creature upon the earth and make disciples of all nations. Hence, He has made provision for us to take-over the economy of the world so that “The new Temple will be more splendid than the old one.” The Gospel flies from nation to nation on financial wings through the hands of Believers.
To fully participate in this divine agenda, you need to engage in a commercial activity. You need to start and run your own business. It is through business entrepreneurship that you can easily access the riches of the gentiles. Doing business is the will of God. In Luke 19:12-27, Jesus exhorts us to do business until He returns. “Occupy till I come.” This means “Trade with this money till I come” or “Do business till I come.” Business is so important in accessing the money God is bringing into the Church in our time. If business was something bad, Jesus would never have encouraged us to do it. Doing business the right way will bring money to the kingdom of God and bless the nations. Business is part of the callings we have as the Body of Christ to make money and also to reach the marketplace with the Gospel of the Kingdom.
We come together in the Church to edify ourselves spiritually. After we leave the Church, we go to face our jobs and run our businesses. We spend more time at work and business places than in the Church. Out there, we have opportunities to affect the marketplace with the Gospel by our word and our walk. The fire we gather from Church should cause us to shine there. The marketplace is probably the biggest mission field in the world. A great opportunity for Christian businessmen to bless people with the knowledge of Christ.
Besides creating opportunities to share the gospel with other people, businesses creates wealth for the kingdom of God and brings money into the house of God. One of the main callings we have for doing business is to make money to finance the work of God. Running a business as a child of God is a tremendous blessing and a true service to the Lord because it creates resources for the kingdom of God. Our businesses create job opportunities for our Church members and other Churches’ members so they can have and to give. Through business we generate higher incomes for ourselves so we can give more in tithes, offerings, fund kingdom projects and support the poor and needy. It also benefits many outside the business owner as it creates jobs and incomes for people, and also creates an environment with new opportunities for other businesses also to benefit.
We need business to fulfill the great commission to the fullest. Because money in the Kingdom is given as a trust, God is looking for faithful men and women to economically empower, and released to the market place to access the riches of the gentiles. In business as a child of God, you are standing where the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto you. Therefore, if you have not started a business yet, go and start one now, no matter how small, without further delay. All civil servants are encouraged to start a little business in addition to their civil service work. Don’t wait until you are retired before you enter the market place. If you wait till you are retired you will become too tired to do business effectively.
There is no much time again. Jesus is coming soon.
MEMORY VERSE: Luke 19:13, “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”
PRAYER: Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, grant me a place in the marketplace to shine the light of the Gospel and to access the riches of the gentiles. I receive financial favour today for the abundance of the sea to be converted unto me in Jesus’ name.
December 29, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 29, 2024
THE LAWS OF LABOUR
LABOUR LAW #5: THE LAW OF PATIENCE
We have already seen that “in all labour there is profit” (Prov. 14:23). However, no covenant labour brings profit overnight. In Mark 4:26-29 Jesus gives us a vivid illustration of how things work in the Kingdom. “And he said, ‘So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.’”
Every over-night profit producing investment is an economic bubble. The sooner it starts, the sooner it bursts. James 5:7 says, “Behold the husband man waiteth for the precious fruit of the (ground earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain” (Heb 6:12, 10:36). Every covenant labour produce with patience. The Labour Law of Patience state that EVERY COVENANT LABOUR BRINGS FORTH PROFITS WITH PATIENCE. The concept of patience in the context of labour is deeply significant and applicable across various facets of life, particularly in achieving long-term goals and enduring through challenges. Many investments have wasted because of lack of patience.
The Law of Patience emphasizes that true success and meaningful achievements are often the result of persistent effort over time. This law teaches us that immediate results are rare and that enduring success requires a steady and persistent approach. Patience is a virtue that every believer must cultivate to walk successfully in the will of God. The Law of Patience teaches us that waiting on God’s timing is not waste of time, but a proof of our trust in His power and faithfulness. Patience is the ability to stay calm and accept a delay.
Patience is not merely the ability to wait but the attitude we maintain while waiting. God uses the periods of waiting to refine and purify our character. For example, Joseph waited 13 years from the time he was sold into slavery until he became second-in-command in Egypt. During this time, God was refining his character, preparing him for the great task ahead. Romans 5:3-4: “But that’s not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope” (CEV). Instead of resisting delays, embrace them as opportunities for growth. Ask God what He wants to teach you during these seasons. The ability to delay immediate rewards for long-term benefits is crucial. This means focusing on long-term goals rather than seeking instant results.
Patience demands our trust in God. Patience is deeply connected to trust. It acknowledges that God’s timing is the best for us, because He makes all things beautiful in His time (Eccl. 3:11). Believing in the value of hard work and trusting that your efforts will eventually payoff is very vital. Have faith in the process and apply discipline to stay on course without wavering. Hebrews 10:36 says, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” In agriculture, the farmer sows seeds and waits for rain and the crop to grow. He cannot control the timing of the harvest but trusts the natural order established by God. When you feel tempted to rush ahead of God’s time, remember Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Patience builds our faith in preparation for God’s Promises. God’s promises often require a season of preparation. Patience aligns our hearts and minds with His purposes so we can be ready when the promise is fulfilled. Example of Abraham: Abraham waited 25 years for the fulfillment of God’s promise of a son from his wife Sarah. During this time, God was building Abraham’s faith and dependence on Him. The Bible says, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Rom 4:20). Hebrews 6:12 admonishes us not to be slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Trust that the delay is not a denial but a time of preparation. Keep seeking God, obeying Him, and holding unto His Word. Patience is not easy, but in the end it brings a harvest of blessings.
In life challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but the Law of Patience teaches us to persevere through difficulties, learning and growing from each experience. Small, incremental progress over time can lead to significant achievements. Recognize that building a successful career is a journey. Patience in networking, gaining experience, and advancing skills will yield long-term benefits. Recognizing and celebrating minor milestones can motivate continued effort. Regular, consistent effort is more effective than sporadic bursts of activity. Steadfastly labour, even when progress seems slow, this will build a solid foundation for your future success.
The Law of Patience teaches us that true success in labour is not achieved overnight but is the result of dedicated, consistent effort over time. By embracing patience, we cultivate resilience, trust in God and in the process, and ultimately, achieve enduring success and fulfillment in our professional and personal lives. Keep working, keep giving, keep believing, be consistent, your breakthrough is sure!
MEMORY VERSE: James 1:4, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
PRAYERS: Father, in the name of Jesus, let the Holy Spirit help me to develop the attitude of patience in all areas of my life. Deliver me O Lord from the Nigerian spirit of impatience that I may joyfully wait for God’s timing, in Jesus’ name.
December 28, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 28, 2024
THE LAWS OF LABOUR
LABOUR LAW #4: THE LAW OF COVENANT PRIORITY
A priority is the quality of something happening first compared to other things. Understanding priority helps us to put things in order of importance. In life, there are things that must come before other things. First thing must be put first. That is the way nature operates. In creating the World, God applied the principle of priority. That is what made the process of creation very beautiful. Water was there before any living thing was created. If such order is disturbed and secondary things begin to receive attention in the place of primary things, life can become complicated. First thing must come first.
Understanding and managing priority is very essential for productivity and achieving long term goals. In life, according to God’s Word, labour must be seen as a covenant priority. Proverbs 24:27 says, “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.” The Good News Bible Translation puts it this way: “Don’t build your house and establish a home until your fields are ready, and you are sure that you can earn a living.” This is where the fourth Law of Labour emerged from. This law says, “A MAN MUST ESTABLISH A GOOD SOURCE OF INCOME BEFORE ESTABLISHING A HOME.” Therefore, a vision for a profitable work precedes a vision for a beautiful Home. Work must be given priority over marriage. This must be so because work is God’s number one purpose for creating man. It is work that will feed the wife. God gave Adam work to do before He gave him a woman to help him.
Hear my story. Few years ago when I was younger and found a beautiful girl to marry, I asked God to give me money to marry her immediately after her National youth Service program. Then, I was a Medical Officer, working with the Federal Ministry of Defense as a Civilian Staff, but my salary was not sufficient for me. I needed more money to be able to marry. I had no one in my family to cry to for help except God. So I prayed expecting miracle money from above. Early in the morning, on that fateful day, at about 5 O’clock, I woke up and wanted to read some Bible passages before going to work. As I opened my Bible, I found myself hooked to the pages I first opened to. It was in the book of Proverbs. I couldn’t go to the left nor to the right, and as I looked into the pages, everything was blank except for a single statement at the bottom of the right page. It read, “DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS FIRST BEFORE BUILDING YOUR HOUSE.” (Proverbs 24:27 TLB). After reading it, I just smiled and wondered how such a statement could be in the bible, and went on to read something else in the book of John (which I can’t remember till tomorrow!). After that, I prayed and went to work.
Throughout the day, this statement kept ‘haunting’ me. Anytime I was alone, the word would come to me forcefully: “Develop your business first before building your house!” My heart would start beating very fast making me feel very uncomfortable. Two days later, when this continued, I decided to sit down to meditate over this word and to check it up in other versions of the bible. In the KJV, it read, “Prepare your work without, make it fit for yourself in the field. Afterwards build your house.” “Prepare your work?” I began to ponder. “But I have a job already.” I reasoned. “Build your house? I don’t have any plan to build now; neither do I have the capacity to even dream of any at this stage. I’ve only been in the Civil Service for just one year. No savings! This can’t be for me.” I concluded in my heart.
While I was busy arguing with myself, I felt the presence of an invisible figure entered my room from the sitting room and gently walked to the side of the table where I was sitting down, and I heard Him say to me. “It is not as you are looking at it. Are you not planning to marry?” He asked. “Yes, I am.” I replied. “That is the house you are about to build. Money cannot drop from heaven. Why not suspend the plan of marriage for now, set up a business first, and the money you are asking for I will put there for you. I have money to give you, but there is nowhere to put it.” For several minutes, I sat still on my table starring through the wall into the future that has just been unveiled to me.
To cut the long story short, ten months later, through unbelievable different opportunities and favour, I found myself dedicating a 12-Bed private Hospital, with all equipment imported from London, all brand new! My poverty was converted to prosperity! A year later when I was wedding, I wedded stress free, because money was there!
1Corinthians 14:40 says, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” Work comes before marriage. It must be given the top most priority in your life. Work creates wealth. Work puts food on the table. From work, you can take good care of your family. That is why God said, “Make it fit for yourself in the field, after that build your house.” I always tell all young men, “Until there is a vision for a beautiful work there should be no vision for a beautiful woman.” Work acquisition takes priority over wife acquisition. What guarantees a beautiful home is a beautiful work. Without a profitable work you have no respect, no matter how beautiful your wife is. That beautiful wife might make life ugly for you if you cannot feed her. The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of order. First thing must be put first. Whatever you want to do, work comes first. Marriage, house, car, children, etc. are all products of a good labour. Work must be given the topmost priority because work empowers you economically to do other things without stress or stealing.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 24:27 “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, open the eyes of the minds of all our young men to see visions of a viable and sustainable work before they engage themselves in a search for who to marry. Help me too to give my work a priority attention over the pleasures of life, and to be able to postpone gratifications for a better future. In the name of Jesus.
December 27, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 27, 2024
THE LAWS OF LABOUR
LABOUR LAW #3: THE LAW OF IRREVERSIBILITY
One of the greatest quotes of the great Man of God, Dr. Myles Munroe (of blessed memory) is: “When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.” This is the truth and nothing but the truth. Last week we studied in details the various reasons why God established labour when we were looking at why God lays so much emphasis on work. Where the purpose of labour is not known, abuse is inevitable. For example, in the Nigeria Civil Service we hear of storekeepers stealing the items they were employed and paid monthly to keep. Security men stealing building material from the site they were paid to keep. Politicians looting government treasury they were elected to protect. We had sacked security men many times in our organization for stealing properties they were being paid to guard. It is ironical to hear such things—a man reversing the purpose of his engagement.
The Law of Irreversibility states that THE PURPOSE OF LABOUR IS FOREVER IRREVERSIBLE. Majority of workers in Nigeria, both in the government and in the private sector abuse labour because they don’t know the purpose of working. From the Directors to the security men at the gate, work is greatly abused in our country. Everywhere I go I see people hustling for what to grab from their place of work. Political office holders grab anything they lay their hands upon before their tenure expires. Drivers connive with mechanics or petrol station attendants to cheat their masters. INEC Returning Officer collecting bribe to rig elections. Etc., etc. This attitude is bad.
John the Baptist in his fiery message to the Jews that came to him to be baptized said, “‘And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.’ And the people asked him, saying, ‘What shall we do then?’ He answereth and saith unto them, ‘He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.’ Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, ‘Master, what shall we do?’ And he said unto them, ‘Exact no more than that which is appointed you.’ And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, ‘And what shall we do?’ And he said unto them, ‘Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages’” (Luke 3:9-14).
John’s message to the general public, the politicians, the civil servant and the military is the same: the danger of abusing opportunity to serve. He warned everyone that sort the right way against the abuse of labour; even soldiers were warned against extortion. The love of money is the root of all evil. Money is like a bird, it has wings. If you pursue money, it will fly away from you (Prov. 23:4-5). If you catch it illegally, unlike bird, it will fight you and either ruin your life or kill you!
Proverbs 20:21 warns people saying. “An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.” This is because “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool” (Jer. 17:11). Don’t work for money, rather work for impact, and money will pursue you and overtake you! Work is abused for several reasons, but the most popular reason why people abuse labour is for financial gains. Be careful. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase (Prov. 13:11). Labour naturally and supernaturally increases wealth. Therefore, there is no need to cut corners.
Purpose is the original intent of a thing; that is, the reason why a thing is created. Where this not known, abuse is inevitable. Many people see work only as a means of survival. Work is not an opportunity to loot or enrich self. It is a means of solving problems and build the system. Be honest and work honestly. When you work honestly, the honest God rewards your honest labour with durable wealth, riches and honour. Work for impact and money will pursue you. The purpose of labour cannot be reversed, otherwise, “the axe is laid unto the root of the trees.”
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 20:21, “An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.”
PRAYER: Father, give me a good understanding of the purpose of labour, so I can labour with the right attitude of mind, thereby preserving my destiny from any consequence of abuse of labour.
December 26, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 26, 2024
THE LAWS OF LABOUR
LABOUR LAW #2: THE LAW OF DEADLY COMMITMENT: Commitment is one of the greatest secret of outstanding success. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.”
In John 4:34, Jesus said, “My meat is to do the work of Him that sent me and to finish his work.” A wise man also said, “What is not worth dying for is not worth living for.” This is the law of deadly commitment. It is also called the Law of Dedication. It means to be totally sold out. It is burning the bridge in pursuit of your set objectives. The law says, WHATEVER YOU ARE NOT READY TO DIE FOR, IS NOT WORTH LIVING FOR.
A young man came to work with me at the beginning of our ministry and saw the way I was going about the assignment and complained to one of his friends saying, “The way the Pastor is putting his whole life into this work, as for me, I am not ready to die with him.” Few months after that, he absconded from the office and went to establish a poultry business. Somebody said, “Trying to succeed without pouring your whole life into your assignment is like someone trying to pluck a star out of the sky.” That means it is impossible to succeed without pouring your life into what you are doing.
It is not enough to just go to work, but to work very hard and skillfully. That is what it means to be diligent. Prov. 22:29: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business, He shall stand before kings, He shall not stand before mean men.” The Law of Deadly Commitment forbids eye service as written in Ephesians 6:5-7. There it is written, “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.”
Commitment means working without any need for supervision. It is paying attention to details, pouring your life into the task to be done. “The task must be done” is the slogan of the diligent. The book of Proverbs 20:13 says, “Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.” The author went on to analyze why he said so in Provers 24:30-34. He said, “I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.”
The little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep are evidences of lack of commitment. This is how many people live their lives in Africa. They are never committed to anything in their lives. When they notice you are pouring your heart into what you are doing, they will say, “Do you want to kill yourself? Is it your father’s work?” Others will say, “How much are they paying you?” This is why the economy of Africa is the way it is today. We are always looking for who will give us. Governments are always looking for aids from foreign countries and always borrowing money to run the state, with all the natural endowments. We need to change the way we think.
Don’t be over concerned with what to get out of your assignment as much as what to put into the assignment. Paul the Apostle said, “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” (1Cor. 15:10). If God’s grace does not meet with abundant labour, it produces nothing. Therefore he said, “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain” (2Cor. 6:1). Since God does not waste resources, He pours His grace only upon the committed worker (Isaiah 44:3). Do you want to enjoy the working power of grace? Pour your whole life into the task in your hands. Hard work does not kill; it is rather the cure for hardship in life.
MEMORY VERSE: John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
PRAYER: My Father, in the name of Jesus, give me a new heart to approach my work with a renewed sense of deadly commitment. Destroy from me every sense of self-centeredness and lack of dedication, to promote diligence and hard work in all that do, in the name of Jesus.
December 25, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 25, 2024
THE LAWS OF LABOUR
God’s relationship with man on earth started with a call to obedience, and man’s relationship with God on earth will end with the assessment of man’s level of obedience. The path God has instituted for man to live on earth to do his pleasure are filled with instructions and commandments to be obeyed in order to make life secured and prosperous, even in the presence of our enemies (Psalm 23:5).
Over and over again we read in the Bible how that God blesses and rewards obedience. Deut. 28:1 says, “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth.” Isaiah 1:19 says, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” Job 36:11: “If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.” In Exodus 19:5 (NLT), God said, “Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.” Walking with God is all about obedience.
Many claim to be working without much to show for their labour. Why? The scripture says in 2Timothy 2:5-6: “And if a man strives for mastery, yet is he is not crowned, except he strives lawfully. The husband man that laboureth shall be the first partaker of the fruits.” Until you labour according to the rules that govern labour, the profits of labour may never appear to you. There are laws governing the labour of your hands. Until these laws are obeyed, “they labour in vain that build it.” (Psalm 127:1). Every system that is working is guided by laws. To succeed in the work of your hand, with what is called the “Running-Over Blessings,” there are laws to diligently obey. It is your obedience to the laws that govern the covenant as recorded above that guarantees your prosperity.
LABOUR LAW #1: THE LAW OF OBLIGATION
The law of Obligation says, “IF A MAN DOES NOT WORK, HE SHOULD NOT EAT.” Work is not subject to bargain. It is obligatory. God no longer rains manna from heaven. He promises only to bless the works of your hands. “The Lord shall open unto you His good treasures, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand” (Deut. 28:12). Anyone who does not work is not entitled to food except he is a child. Paul tells the Church, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2Thes. 3:10). The Bible refers to idle persons as disorderly and busybodies. “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies” (2Thes.3: 11). They are to be noted among the brethren and shamefully isolated! He said, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed” (2 Thess. 3:14). This is how serious the law is.
No acceptable reason for a man not to be working, except he is sick or completely disabled. To work simply means to be productive. Anyhow, you must work. Joseph was working even as a slave. In prison he was still a worker. No wonder, he rose from the prison to the palace! “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Prov. 22:29). Jesus Himself said in John 9:4: “I must work.” Therefore, work is a must. Every covenant child of God must work.
God has given every one of us enough energy. This energy is not for keep, it is given to be released as efforts to produce something. The energy in you is for solving problems–to add value to your life and others. Your priority must be work and not food. Food is only to enable you have energy to work. Ephesian 4:27-28 engenders every thief to stop stealing and work. Working is the answer to stealing. Stealing is enjoying the fruit of labour without participating in it. People steal when they are not working. True workers don’t steal. It is lazy people that steal (Prov. 20:4). If you don’t want to end up as a thief start working. All the adults hanging around your house eating your food but not working are all thieves! Whatever, whatever, get your hands on something; no matter how small. Your beginning may be small, never mind, your later end shall greatly increase! Never stay idle. A wise man said, “If you cannot fly, run; if you cannot run, walk; if you cannot walk, crawl! But by all means, keep moving.”
MEMORY VERSE: 2Timothy 2:5, “And if a man strives for mastery, yet is he not crowned, except he strives lawfully.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I curse the spirit of idleness in my life and family. Open doors of opportunities to labour for me and the members of my family. Bless our hustling and our investments, in the name of Jesus.
December 24, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 24, 2024
THE SECRET OF AN ACCEPTABLE WORK
The act of working is so important in this life in that it is the basis of divine rewards, both in this world and in that which is to come. “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works” (Mat 16:27). Until your work is accepted, it cannot be rewarded. In the book of Jeremiah 17:10, it is written, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” I read somewhere where the writer said, “There is no free lunch in life”. That is true. So don’t look for one. Until you pay the price you don’t take home the goods. Apostle Paul, a man heavily anointed, had to labour abundantly before the grace of God could produce for him. He said, “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 (1Corinthians 15:10).
Grace and labour must work together to deliver any outstanding result. If grace is released and there is no labour to march, such grace shall be in vain. The Grace that came upon Paul was not in vain because it met with the force of labour, and the labour was indeed labour in abundance! He said, “I laboured more abundantly than they all.” The grace of God is always given to everyone in sufficient amount (2Cor 12:9), but why don’t we all see great results? I believe it is because the grace does not always meet with sufficient labour.
COMMITMENT IS THE SECRET: All we need for the grace of God to generate great result is total commitment to our assignments. Look at what you are doing now as a task that must be done, and to be done diligently, with excellence as your target. Anything of value carries a cost. If you want to see good value in your work, you must be committed to paying the necessary price. The price is total commitment. It means to be totally sold out pursuing impacts in your assignment.
Lack of commitment is the undoing of many who are struggling today for survival. People want to be paid without doing the work. Lack of commitment has led to several abandoned projects all over the country. This mentality affects even our worship. People are simply there looking for what they can get from the house of God and not what they can contribute to the works of God.
Someone once said, “Trying to succeed without pouring your whole life into what you are doing, is like trying to pluck a star out of the sky.” Hence, Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Take your work very serious. Whether you are working for yourself or for another man, or for the government, divorce yourself from the regular unproductive mentality of “It’s not my business.” Remember your attitude is what determines your Altitude.
Even when your employer is wicked to you, remain faithful or else, quit. The Bible says, “Servants, do what is ordered by those who are your natural masters, having respect and fear for them, with all your heart, as to Christ; not only under your master’s eye, as pleasers of men; but as servants of Christ, doing the pleasure of God from the heart; Doing your work readily, as to the Lord, and not to men: In the knowledge that for every good thing anyone does, he will have his reward from the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:5-8 BBE). In the first book of Peter also, it is written, “Servants, take orders from your masters with all respect; not only if they are good and gentle, but even if they are bad-humoured” (1 Peter 2:18 BBE).
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE: It is never too late to succeed in life. Abraham was called by God at age 75. In spite of his age, God did not excuse him from work. Through commitment to cattle rearing God’s grace made him to prosper (Gen 13:2-6). Isaac did not just sit on the father’s wealth. He had to remain a committed farmer, a tireless worker after the father passed on, and God showed up (Read Gen 26:12-14, 16-22). Be a committed and tireless worker like Isaac for “Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise (Galatians 4:28). Remember, your input today determines your output tomorrow.
Commitment is going the extra mile. The extra you put into the ordinary things you are doing, like everyone else, is what will make what you are doing extraordinary. Bishop Oyedepo said, “What you are not willing to die for is not worth living for.” You have occupied your mind all these while thinking of how to make a living, but from now, begin to think of how to make impact. You cannot be sold out to your assignment and not stand out. So, remain committed to your task.
When you want to stand on your own, in the beginning, things may be a bit rough, but never mind the pain. The pains of responsibility is sweeter than the pains of regret. Do not be too concerned with what to get out of life as much as what to put into life. Until you are committed to what to put into life, you get nothing out of it. Be committed to adding value to others and the system. Be committed to being a blessing to humanity. Be committed to being a plus and not a minus.
The land before you is full of opportunities, you cannot afford to live like a destitute. Wake up and do something. Your time to shine has come.
MEMORY VERSE: Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for the spirit of commitment to labour abundantly than my peers. Make me a tireless worker like Isaac, and bless the labour of my hand in the name of Jesus.
December 23, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 23, 2024
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING?
Yesterday, we studied two benefits of working. Most people want to work only to earn a living. What we gain by working goes beyond what we are paid. It is lack of understanding of the rewards of working that makes people to see work as a necessary evil. If you provide people with the necessities of life and tell them not to work, they feel it’s heaven on earth. One man I used to know (an African man that had access to government money), never allowed the wife with a Masters’ degree to work, because he had more than enough money to cater for her and her children. With all her intelligence and education, she lived and died as an ordinary house wife without impacting her generation. God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Let us see more of the benefits of working.
WORK PUTS YOU IN THE RIGHT COMPANY: Someone said, “Show me your friends and I will tell you the type of person you are.” The company you keep determines what becomes of you as life goes on. There is a common saying that “Water always finds its level.” People naturally tend to gravitate into the midst of those that think and act like they do. This is because “Birds of the same feathers flock together.” In the society, you will observe that lazy people don’t like to be in the midst of the diligent. Similarly, the diligent too do not find it comfortable in the company of sluggards. Lazy people seek the company of other lazy men. When lazy people hang around the diligent, their non-productive attitude is readily made manifest. To avoid shame, they move away to hang around others like them.
Nature has divided the society everywhere into: The Upper Class, the Middle Class and the Lower Class, based on their socio-economic capacities. People move up and down the ladder depending on the way they use the energy of their brain and muscles. Therefore, what you do, by and large, is what determines your social class. It takes hard work to enter the Upper Class and to remain there. People who are lazy and unfaithful will automatically wind up in the lower class.
Proverbs 22:29 says, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Your work helps you to establish a positive environment and a right company. When you are a hard worker, your disposition will attract others who work and earn like you; building a very attractive and encouraging atmosphere around your life. “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). A Positive environment and company will always enhance greater productivity and meaningful progress.
WORK INCREASES OUR RESOURCES: Bible history shows that the prosperity of all our covenant fathers came through hard labour. Example, in Genesis 26:12, the Bible said, “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.” To prosper means to expand, to grow and increase. Your level of increase is determined by your level of labour, for “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; but he that gathereth by labour shall increase” (Prov. 13:11). Therefore, “Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labour, working with his hands the things which is good that he may have to give to them that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28). In 1Thess. 4:10-11, Paul said, “But we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.” Covenant increase comes as a reward of the work of our hands. “In all labour there is Profit” (Prov. 14:23). If you want God to prosper you, get down, use your hands and your brain, and your resources will increase.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 13:11, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, open my eyes to see beyond the immediate. As I understand more of the covenant terms of Kingdom prosperity, confirm your word in my life and expand my resources in the name of Jesus.
December 22, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 22, 2024
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING?
