2015 MFDL

Now we think about another area for us to know the depth of all things in its finality. The consummation, in all its glorious fullness of the salvation purchasedfor us on the cross through Jesus Christ. He died of a brokenheart for you, bled and died for sins once for all upon theCross. The righteous for the unrighteous by which he sets anexample of the type of conduct that should characterize theChristian life. Christians are expected to have his attitude ofself sacrificing humility and love for others. (Phil. 2:2-4).We are buried with Christ through baptism unto death. Forbeing made alive by the spirit is referring to the resurrection.As resurrection followed death in the experience of Christ,so the believer who dies with Christ is raised to a new qualityof moral life here and now. Resurrection is the sense of a newbirth and is already a fact, and it increasingly exerts itself inthe believer's life.What God demands of his people is to continually put todeath the evil desires and be buried with Him; that throughthe grace and gate of death we may pass our joyfulresurrection, through His merits who died and was buriedand rose again for us.PRAYERLORD, help us to continually put off to death our sinfulnature which does not characterize Christ attitude 93

The mysteries of the preaching of the gospel is the empty tomb. He appeared in the body, was vindicated by the spirit, and the angels testify about Him. Whatabout those who do not believe in the resurrection? Theyknocked away a vital part of Christian truth.Some at Corinth were saying that there was no resurrectionof the body, and Paul draws a number of conclusions fromthis false contention. If the dead do not rise from the gravethen the apostles are all liars but, (1) \"not even Christ hasbeen raised.\" (2) \"Our preaching is useless so is your faith\".(3) We are \"false witness\" that God raised Christ from thedead (4) your faith is futile. Know that it is the resurrectionthat gives us real hope and assurance. It is the gospel.The fact that Jesus rose means that we can look forward tobeing raised too in the same way. These bodies of ours weremeant for a time God intends to give us bodies fit for eternity;bodies which do not wear out or fall ill or die; bodies whichshare the glory of Jesus himself. (1 John 3.2). He has aresurrection body; ours will be like His, so Christ, who hasbeen raised, is the guarantee of the resurrection of all ofGod's redeemed people.PRAYERGrant, O Lord that we being dead to sin and alive to you inJesus Christ, may reign with Him in glory. Amen. 94

To be raised with Christ is to be set free from sin. It was the sin of mankind that took Jesus Christ to the cross. Those who believe in his atonement haveequally died to sin and they are made alive for a righteousliving. John says, “To all who received him, to those whobelieved in his name, he gave the right (power) to becomechildren of God\" (John 1 :12). By virtue of the power theyreceived even resurrection power; they have been set freefrom sin. This is the true meaning of Easter celebration. Acelebration of triumph over sin, no longer shall we live tothe lower self, we have become slaves to righteousness.Now that we have been set free from sin, it is expected thatthe zeal with which we yielded ourselves to sin should nowbe directed towards righteousness. For example one whowas a drunkard now that he is a Christian, he should nowask himself whether the money and time he was wasting asa drunkard, is now directed to the service of God?Now that you are alive in Christ, put in more into theservice of God. Not only that you will be blessed in thisworld but eternal life will be your portion.PRAYERAlmighty Father, if I have been living below expectation,help me Lord by your grace to put in all at my disposal. 95

Now that we are saved by grace and that God is meant to live in us by his Spirit, why is it that many are still struggling with sin? Romans 6: 13 says \"Do not offerthe parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, butrather offer yourselves to God\". As those who have beenbrought from death to life; offer the parts of your body to him asinstruments of righteousness.The problem is that they still offer parts of their body to thethings of the world. They respond to them, therefore the strugglefor sin continues. But when we offer our bodies to God whodwells in us by his spirit, it becomes very easy. The Holy Spiritwill never force you against your will. It is when you willinglyrespond to his prompting, then you find him active in your life.As a child of God anything that comes your way, ask yourself,am I not dead to this thing? Am I alive to be involved in it?Genuinely the Holy Spirit will respond to your question. But ifyour desire is based on the fact that I have been doing it before,certainly you may be offering the parts of your body to sin asinstruments of wickedness. To be alive in Christ is for God tolive in us by his spirit. Righteousness becomes the guiding rule -the desire to please God on daily basis. Such is the identity ofthose who have been raised with Christ and they are alive in him.PRAYERHoly Spirit my faithful guide may I respond to you on dailybasis, that my life will be instrument of righteousness. 96

According to Paul, God had raised us up with Christ. By implication we are already seated with him in the heavenly realms in Christ. The whole idea is that wehave been raised from death above this world to look heavenward our permanent place. This is why we must set our mindson things there, not the ones in this world. The heavenly realmswhere we are seated with Christ are incomparable with whatwe are seeing here on earth.Many Christians today are still racing after positions here onearth. Forgetting that positions on earth is not an automaticpassport to heaven. Infact it has been discovered that theposition some people are struggling for had taken many to hell.As a Christian you have been raised above all these things to abetter realm where there is no controversy as to who occupiesit. As many that believed in his name (Jesus Christ) have theirpositions secured in this heavenly realm.During Elections, we saw how the ungodly people were readyto have it by all means. To them it was a do or die affair. From allthese, we have been raised. If you are sure of the heavenlyrealms, you can never find pleasure in this earthly struggle forposition. If you are involved, your Christianity must be takenon board.PRAYERBeautiful mansions for those who have been raised withChrist, Lord make me one of them. 97

To be raised with Christ is to have died with Him. Jesus Christ died because of our sins and to die with him is to die to sin. You cannot claim that you have beenraised with Him and you are living in sin. Paul wrote to theChristians in Colosse that since they have been raised withChrist, their hearts must be on things that are above where therisen Lord is seated at the right hand of God. Their mindsmust be cast on those beautiful things - the mansions that theLord is preparing for us.We are still within the Easter season. We all celebrated Easterwhich was an indication that we all died with Him and wehave been raised with Him. We are now being admonished toset our minds on things above, not on earthly things. Christhas gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us in His father'shouse. Those who will inherit the mansions are the ones whoaccepted him as Lord and Saviour and on daily basis they areliving for Jesus. It is possible because their minds are onthings above.Beloved, are you still being weighed down by the things ofthe world? If truly you have risen with Christ, you will knowthat all these things will pass away.PRAYERHelp me 0 Lord to set my mind on things above whichendureth forever. 98

The relationship between Jesus Christ and Lazarus and his sisters, no doubt was exceptionally close. \"Lord, the one you love is sick\". When He got the message, it wasexpected of Him to visit them immediately but He stayedbehind two more days.Martha, the sister of Lazarus believed in the healing power ofJesus but she did not know that He is the owner of life.Sometimes, we may be tempted to think that we have knownmuch about the Lord Jesus Christ considering the number ofyears we have been following Him. At such a great height thatApostle Paul found himself even when he was approachingdeath, it was his desire to know more about Christ. That was thedesire he expressed in Phil 3:1-10 \"that I may know Him andthe power of His resurrection\".Martha before now did not know that Jesus Christ is theresurrection and the life. She was looking forward to the day ofresurrection but He that has the power beyond death was theChrist who was talking to her. Without hesitation, Lazarus whowas dead for over four days was brought back to life.Still in the season of resurrection, Jesus Christ has furtherdemonstrated His power over death. If you believe in Himtoday, you have crossed over from death to life. (John. 5:24)PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, as you raised Lazarus from death, raiseme from any form of death today. 99

Early on the first day of the week, the women took spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They were going for the Lord in the wrong place. That was themessage of the two men \"Why do you look for the livingamong the dead? He is not here; He is risen!\"The tomb is meant for the dead and not for the living. It is awrong place to look for Jesus Christ. Many people today arestill looking for Jesus Christ where He cannot be found. Thereare many outlets that are being described as 'Church'. Theyclaim to be preaching Jesus Christ but on a closer examinationtheir motives differs. They are aiming at something hiddenfrom the members. As long as their desire is met, they have noproblem. You may belong to these categories of 'Church' thereis no way you can experience Him because you are looking forHim in the wrong place.The question you may ask yourself is, \"Have I met Christ whereI am now?\" Take note, you may be in the right place yet youmay not have met with Jesus Christ. The way you are goingabout it may be wrong. Genuinely ask yourself the question andmay the Holy Spirit help you. Do not look for Jesus where hewill not be found. It is time to be sure that you are in the rightplace.PRAYERLord Jesus Christ in any way we may be looking for you in thewrong place, help us trace our steps back to you. 100

The resurrection more than anything else marks Jesus out from the others and tells us who he is; not just a man amongst men, but Lord and God. It onlytook the open tomb and the empty grave clothes toconvince the disciple that Jesus had risen, even thoughthey had not realized that it was part of God's plan. Paulasserts in 1 Cor. 4:6, For God who said, \"Let light shineout of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts togive us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God inthe face of Christ\".It took a face - to -face meeting to turn Mary's anguish intoastonished joy. How much does it take to convince you?Mary did not want to let him go this time. The grief of oneparting was enough. Beloved, men could harm him nomore, but he has made a way for us to be forgiven and toget right with God. And as his sacrifice is complete, wecannot add to it, we can only accept it in faith. Know it thathe is the risen Lord. It is obvious they did not make up thestory of resurrection to fit a preconceived understandingof scriptural prophecy; it was the will of God.PRAYERLord Jesus, let the light shine on me to give me the lightof the knowledge of your glory. Amen. 101

Ten days after his ascension into heaven, a new epoch began, with the coming of the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of his promise “And I will ask the Father and He will giveyou another counselor to be with you forever”. Indeed he cameand his coming was heralded by the blowing of a violent wind.The violent wind is designed to do away with the rawnessassociated with the adamic nature to which every human being issubjected and immediately tongues of fire separated and cameand rest on each of them who were in one accord. The resultanteffect was that the 120 disciples who were in one accord werefilled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in other tonguesas the spirit enabled them.At that time, God fearing men were in Jerusalem to celebrate thefestival of Pentecost. The sound of what was happening attractedthem. On coming to the scene, they heard the disciples speakingthe different languages of all those who gathered with onemessage the wonders of God. The empowerment of the HolySpirit that culminates in speaking in tongues is designed to speakthe wonders of God.This is the difference between the one who had the experience andthe one who has not. The coming of the Holy is meant to openyour mouth to declare His wonders. It is only the one who had theexperience. We now know why it is difficult for some to declare, itis because they lack the visitation of the Holy Spirit. Theexperience can be yours if you are willing.PRAYERAs many dear Holy Spirit that are willing, please come in yourpower. 102

While many heard the disciple declaring the wonders of God, others perceived them differently. This perception clearly revealed to us two classes ofpeople that are predominant in the church when it comes to thematter of the Holy Spirit and his activities in the church.It was reported that they spoke the language of those whogathered which was intelligible to them and they heard themclearly with one resounding message echoing from their lips,the wonder of God. How God is reconciling man who has fallenshort of his glory through our lord Jesus Christ to himself. Theyheard them saying that Jesus Christ by this fulfillment of hispromise has empowered his church to take the message ofreconciliation to all mankind. While this was going on, theconclusion some could arrive at was that they have had toomuch wine.How do you perceive the move of the Holy Spirit in yourchurch, fellowship and in your household? Wrong perceptionon the part of many had led to quenching the Holy Spirit in thelife of the church. The scripture warns; “Do not put out thespirit fire”. It is a tragedy if you are the one putting out the spiritfire. This wrong perception in this end time has made some tobelieve some demons to be the spirit of God. The scripturewarns,”test everything Hold on to the good” (1 Thess 5:19,21).Are you sure if the spirit at work is the Holy Spirit?PRAYERDeliver your people from wrong perception and grand us adiscerning spirit in Jesus Christ name. 103