Whatever does not offer any benefit is not worth doing. Does work offer any benefit to the worker? What can a man gain from his labour? If work does not offer any profit, then there is no need working. The Bible says in James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” If work has its origin from God, then it must be good and perfect. King Solomon said in the book of Proverbs 14:23, “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” If there is profit in all labour, then let’s explore today two profitable things that labour offers the one who cares to exert his energy.
WORK PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO FULFIL YOUR DESTINY
“And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden TO DRESS IT and TO KEEP IT (Gen.2:15). Man was created to work. If you are not working, you are not fulfilling your purpose of being created a human being. Jobless people are always burdens on those who are working. In the kingdom of God, everyone needs to work. Your ability to subdue the earth and exercise dominion lies in your preparedness to work. There is a task God has purposed for you on earth. You can only fulfil that task through labour. Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). He also said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17). Jesus could not fulfil His destiny without working. Every child of God must work to fulfil their destinies.
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. I am the vine, ye are the branches” (John 15:1-2, 5). God expects you as a branch of His first begotten son to bear fruits. Without labour, you cannot be fruitful. Without working you cannot fulfil your destiny on earth. When you refuse to labour you deny yourself the opportunity to fulfil your purpose of God creating you a human instead of an animal.
WORK MAKES YOUR FAITH TO COME ALIVE: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Heb. 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God”. Invariably t “Waking this literally, ithout work you cannot please God” because without work there is no faith. Faith without work is foolishness and will amount only to frustration. W gives life to faith to make faith a living force. That is why you don’t get results by wishing, you get results by working. Things will not work until you start working. God respects only the faith of workers. “The soul of a sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat” (Prov. 13:4).
Living and claiming promises by faith without working is dying without knowing.
Work is the means by which you turn what you see into what you receive.
Nehemiah’s goal was to repair the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down together with the gate that was burnt with fire. When he was being ridiculed by his enemies and distractors he told them: “The God of heaven, He will prosper us; therefore, we His servants will arise and build … (Neh. 2:20). They believed in divine assistance, yet they rose up to work, “for the people had a mind to work.” (NehNeh. 4:6). God’s help is only available to those who chose to labour in pursuit of their purpose. Self-deception. MEMORY VERSE: John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
PRAYER: Father, I shall not labour in vain. Please guide me to labour in my purpose in order to fulfil my destiny successfully, in the name of Jesus.
December 21, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 21, 2024
WHY DOES GOD LAY SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON WORK?
7. WORK GRANTS YOU THE PRIVILEGE OF A GOOD SLEEP
Sleep is a natural periodic state of rest for the body and mind, divinely programmed into our physical life to revitalize the body, the mind, and the spirit. If you have never lost your sleep you would never know the value of a sweet sleep. Good sleep is very essential for your physical health, mental well-being and the overall functioning of your body. Deep sleep is needed daily for physical recovery, immune function and restoration of energy.
The Bible makes us to understand that sleep is part of God’s creation and design for mankind to allow the body to rest and rejuvenate. It allows God to perform both surgical and biochemical operations in our body, for it to function according to His will (Genesis 2:21). I have heard testimonies of different people from different places of how God came to perform surgical operations on their bodies to heal their infirmities while they were sleeping.
Work plays a very vital role in getting a deep sleep. In Ecclesiastes 5:12, we are told, “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.” The rich that cannot sleep at night are those who got their wealth by dubious means. When your wealth is the fruit of your labour and not stolen, you will sleep like the Psalmist. He said, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8). Balancing work, rest, and faith in God is essential for your prosperity.
Sleep is crucial for a man’s overall well-being—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. From both scientific and biblical perspective, sleep is foundational to a healthy and productive life. A hard working man has no time to even dream at night, except when God wants to talk to him through dreams. Good sleep is a proof of your faith in God’s Provision. Sleep reflects trust in God (ref. Psalm 4:8). Resting in form of sleep is a reminder that humans are not self-sufficient and must rely on God’s strength and provision. Psalm 127:2 says, “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” It is your covenant right to enjoy a good sleep every night.
However, too much sleep, or sleeping when it is not necessary is counterproductive. The Bible says in Proverbs 6:10-11: “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.” When you fold your hand, you will sleep while others go to work. You can’t sleep when your hands are busy. Idleness is the mother of poverty. Good sleep is a product of hard labour.
An average healthy adult is expected to enjoy up to 8-9 hours of sleep every day. This is very necessary because during sleep, the body repairs damaged tissues, strengthens the immune system, and consolidates memory. During sleep the body restores its energy and prepares you for the next day’s activities.
Mentally and emotionally, sleep enhances memory processing, effective learning, problem-solving, and focus. Adequate sleep helps in managing stress, anxiety, and mood swings. Even in decision making, a well-rested mind is more alert and capable of making sound decisions.
The consequences of Sleep Deprivation could be devastating. Some of them include: general fatigue, weakened immune system, and increased risk of chronic illnesses. Others include impaired memory, poor decision-making skills, and lack of focus. It has been found that poor sleep is linked to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and reduced longevity. Spiritually, lack of sleep can hinder your spiritual activities like meditation, prayer and even praise, leading to spiritual burnout. All these can be avoided if you always work hard for “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much” (Eccl. 5:12).
Change your perspective about why you are working from today. Stop working only for what you will earn; work for the reasons why work was created and add a new meaning to your life. Life is not all about what to get, but it’s all about contribution. Any work you do, let it carry the trade mark of excellence. With such trademark, your work will open greater doors for you, and every night when you lie down to sleep, your sleep shall be sweet.
MEMORY VERSE: Ecclesiastes 5:12, “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me a good sleep every time I lie down to sleep, even to the realm of deep sleep. Destroy every trace of idleness from my life and engrace me to work diligently in all my endeavours, in the name of Jesus.
December 20, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 20, 2024
WHY DOES GOD LAY SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON WORK?
6. WORK ENHANCES OUR SELF-ESTEEM
Self-esteem is a person’s overall sense of his self-worth or of his personal value of himself. It includes what a man believes about himself. Your self-esteem is your personal view of how relevant you are. This is very important in the overall success of a person. The Psalmist says, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14). You need a correct self-esteem to establish God’s will in your life and make it in this world. The best way to have the best view of yourself is to embrace what God’s Word says about you.
The Scriptures say in 1Peter 2:9, “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 marvellous light.”
When you work, you have a balanced estimate of who you are as a child of God, because you know the level of your contribution and you can calculate your relevance. Joblessness creates in people a sense of low self-esteem. The act of working makes a man bold and confident. It makes you feel relevant and this cures your inferiority complex.
Having a job or doing a business that aligns with your values and passions gives you a sense of purpose and direction; especially, when people express how your work has impacted their lives. Feeling that your work has meaning enhances your self-esteem. When we receive positive feedback, recognition, and rewards from our boss, immediate supervisor, colleagues, customers, and even friends, it validates our efforts. This external affirmation reinforces our self-worth, thereby enhancing our self-esteem.
Work enhances Financial Independence. Earning a salary or making financial gains from your business provides financial independence, which contributes to your sense of self-worth and security. This allows you to make choices and take control of your life. Your sense of self-worth is key to your overall self-esteem.
At the end of every successful business deal, there is this sweet feeling of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Completing tasks and achieving goals at work also gives you a similar sense of accomplishment. This feeling boosts your confidence and makes you feel great and capable. Nothing else brings you a good sense of self-esteem more than this.
Opportunity to work in an organization is not only to earn a salary, it is also an opportunity for learning and skill development. Learning new skills and improving existing ones through work makes you more competent and skillful. This ongoing growth boosts our confidence and enhances our self-esteem.
At our workplaces, we interact daily with people from different levels of social classification. This plays a crucial role in shaping our self-esteem by providing opportunities for achievement, recognition, personal growth, and social connectivity. This breaks from us social limitations like timidity, shyness and other inherited interpersonal inhibitions that make people uncivilized. After that, we become confident in our relationship with others. Interacting effectively with others enhances our social skills and provide a sense of belonging and support. This positive relationships at work will always contribute immensely to our self-esteem.
CAUTION: Despite these beautiful impacts work has in our lives to build in us a correct sense of self-worth, you must learn how to work with difficult people. If you don’t learn the skill of working with difficult people, such people can destroy your sense of self-worth and make your life miserable in your workplace. Such people could be your boss, a supervisor or even a colleague. Never allow anyone to destroy your self-esteem. Guard it jealously without giving room to pride. Good self-esteem will enhance your speed climbing the leadership ladder in your place of work. May the Lord help you to take from where you are working today more than your salary, through your experience and social relationships, in the name of Jesus.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 22:29, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
PRAYER: Father, grant me wisdom to build a good reputation in my place of work. Help me to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit as I interact daily with people to enhance my interpersonal relationship and social interaction in the name of Jesus
December 19, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 19, 2024
WHY DOES GOD LAY SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON WORK?
5. WORK MAKES YOU A CONTRIBUTOR
Life is all about contribution. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Apart from replenishing the earth to perfect God’s plan for the planet, life is also about solving the numerous problems that the devil has created for man and the ones man has created for himself. No problem can be solved without labour. By laboring we contribute in beautifying the world rather than only consuming its resources.
In all emerging economies, as they are called nowadays, there are more consumers than contributors. There are more receivers than givers. There are more Dupers than Developers. There are more Eaters than Sowers. There are more Beggars than Diggers. There are more Borrowers than Lenders, including nations!
I beg to disagree with Dr. Walter Rodney that Europe underdeveloped Africa. Europe introduced Africa to the Western Civilization, which is not bad at all. The problem with us Africans is that we were not able to keep that which was committed to our hands by the Europeans colonial masters, because of selfishness and greed. It is African’s responsibility to develop their land looking at Europe as an example. Until we begin to accept responsibility and work, the situation will continue to deteriorate. We must get rid of the consumer’s mentality! It has to begin from the Church.
It is indigenes that build their own economy by themselves. Foreigners only come to invest to see what they can take away. Asians are building their economies by themselves. Like in America, American economy is built by Americans, in Europe, European economy is built by Europeans. So it is Nigerians that will build their own economy. It is Ghanaians that will build the Ghanaian Economy, and so on and so forth. This can only happen when we all begin to labour for the purpose of contribution and not purely for what we shall eat.
Romans 5:19 says: “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” The world is waiting for you. The Gospel is the hope of Africa. From Bible perspective work is not just a means of survival but is a way to serve others and contribute to the well-being of the society. The various problems people face daily are solved by the works of others. We use work to intervene in solving problems to provide solutions to people’s needs. It takes work to work out solutions for problems in the family, community, and in the Church, shifting our focus from personal gain to communal benefit. This is the origin of the Civil Service System, which is now being heavily abused in our country.
God gives each person unique talents and gifts, including those the society might despise and call “disabled”, to be used for His glory and the benefits of others. Have you heard of people like Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder? These are blind American legendary singers and song writers and multi-instrumentalists who chose not to live their lives begging, but are now celebrated for their contributions to the music industry of their generation. How are you using your own gifts and talents? You are expected to do business with them till the Messiah returns (Luke 19:13).
In Act 1:8, Jesus said to those who believe and accept Him as the Messiah and Saviour of the world, which now includes you and me, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” This is the summary of our mission on earth as Believers — representing Christ in all spheres of life: in the Gospel, in Arts and Culture, in Commerce and Industry, Science and Technology and what have you. This is made possible through labour. Hence, God’s much emphasis on labour. Wake up. The harvest field is ripe but the labourers are few. Fill up your own space and work.
MEMORY VERSE: John 4:35, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
PRAYER: Father, renew my mind to always think outside the African box; to always think of how to contribute to beautify the world and bring joy to others with the gifts and talents you have given to me. In the name of Jesus.
December 18, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 18, 2024
WHY DOES GOD LAY SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON WORK?
4. WORK BUILDS WEALTH
“How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man (Prov. 6:9-11). In biblical worldview, labour is the original and the only means to wealth creation. The scripture says, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Proverbs 10:4). Whatever makes a man’s hand to slack, be it laziness, sickness, disability, bad habits, etc. is a gateway to poverty. As far as God is concerned, whatever increase you experience outside of labour will eventually go down. However, if a man cares to work hard he will become rich. Hence, it is written: “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase” (Proverbs 13:11). Remember, when we talk of labour we are referring to the release of energy either of the muscle, brain or of a machinery.
Labour creates and multiplies wealth. Your willingness and readiness to labour is the key to your prosperity. The difference between the Rich and the Poor is in the way each discharges their energy respectively. I know a man who has been struggling all his life because what he channels his energy to do is watching television! While the gifts and talents of the poor man lie dormant inside him, the rich man labours consistently to release his potentials, using up his energy towards the realization of his dreams. A handsome man that will not labour will become a handsome beggar at the long run; because “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing (Proverbs 20:4).
No profession is better than another. All you need is not to be a jack of all trade and master of none. Discover your field and work tireless towards success. In the process, you’d become rich through the rewards that come to you.
I was in Church one day and I heard a barber testify how God blessed his Barbing business, and how he had opened branches at different locations in the city. Not only that, he dipped his hand into his trousers pocket, brought out a bunch of keys and said he had also bought an SUV vehicle!
I know a lady in the city of Kaduna in Nigeria who had a restaurant. She cooked only Pounded Yam in her restaurant. Everyone knew her location in the city. I had personally gone to eat there several times with friends in those days. Few years after I left the city, I returned there for one thing or the other and decided to visit her place again with old memories. I was surprised when I got there. I couldn’t recognize the place again. The woman had transformed the little Poundo-restaurant to a Poundo-Paradise! Instead of an old bungalow I used to know, I now saw an up-stairs building complex, still housing the same Pounded Yam business. It was amazing. I have also heard of a woman who made money and built her house by frying and selling beans cakes (Akara). Any business can make you rich, if it is your passion and your care to labour in it.
I know a man who has been talking big about his dreams and how he would become very successful and rich for over thirty years now, yet to pay his house rent or children’s school fees is still a big problem. Therefore, a vision without diligence will lead to mockery. The richest man in his time, King Solomon, from experience and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said, “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury” (Proverbs 14:23). Now, you too have been talking about becoming rich, go ahead and begin to labour tirelessly in your desired field. If you keep sleeping, poverty will come and rob you of your future (Proverbs 6:9-11). But that is not God’s plan for you. God’s grace is only a catalyst. Without labour there is nothing the grace of God can accelerate. It is work that creates wealth under the grace of God.
MEMORY VERSE: Ephesians 4:28, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, strengthen me with might to labour diligently in my endeavours in order to create wealth. Let the covenant power distinguish me in the midst of any economic upheaval, in the name of Jesus.
December 17, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 17, 2024
WHY DOES GOD LAY SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON WORK?
WORK DETERMINES THE COMPANY WE KEEP: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character'” (1 Cor. 15:33). The company we keep often shapes the people we become. Our daily lives, particularly our work, exposes us to different influences, attitudes, and relationships. God designed work to glorify Him and bless others, but it can also shape our character and influence the circles we walk in. Today, we will explore how our work impacts the company we keep, and vice versa, and how to navigate this intersection faithfully.
WORK SHAPES OUR DAILY INTERACTIONS
When we choose a workplace, we also choose a community. For many of us, we spend more time with coworkers than with family. Over time, their values, habits, and attitudes can rub off on us. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Ask yourself: “Are the people in my workplace building me up or pulling me down? Are you intentional about being a godly influence in your environment? Work often places us in diverse settings where not everyone shares our faith or values. You must see this as an opportunity, not a challenge to retreat. Jesus prayed to the Father for us saying, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:15). You are called to be a light in your workplace.
THE COMPANY YOU KEEP IMPACTS YOUR INTEGRITY
In every workplace, there are temptations to cut corners, gossip, or engage in unhealthy practices. Who you surround yourself with determines whether you’ll stay anchored in God’s truth or drift away. Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
When you surround yourself with coworkers or mentors who encourage excellence, honesty, and accountability it helps you to build good self esteem and reputation. Be mindful of how workplace relationships shape your decisions. If you’re in an environment that consistently challenges your values, prayerfully seek God’s wisdom on whether to remain or quit.
YOU ARE CALLED TO BE AN INFLUENCE
While the company you keep can influence you, God also calls you to influence them. Work gives you the opportunity to influence others positively. Matthew 5:14-16 says , “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Your work is a mission field. Your diligence, kindness, and integrity will point others to Christ. This doesn’t mean you preach at every opportunity but live in a way that reflects God’s love and truth.
As a child of God, you are expected to model godly character in your work relationships and encourage those around you to pursue excellence and integrity. By being faithful in your work, you set a powerful example of abundant life.
BALANCE WORK AND COMMUNITY IN CHRIST
While your work environment influences your relationships, ensure you are rooted in godly fellowship outside of work. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Surround yourself with fellow believers who will pray for you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. Bring your work concerns to God and to a trusted Christian fellowship. When your foundation is in Christ and His people, you’re better equipped to face and overcome challenges in the workplace without compromising your faith.
The work you do and the company you keep are deeply interconnected.
Through work, God places us in environments where we can grow, witness, and glorify Him. Be mindful of who influences you, and strive to be a godly influence in return. Remember, your ultimate “Boss” is Jesus Christ. Therefore, as Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Let your work and relationships reflect that truth. Choose your company wisely, and let your light shine in every place God calls you to labour.
MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for the gift of work and the relationships it brings. Help me to choose my company wisely and to be a godly influence in my workplace. Protect my heart from bad influences, and let my character shine as a testimony of Your love. Guide me to honour You in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 16, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 16, 2024
WHY DOES GOD LAY SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON WORK?
2. WE WORK TO MEET OUR NEEDS.
“And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat” (Genesis 2:8, 15-16). This is a very powerful revelation. God showed Adam what to do before He showed him what to eat. Hence, labour comes before feeding. Can you see the reason why God says if a man does not work he should not eat? (2Thess. 3:10).
Provisions are found in the field. “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.” What Adam was to eat was “of the garden.” Without the garden, there would have been no food for Adam. Therefore, we work to eat our daily bread. The Preacher said in Ecclesiastes 5:9: “Moreover, the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.” It takes labour to bring out the profit of the earth from the field. For a man to be able to provide for his own household, he must know the way to the field. Not being able to provide for your own brings condemnation.
In fact, the covenant requirement for a man to be certified ready to raise a family is to first make it fit for himself in the field. “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house” (Proverbs 24:27).
If the field is not ready, don’t plan to build your house. Those who are trying to raise a family without first making it fit in the field are preparing the ground for hunger. A man must first find what to do before thinking about who to marry. If a man is not working, don’t give your daughter’s hand to him in marriage. Until God made it fit for Adam in the field He never brought Eve his way. He had the need to work the field to have what it takes to feed his wife.
According to Maslow classification of human needs, the fundamental needs of man are: water, Food, Shelter and clothing. Others are Medicare, Children Education, etc. All these needs place a heavy demand on the head of the household. It is by working he can be able to successfully handle these responsibilities. If he fails, he is not only counted as an irresponsible man, he is also likely to lose his salvation! Yes, it is that serious. The Bible warns: “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1Timothy 5:8). Did you hear that? Can you see why God lays so much emphasis on work?
GOD IS WILLING AND READY: If God said, “if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel”, it means God is prepared to help each man find what to do to provide what the household needs. He does that by blessing the works of our hands. “The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand.” (Deut. 28:12). The moment you accept Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, you have made a good choice to enjoy the benefits of labour. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Psalm 1:1 and 3).
Therefore, “let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth (Ephesians 4:28). Idleness is the gateway to hunger. “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger (Proverbs 19:15). Laziness will turn a handsome man into a handsome beggar! “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing (Proverbs 20:4).
Therefore, wake up! “Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed” (Hebrew 12:12-13). Never see work as a necessary evil. The man that gives you work to do has opened the door for you to get your needs met. Work, and work diligently. It is the key that unlocks the door to abundant provisions. You shall not lack in Jesus’ name.
MEMORY VERSE: 1Timothy 5:8, “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, make me like the tree planted by the rivers of water, and bless my business and all the works of my hand, all year round, in Jesus’ name.
December 15, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 15, 2024
WHY DOES GOD LAY SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON WORK?
1. WORK IS THE GATEWAY TO THE FULFILMENT OF DESTINY
“But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father worketh hitherto, and I work’”. That is, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (John 18:37). God is a working God. As beings created in the image and likeness of God, humans are created to work. Human beings are working beings. The number one reason God made man a working being like Himself is for man to use the divine nature in him to complete the development of the earth to make it look like heaven. “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth…” (Gen. 2:28). In today’s English language, the word replenish means, to refill or supply again, or to top-up the product. However, when King James Version of the Bible was being translated, the word, “replenish” meant something slightly different. Then, to replenish meant “to fill up”, “to complete a task”, “finish a job” or “perfect a process” that has already started.
The original Hebrew word translated replenish in English was Male or Mala, which also means “to bring to an end”, or “to make whole” or “to fulfil”. God created man a working being to finish with perfect beauty, His great work of creation on the earth. This was why God did not build houses for Adam, or create vehicles or any machinery for man. God’s part is to show man what is possible through his imaginations, visions and dreams. It is left for man to tap into his innate capacity and bring to reality whatever picture he is seeing on the inside. This is made possible through labour.
Man was created to work as a co-creator with God by subduing and replenishing the earth. Man can only subdue the earth and replenish it through labour. A man that is not working, is therefore not fulfilling the purpose of God for bringing him to this world. Every one born into this world has a purpose for being born. When Jesus was being tried before He was crucified for our sins, Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37 ESV). God communicates this purpose to men through visions and dreams. Visions and dreams are fulfilled through labour.
It is labour that gives voice to your visions and dreams. If you don’t work your vision, it will end up as a day-dream.
You don’t just jump at anything that comes your way. For your work to be most rewarding, it has to be directed by vision – a discovered purpose. When you are purpose driven in what you do, you will not be running as one beating the air. The reason why most people have poor attitude towards their work is because they are not doing what they are born to do. They are doing the wrong jobs. Since all they want is the money, they take up any assignment that crosses their way. As a child of God desiring to fulfill destiny, first find out from the Lord what your assignment is, then put all your energy into it; you’ll succeed.
Unfortunately, young people from the regions of the emerging economy lack the understanding of the purpose of work, and how it relates to destiny. They understand work only from the perspective of livelihood. This is the cause of the mass migration of strong and energetic young men and women from the poor nations of the world towards Europe and the USA, robbing the developing world of potential workers. Sorrowfully, many of such have lost their lives in their attempt to cross the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea. Similarly, many families have perished trying to cross rivers and mountains from Mexico to the USA. Ask them why they risk their lives that way, and the answer is that they want to work and make money. People think that we work only to make money.
The Western nations know the value of labour, so they offer our professionals what their poor nations cannot offer them, and buy them over to develop their own economy like slaves. When you understand the purpose of work and why you are here on earth, channel your energy towards the fulfilment of that revelation. You will succeed and prosper wherever you are. If that purpose can only be fulfilled in America, God will make a way for you to go to America honourably. May the Lord guide you towards His purpose for your life in Jesus’ name.
MEMORY VERSE: Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, guide me through the Holy Spirit to discover my purpose for living, so that my labour can become purpose driven in order to fulfill my destiny according to your will.
December 14, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 14, 2024
COVENANT ATTITUDE TO WORK
Wise men say, “A man’s attitude is what determines his altitude.” Our general attitude as the black race to work is what has kept us behind other races on the earth. We enjoy seeing others toil, bring home the harvest, then we all feast on it. The determination and the commitment to labour and succeed is very poor among blacks compared to other colours. Despite the fact that Nigerians are very resilient and hardworking, many are still very lazy and prefer to be begging rather than strive to work. It seems to me that some cultures and religion in the country encourage begging. The Bible says, “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing (Proverbs 20:4). Could this be the reason why poverty rate is so high in those states that celebrate begging over labour? The Word goes further to say, “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough” (Proverbs 28:19). Please, let’s stop the begging and start promoting the use of energy to get what we need.
When we say work, many think only of white color jobs. Civil Servants are not the only people working. Salary-jobs are not the only thing we call work. Work is anything you do that puts a demand on the energy of your mind or body and adds value to the society or the environment. The CEO of different organization are working. The security man at the gate is working. The man digging in the farm is working. The man selling water on the street is a worker. The women selling vegetables and roasted yam by the market entrance are workers. Begging is an evidence of laziness, except the man is severely handicapped. Nonetheless, if Pastor Nick Vujicic, an Australian born without arms and legs, could succeed on earth to the level of international recognition, I don’t see any reason why a man should go about begging because he lost one hand.
While on the mission field a few years ago in the Central African region, I was amazed when I noticed there were no beggars on the streets of neither Brazzaville nor Kinshasa. When crossing the River Congo from Brazzaville to Kinshasa, I saw the reason why. I met at the beach, hundreds of physically challenged men and women on wheel chairs, aggressively finding their ways into and out of the big ferryboat transiting between the two cities with their merchandise. Those who could wheel themselves did so while others who could not do so by themselves had hired servants that pushed them about, trafficking between the two cities. I was so impressed, because in my own country, Nigeria, men are looking for every little opportunity to become professional beggars.
Partaking in the reward of labour without contributing in the process makes a man a thief. The lazy man does not care what he is called, all he loves is to sleep. “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man” (Pro. 6:10-11). Slothful people celebrate work-free days. Such Civil Servants are most excited on Fridays and most depressed on Mondays! They celebrate public holidays over a busy work day! It is this unhealthy attitude to work that made our Civil Service system to be what it is today. Hence, many Civil Servants have nothing to show after retirement for all their years of labour.
Life is a seed. Whatever a man sows is what he shall reap. If you see no future in what you are doing, your work has nothing to offer you in the future. If you are a hired worker, don’t say “It is not my father’s work”, and treat your job shabbily. Hear Apostle Paul’s charge to employees: “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free” (Eph. 6:5-8). The church must awake to a positive covenant attitude to work; we cannot lead the world to the next phase of the world economy with the present attitude to work.
The church must not encourage idleness. “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed” (2Thess. 3:10-14).
Joblessness is disorderliness. Joblessness makes room for busybody. If a man is not working, he is out of order in the Kingdom, and the Bible says you should not give him food. That is to say, there is always something to do.
The church should isolate such people, rather than making them welfare candidates. This is so they can wake up out of their slumber and pride and think better. It is empty pride that does not allow some people to work. They see themselves too big or too qualified for what is available to do. Because of that, they also become too big for God to lift them. “… For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1Peter 5:5-6). The Bible wisdom is to accept and celebrate your small beginning and despise it not. “For who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10). “Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase” (Job 8:7). Therefore, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Eccl. 9:10). When God sees that you are bigger than what you are doing, He will lift you to a bigger position. But, be found faithful first in the little which is in your hand today.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 22:29, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
PRAYER: Father, grant me grace to be found faithful in what I am doing today. Grant me bigger opportunities to prosper and become great to serve You better, and become a blessing to the people around me, in the name of Jesus.
December 13, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 13, 2024
THE COVENANT OF LABOUR (2)
The number one purpose of work is to fulfil the purpose of creation. Man was created first and foremost to work so as to develop the earth.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion…. And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 1:27-28, 2:8, 15).
The earth is subdued through labour. The earth is replenished through labour. Replenish in the sense used here does not connote the regular meaning of refilling up something or to supply again; but to complete or finish a process or a task. It refers to making something perfect. God created man like himself to complete and perfect the process of creation. That is why God did not build house for man at Eden. He was expected to do that with the creative ability in him. He was expected to develop transport system to move around the earth, and explore the universe, create knowledge and education, etc., etc. to make the earth like heaven. All these are to be done through the exertion of energy, which is called work or labour. Therefore, if a man or woman is not working, he/she is not fulfilling the purpose for which God created him/her. Working is not a necessary evil to earn a living, but to fulfill the purpose of being on the earth, to make the earth a colony of heaven.
Work is a must. Working is divine. There is nowhere the slothful or the idle man can hide in the Kingdom. The Bible says in the book of Proverbs: “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat” (Prov. 13:4). “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing” (Prov. 20:4). “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man” (Prov. 6:9-11). Laziness and idleness are sins against the human nature. Man must work, if not he will not “wack”.
The suffering we see today is not because God is no longer true to His promise to bless all the works of our hands; it is because people have turned work from being a covenant act of blessing to a mere means of survival. Work is different from job. Job is what you do to earn a living–exerting energy only for what you would be paid. If you play with your work, life will play with you. Work is what you do to live. It is not only for what to be paid but a process of fulfilling destiny. Most of us, in the emerging economy, do not understand work in this dimension because of poverty. We see work as a necessary evil; what we must do to survive. This is why many love to sleep their lives away and wait for others to labour, bring home the harvest, and they wake up to share in it. Africa must wake up!
If you understand work only as a job, you cannot be free from frustrations, lack and want. When you understand and treat your work as a covenant practice, only then can you begin to experience prosperity in the real sense of it. The benefits are invaluable. Proverbs 14:23 says, “In all labour, there is profit but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury”. The opposite of penury is abundance. Labour is therefore the key to abundance. Proverbs 13:23 also says: “Much food is in the tillage of the poor…” So, labour is the pathway through which the poor escapes from the captivity of penury to enjoy the freedom of prosperity.
Work, being God’s original intention for creating man was meant to be a thing of joy. However, the fall of man turned work from sweet to sweat, work became a curse and a burden (Genesis 3:17-19). Nevertheless, understanding the covenant of labour will transform your work back from being a curse to a blessing. Work must not be seen as a burden or a curse but an opportunity to serve God and mankind in order to fulfil destiny. Your desire to work should not centre on what you shall be paid but on contribution. Your work must be seen as an opportunity to meeting needs and solving problems. Your work is to make life better for someone either by providing him the goods he is looking for or providing him the services he needs. As you do that, money comes as a reward.
THE MIND TO WORK: Effective and profitable work begins in the mind. Both the choice to work and efficiency at work are rooted in the mind. Failure at work starts with failure in the mind (Nehemiah 4:6). Until you have a mind to work, your hand might not find what to do. Therefore, set your mind to labour. As long as you have something doing as a contribution, your life will not be cut short. God keeps you here on earth as long as you have the energy to work. From today, carry the correct covenant sense towards all the work of your hand, either working for another person, an organization or as your own boss.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 14:23, “In all labour, there is profit but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury”.
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, renew my mind to approach whatever I do from today with a covenant sense. Bless all the works of my hand that I may be able to contribute my best to replenish my world in Jesus’ name.
December 12, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 12, 2024
THE COVENANT OF LABOUR
To labour means to work either with your hands or with your brain. To acquire wealth the covenant way, you must labour for it. Most people look at work only as a means of livelihood; that is, what they must do in order to eat, clothe and provide shelter for themselves and their families. The number one purpose of work is to fulfil the purpose of creation. Man was created first and foremost to work so as to develop the earth.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 1:27-28, 2:8, 15).
The earth can only be subdued through labour. Therefore, if you are not working, you are not fulfilling the purpose for which God created you. God has promised to bless you, but the blessing comes through the works of your hands (Psalm 1:1-3; Deut. 28:12). How much of God’s blessings you see has a lot to do with what you do with your hands. Whatever the future will offer you is determined by what your hands can do. You cannot score in an examination more than what your hand can write. Therefore, your future is in your hands.
King Solomon said in Proverbs 10:4, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” No man was born poor or rich. It is labour that creates the difference. Every child came to this world naked and crying! If a child is born and does not come out crying in the labour room, the midwife will slap the child to make him cry! That is the way the world welcomes everyone, whether you are born to a rich home or to the house of a pauper. In Proverbs 13:11, King Solomon again said, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” The covenant way to access the true and sustainable wealth is through diligent labour. What you deal with, with your hands is what determines what life dishes out to you. When your hands are not working, nothing works for you.
Poverty is not a heredity disease. “He becometh poor.” Every man becomes whatever he chooses in life, whether to be poor or to be rich. Yes, you may say, “But that man was born into a rich family with silver spoon in his mouth”. I agree with you. That family became rich because someone laboured earlier. Nevertheless, as this man born with silver spoon in his mouth grows up, if he does not learn to use his hands diligently, he will end up becoming poor. Also, if you find yourself in the midst of poverty, you can walk out of the financial hardship through labour. By the covenant we have with God, He has promised to bless all the works of our hands. (Isaiah 3:10; Psalm. 1:1-3). Based on that promise, God now warns, “that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (1Thess. 3:10).
This is why we eat. We eat to take in more energy to work; and that work puts more and better food on the table for more energy to continue to labour, and the cycle continues. If a man is eating but not working, he is a thief; and you know that stealing is a sin. Not working is a sin against God, against nature, and against self. The Bible says in 2Thes. 3:6-12, 14-15:
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
This is how serious the matter of work is in the Kingdom. No work, no food! No work no relationship! No work no fellowship! No work no wealth! This is so because work is the number one reason God created man. Work is what grants you access to the treasures of the earth. Therefore you must work!
(To be continued …)
MEMORY VERSE: 2Thessalonians 3:10, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”
PRAYERS: Father, in the name of Jesus, open my eyes of understanding to see what the Spirit is saying to the Church this end time, so I can position myself appropriately for a life of exploit and dominion. Strengthen me to work diligently in the name of Jesus.
December 11, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 11, 2024
HOW TO GET WEALTH (4)
ESTABLISH YOUR OWN BUSINESS (2)
Whenever I encourage people to go into business, the frequent response I get from most of them is, “I don’t really know what to do.” Others would say, “I don’t have enough capital to start business.” In starting a business, the first thing we need is not capital but an idea of what to do. The challenge many people have is “Not knowing what to do.” The answer is actually hard because it will ultimately lead you to the discovery of your purpose in life and eventually your career. This is the secret of fulfilment of destiny, the true success in life.
The choice is also hard because there are a thousand and one things out there to do, out of which you are to make your choice. Some are lucky, in that, at first choice they hit the nail right on the top! Others have to try this and try that before they could find where to settle. Nevertheless, the ultimate of the trying exercise is to be your own boss!
The choice of what to do must be taken very seriously because your income, your social status, your self-esteem, the kinds of company you keep, and your over-all success in life depend on it.
FINDING WHAT TO DO: I believe the following steps will guide you to discovering what type of business you will enter into and find pleasure doing. It is not enough to pick a business and invest in it in the name of business, but to invest in what you will love doing and enjoy doing it. How can you find what to do and enjoy doing it?
Develop Interest in Owning Your Own Business: This is your number one step towards finding out what to do to succeed in life. Believe in God and believe also in yourself. Your first step to achieving any feat is a burning desire to succeed. It is the interest that fuels the passion. Don’t jump into a business because you see others doing so. Find out what motivates or drives you. If you are not in business yet, and you read my yesterday’s post, I should believe you have the curiosity now to finding out how to discover what to do.
Think and Generate Possible Business Ideas: Napoleon Hill said, “Think and Grow Rich.” Thinking is a hard job but you must learn how to do it. There is a world of difference between thinking and worrying. Most people take worrying to be thinking. Such people will tell you, “Please don’t think too much, if not you will develop high blood pressure”. When they hear someone had stroke, they say, “It is because he is thinking too much.” Thinking can never be too much. What these people are referring to is “Worrying too much.” People worry instead of thinking. If a poor man discovers how to think he will become rich. Worrying can kill, but thinking will make you live better.
When you start thinking, thoughts begin to pull up in your mind about possibilities. These are ideas or inspirations that come into your head. It could come in form of a need identified in your community. E.g. heaps of refuse everywhere, lack of water supply, poor Electricity supply, etc. A business man, Linus Pauling said, “The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” To get a lot of ideas, you have to squeeze your brain and think hard. Brainstorm with friends and family members, read books, browse the internet, walk around and observe what could be the need of people in your immediate environment. Go for counselling if need be.
Write Down Your Ideas: Carry a pen and notepad with you during this period of mental exercise. Write down as many ideas that pop up in your head as much as you can. At the end of your list, start eliminating them one by one till you are left with the top three that glow most in your heart. You are almost there.
Examine Yourself: If at the end of studying your list you still can’t arrive at an idea of what to do, pray to God and ask for His help. Try asking yourself these questions: What skill do I possess? What training do I have? What education have I received? What are my talents? What past or present career position provides me with some experience that I can use? What do I do well that people praise me? The answers to these questions will reveal some hidden potentials that will help you break your fallow ground.
Do a Quick Market Survey: When you have an idea of what to do, before you start, analyse the process of doing the business. Can you do it by yourself or you need to employ someone else? Find out all it takes to successfully run the business before you take the first step.
Put Your Faith in God: Kill the fear and accept the risk. Launch out. Stop procrastinating and take steps. Prayerfully ask God for direction and favour. The Bible says, “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury” (Proverbs 14:23). Start small and confront the challenges on your way. Soon, every struggle will become a stepping stone to your financial turnaround. God bless you.
MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, You know the plans You have for me to give me a future and a hope. Please, guide me and order my steps not to miss Your plan for my financial breakthrough, in the name of Jesus.
December 10, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 10, 2024
HOW TO GET WEALTH (3)
ESTABLISH YOUR OWN BUSINESS
King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 5:9, “Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.” This to say that everyone has access to the wealth God has place upon the earth. Even the King is sustained by it. You have equal access to whatever sustains the king and his family. No king can deny you access, if you approach the resources in a genuine way. The good news is, the almighty God, our heavenly Father, promises to get involved with you if you care to take steps. He said, “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel” (Isaiah 45:2-3).
Now, if you want to get wealth, establish a business and be your own boss! Working for yourself pays far more than working for another human being, if you know what it takes. Unfortunately, people in our part of the world are more comfortable working for others. Others here includes the government. They pride being called Civil Servants, with a regular fixed monthly income. They say it is job security. It’s good. It is alright to be a salary earner. However, note that the day you collected your Employment Letter rejoicing that you have gotten a job, there was other letter behind it that you were not aware of. That letter is either a Termination Letter or a Letter of Retirement. When that letter surfaces later, that is the end of your monthly inflow from the organization or the government. If you didn’t have a business already on the ground, financial embarrassment is eminent within a very short time; no matter how much you have saved over the years.
A business is the biggest job security you need. A business that is managed well will generate great profits far more than any other means of making money within the same period of time. A lady in our Church who was roasting maize by the road side during the season, told me she was making a minimum of fifteen thousand Naira (N15,000) a day! If she worked from Monday to Saturday, and that was how she laboured, in a week she would have made about ninety Thousand Naira (N90,000). In four weeks her income would be about Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira (N360,000)! With her SS3 certificate, see what she was earning in a month. You need to be a Director in the Nigerian Civil Service to earn this much in a month.
The salary of most Civil Servants cannot sustain them because their responsibilities are increasing year after year. Most Civil Servants live in perpetual debt to the food item trader or the provision retailer nearby. A wise Civil Servant, particularly a man, should use part of his earnings to acquire a business skill or a trade that will enable him live beyond salary. If you cannot further your education to become a specialist in a particular field, where you can earn big money, develop yourself through skill acquisition, or learn a trade and go into business. Business is the key to wealth creation. When I was praying to God to give me money to marry in those days after my Youth Service, God told me, “Money will not drop down from heaven. Establish a little business in addition to your Civil Service work, and the money you are asking for, I will put it there for you.” As I obey the Lord, my financial struggles ended! You need to go into business, my brother.
Tomorrow, we shall talk about how to find what to do. This is where most people get stocked all the time. It is because of not knowing what to do that people look for others who know what to do to create jobs for them. But, you too can be a job creator and employ others! Let us reserve that discussion for tomorrow.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 24:27, “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.”
PRAYERS: Father, You promised to make me the head and not the tail and that I shall be above only and not to be beneath (Deut. 28:13). Reveal to me my hidden potentials that will shift me from being an employee to become my own boss, and an employer of labour, in the name of Jesus.
December 09, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 09, 2024
HOW TO GET WEALTH (2)
BY INVESTING IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
You can make money by investing in financial institutions such as banks, the stock markets, government bonds, mutual funds, real estate markets, etc. This method is also scriptural and godly (Mathew 25:27). The stock market can be a great way to grow your wealth however, before diving into it, take the time to educate yourself and understand the basics of the stock market, including how stocks work, what dividends are, and the difference between bull and bear markets. This foundational knowledge will help you make informed decisions.
In this country, companies like MTN, Dangote Cement and Zenith Bank often attract interest of investors. In Nigeria, I would advise you to go through a licensed stockbroker to buy and sell stocks. Look for brokers that are registered with the Nigerian Stock Exchange and compare their fees, platform features, and customer service; except you are knowledgeable and skillful in the stock business yourself.
Be very careful, because since the onset of the global economic down turn, the stock exchange is no longer as viable as it used to be. Investing in the Nigerian stock market, should be approached with caution and good understanding. Nigeria is facing a lot of economic uncertainty today with high inflation rate, fluctuating Naira value, very high interest rates. These can erode returns or create serious market instability. If you are interested any way, bear in mind that you will need a lot of patience because this area yields attractive results only after a long period of time. Begin with a small investment and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable.
Diversifying your portfolio across different sectors (e.g., banking, telecommunications, and agriculture) can help reduce risk. It is always better to engage a financial advisor who can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals. If you are wary of stocks, consider other financial products in Nigeria like government bonds, mutual funds or real estate investments, the risks here are quite low and they have good returns.
GET A JOB IN AN ORGANIZATION
You can make money by taking up an employment with an employer, government or a private organization. This also is a scriptural way of making money (Mat. 20: 1-7; Luke 10:7). This is the commonest way most people seek to make money. However, take note that salary only can never make you rich under normal circumstances (Lk. 3:14). You can easily be exploited except you are highly skilled or a professional. Even the highly skilled workers that depend only on salary cannot become rich in the sense that God has prepared for his children. Yes, some CEOs in organizations like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and in Elon Musk’s group of companies might have made it big in terms of wealth as employees, but how many people have access to such places?
Actually, you can become rich being an employee without owning their own business, however, you have to follow some strategies to enable you build wealth while working as an employee:
FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE: Live within your means and avoid unnecessary debt. Don’t spend more than you earn and save a portion of your income every month. This will allow you to build an emergency fund and invest more effectively.
IMPROVE YOURSELF IN YOUR CAREER: Continuously improve your skills, pursue further education, and take on additional responsibilities to make yourself so valuable to your employer. This increases your opportunity to be promoted rapidly and climb the corporate ladder and improve your earning.
ENGAGE IN SIDE HUSTLES: God changed my financial life as a Civil Servant via this counsel. When I was praying to God to give me money to marry, He said, “Money will not drop down from heaven like the days of Manna. Establish a little business in addition to your civil service work, and the money you are asking Me, I will put it there for you.” Ten months later, by the outstretched arm of the Lord, I dedicated a 12 beds Private hospital, The Rhema Hospital, in Kaduna with all equipment from London without any prior capital or loan from any financial institution! To make money as a civil servant, consider taking on a side hustle or freelance work to supplement your income. This can be anything from consulting, tutoring, or selling products online, or rental properties, event management, content creating, etc.
INVEST INTELLIGENTLY: Investing a portion of your income in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, life insurance or retirement accounts can help grow your wealth over time.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND NETWORK: Join professional organizations, and connect with colleagues and leaders in your field. Building a strong professional network can open doors to better job opportunities, mentorship, and career advancement, helping you to earn better.
SKILL ACQUISITION: As an employee, bear in mind that the day your job stops your salary will also stop. The day your salary stops how will you survive before you get another job? And if it is retirement, how are you going to sustain your family? I always advice civil servants not to put their hope on their retirement benefits and pensions only. Especially in our country, because of the level of corruption going on. Those benefits that support retirees in other countries may not come when you are in need. So acquire skills that will keep you making money even after your retirement.
We shall still talk about other ways of accessing wealth, but let’s pause here for today, so that I will not eat into your busy schedule of the day. Please follow this discussion because this is what the Body of Christ needs most now. Enough of scratching bottom pot! You are to eat and be satisfied even in the days of famine (Psalm 37:18-19).
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 24:27, “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, go before me, and open the two leaved gates for me. Break into pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron, and grant me access to the hidden riches in the secret places of this land (Isaiah 45:1-3) to build wealth.
December 08, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 08, 2024
HOW TO GET WEALTH
INTRODUCTION: Earlier on this journey of unfolding the secret of Christian Finance, we discussed several reasons why God wants His children to be rich and wealthy. In Isaiah 51:2 and 3, God said, “Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.” Abraham was very wealthy and was described as a friend of God; in fact, it was God Himself who said he was his friend! (Isaiah 41:8). God’s desire is for all of us His children, friends of Jesus (John 15:15), to become wealthy like Abraham, our father: “For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD.”
Our Papa, Bishop David Oyedepo said, it is not yet prosperity when you are able to pay your rents or even build your own house, pay your children’s school fees, send money to your parents in the village, and meet your family’s basic needs. This is the normal way to live as a child of God (Isaiah 65:21-22).
God wants to bless you so you can become a blessing by distributing and communicating wealth at will. I’ve heard some religious people said, “I don’t like prosperity. I don’t want to be rich. All I want is to have enough to take care of my family and I’m okay.” They are always embarrassed when I tell them they are wicked and selfish. When such people need financial help they want heaven to come down. They will give you sleepless nights as if you owe them. Asking those who have to help them is okay in their sight, but they would not like to have enough to help others. That is a wicked and selfish mentality. God’s perfect will for His elects is to bless them till they become wealth distributors and communicators.
The question now is how do people become rich and wealthy? The answer to this question is where we shall be diving into in the next few days as we approach the end of the year.
BY STEALING AND ROBBING OTHERS OF THEIR POSSESSION: These are ungodly acts and socially risky because you can lose your life in the process. Such acts undermine human values and are accompanied by much sorrows. The study on financial integrity has already ruled this out of our way of making money. The Word of God unequivocally declares, “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool” (Jeremiah. 17:11). No covenant child of God must attempt to get rich by any fraudulent method. Fraud kills fraudsters before their time! (Take your time and also read the following references: Prov. 13:11; Prov. 10: 22; Prov. 9:17-18; Prov. 6:30-31; Eph. 4: 28).
BY INHERITING IT: This is scripturally acceptable if you are fortunate to enjoy any form of inheritance. In the Bible, Isaac was such a lucky chap. “And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived.” (Genesis 25:5-6). God expects you to be rich enough like Abraham to leave behind inheritance for, not only your children, but for your children’s children (Prov. 13:22). However, do not depend on inheritance for your prosperity. Our elders say; “A child that waits for inheritance has signed for poverty”.
When the father of the prodigal son refused to die on time, the boy forced him to give him his own part of the inheritance and flew to a faraway country where he squandered the money on women, alcohol and riotous living. When the money finished eventually, poverty struck him hard. He was wise enough to have returned to his father in shame before he died of hunger (Luke 15:11-19). Don’t wish your father dead so you can take over his estate. Our elders say, “When one is expecting the dry tree to fall, the green tree falls.” However, that shall not be your portion in Jesus’ name. King Solomon said, “Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun” (Eccl. 7:11). Inheritance is only profitable when it falls into the hand of a wise child. Otherwise it perishes soon after the owner passes away. If you are not an heir to any estate, don’t worry, God has several ways of making His children rich. Tomorrow we continue from here.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 13:11, “Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but whoever works diligently increases his prosperity” (ISV).
PRAYER: In the name of Jesus, help me to follow the example of Abraham in my quest to find wealth. Order my steps in the path of wisdom and righteousness in the name of Jesus.
December 07, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 07, 2024
THE BENEFITS OF LIVING A LIFE OF FINANCIAL INTEGRITY (2)
Paul the Apostle said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do…” (Philippians 3:13). To achieve any major goal in life, there is always one thing you must do. To be rich on earth and still maintain your full relationship with Jesus Christ, with assurance of making it to heaven at the end of your days on earth, one thing you must do is to live a life of unquestionable integrity.
Job in the midst of his horrible trial said, “God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live” (Job 27:5-6). In the Kingdom of God integrity is a matter of life and death! You can compromise some character attributes and still escape, but not integrity. A man and his wife tried it in the early Church and lost their lives the same day! (Act 5:1-10). Yesterday, we started looking at the benefits of living a life of integrity. Let’s look at a few other blessings of integrity before we move out of the topic.
God Rates You a Faithful Steward: Integrity is the only credential required in stewardship according the Word of God (1Cor. 4:2). It emphasizes responsible management of God-given resources. When God describes you as a faithful steward, cities are about to be handed over to you! Your business and sphere of influence begin to spread beyond your location across the nation and even beyond. “Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:16-17).
Good Reputation: Integrity builds a solid reputation for a person because he is known for his honesty and reliability. Reputation is what you are known for. Proverbs 22:1 says, “If you have to choose between a good reputation and great wealth, choose a good reputation” (GNB). A good reputation is better than silver and gold. Good reputation is the master key to living a life of honour and respect.
Good Decision Makings: Integrity makes decision-making simple for you, since people make their choices based on a consistent moral ethics. If your choices in life are good, you will live a good life, and your regrets will be highly minimized.
Freedom from Consequences of Dishonesty: A life of integrity helps you to avoid the legal and ethical troubles that can arise from dishonest financial practices. Integrity prevents the complications that come with deceit, manipulation, stealing and other fraudulent practices. The consequences of living in hypocrisy can lead to stress, broken relationships, or even legal troubles. Living truthfully protects you from all these problems (Proverbs 4:25-27).
Influence and Leadership Model: Integrity is the first requirement for effective leadership. Except in Nigerian politics, people are more likely to follow someone who is trustworthy (1 Timothy 3:2). A person whose words cannot be relied on cannot be a good leader. When you make honesty your lifestyle you become God’s man to lead others, fostering cooperation and community-building.
Long-term Relationships: Integrity in financial dealings enhances long-lasting relationships between business partners. It leads to sustainable success, as it builds lasting relationships and trustworthiness with family, friends, and others in your community.
New Phase of The World Economy: The one qualifying test to enjoying the new phase of the world economy is the test of faithfulness, which actually is the test of integrity, which is the responsible handling of God’s resources at your disposal. The Lord said, “Anyone in the Kingdom and found faithful, I will empower him to get wealth and distinguish him in the face of abject misery.” Choose integrity and buy your future.
Eternal Rewards: Promoting integrity in this life also has eternal impacts. The Bible says, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor … THIEVES, nor COVETOUS, nor …, EXTORTIONERS, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1Cor. 6:9-10). Ephesians 5:5 repeats the same warning: “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor COVETOUS MAN, WHO IS AN IDOLATER, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Integrity will help you to escape eternal damnation.
CONCLUSION: Ultimately, living a life of integrity as a Christian leads to a life that honours God, builds lasting relationships, and produces personal peace and spiritual growth. It is a testimony to the transforming power of Christ in a believer’s life.
MEMORY VERSE: Job 27:5-6, “God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive grace to make integrity my watchword, as long as I am alive. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and empower me to live holy and unblameable as I serve You and service the needs of the civil society, in the name of Jesus.
December 06, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 06, 2024
THE BENEFITS OF LIVING A LIFE OF FINANCIAL INTEGRITY
We have seen that both biblical principles and contemporary observations point to the fact that lack of financial integrity leads to significant negative consequences on individuals, relationship, and on the society at large. There is always the other side of the coin. Today, I want us to look at the benefits of living a life of financial integrity. Living a life of integrity as a Christian offers you numerous benefits that align with biblical principles and contribute to your personal growth and spiritual maturity. What do you stand to gain by choosing a life of integrity?
1. It Strengthens Your Relationship with God: Living with integrity reflects a deep commitment to God’s commandments and His character. A Christian who is honest, truthful and trustworthy, will be a friend of God as Solomon said in Proverbs 22:11, “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.” In Psalm 24:3-4 we also read, “Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.” A man of integrity will always enjoy a very close walk with God.
2. Peace and Contentment: Integrity brings you inner peace because you are not weighed down by guilt, defiled conscience, or the fear of being exposed for dishonesty. A clear conscience, rooted in doing what is right, leads to a sense of contentment, joy and peace of mind. Similar to Psalm 24 above the Psalmist again declared, “O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:1-2, 5 ESV).
3. You Grow Spiritually: Financial integrity requires that you rely on God’s grace and wisdom together with personal determination and discipline. This builds spiritual muscles, as you consistently choose to act in ways that honour God, even when it’s difficult. Over time, this helps you to cultivate Christ-like character which engenders spiritual growth (Romans 12:2).
4. A Positive Example to Both Believer and Unbelievers: We are called to be examples of the Believers (1Tim. 4:12). Living a life of integrity will positively influence others, serving as a positive testimony to both believers and unbelievers, drawing them toward Christ. This authentic witness will encourage others to live with honesty and righteousness (Matthew 5:16). This is one of the ways we become living epistles to the world around us (2Cor. 3:2-3).
5. Trustworthiness: When as a Christian you live with integrity, you earn the trust of others. This will strengthen your relationships in both your personal and professional circles. Trust is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship, and integrity fosters this quality.
6. Blessings from God: God blesses those who walk in integrity. Proverbs 28:6 shows that a life of integrity brings both material and spiritual blessings. It is written, “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” Living a life of integrity is walking in the fear of the Lord. God rewards those who seek to live uprightly. Proverbs 28:6 says “the upright shall have good things in possession.” Dr. Kunle Ajayi, one of our beloved Ministers, a Chartered Accountant and a great Financial Manager publicly declared, “I will never touch what is not my own. I will not touch another man’s money.” This is an uncommon decision in his circle of professionals. Yet He is blessed more than many others who are cutting corners in that career.