Our heavenly Father will not allow his Holy one to see corruption. If the Lord Jesus Christ was not allowed by the Father to see corruption, certainly if you are livingto please Him, He will not also allow you to see corruption.This is one basic assurance that makes life worthwhile; it isonly reserved for the redeemed of the Lord for they are the Holyone, washed in the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ their elderbrother and friend.Is there any attempt to plunge you into a mess, take solace inyour redeemer. He was crucified, killed, dead and buried in aborrowed tomb .All these were the hand work of the enemies tobring disgrace with a view to make Him see corruption. WhenHe had been buried, the enemies thought they had finished withhim. They detailed security men to guard his grave securely butunfortunately, it was a fruitless effort. By the third day, thegrave could not hold him back the big stone had no choice butto give way for the prince of life to emerge.Your present situation may suggest as if you are going to seecorruption. If you are a child of God, just as the Lord did not seecorruption you too will soon come out gloriously. Themandate, the decree on you is that you will not see corruption.To see corruption is an evidence of one without God. If you area child of God corruption cannot be your lot, rise up anddeclare. I will not see corruption.PRAYERAlmighty Father, I declare your word upon my life today inJesus name. 104

Our Lord said; “I will not leave you as orphans”. Orphans are always victims of so many eventualities of life. This is because they have nobody especially parents. It is alwaysdangerous for anyone to be a complete orphan at a tender age.Indeed it is a tragedy for many because the treatment the enemieshave meted on them, is better imagined than experienced, the uglyside of life which amounts to seeing corruption. Thanks be to Godbecause the Holy one even though subjected to a harrowingexperience of life, corruption must be ruled out.The simple reason is because of the gift of the Holy Spirit whichhas been poured on us hence we can be described as the Holyones. Have you received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?Without a clear testimony about the outpouring, it is an easy thingfor corruption to set in. with the Holy Spirit, we have beenempowered over and above the schemes of the evil one. Our Lordnever intends that we should be a victim of the onslaught of theevil one.The activities of the evil one in this end time is to plunge thepeople of God into corruption as a result of the manymanipulations of the enemies. The message of comfort is that youwill not see corruption hence the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.This is an opportunity for you to receive the outpouring of theHoly Spirit to enable you secure your portion in this end time.Make up your mind because it is not his will for you to be anorphan.PRAYERDear Lord Jesus Christ, we beseech you for a fresh outpouringtoday upon your people. 105

Messages that are rooted in the anointing of the Holy Spirit would always pierce the hearts of men which leads to godly sorrow. Godly sorrow in this contextrefers to a divine encounter that leads to a deep thirst after Godthat culminates in genuine revival. A genuine revival is whenwe discover what we ought to have been doing but we have not.Therefore, as a result of the encounter one is willing to return tothe Lord and begin to do it.The Pentecostal message by Apostle Peter pierced the hearts ofthe people thus they asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?Repentance was the answer. “If you want to follow Christ youmust repent of your sins, turn to God and be baptized in thename of Jesus Christ”. To repent means to turn from sin, tochange the direction of your life from selfishness and rebellionagainst God's law. The change of direction is the missing link inthe purported repentance of this our age. It is obvious that nochange of direction on the part of many who are paradingthemselves as Christians. It is still the same way, direction,modes of doing things, same habit, attitudes, behavior etc.Peter said the promise is for all who repent and their childrenand not only the Jews, the Gentiles also have a portion in it. Thechallenge before you today is to make a concerted effort byreconciling with God that you and your children who wouldsincerely turn to Jesus Christ may benefit in this promise.PRAYER:Almighty and our dear Father, have pity on all who will turn toJesus Christ today, that they may be saved 106

A story was told of an old woman who was to walk a long distance with a load on her head until a young man gave her a lift in his pick up van. After somedistance the young man discovered on looking back that shewas still carrying the load on her head even inside the van. Heenquired why she wouldn't drop the load and the old womanreplied,Ah! You carry me; you go still carry my load?This is a true reflection of our relationship with our God. Manycome to Jesus but refuse to drop the burdens of their hearts. InChrist, we are not dealing with someone with limited powerand skill, but He who is the all sufficient one, with whom wecan repose our entire confidence in all our affairs and give ourlives and their burdens. In 1 Peter. 5:7, the scripture says, \"Castall your anxieties on him because he cares for you\". In thisend time we are faced with a lot of stress leading to differenttypes of ailments. We must learn to drop this load with him.Therefore, let the call of the Lord in Matt. 11:28-30 be a timelycall for us. It may be perhaps, the eleventh hour in your life; thatcall is still for you today. Let us exchange our self and trustChrist Jesus who is our sufficiency. Willingly drop that burdenat the feet of Jesus today. Cast your burdens and worries onhim.PRAYERHelp us Lord to trust you more; to exchange our self -limitations for your limitlessness.Amen. 107

A careful check on today's reading reveals the importance is not just on the value of human life over that of a sheep but on love over the law. Thelaw says no job must be done on the Sabbath; so, is it lawfulto heal on the Sabbath? The Lord's position and answer arevery clear, \"the son of man is the Lord of the Sabbath\",and \"therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath\".In other words, much as the Lord cares for the law \"Anyonewho breaks one of the least of these ... Will be called least inthe kingdom of heaven,\" He cares for you. The Lord wasnot unaware of what the love for sinners over the law wasgoing to bring. He took all insults and sufferings uponhimself for your sake. The scriptures says \"this is love, notthat we love God, but that He love us and sent His son tous as an atoning sacrifice for our sins\". (1 John 4:1 0).Can you reach out for a piece of that love today? Certainlyyou will have a story to tell. A story that will bring someonefrom darkness unto the kingdom of light radiating from ourLord to this untoward generation.PRAYERThank you Lord for loving so much Teach me tounderstand the depth of your love that you have me at thetop of all your priorities. 108