Let me stop here today for you to ponder over these points and digest them. Examine your life whether you are walking in financial integrity towards God and the civil society. Are you qualified for these benefits? Choose a life of integrity. There is no alternative to integrity, if you must prosper and see God at the end of your journey on earth.
MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin of lack of integrity! Because you delight in truth in the inward being, teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:2, 6), in the name of Jesus.
December 05, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 05, 2024
CONSEQUENCES OF LACK OF FINANCIAL INTEGRITY
Lack of financial integrity, both in biblical times and today, has significant consequences. I want to group them into spiritual, relational, and socio-economic consequences.
SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES:
Separation from God: Dishonesty and greed are sins that hinder one’s relationship with God. Proverbs 11:1 says, “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Lack of integrity leads to deceitful practices. These practices of cheating, lying and all sorts of frauds are abominations to God. The consequence of that is separation from God. This exposes the individual to all manner of demonic attacks.
Divine Judgment: Malachi 3:8-10 speaks about robbing God through failure to pay tithes and giving of offerings, suggesting that lack of integrity can result in divine judgment and repercussions for one’s financial misbehavior. In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and his wife Sapphira faced immediate divine judgment and lost their lives for lying about their finances.
Loss of Blessings: The same Malachi 3:8-10 warns that withholding tithes and offerings can lead to loss of fruits of the ground, and of the vine before their time; while faithful giving results in blessings beyond measure.
Carnality: When people begin to mess up financially, they feel disconnected from the faith. When that happens, they begin to operate in the flesh: telling lies, engaging in immoral acts, etc.
Evil Tendencies: 1 Timothy 6:10 states that the love of money is the root of all evil, indicating that unethical financial practices can lead individuals into other financial crimes.
Personal Guilt and Fear: Engaging in unethical financial behavior leads to feelings of guilt and shame, fear mixed with anxiety, affecting the individual’s spiritual and emotional well-being, destabilizing his prayer life.
2. RELATIONAL CONSEQUENCES
Broken Trust: Dishonesty in financial dealings destroys trust within families and places of work, as seen in Proverbs 15:27: “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household.” Jesus said in Luke 16:11-12, “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” In business and personal relationships, lack of financial integrity can lead to a loss of trust and damage reputations.
Strained Relationships: When a man can no longer be trusted for lack of integrity, relationship will be strained. This can separate good friends or even siblings. I have seen marriage relationships destroyed beyond reconciliation because of money.
Conflict: Financial deceit often leads to disputes, exemplified by Jacob and Laban, his uncle (Genesis 30-31). I have seen people fighting many times over small change in the streets.
Workplace Issues: Fraud or embezzlement in professional settings often results in job loss and damaged relationships. Luke 16:1-2 shows how unfaithfulness in handling money can cost individuals their jobs. Many Bank workers, sales reps and Account officers have lost their jobs to financial misappropriations.
3. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES
Economic Injustice: Exploitation and greedy embezzlement of public funds promotes economic imbalance. Amos 8:4-7 denounces those who oppress the poor for financial gain. Unethical financial behavior can result in financial crises that jeopardize personal and organizational stability. Corruption and greed can destabilize economies, increase inequality, and harm public trust in institutions, as the case is with the banking system today in Nigeria.
Loss of Reputation: Proverbs 22:1 highlights the value of a good name over riches, underscoring the long-term impact of financial dishonesty. Individuals and organizations face public disgrace and loss of credibility due to financial scandals. Many banks are being closed down in this country year after year for this reason.
Legal Repercussions: Engaging in unethical or fraudulent financial practices can lead to legal actions, fines, and even imprisonment (e.g., tax evasion, fraud). Many are in prison today because of financial illegalities. Be careful.
Workplace Morales: In organizations, a lack of integrity can hurt morale of workers, leading to decreased productivity and employee disengagement. A young man had to resign from a mission health institution few years ago because he could not endure the game his boss was playing with the officers on top.
Psychological Consequences: Lack of financial integrity is a major source of Stress and Anxiety. Financial dishonesty often creates a cycle of debt, fear of exposure, and serious mental strain.
Community/National Impact: Financial misappropriation can harm the wider community and even the nation, contributing to economic instability and increased inequality if individuals or corporations keep exploiting others as we see in Nigeria today.
CONCLUSION
Lack of financial integrity undermines both personal and societal well-being, violating biblical principles and creating long-lasting consequences. Upholding honesty and ethical stewardship in finances reflects our commitment to God and builds trust, stability, and peace in relationships and workplace.
Overall, both biblical principles and contemporary observations highlight that lack of financial integrity leads to significant negative consequences on individuals, relationship, and on the society at large.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 20:7, “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.”
PRAYER: My Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive grace to maintain an unquestionable integrity in all financial matters that come my way. Help me to remain honest in all financial dealings in good conscience within and outside the Kingdom, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
December 04 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 04, 2024
INTEGRITY IN CHRISTIAN FINANCE
CHARACTER ANCHORS YOUR STEWARDSHIP: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold,” (Proverbs 22:1). I once read a story claimed to be told by a former Prime Minister of the Great Britain, Mr. Winston Churchill. In the story he said, “I took a taxi one day to the BBC offices for an interview. When I arrived, I asked the taxi driver to wait for me for Forty Minutes until I’ll get back, but the driver apologized and said, ‘I can’t, because I have to go home to listen to Winston Churchill’s speech on the radio.’ (The driver did not know he was the Winston Churchill). He continued, “I was amazed and delighted with the man’s desire to listen to my speech! So I took out 20 pounds and gave it to the taxi driver instead of 5 Pounds without telling him who I was. When the driver collected the money, he said: ‘I’ll wait for hours until you come back, sir! And let Churchill go to hell!’”
Can you see how character can be modified so quickly in favour of money? People can sell their integrity for money. Marriages scatter because of money. Friendship had been separated because of money. People are now killing for money; and even pastors have lost their ministries for money. The man who told the story asked, “For how much are you willing to sell your values?” Character is what stabilizes a man’s destiny and preserve his values.
Beloved, in Christian finance, character is the cornerstone. Money is a tool, but our integrity determines how we use it. The book of Proverbs reminds us that a good name, built on godly character, is more valuable than wealth. Why? Because wealth can be lost or misused, but character shapes our legacy and reflects our faith. Wealth lost can easily be recovered but character lost is hard to recover.
Financial stewardship requires honesty. Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” This includes how we manage our cash flow, i.e., how we earn, spend, give and save. Ill-gotten gain or selfish hoarding dishonours God, while honest and generous living is a testimony of His divine provision. The book of Proverbs again says: “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase” (Proverbs 13:11). Financial integrity is the myth behind every genuine acquisition of wealth that lasts.
Character guarantees trustworthiness. Jesus said in Luke 16:10, “Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much.” Trust in financial matters reflects our faithfulness to God and others. It is the ladder the poor man needs to climb out if the dungeon of poverty. When you win God’s trust with your small income, He makes you rich.
Wealth without character is shot lived. It condemns the owner, kills him and disappears! Jeremiah 17:11 says, “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” But when rooted in godly integrity, our riches become a means to serve, bless, and live long to the glorify God. Let your character, not your wallet, define your worth.
Financial character is not just about what we do with money; it’s also about how we interact with others. Psalm 15:4 describes the righteous person as one “who keeps an oath even when it hurts.” Whether it is honouring agreements, keeping appointments, paying debts or rent on time, or being truthful in business dealings, our financial integrity builds trust and attracts the faithfulness of God. When others see our commitment to honesty and fairness, they are drawn to the Christ whom we serve.
Brethren, character is the foundation upon which Christian finance is built. Wealth, though valuable, is transient. Character endures and leaves a lasting impact on our families, workplaces, and the kingdom of God. Let us strive to live lives marked by integrity, faithfulness, generosity, trustworthiness, and contentment. When our financial decisions are governed by godly character, we honour God, bless others, and store up treasures in heaven against the days to come. Let your character, not your possessions, define your legacy. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I choose a good name over great wealth. Grant me grace for it to be so, in the name of Jesus.
December 03, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 03, 2024
FINANCIAL KINGDOM STEWARDSHIP
Brethren, prosperity in the Church is real. However, without a good understanding of the way to it, you will struggle to be rich the way sinner do. Prosperity in the Kingdom of God is Heaven’s resources in the hands of men. Therefore, any man that God entrusts with His resources must never act as the owner, but must always see himself as God’s steward. Historically, a steward is an officer of a royal household that serves as the administrator of the Crown estates. Stewards are people employed to manage other persons’ businesses for them. They are servants waiting on their masters.
In 1 Corinthians 4:2, the Bible says: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” The NLT says, “Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.” In the AMP version it reads: “Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].” To be faithful means to be reliable and trustworthy. It is the ability to give accurate account of what has been put under your custody. This is a principal requirement to be economically empowered by God to be rich.
How Do We Prove Our Faithfulness in Christian Finance?
ACKNOWLEDGE GOD AS THE OWNER: Don’t claim ownership of any earthly possession as the fruit of your labour. Yes, naturally it will appear so, but see your possessions as received from God by His favour. See your money as entrusted. See your money as a Trust Fund given to you to manage. In 1Corinthians 4:7, the Bible says: “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” Give the Owner His full place and respect and take the position of a steward. Take instructions from Him and do as He commands you.
PAY YOUR TITHES FAITHFULLY AND GIVE OFFERINGS ACCORDING TO HOW GOD HAS PROSPERED YOU: I say pay your tithe because tithe is a debt. Tithe is not an offering. It is like the tax people pay to the government. It is as you earn. Government borrowed the idea of tax from the Bible principle of tithing. Tithe is older than tax. Jesus himself said you ought to pay your tithe and not neglect the act of justice and kindness at the expense of it (Mat. 23:23).
WARNING: Listen to me brethren, don’t follow the anti-tithe campaign on the internet and the Social Media. It is one of satan’s strategies to resist the economic program of God for the end time Church. He was at Eden; he is still in the world fighting against any good thing God has for man. Be careful. Jesus has warned us to be careful what news we are fed with (Mark 4:24). John also warned: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1John 4:1). Proverbs 19:27: “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” That is, don’t follow instructions that will make you stray away from the knowledge of the truth. So, be careful what you hear. The Tithe Law says “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed that the field bringeth forth year by year. … the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always” (Deut. 14:22-23).
LIVE A LIFE OF GENEROSITY: Practice liberality, and make it your lifestyle (Proverbs 11:24-25; Luke 6:38). In your liberality, put the kingdom of God first as Jesus has advised. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mat. 6:31-33).
BE CONTENTED: Bishop Oyedepo used to say, “Life is in phases and men are in sizes. Identify your phase and live your size per time.” Be satisfied with what you have per time. What has destroyed the present world economy is greed, avarices, and covetousness. In Kingdom economy these will not thrive! Where you are today is not your final Bus Stop. Life is a journey. And the path of the just is as a shining light that shines more and more unto the perfect day (Prov. 4:18). Paul the Apostle said, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1Timothy 6:6-7). Therefore, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). Be satisfied with who you are, and what you have per time. Don’t sell your birthright.
MEMORY VERSE: 1Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, destroy from my life every trace of greed and covetousness. Grant me grace to be satisfied with what You give me per time, and make me one of Your end time stewards, in the name of Jesus.
December 02, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 02, 2024
BECOMING A HEIR IN THE SUPERNATURAL WEALTH TRANSFER PROGRAM (3)
In the vision for the New Phase of the World Economy, the Lord said, “Anyone in the Kingdom and found faithful shall receive the power to get wealth and I will distinguish him in the face of abject misery and want. Everyone outside the Kingdom or in the Kingdom but found unfaithful shall lose the power to get wealth.”
From the above revelation, to qualify for this supernatural economic empowerment, there is what to be and what to do. We have dealt with what to be. It is to become a member of God’s family by repenting of your sins, giving your life to Jesus Christ and making Him your personal Saviour.
Today, we are going to look at what to do. He said, “Anyone in the Kingdom and found faithful shall receive the power to get wealth and I will distinguish him in the face of abject misery and want.” It is not enough to be born again and enter the Kingdom; you must be found faithful. Your faithfulness is assessed by what you do. Until you pass the test of faithfulness, you cannot be empowered. The whole question of faithfulness has to do with stewardship. You have to be proved to be a faithful steward. Stewards are people employed to manage other persons’ business or property. They are servants waiting on their masters to take order for the next thing to do. Historically, a steward is an officer of a royal household that serves as the administrator of the Crown estates. Do you want to be an heir of the supernatural wealth transfer? You must see yourself as working for God. God must become your Senior Partner in your business, and be ready to take orders from Him.
In 1 Corinthians 4:2, the Bible says: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” The NLT says, “Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.” In the AMP version it reads: “Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].” To be faithful means adhering firmly to a person or a course in which you believe. It means to be reliable and trustworthy. It is the ability to give accurate account of what has been put under your custody when accountability is demanded. Do you know why this is God’s qualifying test for kingdom wealth? It is because wealth in the kingdom of God is ENTRUSTED. To entrust means to put something under someone’s care or responsibility. The God-given kind of wealth is not based on just your hard work or educational qualification nor skill. It is put under your care to manage it for God. You are not entrusted because you are in need. You are not entrusted because you are available. You are entrusted because you have been proved faithful. Concerning Joseph, Psalm 105:19 says “Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.”
This principle is key in Kingdom finance because wealth in the Kingdom is given in trust. You are appointed as a manager of God’s resources. You must see yourself always as a manager of God’s finances. Therefore, you don’t spend anyhow you like. You spend according to biblical principles, and as directed from time to time by the Holy Spirit. As you are obedient, Proverbs 28:20 says: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” The more faithful you are, the richer you become. God proves your faithfulness from the days of your small beginnings. If you are not faithful in your covenant practice when your income is small, you cannot be faithful when you become a millionaire. Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:10-11).
God gives money beyond measure only to responsible people whom He has proved to be trustworthy. People who will not embezzle His money. People who will not carry the money to buy political tickets or to buy chieftaincy titles for personal glory. People who will not keep the money only to themselves, closing their eyes to the needs of the kingdom. People who will stand for God financially, come rain, come sunshine; in season and out of season. People who are ready to do good works and not go marry more wives. Those who will benefit from the new phase of the world economy are those who are ready to stand out as God’s stewards. The new world economic package shall be for kingdom stewards only, as Job 36:11 says: “If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.”
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 28:20 says: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for grace to stand before you as a faithful Kingdom steward all the days of my life. I promise to remain faithful in my covenant commitments in the name of Jesus.
December 01, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
DECEMBER 01, 2024
BECOMING A HEIR IN THE SUPERNATURAL WEALTH TRANSFER PROGRAM (2)
God’s program of transferring wealth from the world into the Kingdom is a matter that the Church needs to give a very close attention. It is going to be a global revolution that will shock the unbelieving world. A time will come that they will accuse and investigate the Church of having a private money minting industry, and will discover they are the only ones minting and printing the money, but the money will find its way into the Church! The Lord is telling us these things before they happen so that “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Pro. 1:5).
In yesterday’s DD, I revealed what God gave me the privilege to see concerning His plan to reverse the order of the current relationship between the children of this world (represented by the dogs) and the children of the kingdom (represented by those children eating the crumbs falling off the dogs’ table). It is similar to what King Solomon saw in his time which he called an evil under the sun. He said, “There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth” (Eccl. 10:5-7).
Today, many Christians are working for the unbelievers, eating what falls off their tables. They are either the owners or the one heading the big organizations and government departments that have the capacity to employ. Believers depend on them for sustenance and survival. Nevertheless, it will not continue to be so. Covenant children of God will soon be taking over by reason of divine wisdom, creativity and ingenuity. As the organizations held by the unbelievers start withering, those of God’s children will be blossoming. In other instances, the owners of the organizations will discover that it’s the covenant children of God that have the correct leadership skill and trustworthiness to manage their companies successfully; hence the corrupt unbelievers will be replaced with the covenant godly children of God in strategic managerial positions, fostering the new phase of the world economy.
It is very important therefore for every Christian to be sure he or she is genuinely born again. How can one be sure he/she is truly born again? It is very simple. When you are genuinely born of God, sin stops in your life. It is not in the title one is being addressed. You can be an Arch Bishop, Reverend Father, His Eminence, Evangelist, Pastor, Prophet, and not be born again. The Bible says, by their fruits you shall know them.
In 1 John 3:6-10, the litmus test of the new birth is clearly written: “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”
Now, examine yourself. Are you still falling into sin today, confess tomorrow, and next tomorrow you fall again and want to go for confession, and the cycle continues? Satan may even be giving excuses that after all you are a human being. Because you were born of human parents, yes, your are by nature, a human being. But, with this human nature you cannot see or enter the Kingdom of God. You need a new nature to be accepted in the family of God. This is why Jesus said, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:5). To be born again is different from water baptism. It is when you are born again that you are qualified for water baptism. To be born again, first, accept you are a sinner and that you need a Saviour. Secondly, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God that God sent to the world to save sinners; that because of your sins He died on the cross, but rose from the dead on the third day. Thirdly, confess your sins and ask God to forgive you all your sins. Finally, invite Jesus into your heart and ask Him to be your personal Lord and Saviour forever.
If you do that sincerely in faith, you shall be saved and born of God. You will now carry the new nature that allows you to see, enter and enjoy all the covenant benefits of the children of God. You are now ready to partake of the power to get wealth, which God promises those who are found faithful in the Kingdom. The wealth coming into the Kingdom is only for the holy and righteous Children of God. So, free yourself from all the corrupt ways of this world in the quest to make money. Put your trust in God and whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. You’ll be rich.
MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 92:12, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I am sorry for my sins. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I believe He died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead the third day. Forgive me all my trespasses, and wash my sins away with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Write my name in the book of life and receive me as a member of your family, in the name of Jesus.
November 30, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 30, 2024
BECOMING A HEIR IN THE SUPERNATURAL WEALTH TRANSFER PROGRAM
On the 16th of May 1994, the Lord visited me in a public bus on my way home from work and spoke to me audibly concerning what we are seeing today in the world economy. It was a prophecy. He said;
“The economy of this world is changing hands already and changing very fast. Very soon it shall be the turn of the Kingdom of God. The power for wealth shall be given only to My elect who have been found faithful. The new phase of the world economy shall be that of the Kingdom of God. Anyone in the Kingdom and found faithful shall receive the power to get wealth and I will distinguish him in the face of abject misery and want. Everyone outside the Kingdom or in the Kingdom but found unfaithful shall lose the power to get wealth, ‘for thou shall remember the Lord thy God, for it is He which giveth thee power to get wealth’, Deut. 8:18.”
In this vision of the new phase of the World economy, the Lord gave us the conditions for being a partaker.
“Anyone in the Kingdom and found faithful shall receive the power to get wealth and I will distinguish him in the face of abject misery and want. Everyone outside the Kingdom or in the Kingdom but found unfaithful shall lose the power to get wealth.”
This reveals 3 groups of people: Those outside the kingdom, those inside the kingdom but not faithful, and those inside the kingdom and are faithful. The 1st and 2nd groups will lose the power for wealth. Those who don’t believe in Christ to make Him their Lord and Saviour, plus those who know Christ but refused to obey the Word of God will lose the power to access wealth. Misery will visit them! Wretchedness, distress, woes, calamity, misfortune, extreme poverty, pain and anxiety of heart will be their experience. They will lose their jobs, their business will fail, life will be terribly hard for them, and a lot of them will die because of too much stress.
To qualify for this supernatural transfer of Economic Power, there is what to be and what to do.
WHAT TO BE: You must be inside the Kingdom of God. That means you must be genuinely born again. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, ‘Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’” (John 3:3). God has no business with people who are outside the Kingdom. The Bible says “Without are dogs” (Rev. 22:15), and again in Matthew 7:6, Jesus said, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Satan has allowed dogs into the treasures of the earth and have destroyed the economy. Dogs are greedy creatures and always after their own belly.
God showed me a terrible vision on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 in a 45 minutes encounter while I was reading the book of Mark, chapter 7:27-28. Suddenly I saw two white dogs with black spots on their skin sitting on a table top eating. They were not eating with their mouths as dogs usually do, but were scooping the food into their mouth with their fore limbs like monkeys would do. Because their hands were not adapted to eat that way, most of the food fell on the table and on the floor. When I looked down I saw two young children about the ages of seven to eight, eating the crumbs falling on the ground from the dogs’ table! When I saw that, I busted into tears and shouted, “Impossible!” I said, “Why? How can dogs be eating like humans on the table and human children eating the crumbs from dogs’ table? Is there no body to chase these dogs away for the children to eat on the table?”
Suddenly, the scene changed and I was taken to a well-furnished, red carpeted dining room, without a single soul inside. Then a voice spoke to me, “This is where I have prepared for my elect to eat and be satisfied.” I said “Where is the food?” He said, “They are in the warmers but will not be served until my elect take their seats, lest it gets cold. My elects will take their seats in this new place only by the covenant. Here, no dog will be allowed to enter. They can only access the crumbs taken outside for them to survive, only by my mercy.”
Let me stop here today for you to think over this revelation and pray for personal understanding from the Holy Spirit. Tomorrow we will continue from here. There is a mystery God is about to unveil to the world.
MEMORY VERSE: Deut. 29:29, “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, open my eyes to understand what it takes to be a partaker of the oncoming mystery of Wealth Conversion. Fill me with insight to find my way to the covenant place of my destiny, in the name of Jesus.
November 29, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 29, 2024
WHY CONVERSION OF WEALTH? (6)
TO MAKE THE NEW TESTAMENT ZION A PLACE OF ATTRACTION
The final reason we are going to discuss in this series among other reasons, why God is transferring wealth from the world system into the Kingdom of God, the Body of Christ, is to beautify His sanctuary and make the place of His feet glorious (Isaiah 60:13). It is to make the Church of the First Born, the New Testament Jerusalem, a place of attraction, to serve as a tool for evangelism, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 2:2-3).
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
What can promote the Church to such a height, above the UN, IMF, the World Bank, EU, etc., that will command the attention of all nations to seek for a way of solving their problems from the mountain of the Lord? It cannot be religion, neither will it be technology. The only thing powerful enough to draw the attention of all nations to one particular place, the Church, which many of the nations hate, is Silver and Gold! Money! When they discover that what they are losing and fighting for is flowing in abundance upon mount Zion, they will invite themselves and their allies to run to the House of the God of Jacob.
To this end, Zechariah prophesied: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you” (Zech. 8:23). Don’t tell me God was talking only about the Jews and not Christians. I love Theology but I live by revelation. In the New Testament book of Romans, it is written: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Rom 2:28-29).
Thank God for the Israeli Jews and others in various nations around the world. Through their tribe, Jesus came to save the world. After His death and resurrection, the scripture says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 4:27-29). All who have been baptized into Christ are all Jews inwardly, and are heirs of the promises God made to Abraham as Abraham’s seed.
God will financially bless Church people so much in the midst of terrible economic downturn that will humble the world, and turn their attention to come seeking for the secrets from the Church and to survive. “The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious” (Isaiah 60:13). I can’t wait to see this happening!
Brethren, “arise, shine for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee” (Isaiah 60:1-5). Thank You Jesus!
MEMORY VERSE: Zechariah 8:23, “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, decorate my life with wealth and riches in a righteous manner, and make me an object of Kingdom attraction, to draw the attention of sinners to Jesus.
November 28, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 28, 2024
WHY CONVERSION OF WEALTH? (5)
TO CONFIRM THE PROPHECY OF THE LATTER RAIN (JOEL 2:21-27)
“Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
In Israel, the Former Rain (Yoreh), occurs in autumn, usually in October or November. It prepares the soil for sowing by softening the ground after the dry summer months. This is essential for germination and the early growth of crops, especially grains like wheat and barley. The Latter Rain (Malkosh), falls in spring, typically between March and April. This matures and ripens the crops before harvest. This is crucial for the final development and yield of crops, ensuring they reach full growth and nutritional value. Therefore, both the former and latter rains are indispensable for a successful agricultural cycle in Israel, ensuring that crops can grow and mature properly.
Spiritually, these rains are metaphors for God’s ongoing blessings, provision, and the fullness of His promises. Traditionally, the former and latter rains are separated by several months. Having them occur together signifies an extraordinary outpouring of blessings of abundance and prosperity beyond the usual cycles. Having both the former and the latter rain fall in the first month suggests an intense and immediate economic revival. It represents God’s power to bring about swift and complete restoration, both spiritually and physically.
Historically, this prophecy of great abundance and prosperity came after years of devastation, hunger and hardship caused by locusts, cankerworms, caterpillars and palmerworms. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…” These locusts, cankerworms, caterpillars and palmerworms that invaded the land consecutively over the years could represent different ways the Body of Christ had suffered persecutions and deprivation over the years in the hands of various enemies of the gospel. Church people have been mocked as eternal symbol of poverty as they were referred to as “Poor Church Rats”! As you can see, that concept is changing very fast. Poverty is vanishing from the Church. In the early church, none amongst them lacked anything. Church economy is restoring back to what it was in the beginning. In the beginning the testimony was “Neither was there any among them that lacked.” (Act 4:34).
Church buildings are no longer like small cottage houses at the corner of the communities any more. When Churches are buying lands now they consider buying acres of lands, because of car park! Christians are no longer Poor Church Rats. Prosperity has come. Whatever we see now is just the tip of the iceberg. “And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.”
God is converting the wealth of sinners into the hand of His saints to confirm the promise of restoration of the years that His people were denied of prosperity by the world’s corrupt economy system. God is changing the narrative in our time. Arise and shine for thy light has come. “For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God” (Eccl. 2:26). How God will do that is not your business. Your part is to ensure you live a life that is pleasing before God.
MEMORY VERSE: Joel 2:24, “And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, as I serve You, restore to me whatever is my heritage in the hands of sinners; so that in every situation I will always have all I need for any good work.
November 27, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 27, 2024
WHY CONVERSION OF WEALTH? (4)
TO PUT SATAN WHERE HE BELONGS
Ezekiel 28:12-19
“12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.”
Through the Holy Spirit, Ezekiel brings us the revelation of the origin and the end of satan, a former arch angel of God, the anointed cherub that covered. He was upon the holy mountain of God, who walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire! He was at Eden, the garden God planted for the first man to teach him how to be responsible. Before man could learn wisdom, he tricked him and took over the control of the planet from him. He will continue to rule the earth as the god of this world until he uses up Adam’s tenancy, then his end will come.
Satan claims ownership of the wealth and the political leadership of this world because he claimed Adam gave them to him. He was bold enough to tell Jesus that; though He knew Jesus created everything in the heavens and in the earth. Luke provides us with the conversation that went on between Jesus and satan during his hour of temptation in the wilderness. “And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, ALL THIS POWER will I give thee, and THE GLORY OF THEM: for THAT IS DELIVERED UNTO ME; AND TO WHOMSOEVER I WILL I GIVE IT. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine” (Luke 4:5-7 Emphasis is mine). Thank God, Jesus did not fall into his temptation of covetousness like Adam did.