According to Apostle John, when Jesus Christ made the statement \"Whoever believes in me ... Streams of living water will flow from within him\" he was talkingabout the spirit. Those who believe in him would later receivethe Holy Spirit, because up till that time the spirit had not beengiven, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. The coming of theHoly Spirit into our lives is part of God's programme for oursalvation. Not until one has received the Holy Spirit, the processof Salvation is not complete.It is possible to be in the church and to observed all the ritualsand to have undertaken the sacraments but the person may belacking the Holy Spirit. In such a situation the person would notunderstand the meaning and the relevance of those things hehad done. Take note, the scripture says since Jesus had not yetbeen glorified, it is pretty difficult, infact the Holy Spirit cannotcome.For Jesus to be glorified in one's life is to have had an encounterwith him. There and then you will appreciate his atonement foryou. You will come to understand what he did for you. Inhumility you will surrender to his Lordship. He comes into yourlife and you will become a new creation. Within these few daysthat we are going to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, letJesus be glorified in your life as you submit to his Lordship.PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, I pray that you be glorified in my life, sothat out of me shall flow the rivers of living water. 109

The Holy Spirit is coming to us not as a visitor who will go back in due course. He is not coming as a co-tenant whereby he will be living side by side with you. He is notcoming to be a room mate. But he is coming to dwell in usindividually and as a body of Christ. Take note, not many Spiritbut one, the Holy Spirit who will indwell us. We have been toldthat until Jesus Christ is glorified in our lives, he will not come.As he is coming we need to make ourselves available for him tocome. It is those who are ready for him that will receive him.Jesus Christ said the world cannot accept him because it neithersees him nor know him. This is so because the world has notaccepted Jesus Christ. Not until the world accepts the Lordshipof Christ, it can never receive the Holy Spirit.As long as it cannotreceive the Holy Spirit all the benefits that come from him willcontinue to escape the world.This is exactly the perfect description of one who is in theChurch without the gift of the Holy Spirit. No matter the positionthe person may be holding. \"The man without the spirit does notaccept the things that come from the spirit of God, for they arefoolishness to him, and he cannot understand them becausethey are spiritually discerned\" (1 Corinth 2: 14). Such a mancannot understand because he lacks the indwelling of the HolySpirit. It is the Holy Spirit that gives understanding of all things.PRAYERDear Holy Spirit give me the understanding of yourself daily. 110

When the Holy Spirit comes, he is going to do a lot in our individual lives and in the life of the church. The greatest work he is going to do is the sustenance ofthe salvation that Jesus Christ had wrought for mankind. Withhis presence with us, it becomes easy in this untowardgeneration to work out one's salvation with trembling and fear.If not for his presence, there are so many threats around us thatcan make us lose our salvation.The world is against the truth and its ideals. The world is bothcrooked and corrupt; anyone who is not ready to live by itsstandard must definitely be in constant war with it. The battlewith the world is very fierce and the arm of the flesh can alwaysfail, but with the Holy Spirit guiding us into all truth, we aremore than conquerors. At the coming of the Holy Spirit, theworld will be convicted of guilt in regard to sin andrighteousness and judgment. Since men (the world) haverejected the son of God, on their part it is sin (John 3; 18).Our Lord Jesus Christ has completed the work of Salvation; hewill not die again, but to judge the world. \"Moreover, theFather judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to theSon\" (John 5:22). Therefore the world has another opportunityas it listens to the witness of the Holy Spirit. He is speaking tothe Church and the world; there is an opportunity for those whohave not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour to do so.PRAYERHoly Spirit the faithful guide, how can I do without you, comenow and take your rightful position in my life. 111

Some may be tempted to think that the Holy Spirit will find his way into their lives without any effort on their part. This is not true. Before the day of Pentecost, thedisciples engage themselves in prayers which helped toprepare them. The Holy Spirit can only come to a place that hasbeen made ready for him in prayers, fasting and repentance ofheart. In his teaching about prayer, the master said if we that areevil, know how to give good gifts to our children that willgreatly improve their lives, then our Father knows best. If weask for the gift of the Holy Spirit, he will graciously give us.This is an opportunity for those who have not received theHoly Spirit to begin to pray and seek the face of God in fastingfor them to receive him. Some have received him in the pastand the Holy Spirit was active in their lives. They had a specialministry through which they were building the body of Christ.They fell into sin and the Holy Spirit departed. Some who hadthe gift of the Holy Spirit and they were useful to the church,have fallen back because of worldly matters.This is the time to confess and ask God to forgive you andrestore the Holy Spirit to you. The promise had been given thatif we ask, God will grant us the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spiritthat will prepare you for heaven.PRAYERLord Jesus thank you for the promise to give us the HolySpirit. We ask dear Father grant us the gift of the Holy Spirittoday. 112

Before the advent of the new covenant, under the old dispensation Jews have nothing in common with the Gentiles. The wall of partition between them is betterimagined than experienced. In Christ the only identity is thatyou are a born again Christian. Where one comes from, yourstatus or disposition is irrelevant. However, the case as it is onground is not what the Bible says. Congregations are organizedon ethnic basis even in the urban centers. In some cases thesegroupings are working well, the church is experiencing growthbut lacked people from other places who are not giving room toworship even when their houses are closed by. But when welook at the scripture, we discover that it is at variance with theword of God. Strictly speaking, when we come to the church,we are meant to play down our ethnic affiliations.In some places these groupings had led to a serious divisionamong the congregation. In such a situation you find a deeprooted malice that leads to lack of commitment and dedication.The new life in Christ has no room for sentiments.There are believers who cherish these groupings, and when thepastor fails to emphasize such they become angry. If you areone of the champions of ethnic arrangements in the church,spend some time to meditate on the text for today - Gal. 3:28.Pray that Christ may be seen in all.PRAYERLord Jesus help us to open our minds to the truth of thegospel that your church may truly be your kingdom on earth. 113

Dorcas was a godly woman. She was kind to the people around her especially the widows. Apostle James has reminded us that, \"Religion that God our fatheraccepts as pure and faultless is this, to look after orphans andWidows in their distress and to keep oneself from beingpolluted by the world\" (1.-27).The death of Dorcas was a devastating blow to the peoplearound her. The widows were around to see whether she couldbe brought back to life but they haven't got the power to do it.Thus when Peter eventually arrived on the invitation of thebrethren, the widows began to display the robes and otherclothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.Dorcas' good works began to speak for her even when she haddied. By God's providence when Peter had finished prayingDorcas came back to life. This is the result of good works. IfDorcas were to be a selfish lady, at her death, nobody wouldhave even care about her.It is good for you as a Christian to be good in all your endeavoursto anybody that comes your way. The world is a global village.You can never tell where you will meet again. Do notdiscriminate be kind to all. Your works will speak on your behalfgood or bad. Emulate Dorcas today and do good to somebody.PRAYERHeavenly Father, let the mind of Christ be my rule, like Dorcaslet me be good to people around me. 114

It was F. F. Bruce who once remarked that \"the sacrifice of Jesus is an offering so ultimate as never to be repeated again, a substitutionary offering which was effective inbearing away the sins of many\". This is a profound truth thatis eternal. It is a sacrifice that brought peace and restoration tothe fallen race. When we sin, we earn the penalty of death butJesus paid the penalty for us by shedding His blood. Sin, intowhich we were born (Ps. 51:5) has brought upon us separationfrom God our maker (Isa. 59:2); feeling of guilt that hasoverwhelmed us \"like a burden too heavy to bear\" (Ps. 38:4);allowance for Satan to accuse us \"day and night\" (Rev.12:10); but our fellowship has been restored (Rom. 5:8, 9);and we are purchased back from slavery (Eph. 1 :7). Thisgives us, not just our justification but redemption as well.As we face life let us remind ourselves always of this sacrificethat has given us fullness of life and liberation in Him that isstill alive Jesus our Lord and saviour.This is the strength of our faith. If the devil cannot accuse you,why are you so conscious of what the enemy can do to you?They can do nothing.PRAYERLord Jesus thank you for the penalty you undertook formankind. Help us never to go back into slavery from whichyou bought us by your death.Amen. 115

Reinhard Bonnke once said, \"When we begin believing in the name of Jesus, we are not just believers. We are repositioned; it is a personalityshift or transfer\". The emphasis in the above sentence is\"believing in the name of Jesus\". And in our text today, wenotice seeming shift of faith or doubt from the one who camepurposely to bear witness to the light - John the Baptist.Jesus' reply was very simple go and tell him what you hearand see.The fact that even John the Baptist had a moment of doubt inhis life tells more about the task of personal faith (belief). Yetit (Faith or Belief) is the most important thing Christ requiresof us. Faith in Jesus is the one pure power to make the leastperson great and reduce emperors to nobody. Faith in Christis not just a nice thing; it is the power element of all life; it isthe greatest force for social good known to mankind.Believing may be difficult, but it is the best way to relate withChrist. And you will soon discover that it is not the size ofyour faith that matters but the size of the God you believe in.Do you believe in the name of Jesus and what that name cando?PRAYERLord Jesus forgive our unbelief and doubts, teach us to havefaith in you; which is the power element of all life.Amen. 116

There are two basic things that the Holy Spirit will help you to achieve. The Holy Spirit will enable you to posses the Christian virtues as against the vices that thenatural desires produces. The Holy Spirit will also empoweryou for the Christian service by making some gift to manifest inyour life. The Christian Virtues are the character of the Believeras a result of the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. It is not bymere moral discipline of trying to live by what the society saysor what the law says. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit thatproduces Christian virtues in the life of a believer asenumerated in 5:22-23. \"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy,peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentlenessand self-control\" These are the fruit of the spirit that willmanifest in our lives if we yield to the prompting and power ofthe Holy Spirit.These virtues are not automatic. It is a gradual process, theirmanifestations depends on our response to Holy Spirit. If weallow Him to operate in our lives, he will be doing it. Our Lorddemand that we must be perfect because our heavenly Father isperfect (Matt. 5:48). Now that you have received the HolySpirit, make sure you put on the character of your master ascontained in Gal. 5:22-23. If you live by the spirit, it is possible.PRAYERDear Holy Spirit, may our character be that of our master LordJesus Christ. Renew us inwardly, that our outward life will bethat of Christ. 117

The theological implication of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon believers is what is contained in the text for our meditation. Apostle Paul used the word Seal toexplain to us the role the Holy Spirit is playing in a believer'slife. The word seal in this context connotes authority andownership. For you to have received the Holy Spirit, It meansyou belong to God. He has the right of ownership over your life.You are responsible to him and He is responsible for your well -being. He exercise authority over you and nobody shares thatauthority with him. This is the more reason as Christians wecannot serve two masters. Our loyalty and allegiance isabsolutely to the Lord Jesus Christ alone.For you to have accepted Jesus Christ it means you haveaccepted his authority over your life. If there is any attempt onyour part to accept another authority other than that of JesusChrist then you have missed the mark.The seal is also a guarantee for you to inherit the kingdom ofGod, it guaranteed your sonship this is why you can say “AbbaFather” (My Father) (Romans 8:15). The seal is a legalbacking. The accusers of man cannot accuse you again for Godhas confirmed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.PRAYERThank you Lord Christ for the work of the Holy Spirit in the lifeof a believer and the guarantee you offered us in him may welive for you every day. 118