Anywhere where there is high potential for economic exploit, you will find satan there. Hence, his presence at Tyrus at the time Ezekiel revealed him. Tyrus is the same as Tyre in the Bible, located in the modern day Lebanon. There was a human king over Tyrus but in the spirit realm, satan sat over the affairs in the city. During the time of David and Solomon, the human King was King Hiram [I], who was a friend of King David and provided building materials and skilled workers for the construction of the Temple of Solomon (1King 5:1-12). Tyrus was an important hub of trade, known for its wealth, marine prowess and dye. When satan saw the wealth in Tyrus he shifted his base there to draw attention of men to worship him in exchange for money.
Today the approach is the same. As he saw great potential for wealth in Nigeria, he has established his base in the country and built a cartel to favour only the few who agree to worship him, depriving 90% of Nigerians the pleasure of enjoying the natural resources God has blessed the land with. Europe that brought the Knowledge of Christ to us in Africa, as they began to prosper, satan went and took over their land using money to turn their hearts away from the Lord. Even the USA, God’s own Country, money has become the god of America!
Nevertheless, god is stepping in to change the narrative on earth. Those outside the Kingdom or in the Kingdom and found unfaithful, shall lose the power to get wealth. Can’t you see the world economy failing everywhere? God is breaking the economic control of satan and his worshipper, to put the devil where he originally belongs. Can’t you see prosperity entering the Church? Since 2008 shaking of the world economy, the general world economy has been melting down, and will continue to melt until all the proud and the wicked are roasted, leaving them with neither root nor branch (Mal. 4:1-2). It is supernatural, therefore neither the FED, nor WB, nor IMF can resuscitate the economy as it is crashing. Satan is no longer in charge, He is a loser already! The key of poverty and death has been taken away from him (Mat. 4:16). Believers who are faithful can now prosper without any demonic encumbrances. The hour of distinction between the wicked and the righteous is now here (Mal. 3:18).
Now God is saying to you and me: “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:2-6).
MEMORY VERSE: 2Corinthians 8:9, “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.”
PRAYER: Father, thank you for sending Jesus to deliver us from the clutches of satan and from poverty. Fill us with unusual boldness to take the kingdom by force.
November 26, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 26, 2024
WHY CONVERSION OF WEALTH? (3)
FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF GOD’S MISSION ON EARTH
Jesus said to His disciples, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Mat. 24:14). This is not going to be an easy nor a cheap task. It will require manpower, logistics, communication and media equipment, and above all, heavy financial investment. Definitely, I know the Lord was aware of these enormous demands before He prophesied that. How will these needs be met?
We have seen how wealthy people that hate the gospel, and wicked people in Government positions, have used their economic and political powers to resist the spread of the Gospel right from the onset till date. Unbelievers cannot invest into God’s mission on the earth. They are enemies of the Gospel. So far, they have been the ones controlling most of the economy of the world till now. Therefore, one of the reasons why God is transferring economic power to the Body of Christ is to fund His mission on earth. Only God’s people can invest their resources for the development of God’s course on earth. Jesus is coming soon. So, God is in a hurry to shift resources from the world system into His kingdom to ensure the gospel reaches every individual on the earth before Jesus returns.
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:6-9).
“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.” God is simply taking back what belongs to Him.
Isaiah also prophesied: “All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: THEY SHALL COME UP WITH ACCEPTANCE ON MINE ALTAR, AND I WILL GLORIFY THE HOUSE OF MY GLORY. Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, TO BRING THY SONS FROM FAR, THEIR SILVER AND THEIR GOLD WITH THEM, UNTO THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, TO BEAUTIFY THE PLACE OF MY SANCTUARY; AND I WILL MAKE THE PLACE OF MY FEET GLORIOUS” (Isaiah 60:7, 9, 13. Emphasis is mine).
The biblical concept of wealth transfer is about aligning resources with God’s mission, ensuring that fund is available to advance His kingdom, care for people, and to spread the Gospel. “Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought” (Isaiah 60:11).
God told me, “They that are in the Kingdom and are found faithful, I will empower them for wealth.” Therefore, I plead with you to align yourself with the terms of the Covenant of Seedtime and Harvest. It is the indisputable principle that God has established to change the economic destinies of those who believe. Don’t wait till you have more than enough before you sow financially. If you say you don’t have, the little you have shall be taken away from you. Jesus Himself was the one who said so. “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath” (Mat. 25:29). Proverbs 11:25 says, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Package yourself to become God’s trustee in this economic program of wealth transfer through generosity. Jesus is coming soon and then everything will be over. Be found faithful.
MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 60:11, “Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.”
PRAYER: Father, I surrender my life and all that I have to you. Use me and all I have to make the place of thy feet glorious. Partner with me in my endeavours that men may bring unto me the forces of the gentiles, in the name of Jesus.
November 25, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 25, 2024
WHY CONVERSION OF WEALTH? (2)
AS GOD’S RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF HIS PEOPLE DUE TO THE OPPRESSION OF THEIR TASKMASTERS
“And the LORD said (to Moses), I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them” (Exodus 3:7-9).
This was the vision that triggered the Exodus and the Egyptian wealth conversion into the hands of the Jews in the days of Moses and Joshua which gave Israel a prosperous start as a nation. Remember Exodus 12:35-36: “And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.”
Job said, “This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty. Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver (Job 27:13 16-17). God is converting wealth from the people of the world to the people in the Kingdom because of the same reason He transferred wealth from Egypt to Israel during the Exodus. The way the Egyptians were oppressing the Hebrews then, is the same way the world is oppressing the people of the Kingdom today. The level of financial corruption in the world today is mind boggling. Even in the West, where people are known to be very transparent and responsible, the wave of financial crime is becoming uncontrollable. Believers are being persecuted and pushed out of their heritage because they cannot join them.
The person that control the monetary policies controls the land. Under the Monarch of Great Britain in those days, Nathan Meyer DE Rothschild said, “Give me the monetary control of the nation and I don’t care who sits in the palace.” Financial power is stronger than political power. History shows how Satan used governments and wealthy individuals to oppress and persecute Christians and block the spread of the Gospel over the centuries. Throughout history, there had been several instances where political power and wealth were used to resist the spread of the Gospel. During the Roman Empire, the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th century, the colonial America, during the French Revolution, wealthy and powerful individuals often played major roles in identifying and prosecuting those deemed heretics, leading to widespread persecution and resistance to the Gospel.
Today, in China, Russia, and in North Korea, these governments have been known to restrict religious activities, especially Christianity; and wealthy elites in the country support these measures to maintain their power and control over the population. In Saudi Arabia and Iran, the government imposed strict regulations on religious activities, targeting the spread of Christianity. Wealthy individuals and organizations support these policies to maintain the dominance of Islam and limit the influence of Christianity in the nation. Even in the United States, in some cases, wealthy individuals or organizations fund media campaigns that portray Christianity negatively, spreading misinformation and creating a hostile environment for evangelism, often leading to persecutions and conflicts that block the spread of the Gospel.
There was once a French Philosopher called Voltaire known for his open resistance to the gospel. He was said to have predicted then that in 100 years’ time the only memory of the Bible and Christianity would be probably a copy of the Bible in the archives. However, 100 years after his demise, his home was bought over by the Evangelical Society of Geneva and turned to a factory where the same Bible is now being printed and stored for distribution all over the world.
These examples illustrate how political power and wealth have been used throughout history till date to resist the spread of the Gospel, and many times leading to the persecution and killing of God’s children. Despite these challenges, the message of Christ has continued to spread and grow. The only way to arrest this wave of oppression so that the Gospel can reach all the corners of the earth is to remove the control of money from the hand of the wicked. Hence, God’s new phase agenda for the world economy to be that of the Kingdom of God. The shift is going to be by the wealth conversion program. God had done it before in localized manners. Now, it is going to be on a prophetic global dimension!
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 12:36, “And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.”
PRAYER: Father, enough is enough. How long will the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His anointed, saying, “Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” In the name of Jesus, break and terminate their control over the economy in every nation, and give the economic power to the people of the Kingdom to establish the new phase of the world economy, which is that of the Kingdom of God. Amen!
November 24, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 24, 2024
WHY CONVERSION OF WEALTH?
What is Wealth Conversion? Wealth Conversion or wealth transfer in Biblical context is the supernatural transfer of economic power, cash or material resources from the hands of individuals or group of individuals or nation into the hands of God’s individual saints or group of saints either by divine justice, favour, or rewards. This is one of the ways God is going to prosper His people as He shifts the world economic order from the world system to the Body of Christ.
The prophecy of Isaiah in Isaiah 23:17-18 illustrates this phenomenon very well. “And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth. And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.”
According to history, Tyre was a very prosperous coastal city in the present day Lebanon, where money ruled. The merchants were princes, and the traders were the honorable of the earth. Because of its great success, Tyre became very proud and full of self-glory. God’s judgement fell on it and it was invaded and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar; but recovered its ancient trade, wealth, and grandeur according to Isaiah’s prophecy. It was invaded again by Alexander the Great, and recovered after the second destruction. It became a Christian city during the early Church with the rest of the neighbouring regions. Apostle Paul himself found many Christians there (Act. 21:4). The wealth of the city became a major source of the prosperity of the early Church people as Isaiah prophesied.
In the book of Job, Job in his lamentation said, “This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty. Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver (Job 27:13 16-17). King Solomon also said in the book of Proverbs 28:8, “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.” The true prosperity is for the just and not for sinners. Wealth in the hand of a sinner is described as an uncertain riches and is temporal.
WHY IS GOD CONVERTING WEALTH FROM THE WORLD SYSTEM INTO THE CHURCH?
THE “INIQUITY OF THE AMORITES” IS NOW FULL: “And he (God) said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.… But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: FOR THE INIQUITY OF THE AMORITES IS NOT YET FULL” (Gen. 15:13-16 Emphasis is mine).
God could not fulfil His promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s children for over 400 years and left the people in Egypt as slaves till the sin of the Amorites was full. This was so He could destroy the Amorites without mercy. Why? Because God is a God of Justice. He judges people according to their doings.
We too have been under the economic task masters of the world till date, waiting for their sins (financial crimes) to be full, and now it is really very full! God always waits patiently for the right time to act so that when He pronounces His judgement it will be clear to even the sinners themselves that God is not unrighteous. (“…that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest” (Psalm 51:4).
In every country you go today in the world, people are crying of corruption, especially the third world countries; Nigeria being one of the chiefest. Even in the Asian countries where financial corruption carries the death penalty in some of their countries, there are still people practicing financial corruption. Corruption is the spirit of darkness covering the earth today. In Nigeria it has turned into a thick darkness as Isaiah prophesied. This cannot continue. It will affect the availability of resources for the Gospel, and the saints of God might be tempted to go back to Egypt. Hence the need for a shift in the economic dimension; the economic power must change hand. In fact, God says it is happening already, and happening very fast. You will not miss your place in Jesus’ mighty name.
MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 60:11, “Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me access to a good portion of the riches of the gentiles in this new economic dimension, and confirm me as one of your trustees.
November 23, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 23, 2024
THE MYSTERY OF WEALTH CONVERSION (2)
What is Wealth Conversion? Wealth Conversion is the supernatural transfer of economic power, cash and assets from the hands of the sinners of this world into the hands of God’s elects that are found faithful in His sight. God’s eternal plan in this last-days is to push money into the Church to fund His end-time agenda of taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth; which demands heavy expenditure.
All the money they are spending on political campaigns, football, and various entertainment programs are needed to spread the Gospel! Remember Zechariah 1:17, “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.” And Haggai 2:8, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.” Money belongs to God. Satan who is a liar and a thief has been directing it to those who worship him over the centuries, but now, God is taking it away from them to give His people, for whom He originally created it.
The truth says: “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just” (Pro. 13:22). Also in Job 27:13, 16-17: “This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty. Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.” Another backup scripture to confirm what is about to happen in economic history of the world is in Eccesiastics 2:26: “For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God.”
HISTORY OF SOME WEALTH CONVERSION IN THE BIBLE: When the people of God left Egypt for Canaan, they did not leave empty handed. God converted the wealth of Egypt, their oppressor, into their hands overnight (Exo. 3:20-22; Exo. 12:35-36). In Joshua 6:18-19, the wealth of Jericho, the first city of Canaan to be conquered in the land of Canaan, was transferred to the house of the Lord as the first fruit of the promise land. In 2King, 6:24 to 7:20: The wealth of Syria was transferred to Samaria through an unusual supernatural move of God using some lepers. Also in 2Chro. 20:25-26, we see Jehoshaphat and Judah in a three-day prosperity harvest extravaganza in the valley of Berachah as God supernaturally transferred the wealth of three nations that came to oppress Judah into the account of His people. It took them three days! The Bible says, “it was so much”!
These historical wealth conversions are simply shadows of good things to come in our time (Isaiah 23:17-18). Now we are about to witness and experience the real divine conversion or transfer of wealth on earth. Recently CNBC published a research article by a major Financial Management Firm in the US, Cerulli Associates, with headline blaring: “Here’s How to Prepare Your Heirs for the $68 trillion ‘Great Wealth Transfer’.” The Cerulli Associates estimated in December 2019 that over the next 25 years, nearly 45 million households in the USA will pass on a total of 68.4 trillion dollars in wealth to their heirs! That is, men of a particular generation are set to pass to their children a mind-boggling $68.00 trillion—the biggest generational wealth transfer ever! The report echoed the words of many other international financial analysts who point increasingly to the impending and momentous tidal wave or shift of cash and assets taking place already all over the world.
Pastor Benny Hin in his comment said, “If you put a stack of $100 bills together, one on top of the other, $68 trillion would rise 45,560 miles into the sky, nearly one-fifth of the way to the moon (238,900 miles)! But what does that mean to you and to me? What can it mean for the Kingdom? The Coming Wealth Transfer! If the liberal media and so-called financial experts of this world, agree that the most significant transfer of wealth has already started, you can align that with what Scripture promises and point this great transfer of wealth to you and every Believer. Money cometh!
MEMORY VERSE: Eccesiastics 2:26: “For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, keep me alive to experience this imminent move of supernatural wealth transfer from the world into the Kingdom. Put me at the centre of it and make me a full partaker, in Jesus’ name.
November 22, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 22, 2024
THE MYSTERY OF WEALTH CONVERSION
Story of Pastor Leroy Thompson: Dr. Leroy Thompson is the founder of Word of Life Christian Centre in Darrow, Louisiana, USA. He said one day he was on a line in a supermarket behind a man who was paying for some packs of beer the man bought. When the cashier gave him the few change left over from the one hundred dollar bill he gave the cashier, he looked at the man of God and remarked, “Money really goeth, doesn’t it?” Without any particular interest in the man’s remark he nodded and replied, “Yeah, money really goes.”
As soon as he returned to his car in the parking lot, the Lord said to him chidingly, “Money really go…” trying to draw his attention to the statement the beer man made at the supermarket which he agreed to. Dr. Leroy said, before the Lord could finish the statement with “goeth, doesn’t it?” the Holy Ghost helped him out of his belly and he responded as the Spirit nudged him, “Money cometh!”
The statement, “Money cometh”, is not what the man of God thought out of his head by himself. That was a word from the mouth of the Lord. I tell you, this revelation is another confirmation of the vision of the new phase of the World Economy which is that of the Kingdom of God. Money cometh! Money is coming to the people of God! This is what Prophet Isaiah saw and declared, “The abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. Therefore, thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 60:5, 11). Remember all that will be happening while gross darkness covers the people (Isaiah 60:2).
Since the fall of Adam at Eden, Satan and his worshipers have been in control of the major part of the wealth and the riches of the earth. However, their time is up! There is going to be a mysterious wealth transfer from the hands of the unbelievers into the hands of the believers! It is going to be supernatural and without controversy.
Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and THE WEALTH OF THE SINNER IS LAID UP FOR THE JUST.” Similarly in the book of Ecclesiastes 2:26, we also read, “For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, TO GATHER AND TO HEAP UP, THAT HE MAY GIVE TO HIM THAT IS GOOD BEFORE GOD.”
The prophecy of Haggai which came about 520 BC is about to be fulfilled. “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts (Haggai 2:6-8). Are you not feeling the shaking already?
You may ask; why should God wait this long before taking Satan’s hand off the riches of the earth? The answer is in the Bible. The Wealth Recovery Process has waited till now as the Hebrews waited for over 400 years to possess the land of Canaan.
“And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.… But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: FOR THE INIQUITY OF THE AMORITES IS NOT YET FULL” (Gen. 15:13-16 Emphasis is mine).
God left His people in Egypt as slaves till the sin of the Amorites was full, so He can destroy them without mercy. Why? Because God is a God of Justice. He judges people according to their doings. We have been under the economic task masters of the world till date waiting for their sins (financial crimes) to be full. Now it is over full!
When the time of the Amorite was over at Canaan, God sent forth His people from Egypt to take over their heritage from them. When they left Egypt for Canaan, they did not leave empty handed. God converted the wealth of Egypt into their hands overnight. “And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians” (Exodus 12:36).
At the same time, when they entered the promised land, they inherited from the Amorites great and goodly cities, which they did not build, and houses full of all good things, and wells which they did not dig, vineyards and olive trees, which they did not plant (Deut. 6:10-11). This historical wealth conversion was simply a shadow of good things to come (Col. 2:17; Heb. 10:1). Now, we are about witnessing and experiencing the real divine conversion or transfer of wealth upon the earth. Please read the prophecy of Isaiah 60:1-5, 11, 16; 61:6; Isaiah 23:17-18. Get ready, money cometh!
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, by covenant, I lay hold of my inheritance in the hands of sinners in my generation. Because scripture cannot be broken, I claim the wealth of the sinners that are laid up for me in the mighty name of Jesus.
November 21, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 21, 2024
THE EMERGENCE OF A NEW ECONOMIC SYSTEM
THE NEW WORLD ECONOMY VISION: On the 16th of May 1994, I was on my way returning from work in a public bus, when the voice of the Lord came audibly to me saying: “The economy of this world is changing hands already, and in fact, it’s changing very fast. Very soon it shall be the turn of the kingdom of God. The new phase of the world economy shall be that of the Kingdom of God. Anyone in the kingdom and found faithful, I will empower him for wealth and distinguish him in the midst of abject misery. But anyone outside the kingdom or in the kingdom and found unfaithful shall lose the power for wealth; for thou shall remember the Lord thy God, for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth. See Deuteronomy 8:18.”
DEUTERONOMY 8:18 CONFIRMED: “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
From this vision it is obvious that:
The system of economy the world is running today is not of God.
God’s kingdom has its own economic system.
The world’s economic system is fast fading away to be replaced by that of the kingdom of God.
This new system favours only those that are found faithful in the kingdom.
This is the new dispensation. A dispensation of economic empowerment. It will be an economic revolution in the Body of Christ. This shall be the last revival before the return of the King of kings.
THE ROLE OF ECONOMY: Economy is the interrelationship between production, distribution and consumption of goods and services and the supply of money in a particular region. The survival and progress made in any land depends on the economy of the region. The state of the economy is what primarily determines the level of development you see in a country; and the level of development is what determines the level of comfort an average citizen enjoys. The state of the economy determines the wealth of the region and the individuals in it.
TWO OPPOSING KINGDOMS: There are two kingdoms on the earth. The Kingdom of this world (controlled by satan), and the kingdom of God. Each Kingdom has its own economic system. Since the time Christ came and established the Kingdom of God on earth over 2,000 years ago, the Kingdom of God has been managing to survive under the world’s system of economy, and this has not been easy. Because the system is controlled by people who don’t love the Kingdom and her people, they have used all the power they have: politically, socially, psychologically, and even spiritually, to minimize the flow of money into the Kingdom. This has affected the spread of the gospel of Christ to some extent.
The Gospel flies on the wings of money. Hence the Lord said in Zechariah 1:17: … My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; … It cost a lot of money to spread the gospel. Since satan does not want men to be saved, he influences the present world system of economy in a way to starve the Church of funds in order to hamper the spread of the Gospel of Christ. But Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Mat 24:14).
THE NEED FOR A NEW SYSTEM: You can now see why there is need for a change in the economic system in the world; because the present system will never support the programs of the Kingdom of God. Because of corruption, the present world economic system is described by experts as “A Debt Bubble” that will burst at any moment, giving way to the new phase of the world economy. A way has to be made for much money to flow into the Church in these last days for the Gospel to fly into all nations; because the Lord will soon come. It is already happening in a fearful way.
MONEY IS COMING: Laws are now been made to monitor Church accounts and bring the Church Finance under the eyes of the government. This is because they are already becoming scared of the colossal wealth many ministries are already commanding. Government and the enemies of the Church have not seen anything yet. Money is coming to the Body of Christ in a magnitude the world has never seen. No devil can stop it. Government cannot stop it.
Economically, the church will soon take the place of the World Bank to service the needs of communities in different parts of the world! Please understand that the money coming to the Church is not going to fall like Manna from heaven as in the days of Moses, but through the hands of God-fearing, God-loving, God-chasing individuals. Get ready to become one of God’s trustees in your generation.
MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 60:11: “Therefore, thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I want to be part of this new economic dispensation. Open my eyes to see and understand the vision of the new Phase of the world economy and walk in the covenant.
November 20, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 20, 2024
BECOMING GOD’S TRUSTEE
The term TRUSTEE is an offspring of TRUST. Trust here refers to a condition where a person called the trustee is given the administrative power over another person’s money or property to manage for the owner. Wealth in the Kingdom of God must be seen as a TRUST FUND. Before you become God’s trustee, God Himself will prove you over and over again to be sure you can be entrusted.
THE END OF A MAN RICH FOR SELF: Please read Luke 12:15-21 before you continue.
A popular quote people often refer to from verse 15 is: “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” God has already said in Haggai 2:8 that money belongs to Him. Anybody that misbehaves towards money to take God’s glory runs into trouble. After Solomon missed the understanding of the purpose of wealth and learnt his lessons, he wrote, “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Pro 23:4-5). If you misbehave with money, you either lose the money or lose your life.
You cannot serve God and Money at the same time. You must make God your Master and Money your servant. You cannot love God and love money at the same time. You must love God and only like money. The love of money will lead you to evil works. (1Tim. 6:10).
To become a trustee of Heaven’s fund you must pass THE LOVE TEST: “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs… When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not” (John 21:15-18).
After the resurrection, Peter not seeing the Master around again, probably thought to himself, “Jesus is gone. Everything is over, Ministry has ended. I better go back to my old profession of fishing to cater for my family.” So he carried some of the disciples, about six of them and went to the sea. They tried all night and caught nothing. As they were returning home frustrated, there was Jesus waiting for them at the beach. As has happened before, Jesus told them to cast their net at the right side of the ship for a draught. As they did, they caught such multitudes of great fishes without their net breaking.
When they arrived with the load of fishes on the beach, Jesus pointed to the fishes and asked Peter, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” Fishing was a big source of income to Peter. Peter had to choose between Jesus and money. Today Jesus is asking every Christian the same question, “Do you love me more than money?” If you love money more than God, you cannot be His trustee. It is not enough to say, “Yes, I love you Jesus.” He, Himself, will prove you.
As you get older in the Lord, do you known Him enough to totally yield and stretch out your hand to the Holy Spirit to take you where your natural mind will never allow you to go with God? One definition of love is going the extra mile. Stretching your hand beyond yourself.
One day a project offering was raised in the Church and everybody was told to write down whatever the Holy Spirit led them to give. One lady testified later how she held a particular amount in her mind to give but when she was writing she discovered she now wrote an amount twice what she held in her mind. That was God stretching her hand beyond her natural limit in loving God. At the end of such obedience, it’s breakthrough! To experience a supernatural economic revolution, you have to answer the same question that the Lord asked Peter. It is called THE LOVE TEST. Until God becomes more relevant in your financial plan than yourself and your family, you are not yet ready to become His trustee.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:37, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Our God is a jealous God, you know that). God expects you to love Him more than you love your father, mother, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, husband and wife, and even yourself. What you cannot give to God, don’t give to your father, your mother, brothers and sisters nor sons and daughters nor yourself! Until you pass the test of the love of God, God cannot entrust you with money.
Jesus loved us more than Himself. That is why He went to the cross and shed His Blood for our sins. He expects us to also love Him back. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.”
When it comes to wealth from above, God can only trust those who love Him in truth. He knows them that are His (2Tim. 2:19). Your affection towards God and His Kingdom endeavours is the pass mark that qualifies you to become a trustee in the new phase of the world economy. We respond to His love by paying our tithes and giving willingly with a perfect heart both to God and towards alleviating the plights of fellow human beings. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. Giving is the character of love: John 3:16.
DAVID said, “Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, (1 Chron. 29:3). “And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father…. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar (1Kings 3-4).
Looking at John 21 again, verse 16 says: “He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
God knows you cannot feed and take care of His sheep with smiles and greetings. When you pass the love test He pushes resources into your hand to feed the lambs and the sheep. You pass the love test through willing-hearted and joyful donations — always giving your best to God.
(Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).
MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 10:37: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
PRAYER: Father, give me a heart that will love You more than anyone else.
November 19, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 19, 2024
BECOMING A PART OF THE COMING ECONOMIC REVOLUTION (2)
During the political campaign leading to the just concluded general election in the USA, a lot of working class people in America were heard complaining bitterly against the outgoing Biden Administration, how it had become very difficult to afford basic groceries to feed their families. In Europe, workers are striking, in the USA, in many developing countries, workers are asking for increases in their monthly take home. For Nigeria, inflation is world record high! You can spell hunger on the face of every average Nigerian on the street. The Stock Market used to be a gold mine for those who know how to trade in stocks, however, it is no longer a lucrative business hanging there. The economy is biting all over the world!
As nations look unto the organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, Paris Club, etc., for economic support now, in a short while, the attention of nations will shift to the Church for helps. The Church will virtually take over their economic function in all nations! What then could be such a strong factor that can draw the world’s attention to the Church like that? ECONOMIC POWER!
Economic Power is the only unifying force that can turn the attention of all nations in one direction. The language, the demand, and the influence of money are the same in all nations. God is going to turn the world’s attention to Himself before the second coming of Christ using economic power. That is why the new phase of the world economy is that of the Kingdom of God. It’s going to be a forceful and unstoppable revolution, in favour of the Body of Christ, the Church! Now, what must you do to be a part?