If you were to be among the disciples in the mist of the furious storms, would you not have raised an alarm too? I do not know how to swim but I have traveled by boat to different places forthe sake of the gospel. In one of the districts I had served, usually, Imake use of boat anytime I am going on pastoral visit. There wasan occasion when I visited the church at the peak of the rainingseason. There is this traditional way of fishing whereby when youapproach the net, the current is always high. If there is any mistakethe canoe and the passengers may end up inside the net.As we were approaching, because the tide was against us, we werefinding it difficult to cross. If not for the grace of God we werealmost going to end up in the net. Many of the disciples werefishermen who were used to storm. But this particular one wasquiet furious and they were afraid.There is a lesson we need to learn from the way Jesus responded tothe furious storm. I do not think that Jesus was fast asleep that hewas unaware of the furious storm. The lesson we must learn fromhis attitude is that we need not fret because of the storms of life. Hethat is keeping us will do his work, not because we express ourfears and worries but because he promised us. Do you think if thedisciple had not woke him they would have perished? As much aswe are going to call on him, leave no room for disappointment.PRAYERLord may our faith in you never fail for a moment and when thestorms of life comes, may we be sure that our savior is not asleeptherefore I am always an over come 119

The healing of the paralytic in our passage for today reveals to us that the calamity that befell the man was as a result of his sins. The paralytic and his friends who brought him toJesus must have come with a repentant spirit. How we go to thechurch to meet with God matters a lot. It determines what wereceive from the Lord. You would recall the parable of thePharisee and the tax collector who went to pray. While thePharisee was consumed with the sense of pride and his goodworks, the tax collector was humbled by his miserable life thatdeserves no mercy. We are told the tax collector went homeobtaining favour from the Lord, while the Pharisee left withnothing (Luke 18:9-14).The faith the friends of the paralytic demonstrated clearly showsthat they came with a humble disposition. As Jesus sighted them,he said, son your sins are forgiven. That was the root cause of thesuffering of the paralytic. Jesus went straight to the root cause.This is still true of some people today, until there is a genuineconfession followed by sincere repentance, the healing ordeliverance they sought for may not take place.This meditation is an avenue for us to examine our livesespecially those who may be facing one challenge or the other.For many in the church, their Christianity is highly liberal to sin,such that they can do whatever they like and the grace of Godwould continue to increase. It is a lie from the pit of hell. If you areaffected, please check the root cause of that problem.PRAYERLord Jesus, your word is true, grace cannot abound where sinsthrive. Convince and convict your people for a genuinerepentance. 120

Until the root cause of any problem is identified, the expected respite may not be in sight. Too many people today are covering the evil or sins they committed. Thescripture says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, butwhoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Prov. 28-13). The teachers of the law who heard Jesus pronouncingabsolution on the paralytic were speaking out of ignoranceignorance of the person, of Jesus and the root cause of the man'sproblem. It was an attempt to trivialize the seriousness of sin.This is the case with many people while they respond to thesufferings of others. They are quick to say, is the sufferer the onlysinner? They go on to point to others who they think they hadsimilar problem, yet their case is unlike the sufferer.Jesus asked which is easier to say to the paralytic, your sins areforgiven or to say, Get up, take your mat and walk? What we seetoday is, Get up, take your mat and walk. Thus the miracles wetestify of on television are not permanent. Jesus' healing,deliverance and blessing are permanent, they are never temporary.Afflictions are arising the second time because the root cause isyet to be dealt with. When Jesus takes up anything, he completesit. If yours is still dragging, ask him to show you the root cause andavoid fake ministers who possibly are after what you can do forthem.PRAYERLet us pray that jesters that represent teachers of the law around usto keep away that the Holy Spirit would open your eyes to the rootcause. 121

Your miracle will not be delayed further once you genuinely confess and repent of your sins. This is the secret of the healing of the paralytic. “If we confess our sins, he isfaithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from allunrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Pride and ignorance has perpetuallykept some people in bondage while life remains miserable. Thetruth had been told to them, but they have yielded to the counsel ofthe ungodly and stood in the way of sinners. If the teachers of thelaw had their way, they would have told the paralytic and his friend sthat they are in the wrong place since they were not told what theywould have love to hear.This is the tragedy that had befalling some people in their quest tohave solution to their problems. Since they were not told what theywanted to hear, they left the place that God has designed for them asthe solution ground. Where they eventually ran to only increasedtheir sufferings. For some they have received the mark of the beaston their forehead everlasting condemnation.Jesus told the paralytic, take your mat and go home because the rootcause had been dealt with. You too can rise up in any area wherethere seems to be some paralysis in your life. This is possible if youare justified through faith. “Therefore, since we have been justifiedthrough faith we have peace with God through our Lord JesusChrist” (Rom 5:1). Peace with God is when you are able to relatewith God without your heart condemning you and you rise up andbegin to do what you cannot do before. It can only happen if the rootcause had been dealt with.PRAYERFather, peace with you I desire, help me never to shy away fromdoing the right thing. In Jesus name.Amen. 122

It is God's will for us to prosper in life when Obed-Edom received God into his life and that of his household, we are told, within three months, his entire household changed forgood. It was this testimony that prompted David to relocate theArk to the city of David Jerusalem. While the ark entered the city,it was a wide jubilation for David. It was jubilation in anticipationthat his own story would at least be like of that of Obed-Edom.David could picture a great empire though still in a tee-thing stagewithout knowing what the future holds but in Christ Jesus, it iswell and all would be well with him and his people.It was this jubilant heart of David that Michal his wifemisunderstood and she came out with an unsavory utterance. Shesaid, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today,disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as anyvulgar fellow would”. This was the height of disrespect for theking and it spelled doom for her it was reported that, “AndMichal daughter of Saul had no children till the day of herdeath”.What a tragedy! With only those careless words, though weighty,her womb was closed and she never became a mother until death.Thank God for the grace and mercy found in Christ which isavailable to all that had trod the path of Michal in the past. As theygenuinely repent, Jesus is still there with his gracious word,“son/daughters, your sins are forgiven” wait no longer, pleaseconfess your sins and you will find help in this time of your need.PRAYERAlmighty Father, have mercy upon as many who read thismeditation and they are affected and grant them forgiveness. 123

Yesterday we consider Michal who had no child until her death. Today we look at Uzziah who was a king and died a leper. The reason why we are looking at this people is tohelp us take a look at the root cause of any problem we may befacing with a view to confess and repent of our sins (if any). If itwere to be this our age, Michal or Uzziah would have beenmoving from one prayer house to another seeking solution to theirproblem. By their status, they would keep inviting men of God totheir palaces for prayers before long an interdenominationalprayer meeting would emerge whereas the foundation of sucharrangement is laid on an unconfessed sin. Good Lord deliver us.Uzziah had enjoyed favour from God when the Almightyestablished him and became powerful. However his power lackedthe sense of limit. Thus to him he can do and undo. The altar of theLord became nothing to him. He believed he could take over thesacerdotal role of the priest and swallow it up in his kingship.Thank God for Azariah the priest and eighty other courageouspriest of the Lord who confronted him and told him to his face, “Itis not right for you, Uzziah to burn incense to the Lord. That isfor the priest the descendants of Aaron who have beenconsecrated to burn incense leave the sanctuary, for you havebeen unfaithful; and you will not be honoured by the Lord God”Uzziah died a leper because he had no grace of repentance. Butgrace is available to us all.PRAYERDear Holy Spirit, the same pride that ruined Uzziah is prevalent inthe Church, Good Lord deliver us in Jesus name. 124

As we meditate on the person of king Asa and his reign, one good prayer that we must constantly raise before God is, O Lord! Help me to begin well and to also end well. KingAsa started well, but the end was not well.After the death of Abijah, his son Asa became the king. Thebeginning of Asa's reign shows that he was a godly man. Thechronicler began his story by saying Asa did what was good andright in the sight of the Lord his God. With these opening remarks,his reign was eventful with so many testimonies.Asa was a king who had respect for God and the first threecommandments were real in his heart. Thus he launch an attackagainst the pagan altars and the high places in the land which someof the kings before him could not pull down. He told his subjects toseek the Lord God and obey him in all things without anyreservation. The king got rid of everything that was opposed toGod in the land. His reign proclaimed the supremacy of God in allthings.The challenge that Asa was confronted with in his days are alsoprevalent in our age. Wherever, you are as a child of God, you arethe Asa that should not tolerate any form of apostasy in our time.Pagan altars have risen in recent times and they are wielding muchinfluence on Christians. Christians have equally adopted differentmeasures to turn these pagan altars into Christianity. Thisabsolutely is impossible. The instruction is, “come out of her, mypeople, so that you will not share in her sins” (Rev 18:4).PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, grant us graceto pull down every pagan altar around us. 125

King Asa said to the people, “Let's build these cities and surround them with walls and towers”. This was an evidence of expansion occasioned by divine rest. Godgave Asa rest because he was a God fearing king. While otherkings were constantly enmeshed with boarder clashes and someregional wars, Asa was expanding his kingdom and fortifyinghimself and his people.What are the contending issues facing you and your family? Theperception of enemies and what they are capable of doing is eatingthe fabrics of the lives of so many. Is this the contention you arefaced with? Enemies at home, market, place of work, in the church,neighbourhood and every where? Thus your life is ebbing away?Certainly, if Jesus is the Lord of your life, your story would bebetter. Christians in the midst of insurgence and terrorist attacksseem to enjoy peace than those who are far away from it. Whileothers were wasting their time and resources on enemies, Asa wasinvesting his God-given resources in the lives of the people. Thesecret was that he surrendered fully to God. Psalm 91:1, says, “Theone who lives under the protection of the Most Highest dwells inthe shadow of the Almighty”. This is the secret of expansion. Withthe protection that Asa enjoyed, no one made war with him. Everycontending issue that have turned to wars for you, therefore no rest.Jesus declared, “come to me, all of you who are weary andburdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Asa went to Godand started with Him and he had rest. God is waiting for you.PRAYERLord I am here for you, you promised me rest, let me have rest inevery area of my life. 126

After the episode of the paralytic, Jesus continued with his preaching and a great crowd was coming to him and he taught them with signs and wonders manifesting in thelives of the people.The next thing that followed was the divine encounter betweenMatthew and Jesus Christ. It was only two words, “Follow me”that was recorded for us as the entire sermon that made Matthew toget up and followed him. Leaving behind a thriving businesswhere money was flowing unto his pocket. Indeed, there issomething more than gold salvation in Christ Jesus.The same gospel is coming to us in uncountable words throughdifferent media, what have we done with it? The new birth thatMatthew got was worthy of celebration, thus he threw a party. Histestimony brought many of the tax collectors and sinners whowere in need of salvation. They didn't just come to eat, but to meetwith the saviour and Lord of the world who changed the life ofMatthew. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,old things have passed away, and look new things have come”(2Corinth 5:17).As usual, the Pharisees saw it and they question the disciples whyJesus ate with sinners. Well, sinners are not well, the wellness theyneed is found in Jesus Christ. Hence Christ Jesus would alwayswelcome home every returnee who is a sinner. Is your testimonybringing sinners back or like the attitude of the Pharisees thatnever encourage sinners to come to Jesus Christ?PRAYERLord, help me never to be ashamed of you in the presence ofpeople but to boldly tell others what you are doing in my life. 127

Asa's position as a king was already consolidated because he made the Lord his refuge and fortress. The Lord in response to this built for him a strong force that waspowerful enough to resist every intruder. His armies were wellequipped with large shields and with spears, with small shields andwith bows.In due course, Zerah the cushite marched out to challenge kingAsa. Asa and his men took up battle positions against the foe. Asawith all at his disposal turned his face to God in prayer. He knewthat the arm of flesh would always fail. Moreover, without thegrace of God upon them, what ever may be to their advantageamounts to nothing.The temptation is always there when people would assume thatwith what is at their disposal, they can achieve something withoutthe help of God. They put their hope in men and so they werethoroughly disappointed. This is the nature of man hence the Lordsays; “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on fleshfor his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jer.17:5). Asa turned his heart to God in prayer “But blessed is theman who trusts in the Lord whose confidence is in him” (Jer17:7).It is possible for one to be in church, in a prayer meeting, yet hisheart is some where else. Asa wholeheartedly turned to God. Whenever, enemies rise against you, let your faith tells you that somebooties are ready for you. Therefore follow the path of Asa you toowould plunder the enemies.PRAYERHeavenly Father, grant us the right attitude to the activities of theevil people. 128