Yesterday, I said, you must focus your eyes on God as your source of unlimited supply. In addition to that, today I say, YOU MUST PASS THE TEST OF TRUST and become God’s TRUSTEE. Trust here refers to a legal arrangement whereby the trustee is given the control or administrative power over another person’s money or estate to manage for the benefit of the owner. A trustee of a fund acts as the legal owner of the entrusted money and is responsible for handling any form of transaction related to the fund held in trust, and distributing it according to the terms of the trust. He is called an Agent, or a Fund Manager.
It will interest you to know that wealth in the Kingdom of God is given in trust. For a man to become God’s Fund Manager, he has to pass the TRUST TEST. To qualify for the true prosperity that will not lead you away from God, you have to be proved worthy and faithful. It is a heart test. To be wealthy as a child of God goes beyond what your effort can provide. It is given by God and you act as the legal owner of the entrusted fund. You must handle and distribute it according to God’s terms. Until God proves your faithfulness in this manner he will not empower you (Duet. 8:18).
To pass the TRUST TEST you must be a proven, committed and consistent tithe payer. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). The first reason God instituted the Covenant of Tithing is to prove our fear of the Lord. Without the fear of the Lord you cannot act as His trustee. “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant” (Psalm 25:14).
Secondly, to become God’s trustee, you must be a proven KINGDOM INVESTOR. God’s primary purpose for the coming economic revolution in favour of the Church is for the expansion of the kingdom of heaven on the earth. “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; ‘My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad’” (Zech. 1:17). When this purpose is pursued with clear understanding and commitment, you become a financial wonder to yourself, irrespective of your career, profession, age or sex. The more you invest your resources for the furtherance of God’s kingdom the more access God grants you to the hidden riches in secret places, and the treasures of darkness according to Isaiah 45:3. It is not in the volume you communicate per time that matters but the heart with which you release your resources. Please read 1Chron. 29:1-9 and see the secret of David becoming the man after God’s heart.
MEMORY VERSE: Act 4:34-35: “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”
PRAYER: Father, in the Name of Jesus, give me a heart that pants after you that I might qualify to become Your Trustee.
November 18, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 18, 2024
BECOMING A PART OF THE COMING ECONOMIC REVOLUTION
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3).
On the day of Pentecost, Peter said it was the sign of the last days. Without doubt, over two thousand years later, we should be in the last of the last days. Isaiah saw the Church on top of every other political and socio-economic organizations in the last days, and all nations running to the Church for the solutions to their problems. The mountains the prophet was talking about are organizations like the UN, World Bank, EU, Chatham House, AU, ECOWAS, etc. In this end time, the Church will stand out above, and on top of these institutions. As nations look unto these organizations for economic support now, in a short while, the attention of nations will shift to the Church for helps. The Church will virtually take over their economic function in all nations!
What then could be a common factor among all nations that can draw a worldwide attention to the Church like that?
ECONOMIC POWER! Economic Power is the only unifying force that can turn the world’s attention in one direction. The language and the impact of money is the same in all nations. The influence of money is the same in both the developed and the emerging economies. God is going to turn the world’s attention to Himself before the second coming of Christ using economic power. That is why the new phase of the world economy is that of the Kingdom of God. It’s going to be a big revolution bringing money to the Church! You will not miss your place in the mighty name of Jesus! Now, what must you do to be a part?
FOCUS YOUR EYES ON GOD AS YOUR SOURCE OF UNLIMITED SUPPLY
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Heb. 12:2-3). If you have any alternative source other than the LORD Jehovah, you cannot access the silver and the gold He is transferring from the world into the Church. If you’re looking unto Him let it be Him alone. “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (Mat. 6:22).
Do not focus on your own limited scarce resources: Salary, Savings, Business investments, etc. Do not look unto your human connections like government officials, or rich relatives as your source. These can easily disappoint you. For “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited” (Jer. 17:5-6). If this is what you are doing now, repent and ask for God’s forgiveness.
God wants you to totally depend on Him. Believe and trust Him to meet all your needs supernaturally. Do not look unto any man as your source, rather let God use any man as His channel to meet your needs. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (Jer. 17:7-8). When God becomes truly your source you will not fill the heat of any economic meltdown.
MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 121:1-2: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I make You my everlasting source of help. You are my Great Provider. I will always look unto you for the supply of all my needs, in the name of Jesus.
November 17, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 17, 2024
AN UNSTOPPABLE ECONOMIC REVOLUTION
Without doubt, the world has started to experience the heat prophesied by Malachi the Prophet that the earth shall burn as an oven: “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch” (Malachi 4:1). The present day worldwide economic situation of inflation and financial hardship is undeniable. Nevertheless, do not be afraid. In the midst of it all, the Covenant keeping God said, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 4:2-3).
This shows that in these difficult times Jesus (the Sun of righteousness) will step in and heal our difficult financial situations and we will continue to prosper and flourish in the midst of abject misery.
Another promise of God for the last days: “Before long I will shake heaven and earth, land and sea. I will overthrow all the nations, and their treasures will be brought here, and the Temple will be filled with wealth. All the silver and gold of the world is mine. The new Temple will be more splendid than the old one, and there I will give my people prosperity and peace. The LORD Almighty has spoken” (Haggai 2:6-9 GNB). This prosperity is supernatural, not stolen wealth. To gain access requires divine guidance (Isaiah 45:2-3).
“I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” The gates of brass is what Psalm 24 calls everlasting doors, OLAM (Hebrew). When the gates of brass are broken in pieces and the Iron bolts cut in sunder, God grants you access in trust to the “Treasures of darkness”, OTSAR CHOSHEK (Hebrew). Darkness here does not depict evil. [The Hebrew word CHOSHEK translated as darkness is the same as ignorance]. So, Otsar Choshek is not evil money. It refers to a depository or a cellar/warehouse full of treasures that are out of people’s knowledge. It is wealth stacked away for God’s covenant people in a vault that the people of the world know nothing about (Shout Hallelujah!).
God will grant you access also to the “Hidden Riches of Secret Places”, MATMON MISTAR (Hebrew). It refers to wealth properly concealed, and hidden for an appointed time when it will be needed. Remember 1Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” That is MATMON MISTAR!
Oil money will soon stop with the ongoing advent of clean energy research. Economic alchemy will soon start in the hands of ordinary people (Turning trash into treasure). No matter the level of corruption in the world, the wealth and riches that God has reserved for the Church, can never be touched or stolen.
GREATEST NEED IN CHURCH TODAY: The greatest need in the Body of Christ today is for Christians to experience financial breakthrough with a permanent financial turnaround in their lives. This is God’s final agenda, in preparation for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the new phase of the world economy. The Lord told me that “The new phase of the world economy shall be that of the Kingdom of God.” All attention must be turned to the Church before the trumpet of the arch angel sounds to announce the second coming of the Son of man as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3).
Any power that will turn the world’s attention to Christ must be have a universal grip on all nations. Political power cannot turn the world’s attention because it is not possible for all nations to be ruled by the same political ideology.
Military power cannot turn the world’s attention because most nations today are against military rule. Technological power cannot do so either, because the ethnicity in technology is too vast, creating enmity between nations. Example, USA vs Russia; USA vs North Korea; USA vs Iran; USA vs China. One World Religion cannot work because the battle for religious dominance is what has taken away peace from the world today.
What then could be a common factor among all nations that can draw a worldwide attention without bias?
ECONOMIC POWER is the only force that can turn the world’s attention in one direction. The language and the impact of money is the same in all nations. The influence of money is the same in both the developed and the emerging economies. There is a very strong symbiotic relationship between the developed economies and the emerging economies. They need each other in the market place. God is going to turn the world’s attention to Himself before the second coming of Christ using economic power. That is why the new phase of the world economy is that of the Kingdom of God. It’s going to be a big revolution bringing money to the Church! Get ready to take your place in it and be a full partaker, in the mighty name of Jesus.
MEMORY VERSE: (Isaiah 2:2) “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.”
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, go before me, break in pieces every everlasting door leading to my financial destiny and grant me access to the “Treasures of darkness” and to the “Hidden Riches of Secret Places”. I want to be part of the forthcoming Economic Revolution.
November 16, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 16, 2024
THE REWARDS OF PAYING TITHE (
This part ( of our exposition of the Rewards of Paying Tithe is the concluding part of this series. I believe strongly that if you have been following the series all these days that God must have visited you with so much light that no anti-tithe agent will ever confuse you any more to sway you away from this old path of truth. Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” The old paths are the good ways. Modern paths can lead you to destruction. Follow the old path that have been proved to be safe, and you will not need to wonder what the destination will look like. Paying tithe faithfully like Abraham is one of the good old paths that leads to supernatural abundance.
of our exposition of the Rewards of Paying Tithe is the concluding part of this series. I believe strongly that if you have been following the series all these days that God must have visited you with so much light that no anti-tithe agent will ever confuse you any more to sway you away from this old path of truth. Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” The old paths are the good ways. Modern paths can lead you to destruction. Follow the old path that have been proved to be safe, and you will not need to wonder what the destination will look like. Paying tithe faithfully like Abraham is one of the good old paths that leads to supernatural abundance.“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:10-12). The last of the blessings of paying tithe in this passage of Scripture is that: FUND IS MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE WORK OF THE LORD.
Apart from the blessings that accrue to the individuals that tithe, the Church or the Gospel Ministry is blessed. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house.” Jesus calls the Gospel work “My Father’s Business.” No business thrives without adequate funding. As I always say, money is the wing upon which the Gospel flies, from Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the earth. Without funds, Ministry is crippled. God is aware of this fact. That is why He says in Zechariah 1:17, “My city through prosperity shall be spread abroad”. Tithe is one of the sources of Church income. The more the members prosper, the richer the Church also should become.
Every Pastor over a local Church should understand the Covenant of Kingdom Prosperity, practice it and prove God with his personal testimonies, and teach the people how to walk with God in their finances so they can prosper.
This is very vital in this dispensation that God says the new phase of the World Economy shall be that of the Kingdom of God. The time of the proud and the wicked is fast running out. The righteous are about to take the executive positions in the market places. The red carpet is already rolled out. Arise and shine for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you! Pay your tithes regularly so there will be steady flow of fund into the ministry for the work of the Lord. Preaching the Gospel is a very expensive project.
Think of any aspect of the Father’s Business: Running the Local Church, Street Evangelism, Open Air Crusade, sending Missionaries to Foreign Mission, running Para-Ministry Projects like Schools, Medical Centres, Orphanages, etc., all require heavy expenditures. Where will money come from to fund these projects? Certainly, from God, but through the hands of His children. That is why He says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house.” When your Ministry is doing exploits, you too will be so happy and proud to be a part. As you are part of the growth of your Local Church, God returns back to you all your contributions in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.
There is this interesting testimony I read in one of Kenneth E. Hagin’s books that will inspire anyone to relentlessly pay his tithe without hesitations. Let me summarise it here in brief.
There was a man that came to his Church with his family. His wife was saved but he was not. This man was a contractor and in partnership with another man who also was not a believer, but his wife was. During one of their projects, they ran into trouble and their business was at the verge of collapse. Their banker advised them to declare bankruptcy. The first man then told his partner, “If we will start paying our tithes and giving offerings, I believe God will prosper us”. The partner agreed and they started sending their tithes to their wives Churches respectively. As soon as these unsaved men began to apply the Law of Tithing, Kenneth E. Hagin testified that in thirty days’ time, their business turned around, and was “out of the red and the black”.
A few months later, this first man bought out his partner and got all his employers to pay tithe. A year later, God saved the man, and filled him with the Holy Spirit with evidence in speaking with other tongues! At that time, it was discovered through the records that sixty percent of the Church income came from this man and his workers. Incredible! Isn’t it?
Spiritual laws will work for anybody whether saved or not saved. Please, engage God’s Law of Tithing and you will prosper, no matter where you are, no matter who you are, and no matter the economic state of your nation.
MEMORY VERSE: 2Chronicles 20:20b
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, open for me the floodgates of heaven and let it rain upon my land. I promise to remain faithful in my tithes and offerings. Make me one of Your trustees to be a channel through which funds are released for the expansion of Your Kingdom on earth, as long as the Jesus tarries.
November 15, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 15, 2024
THE REWARDS OF PAYING TITHE (7)
Today, we continue with the exploration on the rewards of paying tithe as we look at one more blessing that God promised all tithe payers in the book of Malachi. All the blessings discussed so far were not from my head. They are all in the statements God Himself revealed to us through the book of Prophet Malachi (3:10-12). “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.”
From the above passage, we have discussed so far about six Blessings. These include: Breaking of the Curse of Poverty, Open Heaven Experience, Blessings Beyond Measure, Preservation of Your Investments, No Miscarriage of Opportunities, and Divine Favour. There are two more that I want to discuss before we move on to other issues concerning Christian Finance.
GOD’S BLESSING ANNOUNCES YOU TO THE WORLD: “And all nations shall call you blessed.” Dr. David Oyedepo once said, “Those who look for fame end up in the flame.” If you look at history, you would discover that the people who truly became famous in their lives never sought for fame. They were busy seeking for how they could make life better for others and how to make the world a better place to live in. In the process of pursing their dreams, they became famous (Psalm 74:5).
Nothing brings fame more than the pursuit of a divine course. Every divine course targets meeting the needs of humanity, and the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth. With tithes, Gospel Ministries are able to solve a lot of human problems both in the Church, and in the society. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meet in mine house…, and all nation shall call you blessed.” The Contemporary English Version of the Bible puts the last statement this way, “Everyone of every nation will talk about how I have blessed you.” Why should everyone in every nation talk about you? Because your blessings will be a public news!
Tithing is done quietly in the secret, just in the same way you give your normal offerings to God. However, when the windows of heaven open over your life, the blessings will command public attention; for “thy father which seeth in the secret Himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:4). God’s rewards bring fame because what comes from the heaven’s windows are usually superabundant; far beyond your natural ability can produce. Hence, people will notice that your substances are beyond what you have the capacity to achieve. And you know people love talking about extra-ordinary things a lot. So, they must surely talk about how God is blessing you. People will see it in the way you live and through your contributions to the needs of the Kingdom and other people around you. These bring glory and honour to the name of the Lord.
After Solomon gave a thousand offering in one service and God blessed him, the Bible says “and his fame was in all nations round about” (1 Kings 4:31). Be consistent in your financial covenant obligations. When the heavens open, everyone around you shall know that the foolishness of God is wiser than men. Listen, very soon, everyone around you will start talking about how God is blessing you! You will not beg to be known, God’s blessings will announce you to the world!
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 3: 9-10
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grant me enough grace to be consistent in my Financial Covenant Obligations, no matter what the economy looks like in the world; thereby laying up in store for myself a good foundation against the time to come, in the name of Jesus (1Tim. 6:17-19).
November 14, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 14, 2024
THE REWARDS OF PAYING TITHE (6)
If you have been following this series of teaching on this life transforming Biblical economic principle of true wealth, I want to say a big congratulations to you for your diligence and commitment to understand the true ways of God. In the book of Isaiah 55:8-9, it is written, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Thinking the way God thinks, and walking in the ways of God is the secret of true greatness on earth. This is what is called Wisdom. “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1Cor. 2:13-14).
Wisdom, which is simply the thoughts and the ways of God, is foolishness to a natural man and he cannot understand it. This is why Jesus emphatically recommended that a man must be born again before he can see (understand) the Kingdom of God. Paying of tithe is one of the ways God has ordained for man to access the wealth of heaven on the earth. Only spiritual men understand it. Now, let’s look at another reward of paying tithe.
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts,… And all nations shall call you blessed: for YE SHALL BE A DELIGHTSOME LAND, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:10-12). People that pay tithe faithfully ENJOY THE HERITAGE OF DIVINE FAVOUR.
This Divine Favour releases the original oil upon man in the Garden of Eden. Eden in Hebrew language means “Delight”! “A delightsome land” means a land like Eden, a land which the LORD delights in. The word of God says, “A faithful man shall abound with blessing” (Proverbs 28:20). This is just the story of a tither. Tithing turns you to the Lord’s delight. When God delights in you, your struggles have ended! Divine favour becomes your heritage. When God’s favour locates you, doors open to you on their own accord. Without favour, no man can make it to the top. Favour is the Lift that escalates men from the ground floor to the top floor of success plaza. When you are in a Lift, you are automatically free from the stress of climbing the staircase. Favour helps us to jump several natural steps to the top!
Jesus, the Son of God, in His form as a man, couldn’t succeed in His earthly ministry without favour (Luke 2:52). As God sent Him into the world so has He also sent us into the world (John 20:21). Without the favour of God in our lives, life on earth will be full of crisis. Psalm 30:5 says, “In His favour is life.” If you are out of favour with God, life holds no meaning for you anymore. You cannot run the race of life beyond where your efforts can take you. You need more than efforts to enjoy financial freedom. “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Ecc. 9:11). It is the favour of God that makes the time and chance (opportunities) to fall to you in pleasant places.
Favour was the secret behind the success of our fathers in the Faith: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Naturally, these fathers of faith were not perfect. In the Bible, you would read about their natural character traits. Some of them told lies, others committed adultery, cheated or even murdered the innocent, yet God walked with them and prospered them. When God delights in a man, He often overlooks his weaknesses.
I am not saying that when God delights in you, sin is no longer sin. I am simply portraying how magnanimous God’s love is towards the faithful. We cannot continue to sin while grace abounds. Tithe automatically puts us in the same realm of favour with which God favoured Abraham and all the other Generals in the Bible.
Please read the Prophecy in Isaiah 51:1-3. God wants to do for us today what he did for Abraham many, many years ago. “I called him alone and blessed him”. It is better to walk alone with God than to walk with multitudes without God. When you connect with the favour of God, God turns your waste places into places of comfort. Your waste places are areas of life where shame and reproach had been your identity. These are areas where you have been visited with failures and losses; areas where you took wrong steps and you landed in trouble. Some of these events are experiences of life that you may not like to remember.
One simple favour of God upon your life is able to wipe away the memories of those old bad days out of your life. Israel was in slavery in Egypt for 430 years. Through favour from above, their slavery ended abruptly one night; and their darkness was turned into a bright noonday!
A slave has no property of his own; rather, he himself is someone else’s property. The day Israel was freed from slavery, they left Egypt with the entire wealth of the nation! “And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians” (Exo. 12:36).
This very day I declare to you, “You are going to experience an instant divine intervention in your finances, and it is right now,” in Jesus’ name!
When a man in a desert-life-experience collides with God’s favour, every dryness in his life is converted to a wetland. This has been my story ever since Jesus saved me and taught me the Tithe Law. I pray that your eyes will be opened to see beyond the physical, so you can zealously cling to this life transforming principle of tithing. You will become the next living witness that God is not a man that He should lie. We connect the Abrahamic order of favour through tithing; so, pay your tithe.
MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 44:3
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I tap into the depth of favour You bestowed upon Abraham and his progeny. Let that favour separate me completely from the economic hardship descending upon this nation to serve You better, in Jesus’ name.
November 13, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 13, 2024
THE REWARDS OF PAYING TITHE (5)
NO INVESTMENTS MISCARRIAGE
TEXT: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:10-11).
Our Papa, Bishop David Oyedepo said, “No man doubts proofs. Only a fool doubts proofs” I am not teaching about tithe because I read it from a book or because my Pastor preached it in the church. Yes, I heard my Pastor preached it in the Church and I read it in books; nevertheless, I am teaching it because I have proved it in my personal life. John the beloved apostle said, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us” (1John 1:1, 3). Before we end this series on the benefits of paying tithe, I will be able to share my story in brief. Tithe broke the chain of generational poverty in my life.
The sixth reward of paying tithe is the prevention of miscarriage in your investment. Yes, miscarriage. That is what I mean. Don’t you know that as human beings experience abortion or miscarriage after some weeks or months of conception, business deals also can experience abortion before it reaches the time the investor is expected to drag in the returns?
When your vine or any tree you have in the orchard begins to cast her fruits before the time, something is wrong. You are being deprived of the joy and the benefit of harvesting the fruits on that tree. Your labour in nurturing and keeping parasites away from the plant has become a waste. No one likes that.
When this happens to crops and trees, sometimes you cannot tell the reason, except you are a botanical expert. In business, I have heard many people complain bitterly how they were about signing some contract deals but at the last minute the deal was given to another contractor. Somebody once told me a story of how he went to the market and prepared a Bill of Quantity for a project following the great assurance the man in charge of the job gave him that he would be given the job. After submitting his quotations, the man disappointed him. His quotation was given to another man to make the supplies. This is an abortion! It is a business miscarriage.
This kind of challenge is what the Lord is talking about in Malachi Chapter three verse eleven. “…neither shall thine vine cast her fruit before the time.” If a fruit falls down from its branch before it is ripe, the fruit is aborted. The same way, if a business transaction is terminated before the businessman could lay hold of his profits, the business is said to have been aborted. God is aware of this. If you are a tither, He assures you of His personal involvement with you; to see to it that all the negotiations, quotations and proposals you make in business scale through in the face of all odds. When you are a tither, they don’t need to like your face, your papers must be signed.
One of our engineers testified how the contract he was pursuing could not be approved until power changed hands and another political power took over the seat of power. Hence, all the people he was hoping to sign the contract were no longer in the office. His fear was that this new government may not approve the job that the previous government initiated. Being a faithful tither he put his hope in God and pursued the contract to the end. At the end, the new government did not only approve the job, they on their own, suggested to our brother that the contract be rewritten in dollars instead of the unstable local currency, so he would not lose at the end of the day. Wow! This is a miracle! “…neither shall thine vine cast her fruit before the time.”
Faithful tithers experience God’s hand in their affairs on constant basis. As you get committed to paying your tithe faithfully, none of your businesses nor dreams and visions shall be aborted anymore, in the name of Jesus! So, pay your tithe.
MEMORY VERSE: Malachi 3:11
PRAYER: Father, I commit my investments into your hand. Let none of my efforts suffer near-success syndrome in the name of Jesus. At the end of every business cycle let me see good profits in Jesus’ name.
November 12, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 12, 2024
THE REWARDS OF PAYING TITHE (4)
TEXT: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).
As we continue our exploration of the rewards of paying tithe, I want to warn you against those preaching against the covenant of tithing on Facebook and other Social Media platforms to destroy people’s faith in this eternal promise of God to distinguish between the wicked and the righteous in this hard times. It is a law that no man can change. It does not respect the economic condition of any nation. It has been in operation before the era of Moses. What do we benefit from paying tithes to God?
GOD PRESERVES YOUR INVESTMENTS: “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground” (Malachi 3:11). Your tithe is an instrument of spiritual warfare. In this world, men fight with a lot of unseen forces. If a man is not properly equipped with adequate spiritual weapons of war, defeat is inevitable.
Devourer here means any factor that destroys investments. To a farmer, it could be locusts or Fulani herdsmen, like the Medianites in the days of Gideon (Judges 6:3-6), destroying the crops or fire or rodents destroying the farm produce. We have armed robbers, thieves, kidnapers, and all manner of forces of misfortune that out there fighting against men’s progress and prosperity. Faithful paying of tithe guarantees divine intervention when these forces rise up against you.
In Ephesians 6:12-13, the Bible says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Paying your tithes is one of the ways you put on the whole armour of God against the evil days of economic misfortune.
One day, armed robbers invaded an estate and were robbing from house to house. When they reached the flat of one of our brethren, he took his tithe booklet, pushed it under the door to the robbers and told them to look at it very well and they would notice that he was a faithful tither; and told them to move away from his house. Just as the brother said, the robbers never banged at his door again. They left to rob elsewhere.
Jesus said in John 15:2, “And every branch that beareth fruit, he (the Father) purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit”. When you tithe, the Father takes care of all the parasites that affect your full productivity and empowers you for higher yield. When you are a tither, God protects you against Satan, witches and wizards, Money Doublers, 419 syndicates, robber and every other thing that cause wastage and loss of resources. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruit of your ground.”
Ask any experienced farmer, he will tell you that it is not enough to plant your seeds. The crops have to be protected and preserved until the day of harvest. Between the seedtime and harvest, anything can happen. After planting, every farmer prays to God for favourable weather conditions so as to enjoy a bumper harvest at the end of the cycle.
In business, the same agricultural principle of seedtime and harvest applies. Many investors have lost very promising businesses because something went wrong in the process. For some, it’s because of their own carelessness or lack of foresight. Many fell into the hands of dupes without knowing. Sometimes, you meet with wicked and evil men in the process of your business transactions and dealings.
How will you know those who have evil intensions towards you? Except God guides you. The fact that God promises to intervene to preserve the fruits of your labour is a clear indication that there are spiritual and natural forces out there on a mission to destroy your investments. They are the devourers God says He will rebuke for your sake to protect and preserve your investments, if you pay your tithe. Please pay your tithe, you have nothing to lose.
MEMORY VERSE: Ephesians 6: 11
PRAYER: Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, as I pay my tithe, preserve my investments and the fruits of my labour. Rebuke every devourer that attempts to destroy the fruit of my ground, in Jesus’ name.
November 10, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 10, 2024
THE REWARDS OF PAYING TITHE (2)
From yesterday we started exploring the rewards of paying tithe. God threw a big challenge to all His covenant children in Malachi 3:10 where He said, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” The blessings that accrue to a tither are far beyond financial returns. The first reward we discussed yesterday was the breakage of the curse of poverty. The first practical step to end poverty, lack and want in a Believer’s life is to start paying tithe. Let’s see another blessing of paying tithe.
OPEN HEAVEN EXPERIENCE
The moment the curse of poverty with all its attendant misfortunes are broken off your life, the heavens open for you. “…and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of host, if I will not open you the windows of heaven.”
When the windows of heaven open, provisions arrive even before the needs arise! It is an hour of all manner of supernatural provisions. It is an hour of God meeting your needs beyond what you asked for. It is usually sudden and in surplus.
When God opened the windows of heaven in Exodus chapter 16, God rained manna for His people and every family had more than enough each day. (Ex 16:4). When God opened the windows of heaven over Samaria in 2 Kings Chapter Seven, the whole city was delivered from a prolonged famine within 24 hours! In 2 Kings 4:1-7, a poor widow whose children, the late husband used as collateral for a loan were saved from slavery when God opened the window of heaven for her. In Mark chapter 6:41-43, Jesus opened the windows of heaven with thanksgiving and fed five thousand men (excluding women and children) with a lunch park a little boy brought to the crusade ground. The list is inexhaustible. These are the kind of things God had in mind when he said He will open the windows of heaven for the tithe payer.
Talking about the curse of poverty mentioned in the book of Haggai concerning negligence of our duties towards the house of God, the Lord said. “Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew” (Hag. 1:10). When you stop any form of service that contributes to the progress of the house of God, the heaven closes against you. Once there is no more dew from heaven, the resultant effect is dryness—dryness that reaches the bottom of your pockets!
God said, “And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands” (Haggai 1:11). It is a very dangerous thing for someone’s heaven to close. It makes the whole family to go hungry.
If non–payment of tithe closes the heaven, correct payment will certainly open the heaven. What happens when God opens the windows of heaven? The dew of heaven comes down upon your ground and the earth will bring forth her increases. It takes the dews of heaven for the earth to yield her meat. Tithe brings down the dews. Without the dews, no matter the labour of the hand, no matter the skill and the hard work of a man, the struggle continues.
As we continue to walk in obedience, faithfully paying our tithes, and giving sacrificially for the work of the Lord, the dew turns to showers! Ezekiel 34:26 says, “And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.”
To us in the New Testament era, rain represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit. When God opens the windows of heaven for a man, the dew that comes down is first in the form of divine revelation or inspiration directing him to what to do or where to go to experience showers of blessing. As you faithfully pay the tithe of all that God brings your way, be sensitive to the directive and the move of the Holy Spirit in your life. May the Lord help you to pick every signal that comes your way in Jesus’ name. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE: Ezekiel 34:26
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, as I pay my tithe, release the dew of heaven upon me, and let the showers overflow my land before the end of the year.
November 9, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
09 NOVEMBER 2024
THE REWARDS OF PAYING TITHE
The Law of Tithing says: “AND ALL THE TITHE OF THE LAND WHETHER OF THE SEED OF THE LAND OR OF THE FRUIT OF THE TREE IS THE LORD’S. IT IS HOLY UNTO THE LORD” (Leviticus 27:30).
Our own “SEED OF THE LAND OR OF THE FRUIT OF THE TREE” today are our salaries and the returns on our investments. The demand for ten per cent of all income from the people of God is the fundamental economic law that proves their readiness for financial empowerment. It is like when you want a loan from the bank, they will ask you to have a certain minimum amount called equity in your account before you qualify for the facility. The bank is not asking for equity because they don’t have money. They want to establish the fact that the customer has a shared interest in the purpose for the facility and to prove that the customer is financially responsible enough to manage the amount he is demanding from the bank.
Another principle that illustrates why God is asking for ten percent of what He gives to us is the principle of priming a water pump. If you want a water pump to pump out water for you from a well, you must first pour water into the pump before it can pump water for you from the source of the water. Paying tithe is like priming the financial pump of heaven to pour out for you great abundance of blessings.
In the book of Malachi 3:10, God said, “ Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” When we pay our tithes faithfully, what we stand to gain goes far beyond “Give and it shall be given unto you.” Let us look at one of the benefits of paying our tithes.
THE CURSE OF POVERTY IS BROKEN:
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation” (Mal 3:6-9).
Those who don’t pay tithe are considered as thieves in the eyes of God. They are not simple thieves but rated as robbers! The Bible says in Zachariah 5:3-4 that there is a curse that hovers round the surface of the earth, and shall enter the house of the thief. As tax-invaders are charged as stealing from Government, in the same manner, God also charges tithe–invaders as stealing from the house of God. Both suffer the consequences of the Law. Tithe-invaders suffer the curse God pronounced upon thieves. When you refuse to pay tithe, you are depriving the house of God of the required revenue needed for the work of God. Such a Christian is on a long journey to the land of poverty. Listen to this:
“Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; consider your ways. “Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.
Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house. Therefore, the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit. And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands” (Haggai 1:5-6, 9-11).
This is the curse that follows those who refuse to pay tithe, thereby denying the House of God of needed resources to run the Father’s business. It is a curse of abject poverty! This curse is already flying all over the surface of the earth waiting for the disobedient. If you have not been paying tithe, read through the above scriptures carefully, they might simply be describing your present financial situation. Repent and return to God what you have been stealing or robbing from Him, and the curse of poverty shall be broken and you will find rest for your soul.
MEMORY VERSE: Malachi 3:10
PRAYER: Father, by my obedience to the Tithe Law, let the curse of poverty be broken forever in my life, and let poverty be totally crushed from my lineage in the name of Jesus.
November 8, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
08 NOVEMBER 2024
THE TITHE LAW (2)
Brethren, there are people who claim to be Preachers of the Gospel who are aiding the Gates of Hell today, discouraging people from paying tithe. They are on the internet and on the Social Media every day. Don’t follow them! Do not let them deceive you and lead you astray. Paying of Tithe is the master key that unlocks the windows of heaven for an outpouring of abundance on the covenant people of God. It is as current as it was in the days of Abraham. It is not an Old Testament doctrine. If tithing is an Old Testament doctrine that has no relevance in the New Testament, then blessings are also an Old Testament stuff and should not be looked for in the New Testament. Paying of tithe existed far before Moses’ era! Tithing is an inescapable covenant responsibility for anybody that wants to access the true wealth and prosper on earth as a true child of God.
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, ‘Wherein have we robbed thee?’ In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation” (Malachi 3:8-9). Scriptures cannot be broken.
If you don’t pay tithe you are judged as a robber, and God places you under a curse! No matter what you give to God and to the poor, if you are not a tither, the curse still remains. If you pay only part and not all the tithe, the curse still remains.
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). Without tithing, your heaven remains closed and things will remain tight; except you are not a child of God.
Please hear this. You can get wealth outside God, but the Bible says: “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool” (Jer. 17:11). Men may celebrate a wealthy man who is an unbeliever as a great men, but God looks at him as a fool! Wealth outside Christ is dangerous! Jesus said, “Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:24-25). Therefore, never say, because unbelievers are rich without paying tithe, you too don’t need to pay tithe. You are in the world but not of the world; therefore, walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
Please understand that tithe is not an offering. It is a debt that must be paid. It is neither a sacrifice; you are simply returning to God what is not yours in the first place. God puts that 10% there to test your faithfulness and trust in Him. That’s why He refers to those who do not pay tithe as ROBBERS! “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD” (Leviticus 27:30). Ten per cent of all your income and business profits belong to God. It is holy unto the LORD. If you keep that holy thing, you have robbed God of the opportunity to bless you beyond your limit.
Therefore, it is nothing to celebrate when you pay tithe, because, that portion was not yours originally. However, your obedience opens for you the windows of heaven. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).
People claim that tithe is not mentioned in the New Testament because they don’t read their Bible enough. Jesus Himself said people ought to pay tithe but that should not be at the expense of the pursuit of justice and mercy. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:23). So, beware of false preachers and false teachers who go about preaching what people want to hear with itching ears. The Gospel of the Kingdom is neither Psychology nor motivational speaking. It is the truth that sanctifies the Believers (John 17:17).
MEMORY VERSE: Malachi 3:10
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, let the knowledge of the truth set me free from the mental bondage of poverty. Grant me the grace to embrace the truth, to live by the truth and experience your blessings, in Jesus’ name.
November 7, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
07 NOVEMBER 2024
THE TITHE LAW
Bishop Dennis Leonard said in his book, Keys to Financial Freedom, that only “Few Christians have prepared themselves to be blessed according to the way the Word of God says they should be blessed. Many haven’t made themselves ready for the blessing that God desires to give them”.
For financial prosperity, a Christian prepares and makes himself ready for blessings by obeying the law of tithing. It is this law that prepares the Believer for the immeasurable and durable riches God has promised His people this end time.
The Law of tithing says: “AND ALL THE TITHE OF THE LAND WHETHER OF THE SEED OF THE LAND OR OF THE FRUIT OF THE TREE IS THE LORD’S. IT IS HOLY UNTO THE LORD” (Leviticus 27:30).
Tithe simply means the tenth part or ten percent of the whole. That is to say, TEN PER CENT of all increases God puts in your hand should be returned to God. The demand for ten per cent of all income from the people of God is the fundamental economic law that proves the Believer’s readiness for financial empowerment.
It is like when you want a facility from the bank, they will ask you to provide, say, 30% equity before you qualify for the loan. God is not asking us to return ten per cent of what He blesses us with because He lacks. Neither does He need our money. It is to prove our readiness to receive from Him the power to create wealth.
He said in Psalm 50:9-15, “I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Psalm 50:9-15).
God is a spirit. He created the whole universe by His Word. Whatever He needs, He only needs to speak forth and they are created. God can never be in need. Psalm 24:1 says, “The world and all that is in it belong to the LORD; the earth and all who live on it are his.” We just read from Psalm 50 above, where God said in verse 12: “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.” If He asks us to bring anything, it is for our good. He said, “All the silver and gold of the world is mine” (Hag. 2:8 GNB). At any point in time, God can provide for Himself what He wants. When God asks for the tenth part of all our increases, it is so He can prove us in order to place us at the right economic platform.
“Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed that the field bringeth forth year by year. … that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.” (Dt. 14:22-23).
Tithing is a proof of the fear of the Lord in your heart. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the foundation of divine wisdom (Prov. 9:10) and Wisdom is the mother of wealth.
Wisdom says, “I love them that love me and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honor are with me, yea, durable riches and righteousness. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment; that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance and I will fill their treasures” (Proverbs 8:17-21). Supernatural wisdom is the foundation of supernatural wealth. Tithing is God’s way of locating those who possess this wisdom. If you lack this supernatural wisdom you cannot access supernatural wealth.
Men will call you foolish when you walk in this covenant sense, but God will say you are wise. Those who think they are smarter than God and say, tithing is an Old Testament doctrine, which is no more relevant under the New Testament, are only demonstrating their depth of ignorance. Please, quit such company and enter a new level of covenant economic power with God. Pay your tithes.
“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day” (Deut. 8:18). Ten percent of every income that comes your way is the Lord’s. It is a holy thing. If you eat it, you place yourself under the curse of the Lord, which no prophet can disannul. It is the key to your economic empowerment.
MEMORY VERSE: Malachi 3:10
PRAYER: Father, open for me the windows of heaven and pour your blessings upon me in abundance. Never allow satan to touch my finances in the name of Jesus.
November 6, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
06 November 2024
INTRODUCING THE TITHE LAW
A law is a system of rules, regulations and codes of conduct that everyone in a society or nation must obey. This could also refer to a particular rule that deals with a particular issue in the society, for example, the Tax Law, Marriage Law, etc. The purpose of law is to balance individual freedom with common good, establishing stability, fairness and justice within the society.
Right from the day God created man and put him in the Garden of Eden with a defined assignment, God established a relationship with man. This relationship was not a “Do what you like” kind of relationship. There were things to do, and punishment for doing the wrong thing. What is that? That is the rule of Law.
When the Israelites came out of Egypt, before they went far, God sent Moses to them with a system of rules that everyone must obey. This is referred to as “The Law of Moses” or “The Code of the Covenant”. All those who attempted to violate the instructions therein paid dearly for their disobedience, which in some cases, resulted in the death of the offenders.
Jesus referring to that system of rules said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever, therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever, shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:17-19). Jesus did not come to cancel or nullify the system of rules that govern God’s relationship with His people; rather, He came to fulfill that system.
To fulfill literally means to “fill until it is full”. That is, to fully realize a purpose; to accomplish a goal perfectly. Therefore, Jesus came to perfect the Law. He came to make the Law full, living no gaps or imperfection in it. You can read a lot of that in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 to 7).
The Bible does not only show us the way to heaven, it also shows us the things to do in order to enjoy a prosperous life on earth in order to fulfill our glorious destinies. To enjoy that, there are sets of rules that a Believer must know, understand and practice. Ignorance of the ways of God could be very devastating to the pursuit of destiny and fulfillment of purpose. In Isaiah 5:13 the Bible says, “Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.”
One of the laws that guide our relationship with God is the law of tithing. When something is a law, it means, it is not a subject of debate or negotiation. You either obey and be blessed or disobey and suffer the consequences. The tithe law governs our economic relationship with God and it is non-negotiable! Whether a man believes it or not, God cannot change it. It is a law. This law had been on earth and had guided many into true prosperity over many years from generation to generation before the era of Moses. So it is far older than the Law of Moses.
This understanding is very important because many Christians, including Preachers, take the Tithe Law to be an Old Testament stuff that is no longer relevant in today’s Christian life. This is one of the doctrines of the devil this end time to deny God’s children access to the new phase of the world economy which is that of the Kingdom of God. If you consider it as part of the Law of Moses, then it is part of what Jesus came to perfect and not to destroy. The only thing Jesus took away by His death on the cross at Calvary to perfect the Law of Moses is the Curse of the Law. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith”(Galatians 3:13-14).
My prayer is for God to open your understanding to receive the master key that will unlock the windows of heaven for you and secure your covenant economic destiny, as the darkness is rapidly covering the earth, and the earth is at the same time burning as an oven (Isaiah 60:1; Malachi 4:1). We will talk more about this Law in more details from tomorrow.
MEMORY VERSE: Luke 11:42
PRAYER: Father, give me a good understanding and bring you into an everlasting financial favour with You as I learn to walk in the Covenant of Supernatural Prosperity, in Jesus name.
November 5, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
05 NOVEMBER 2024
SUPPORTING THE NEEDY
We have already learnt that Love is the basis for the Covenant of Prosperity. It is anchored on the Law of Seedtime and Harvest; which is also called the Law of Giving and Receiving. We are enjoined first and foremost to love God as a priority in life; but the acid test of our love for God is our obedience to the second Great Commandment: “Love thy neighbour as thyself.” Loving people is to hold them dear to your heart, value them, and passionately desire their good and go all out to make life better for them as you would do for yourself.
God’s reward system is anchored on love towards others, especially those that need our support to find their footings in life. Jesus gave a very frightful picture of what will happen on the last day. He said: “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:31-40).
He continued in verses 41-46: “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Christianity is responsibility. It is a lifestyle of caring. It is to go about doing good as Jesus did (Act 10:38). That is why we are called Christians. We are the extension of God’s heart and hand to the world. This is one of the master keys to our supernatural prosperity. “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse” (Pro. 28:2). Giving to the poor attracts direct reward from the Lord. “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again” (Pro. 19:17). When God will pay again, you know, it will be in good measure, pressed down, and shaken together! (Luke 6:38).
Supporting the needy is one of the seals of our security in this wicked world. “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies” (Psalm 41:1-2).
Paul admonished pastors over different Assemblies to “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1Timothy 6:17-19). Don’t wait until you have plenty of money before you consider yourself rich. You must treat the covenant as a rich man way before you see riches. That is how God operates. He calls what does not exist as if they were! (Rom. 4:17). No matter your size and level, begin to take steps in communicating to the poor and the needy from today.
Giving is not Losing, Giving is gaining. Giving is financial breathing. When you stop giving, you die financially.
“He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 19:17
PRAYER: Father, in the Name of Jesus, fill my heart with love and compassion towards the less privilege members of the society, especially members of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).
November 4, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 04 2024
OUR OFFERING IS OUR WORSHIP (2)
In African Traditional Religion inside which most of us, adults in this generation were born, we can recall how our fathers used to offer chicken, goats, new yam, palm wine, etc., to the spirits of their forefathers and other spirits they believed were guarding their communities. We were reminded yesterday of the Old Testament way of worshiping Yahweh also, the true God, with animals and food as offerings. These all point to the fact that offerings are recognized modes of worship in the spirit realm and have great impact on human activities in this world.
We looked at one of the ways we give to the Almighty God yesterday in the form of Free Will Offerings, which is now part of our regular worship in the New Testament. Today, I want us to look at another way we give to the invisible God as we walk with Him in the Covenant of Kingdom Prosperity. This is by sowing into Kingdom Projects.
SOWING INTO KINGDOM PROJECTS: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass… and let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it” (Exodus 25:1-3, 8-9).
God told Moses, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering.” What is the purpose of the offering? “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” The offering was for the construction of a tabernacle, a house of God. For us today, it would be a church building project. Church building projects are God’s ordained projects for the prosperity of His people. This was why Moses told the people, “This is the thing which the LORD commanded, whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD” (Exodus 35:4-5). The set man or the Project Committee in the Assembly must be careful with any project offerings raised by the congregation. It must be used for the purpose for which the fund was raised. Project Offerings are not for personal use. The purpose must not be changed, because it is “an offering of the Lord.”
Because of understanding and their love for the Lord, the people’s response was unusually amazing! “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments” (Exodus 35:21). After a while the people have to be stopped from bringing further offering because the materials were becoming too much for the project.
“And they spake unto Moses, saying, ‘The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.’ And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, ‘Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.’ So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much” (Ex. 36:5-7).
Can this happen again in our time, that after a project was declared that the fund raised would become too much for the work and people would have to be stopped from further contribution? Well, with God all things are possible but very rare nowadays. Anytime we have opportunity to give for a Kingdom project, we must count it a great privilege. It is one of the major ways of securing our financial future.
The later younger generation of the people of Israel did not have this understanding their fathers had. Hence, they did not care when God’s house was falling apart, and they suffered for it. Now read in your Bible the following passages. Haggai 1:2-15; Ezra 5:1-2. When the people saw that their financial predicament was because they neglected the house of God, they rose to build, and they began to prosper!
“And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo” (Ezra 6:14). Let us follow the testimonies of these old followers of God and not what many charlatans are preaching on the social media today against the truth, deceiving themselves and leading weak Christians astray far from the truth.
MEMORY VERSE: Ezra 6:14
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, strengthen my hands to get involved in the project of the Kingdom. Prosper my business so that I can have the capacity to sponsor various projects for the expansion of Your Kingdom. Amen
November 3, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 03 2024
OUR OFFERING IS OUR WORSHIP
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:
for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).
Yesterday we learnt about giving to God and for the sake of the Gospel. God is a spirit and not a man, so how do we give to a person we cannot see? When people gave to God in the Old Testament, their gift was called an offering. Offering to God was a major way they worshipped Yahweh. Their offering then was in form of animals and grains and oil. What they ate as their regular meal was what they offered to God. Today, our offerings too is a powerful expression of our devotion to God. However, after Jesus offered Himself on the cross as the Lamb of God, His sacrifice ended the era of slaughtering animals to God as offering. We offer to God now whatever He lays in our heart to give to Him. To make things easy, the Church has established from the days of the apostles to offer to God part of His blessings in our hands; particularly part of our earnings and gains from our businesses. This is why our offerings nowadays are mostly in form of cash (physical or electronic).
FREE WILL OFFERING: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Cor. 16:2). This is the origin of the weekly offerings every Sunday morning during Sunday Worship Services in various Assemblies or Churches worldwide. Some call it Sunday Collections.
This is not too different from what was done in the Old Testament days. God instructed Moses to tell the congregation of Israel: “Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee” (Deut. 16:16-17).
Moses said, “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.” Paul said, “Let everyone of you lay by him in store as God has prospered him.” “Every man” or “Everyone” means every Worshipper. They did not say, “Let the rich among you give or lay aside.” It is “Let everyone of you.” There is no exception; there is no exemption.
Every worshipper is expected to bring offering to God in every Worship Service. Nevertheless, there is no fixed amount that everyone must give. You are to give according to the level to which the Lord has prospered you. It is therefore a free-will offering and not a levy. No one should force you to give an amount you are not willing to give. No one must coerce you to give what you don’t have. It is a willing offering from the heart according to your financial status at the time. Every time you appear before the Lord, be it on Sunday or during your weekly worship hours, always set aside an offering unto the Lord. He said “They shall not appear before the Lord empty.”
Listen, it is not the amount that matters here but whether you are giving according to your level. Free will giving is compared to the Law of Ingestion and Excretion. How much an organism consumes is what determines how much he excretes. According to Bishop Oyedepo’s analysis, an average elephant consumes about 75kg of green and excretes about 40kg of waste material. If the Elephant excretes less than 40kg, the Vet-doctor has to be called immediately to examine the animal for its life is in danger. However, if a Rodent should excrete 4g, no one will bother because it consumes very little compared to that of the Elephant. If you desire a sustained economic growth, increase your offering as you see more prosperity in your life. Unlike tithe which has a fixed rate of 10%, free-will offering has no fixed amount. It is as God has blessed you.
MEMORY VERSE: Galatians 6:7
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, multiply your grace upon me to be found faithful in my financial obligations towards You and the kingdom. Let my offerings be accepted each time as my holy worship before your throne.
November 2, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
NOVEMBER 02 2024
SOWING INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD
“Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity”
(Psalm 118:25)
The first and the most important reason among the various reasons we have studied, regarding why God is sending prosperity to the Church, and prospering His children in this end time is the expansion work of His Kingdom.
Being in the Gospel Ministry now for a few years by the privilege God has given to me, I can confidently tell you that the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is financially intensive. Every aspect of the Gospel, from simple person to person evangelism to church planting and running the local church, organizing seminars, open air Crusades, foreign missions, everything cries out for money!
Before the second coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Gospel of the Kingdom must reach every human soul upon the earth, no matter how remotely the location might be to modern civilization. God knew that this would never be possible without a huge budget. Hence, He Himself declared in Zechariah 1:17, “My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad.” I believe you know that the Body of Christ is now “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, the general assembly and Church of the firstborn” (Heb. 12:22-23).
Without prosperity in the Church, there will not be enough money to spread the Gospel round the world. The Gospel flies on financial wings from city to city and from nation to nation. Since money cannot rain down from the sky, it must come from the pockets of faithful members of the Body of Christ, whom God has proved and trusted enough to be entrusted with this great responsibility.
Biblical Covenant of Giving is in two dimensions: Giving towards God’s Kingdom and towards servicing the needs of mankind. In these dimensions, priority should be given to God and His kingdom endeavours because Jesus said, “Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or, ‘What shall we drink?’ or, ‘Wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:31-33).
In all your affairs, it must be God first. “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:28-30).
Whatever you let go for Jesus’ sake and for the sake of the Gospel, comes back to you, a hundredfold in this life! Investing into the Kingdom of God is the greatest investment in the world! This is why you see many servants of God who have invested all their lives into the Gospel becoming very prosperous, and ignorant people becoming jealous and wagging their tongues and robbing their hearts on the stone! Scripture cannot be broken. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2Cor. 9:6).
Make sowing into the Kingdom of God your financial priority. You lose nothing giving to God.
I am aware that there are many false preachers out there that are abusing this divine program, deceiving and extorting and exploiting innocent people of God for their personal gains. In this regard, I always say to the children of God to shine their eyes and be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit as they search for a true place of worship, so they will not fall into the hands of such false prophets.
Note also that whenever you see photocopies of a document, there is an original copy somewhere. Never allow the numerous gospel photocopies discourage you from investing into the Kingdom. The original gospel of Jesus Christ still exists. Seek for it and you will find it. The new phase of the world economy is that of the Kingdom of God. You will not miss your place in Jesus’ name.
MEMORY VERSE: Zechariah 1:17
PRAYER: Father, entrust unto me your Kingdom resources and make me one of your financial stewards in the vineyard, in the name of Jesus.
November 1, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
01 NOVEMBER 2024
OUR PROSPERITY IS A LOVE COVENANT
“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” (Matthew 22:37-38).
To love is the first and the greatest of all the Commandments of God to man. We are enjoined first and foremost to love God as a priority in life. LOVING GOD is holding God fast in your heart, making His Kingdom issues your topmost priority on earth, and doing all He asks you to do joyfully and willingly.
LOVING PEOPLE is holding people dear to your heart, valuing them, and passionately desiring their wellbeing and going all out to making life better for them. This loving behaviour towards others whom you see is the acid test of your love for God whom you cannot see (1John 4:20). This is the proof of true discipleship. (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 13, 17).
Without practical love for God and the brethren, you are not yet a Christian. God’s judgement/reward is based on how much we love others (Mat. 25:31-46). So, we have no other choice but to love, for God is love.
Love is the basis for the Covenant of Prosperity, which is anchored on the law of Seedtime and Harvest. It is also called the Law of Giving and Receiving. Paul said, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing” (1Cor. 13:3). This why we were told few days ago that whatever we give outside love is a waste of resources, including our lives!
Give to God because you love God and not because you think the Church needs money. When you help orphans and widows, do so because you love them and not out of pity. Love is the life wire of the covenant of prosperity. To prosper therefore, you must learn how to walk in love.
This love is God’s kind of love that knows no boundaries. It crosses even the boundaries set by our enemies!
Jesu said, “And if ye lend (give) to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend (give), hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:34-36).
Therefore, “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee” (Prov. 25:21-22).
It is a sin not to love. It is the sin of murder! “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1John 3:15). Love is the new commandment Jesus left us with, so that no Believe has any excuse not to prosper. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). If we are known for love, we shall also be known for prosperity. Wherever there is love, people give. Wherever people give, they prosper. This is the secret of the prosperity of the early church that none among them lacked (Act 4:32-35).
One of the reasons why people are always broke in our Churches today is because we have broken the law of Love. There is so much strife and bitterness amongst brethren these days; and even among Preachers! When you start to walk in love you begin to prosper. Repent today and go back to your first love (Rev. 2:4). Therefore, “Let brotherly love continue” (Heb. 13:1).
MEMORY VERSE: 1Corinthians 13:3
PRAYER: Father, let the Holy Spirit teach me how to love You and fill me with your grace to be able to love my neighbours in truth and in deed like the saints of old, in the name of Jesus.
October 31, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
31 OCTOBER 2024
GENERAL RULES GUIDING THE LAW OF SEED TIME AND HARVEST [4]
GIVE QUALITY SEEDS ACCORDING TO YOUR SIZE (Read Malachi 1:6-8, 12-14)
In the passage above, God speaks to His people about their offerings, expressing disappointment with how they have dishonored Him. They brought offerings that were blemished, inferior and of negligible value. God asks, “When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not evil?” (Malachi 1:8). The people were giving what cost them the least—leftovers that had no market value.
The same principle applies to us today. God is not merely interested in the act of giving; He is concerned with the heart behind it. Are we giving Him our best, or are we giving Him what’s convenient? Our offerings—whether they’re financial, of time, or our talents—should be given thoughtfully, with reverence and love.
In every aspect of our relationship with Him, God desires our best—not because He lacks anything, but because our offering reflects our love, gratitude, and reverence for who He is. We must honour God with Our Best. It is a proof of the virtue of the fear of the Lord in a Believer. “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear?” (Malachi 1:6).
Quality offering has to do with the worth of what you are giving. If you take it to the market what can it buy? In the book of Malachi, God told the people who were treating their offering with contempt: “Offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.”
Our Offering should always be a sacrifice. It should mean something to us. If we don’t feel its weight, it may not be the best we can offer. Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins because it was all she had (Mark 12:41-44). Quality offerings are those that cost us something. King David said in 2 Samuel 24:24, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” It’s about making a meaningful sacrifice, no matter how big or small. It means prioritizing God in your giving, not giving Him what’s left over.
Our offerings must express the value we place on our relationship with God. He is the Creator, our Redeemer, and our Great Provider. Everything we have is because of His grace, and our giving should reflect our gratitude.
In Malachi 1:14, God calls Himself a “great King.” A king deserves the finest compliment. Imagine giving a valuable gift to someone you love and honour. You choose something thoughtful, meaningful, and of quality. You wouldn’t give something broken or expired because it would reflect a lack of respect. In the same way, our offering to God should reflect how much we love and honor Him.
Stop giving God those old, torn and very miserable dirty Naira notes that market women will not collect from you. Giving is an act of worship. It’s a way we express gratitude and honor God. Psalm 96:8 says, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.” Your offering should bring glory to God. “It’s not just about the amount you give, but the spirit in which you give it. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
When we give our best to God, we open ourselves to His blessings. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” It is “with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). God promises to provide and bless those who honor Him with their offerings. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).
From today, let us remember that giving is an act of worship. It’s not about the amount but the heart. May we strive to offer Him our best, not out of obligation, but out of love, gratitude, and honor for who He is to us.
MEMORY VERSE: Malachi 1:6
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, may our offerings honor You and bring glory to Your holy name. Teach us to be generous, sacrificial, and cheerful in our giving, knowing that You are ever faithful to bless us abundantly. Amen.
October 30, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
30 OCTOBER 2024
GENERAL RULES GUIDING THE LAW OF SEED TIME AND HARVEST [3]
“For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; A LAND WHEREIN THOU SHALT EAT BREAD WITHOUT SCARCENESS, THOU SHALT NOT LACK ANY THING IN IT; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass. WHEN THOU HAST EATEN AND ART FULL, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee” (Deut. 8:7-10).
There is a level of true prosperity you reach that you lack nothing! There, you eat without scarceness. The Bible describes it as a land of brooks and fountains springing out of valleys and hills full of treasures whose stones are iron and out of whose rocks you can find brass. This realm of abundance is real. It is not limited only to the ungodly men of this world; Believers are also entitled to it. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, and Job attained that realm. Many present day saints are in that realm: Papa Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pst Matthew Ashimolowo, Pst David Ibiyeomie, etc. have proved this level of prosperity to be real in our country.
You enter this realm of Divine Providence by understanding and following the terms and conditions that make it possible. It is the “Law of Giving and Receiving” that makes it possible. There are rules that you must follow in your giving that makes God to multiply what you give, and return it to you in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over! In addition to the four points made in the last two days, let us consider other very important rules that should guide our giving.
GIVE ON THE BASIS OF LOVE: John 3:16 says “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.” The greatest proof of love is giving. Well, people can give without love, but you cannot love without giving. Whatever seed you sow, whether for Kingdom endeavours or for humanitarian purposes, let it be on the basis of love.
Remember the popular scripture in 1king. 3:3-4: “And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father:… And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; … a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.” It was on the basis of love for God that Solomon sacrificed a thousand bullocks in a single day! Whatever you give outside love is a waste of resources, including your life! “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing” (1Cor. 13:3).
God can never lack. He does not need your money. (Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:7-15). Give to God because you love God; not because it is part of the Service program, or because you think Church needs money. When you help orphans and widows, do so because you love them and not because you are a philanthropist. Love is what gives life to your seed to reproduce after its kind.
GIVE WITH A JOYFUL HEART: Your offerings are acceptable to God only when you give cheerfully, out of a willing and glad heart. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER” (2Cor. 9:7). So, what makes your offering to count is not really how much or what you give but your attitude towards your giving.
Never look at what you give as a burden nor as a necessity but as a privilege. Give with a cheerful countenance, with a smile on your face. If you have no faith in God, you cannot give willingly, if you don’t give out of a willing heart, you cannot be a cheerful giver. The praises and dancing the Choir raises during offerings in a Church Service is to create the atmosphere of joy in order to fulfil this requirement to make our offerings profitable. Ensure you actually rejoice when dropping your seed. However, it is not the momentary rejoicing that matters, but your habitual attitude of giving from a cheerful heart. You will never lose giving offerings again in the name of Jesus.
MEMORY VERSE: 1Corinthians 13:3
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, with this new understanding, fill my heart with your kind of love, as I sow into the Kingdom and into the lives of people that might need my assistance; thereby making me always a cheerful giver.
October 29, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
29 OCTOBER 2024
GENERAL RULES GUIDING THE LAW OF SEED TIME AND HARVEST [2]
In this series, which started yesterday, we are examining the general rules guiding the Law of Seedtime and Harvest.
Giving is also referred to as sowing. Many times in the Gospel, Jesus compared life in the Kingdom of God to agricultural practice. As in Agriculture, so it is also in the Kingdom economic system. You don’t just give for giving sake. Once, Jesus was teaching a lesson on investment and he illustrated it with a farmer that went out to sow carelessly, and lost 75% of his seeds sown! (Luke 8:4-8). For your efforts in giving not to be wasted, you need to know how to give according to laid down principles. I mentioned two of them yesterday. They are planning and faith. Today, we are going to look at two other rules that will guarantee the multiplication of your seed.
A GOOD GROUND (Read Luke 8:4-8): Only the seed that falls on a good ground springs up to bear fruits a hundredfold. We are advised to sow our financial seeds and our good works only in God’s approved grounds. “Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest: But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee” (Deut. 12:13-14).
From the parable of the sower and the principles of agricultural practice, only seeds that fall on good ground can guarantee the sower a good harvest. The good ground has sufficient water to support the plants till harvest comes. Isaiah 32:20 says, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.” The legitimate ground to sow your seed is where the water of God’s Word flows, and men are genuinely labouring for the Lord. Sow where a vision is speaking and the Spirit of God is at work. A good ground is where miracles happen by the power of the living God, and not “arrangee” miracles.
A good ground is where there is a genuine humanitarian need. Orphanages, Widows, IDP Camps, Hospitals, etc. are fertile grounds for financial turnaround. It is not every beggar that stretches the hand to you that deserves your attention, but as you are led by the Holy Spirit. Seeds that fell by the way side, on stony ground and among thorns did not yield any harvest.
GIVE WILLINGLY: Every offering for Kingdom endeavours or for humanitarian purposes must be from a willing heart. God told Moses, “Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of A WILLING HEART, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass …” (Exodus 35:5).
See the testimony of the response of the people after Moses made the appeal for the tabernacle project offering as God instructed him:
“And they came, every one WHOSE HEART STIRRED HIM UP, and every one WHOM HIS SPIRIT MADE WILLING, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. And they came, both men and women, AS MANY AS WERE WILLING HEARTED, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD. The children of Israel brought A WILLING OFFERING unto the LORD, every man and woman, WHOSE HEART MADE THEM WILLING to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses” (Exo. 35:21-22, 29: Emphasis mine).
Don’t let anyone force you to give any offering or sow any seed against your will. It is only offerings given out of a willing heart that God accepts. Don’t be forced to give an offering that will adversely affect your financial obligation towards your family, except you have heard from the Lord to make such a sacrifice.
As a minister, when called upon to exhort and bless offerings in a Service, avoid coercing, or cajoling, or begging the people. Never use gimmicks, or manipulate or play over the people’s intelligence or threaten people to give offerings. Be guided only by the principles revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
MEMORY VERSE: 2Corinthians 9:7 [ISV]
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for the leading of the Holy Spirit to always identify a good ground to sow my seeds and to do that always with a willing heart. Amen.
October 28, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
28 OCTOBER 2024
GENERAL RULES GUIDING THE LAW OF SEED TIME AND HARVEST
I thank God for our journey so far, studying the Covenant of Kingdom Prosperity which is the key to making a difference in the present economic situation in the world, particularly, in our country Nigeria.
RULES AND REGULATIONS GUIDING OUR GIVING
In the operation of the Law of Seedtime and Harvest, God has set some rules under which the covenant delivers the expected result. Our responsibility is to learn the rules and let them guide our practice of the covenant.
PLANNING: The first rule guiding the covenant of giving is to plan your giving. Don’t give haphazardly. The Lord said “Lay up for yourself treasures in heaven…” That shows that giving is investment, and every investment that will yield profit must be planned. Plan what you will give in each Worship Service every Sunday and during the Midweek Services or programs; so that at the end of the month/year you can tell exactly how much you have invested into the kingdom. As God increases your income, you also continue to increase this amount year after year.
GIVE BY FAITH: “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Heb. 4:2). When opportunity comes for you to give, do it by faith. Don’t give to impress anybody but on the basis of your personal conviction that it is a blessing to give. Give based on your personal understanding of the Word of God on the subject.
“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). Do not allow the physical tides around you dictate when to give or how much to give.
“He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good” (Ecclesiastes 11:4-6).
Prosperity in the kingdom is by faith. People are not able to pay tithes because of fear of not having enough. This fear is from Satan, who wants to keep people away from God’s plan of abundance for His people.
If you can overcome these fears and give, you will soon discover that your fears were unfounded! You can overcome this fear by understanding and believing the love God has for you and your family; how he plans to enrich you and make your life very comfortable. The greatest factor satan uses to keep Believers wallowing in poverty is fear. Giving requires a great courage. When fear goes away faith is established. When faith is established fear has no room anymore.
Someone may ask, “What if they don’t believe what you are saying”? The Bible says, “If we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself” (2Tim. 2:13). Whether people believe the Gospel or not, the truth is the truth. Their unbelief cannot make God to deny His word. “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:3-4).
Therefore, in the morning, sow your seed; in the evening don’t stop. Don’t look at the weather, sow your seed whether there is sign of rain or not. Sow in faith. There will never be any regret following God sheepishly in your finances. God is not a man that He should lie. We have enough evidence both in the Bible and in the contemporary times that walking with God pays. It is unto you according to your faith.
MEMORY VERSE: Hebrew 10:38
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to discipline myself and plan my giving. I receive grace to walk by faith and not be moved by what I see and hear in Jesus’ name.
October 27, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
27 OCTOBER 2024
THE LAW OF SEED TIME AND HARVEST 3
Let us look further into this law that is the Control Centre of the covenant of Kingdom Prosperity and make some things a little more clearer. As long as the earth remains the law of seedtime and harvest is at work, just as there will always be cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22).
That means, you will always reap if only you sow. “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing” (Pro. 20:4). The word of God is clear and leaves us in no doubt that whenever we sow a seed a harvest is to be expected.
The question many Believers are asking is, why are they not reaping after all their giving and sowing of seeds?
The answer is simple: If you want a harvest, sow your seed and not your bread, for God is not mocked; whatever a man sows that is what he shall reap (Gal. 6:7). Paul the Apostle went on to say in 2Cor. 9:10: “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”.
God never asked us to sow our bread but our seed. If you want a harvest, sow your seed and not your bread. Many of us, in our ignorance of what is a seed and what is bread sow our bread. There is a big difference between bread and seed. You know that very well. Bread is a product of crushed and grinded seed, and possesses no longer the qualities that cause a seed to reproduce. The life in the seed that causes it to multiply is no longer in bread.
So, what is Ecclesiastes 11:1 saying to “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days”?
Did you notice that the passage never promised a harvest? Read it again. What does the scripture say you will find? A harvest? No! Did it say to cast your bread in the soil? No! What you will find is the same bread you cast on the waters. Bread cannot reproduce like seed. There is no ability in bread to produce any harvest. Many Believers sow their bread and still expect a harvest. It is the seed that reproduces and not bread. You are literally throwing the bread away when you sow it. The highest you can enjoy is God’s mercy to recover your bread, and that is because it was cast upon the water of the Word of God, and that is after many days of waiting! Don’t use this scripture to exhort people for offerings again. Bread is not seed and cannot multiply. Your offering is not supposed to be bread but a seed.
NOW, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MY SEED AND MY BREAD?
It is time that determines what seed is and what bread is. When people hold on to their seeds and say to themselves; “One day I will sow” until that seedtime lapses, it becomes bread! If you stay with your seed for too long procrastinating, it becomes bread. That is why the Bible talks about Seedtime. Seedtime means the time a seed is to be sown. Many people will have the prompting and conviction in their heart that they need to sow at a particular moment, but then, they start to reason and question their own convictions to the point that they delay the whole process. Sometimes, the figure they end up giving is nowhere near what God had placed in your heart to give originally; so their seed turns to bread, and they lose the opportunity for a great harvest.
There is an appointed time to sow seed but not for the harvest. Sowing has time. It is that time that you feel that prompting and conviction of the Spirit in your heart to sow that you ought to do it. It is that time an offering is being called for during Service that is the seedtime. It is that time that a need arises for you to give. It is that time when an opportunity opens up for you to sow. It is anytime there is an official demand for offering or a sacrifice either for the work of God or for humanitarian purpose.
There is a good reason why God calls it Seedtime. When you sow outside that time frame that God expects you to, you have already broken the law, and from all we know, what you are now sowing is your bread, which does not have the ability to yield any harvest whatsoever. If you still give it in line with God’s word, you have casted it upon the waters! (Eccl. 11:1). God have mercy on you. You will still get it back, but after a long time!
As a sower, you need that ability to identify the right time to sow. Locate your seeding time accurately and your harvest shall be undeniable.
MEMORY VERSE: Gen. 8:22
PRAYER: Father, please always help me through Your Holy Spirit that dwells in me to always recognize my seedtime, and give me the grace to always sow my seed at the appropriate time, in the name of Jesus.
October 26, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
26 OCTOBER 2024
THE LAW OF SEED TIME AND HARVEST 2
The Covenant of Prosperity we have been talking about hinges on the Law of Giving and Receiving which is the Law of seedtime and Harvest. It is the hub of God’s given prosperity.
Jesus Himself said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).
The Bible says in Romans 12:20 that we should also give even to our enemies! “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
Why is this heavy emphasis on giving? Because, “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (Pro. 11:24-25). If you don’t scatter, you cannot gather.
Paul, the great Apostle said, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 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” (Gal. 6:7; 2Cor. 9:6-8).
The widow of Zarephath would have died of starvation together with her son in 1Kings 17, if not for her generosity towards the Prophet Elijah. The Bibles says, “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse” (Pro. 28:27). God pays back to everyone that hears the cry of the poor. Proverbs 19:17 says “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” When God pays back, you know, it shall be in “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over”!
Liberality is the key to the door that helps men to escape from the clutch of the spirit of poverty. It is the key that delivered the Christians in the church at Macedonia. 2Cor. 8:1-5. When you start giving, you buy your way out of poverty. Don’t wait until you are rich before you become a giver. If you wait, you can never be rich. Never say I don’t have to give. That is a very dangerous position to stand. Hear what Jesus said: “For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him” (Luke 19:26). This is why the rich will continue to get richer and the poor will continue to get poorer, because the poor will always say, “I don’t have.”
God’s ways are not our ways. Naturally, when you save you have more, but spiritually, when you give away, that is when you have more. Make up your mind who to follow: the world controlled by satan, or God whose blessings makes you rich without adding sorrows to it. I would advise you to follow God’s ways, though it may sound foolish to the intellectual mind.
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches” (Pro. 13:7). Start making yourself rich from today by engaging in acts of generosity. Don’t be afraid. You will never lose following God. He is a good God. We have been following like this now for years and we have no regrets.
Only the covenant will separate the faithful from the proud and unbelieving as the Nigerian economy continues to wobble and tossed to and fro. The earlier we cling to God, the faster we are set free from our financial hardship.
God be with you.
MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 11:24-25
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I choose to follow the ways of the Lord to live a life of generosity. Help me and let the power of the Covenant distinguish me and change my story in the name of Jesus.
October 25, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
25 OCTOBER 2024
THE LAW OF SEED TIME AND HARVEST
After the fall of Adam at Eden, God placed a curse upon the ground, man’s source of livelihood, and it was a curse of poverty. “And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: CURSED IS THE GROUND FOR THY SAKE; IN SORROW SHALT THOU EAT OF IT ALL THE DAYS OF THY LIFE; THORNS ALSO AND THISTLES SHALL IT BRING FORTH TO THEE; AND THOU SHALT EAT THE HERB OF THE FIELD; IN THE SWEAT OF THY FACE SHALT THOU EAT BREAD, till thou return unto the ground; ….” (Genesis 3:17-19).
When Noah and his family survived the flood that destroyed the first world, he offered an unusual sacrifice which made God to change His mind, and revoked the curse He placed upon the ground for man’s sake; as we read in Genesis 8:20-22: “And Noah built an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD SMELLED A SWEET SAVOUR; and the LORD said in his heart, I WILL NOT AGAIN CURSE THE GROUND ANY MORE FOR MAN’S SAKE; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done. WHILE THE EARTH REMAINETH, SEEDTIME AND HARVEST, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night SHALL NOT CEASE.” As long as the earth remains, SEEDTIME AND HARVEST SHALL NOT CEASE. It is called “The Law of Seedtime and Harvest”.
Since then, when it comes to material provision, God no longer relates with the world in general terms, but on individual basis. Anyone who cares to sow is the one that qualifies for harvest. You know in agriculture, the harvest the farmer desires is what determines the quality and the quantity of seed he sows; and according to the law of nature, “Every seed yields according to its own kind” (Gen. 1:11-12).
The same law is applicable also spiritually, and economically. In Galatians 6:7-8, it is written: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” If you are expecting financial harvest, sow financial seeds. If you sow seeds of smiling, you will reap plenty of smiles from many faces! It is also called the Law of Giving and Receiving.
Let’s read Philippians 4:15-19: “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no Church communicated with me as concerning GIVING AND RECEIVING, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
The Covenant of Prosperity we have been talking about hinges on the Law of Giving and Receiving. It is the hub of God’s Kingdom prosperity. It is what will launch a man into the new phase of the world’s economic revolution.
Jesus Himself hammered on it while He was here physically on earth. He said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). As a follow up on this, He also said in Luke 12:32-34, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
It is your obedience to this fundamental law of the Kingdom that destroys the yoke of poverty in your life. If you are not ready to part with what is in your hand, you are not yet ready to receive God’s kind of prosperity that He gives without adding sorrows to it. I command the habit of tight fistedness broken in your life, in the name of Jesus! Become a giver and you’d end your journey of poverty forever. We will talk more on this as we continue to explore the keys to our financial freedom.
MEMORY VERSE: Gen. 8:22.
PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, break the yoke of tight fistedness in my life and give me a large heart to live a life of generosity, thereby making me a covenant candidate for Supernatural Prosperity.
October 24, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
OCTOBER 24 2024
UNDERSTANDING THE COVENANT OF PROSPERITY (2)
Our Papa, Bishop David Oyedepo said in one of His Shiloh messages that it is not yet prosperity when you are able to pay your rents or even build your own house, pay your children’s school fees, send money to your parents in the village, and meet your family’s basic needs; you talk of prosperity only when you come to the position of distributing and communicating wealth stress-free.
Building your own house, paying your children’s school fees, sending money to your parents in the village, and meeting your family’s basic needs without lacking anything is the normal way to live as a child of God. Isaiah 65:21-22: “And they (God’s elects) shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”
God’s plan is to take you beyond just meeting your basic needs to enjoying the work of your hands till old age. He wants to bless you so you can become a blessing by distributing and communicating wealth at will. I’ve heard some people religiously said, “I don’t like prosperity. I don’t want to be rich. All I need is to have enough to take care of my family and I’m okay.” They are always embarrassed when I tell them they are wicked and selfish. When such people need help they want heaven to come down. They will give you sleepless nights as if you owe them. They can ask those who have to help them, that is okay in their sight but they would not want to have enough to help others. That is a wicked and selfish heart. God’s perfect will for His elects is to bless them till they become wealth distributors and communicators.
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1Tim. 6:17-19)
Papa Oyedepo always says that the covenant is not a promise you claim in prayers nor a desire you enforce by fasting; but an agreement you enter with God which gets God committed to your needs.
The Covenant is God’s hammer for breaking financial hardship. It is God’s security code for preserving His saints in the days of famine. “In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword” (Job 5:20). He brings the poor that embraces the covenant out of the dust and the beggar who does the same, out of the refuse dump and make them sit among prices and to inherit thrones of glory! (1 Samuel 2:8). The covenant does not respect economies, countries, or people. It will transform your life and make you a wonder to all your mockers.
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Samuel 2:8
PRAYER: Prov. 13:5 = Father, give me a good understanding in the knowledge and practice of the covenant of prosperity, so that I can build faith and find favour in Your sight and in the sight of men to make a difference in this age of economic hardship.
October 23, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
OCTOBER 23 2024
UNDERSTANDING THE COVENANT OF PROSPERITY (1)
What is a covenant? From the last teaching we understood a covenant to be a sacred agreement or promise between God and His people. It is a special deal where God promises to bless and prosper His people, and in return, the people are to stay faithful and obedient to His counsels, guidelines and commandments.
When a promise or an agreement is called a covenant it means it has become an oath. When an agreement becomes an oath, any party that fails to keep the promise falls under the curse. In man’s covenant with God, God is the Almighty, His side is constant and unbreakable. Man is the variable. When the covenant is not effective, it is not God’s fault but man’s failure to keep his part of the terms. Do you understand? This is very important.
God swore such an oath with our father Abraham, thousands of years ago, and it is still working till this day (Deut. 8:18). God told Abraham, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3).
In another encounter after the attempt to offer his son Isaac, God told him, “That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice” (Genesis 22:17-18).
To convince Abraham and his posterity that He will not fail them, God turned this promise into a covenant by an oath. Look at it: “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” (Heb. 6:13-18).
This covenant of blessings and greatness that came upon Abraham was passed on to His son Isaac, then to Jacob, and from generation to generation, until it came upon Israel as a nation (Read Deut. 28:12-13).
Now, under the New Testament, these blessings of Abraham have been passed on to us, who are not biological children of Abraham, through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God says in Galatian 3:27-29: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, THEN ARE YE ABRAHAM’S SEED, AND HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE.”
This covenant has become a strong assurance of faith to us as Believers, who have known the truth and refused to sign pact with satan to make us rich through our village shrines, witchcraft or through the occult.
Truly, to become rich in life, you need power – a spiritual backing. People receive this power either from God or from the devil. The power gives a man favour and ability to freely increase his finances and assets without stress. If you accept this power from satan through the occult, you are doomed with your posterity. But, if you know Jesus, and you get this power, the Anointing, from God, you prosper even when the national economy is melting down! Psalm 37:19 says, “They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” This power is given to individuals on the platform of the covenant.
Get ready, something is about to burst forth for you as light is coming. In the next teaching, we are going to see what the covenant looks like. Share this link and follow the series.
October 22, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
October 22 2024
UNDERSTANDING THE SECRET OF KINGDOM PROSPERITY
“Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; and when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; and thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. BUT THOU SHALT REMEMBER THE LORD THY GOD: FOR IT IS HE THAT GIVETH THEE POWER TO GET WEALTH, THAT HE MAY ESTABLISH HIS COVENANT WHICH HE SWARE UNTO THY FATHERS, AS IT IS THIS DAY” (Deut. 8:11-18).
As we begin our journey to understand the new phase of the world economy, which is that of the Kingdom of God, I want you to understand from the beginning that prosperity in the Kingdom of God is on the basis of covenant and not on personal efforts. Hard work is part of the covenant terms, but on its own you might be disappointed, as the Bible says in Haggai 1:6: “Ye have sown much, and bring in little.”
What is a covenant? A covenant is a sacred agreement or promise between two parties. In the Kingdom of our God, it refers to a pact between God and His people. A covenant is like a special deal where God promises to bless, prosper and protect His people, and in return, the people pledge to stay faithful to God and follow His counsels, guidelines and commandments and live according to His will.
Think of it as a divine contract—God’s way of establishing a deep, committed relationship with His people. Each party has their part to play in maintaining this bond. For example, the covenant God made with Abraham involved promises of landed estate, protection, descendants, and blessings, while Abraham and his descendants were to obey God and uphold His commands.
In any covenant with God, God’s side is always constant while the part of man is the variable. What guarantees the performance from God’s end is the faithfulness of man to the terms of the deal.
It’s all about trust, commitment, and mutual respect, forming a solid foundation for a relationship built on faith and obedience.
The covenant of prosperity is God’s promise to provide for and bless His people abundantly, beyond measure. In the Bible, we see this idea in many places, starting from Abraham, to whom God said, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2-3).
This covenant is not just about material wealth alone, but encompasses total well-being, peace, and spiritual richness. God promises to meet our needs, as stated in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
However, this covenant also comes with responsibilities. Proverbs 11:25 tells us, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” It’s a two-way traffic: we are blessed to be a blessing to others. By honoring God with our resources and helping those in need, we tap into the full potential of His covenant of prosperity.
Therefore, the covenant of prosperity is about trusting in God’s provision and being faithful stewards of His blessings, making sure that through us, others experience God’s generosity and love. This is our hope in this part of the world where the government cares less about the people.
TODAY’S MEMORY VERSE: Deuteronomy 8:18
PRAYERS: Father, grant me a good understanding of the covenant foundation of the Kingdom prosperity, and multiply your grace upon me to stay faithful and follow Your counsels, guidelines and commandments and live according to Your will, in the name of Jesus.
October 21, 2024
DAILY DISCOVERY
(Discover and Recover)
October 21 2024
PROSPERITY IS A CHOICE, NOT A CHANCE
Beloved, now that you have more than enough reasons why you should prosper as a Christian, today I bring you this powerful teaching that prosperity, whether in the world or in the Kingdom of God is not a mere roll of the dice, nor a stroke of luck, but a deliberate choice we make in accordance with God’s will.
In a world that often views success as a random outcome, the Scriptures provide us with clear guidance on how to cultivate a life of lasting prosperity, even in the face of a failing national economy. In the Scripture, God presents us with choices always. God does not force His blessings on people, even the privilege to be alive; His part is to offer you what is available, but it is in your power to choose whether you want it or not.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20: “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live; that thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
The true prosperity is defined by our relationship with God, not merely material wealth. It involves peace, joy, health, and fulfillment in God’s purpose for our lives. Prosperity is about making intentional decisions that align with God’s will. Example, for you to prosper by the covenant, you must choose to walk by Faith instead of fear: In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When we prioritize God, He promises to provide for our needs.
Considering the situation of the economy in our country today with high inflation rate, it is only the choice to walk by faith in God’s Word that will guarantee our future survival and prosperity. Faith is absolute confidence in God’s integrity that He will do as promised, no matter what your head is telling you.
Secondly, for you to prosper by the covenant, you must choose liberality. Proverbs 11:25: “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” The NIV translation puts it this way in modern English: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” When we give to God and support others, we enter into God’s system of abundance.
We must also choose to align our ways with God’s Wisdom. Making choices for prosperity requires divine guidance. If you are not guided by God, you can easily fall prey to the tricks of the devil and lose your resources to Money Doublers and Ponzi Schemers in your bid to invest. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
Our mindset also affects our choices. Romans 12:2 exhorts us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. A choice to renew your mind from poverty mentality to thinking always in line with the prosperity plan of God for His covenant people is a demand.
Be reminded also that Jesus came to serve, and not to be served (Mark 10:45). Therefore, choose to serve God and service the needs of others, and you will see your prosperity unfold in unexpected ways.
Dear friends, as we continue to explore the mystery of covenant p