As it were in the days of Asa, so it is now, the spirit of the Lord is still speaking. The spirit is speaking through many avenues in our days. What you do with what he says is leftsolely with you.Perhaps Asa was becoming comfortable with the successes he hadrecorded and as usual the devil was already gaining some footholdhence the divine intervention. The divine intervention raised somesalient issues that we must take seriously the prophet declared:1. The Lord is with you when you are with him.2. If you seek him, he will be found by you.3. If you forsake him, he will forsake you.These three key issues demand that we should carefully examinethem to ascertain whether we are truly with the Lord.The first poser is; are you with the Lord. Is the Lord with you? Itwas the same poser to the Corinthian church, “Examineyourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Doyou unless, of course, you fail the test” (2 Cor. 13:5). The sameposer comes to you, Is Christ in you? This is the hope of glory (Col.1:27). It is possible to be in church but not in Christ. If because thelines are fallen for you in pleasant places hence you conclude thatthe Lord is with you, it may be because of the cooperate destiny ofthe church hence the several miracles and testimonies. Althoughthey are evidences but not the real thing and the real cannot be therewithout them. Beloved be sure that Christ is in you and it guaranty,the hope of glory.PRAYERIn prayers, let us invite Jesus afresh into our lives and his peace willflow endlessly. 129

The second poser yesterday was; “If you seek him, he will be found by you” indeed as many that will seek the Lord, will surely find him. For He says; “I love those who love me, andthose who seek me find me” (Prov. 8:17). This was the greatprivilege that Zacchaeus enjoyed. From the moment he made up hismind to seek the Lord, the Lord was aware of it.Zacchaeus a Chief Tax collector who was stinkingly rich,discovered that he needed to see Jesus and for Jesus to come to hislife which is the hope of glory. Many in our generation seem to becontended without Jesus Christ as the Lord of their lives. But thereality is that they are troubled because wealth will not givesalvation, security (spiritual and physical), and peace of mind.When Jesus gives you all these, it is peace that passes allunderstanding. Zacchaeus discovered this truth and he soughtJesus. His inadequacy did not prevent him from seeking Jesus. Hehad to help himself by climbing the sycamore tree to enable him seeJesus.Whatever may be your excuse, God has made some provisionsavailable around you to realize your desire to seek the Lord. TheLord is already aware if there is a genuine desire in you to find theLord hence when Jesus got to the sycamore tree, he called onZacchaeus. Zacchaeus was shocked to hear this wonderfulinvitation and the privilege to host the Saviour of the world. Heburied his pride, and willingly surrendered. There and then, heconfessed and followed by restitution. Those who seek him willsurely find meaning to their lives. Make effort to seek him today.PRAYERLord Jesus as your people seek you, may you be found as Zacchaeusfound you. 130

The third poser is that, “If you forsake him, he will forsake you”. It is a tragedy for one to forsake the Lord and it is a double tragedy for the Lord to forsake someone.Cain became one notable man that was forsakened by the Lord andeverything around him turned against him. In spite of his complain,he ended up bearing a mark and it was reported “Cain went outfrom the Lord's presence”. Nothing could be more tragic than this.You will agree that many have become like Cain in our generation.While some have completely wasted, others look responsible butthey are out of God's presence. They are in the church; all effort toget them converted is being rebuffed. Such people are always onthe negative side. They never identify with the visible progressgoing on rather they give a destructive criticism of every positivestep taken.In the New Testament, Judas Iscariot was a man that clearlydistinguished himself as a man forsaken by the Lord even though hedinned with the Lord. A few instances in the scriptures showed himas one who was completely negative inspite of the grace of Godavailable to him. Judas criticized the woman who anointed Jesus forhis burial. It was reported of Judas; “He did not say this because hecared about the poor but because he was a thief” (John 12:6). Hisbetrayal of Jesus is well known. But his inability to seek Jesus anddecided to forsake him completely spelled doom for him. You mayhave been tempted and you forsook the Lord by yielding to thetemptation, it is time to return to him and he will show you mercy.PRAYERTemptation abounds everywhere, ask for grace never to yield as toforsake the Lord. 131

The Lord is not willing to forsake anyone, hence Judas Iscariot had sufficient time to respond to the love of God, but he eventually wasted it. Christianity has assumed a newdimension in our age. While we avoid being judgmental, we cannotbut use the word of God and the godly discipline that was bea-quitted to us to x-ray our modern Christian character and practices.If we want to be sincere with ourselves especially Christians oflong standing, we would certainly agree that the prediction of ourLord is being fulfilled when he said, “However, when the son ofMan comes, will he find faith on the earth” (Luke 18:8b).Do we have Christians who are deeply committed to the Lord, ORChristians who are deeply committed to the world and they are inchurch looking for historical Jesus to attend to their problem inorder to live their lives in peace? No doubt, many are looking forhistorical Jesus whom they were told healed the sick, used fiveloaves of bread and two fish to feed multitudes, therefore, historicalJesus is a prosperous one that can make them rich. If your mindsetis this, then hear what Jesus of faith says to such people “Do notwork for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life,which the son of Man will give you…” (John 6:27). Hence he said;“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all thesethings will be given to you as well” (Matt 6:33). Demas forsook theLord and went for the world and that was the end of his story. Theworld has been incorporated in the church, make effort to forsakethe world and hold-on to the Lord in this end-time.PRAYERO Lord, I need your grace everyday to forsake the world and hold-on to you. 132

Today we commemorate the ascension of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The disciples were astonished when suddenly their Lord began to ascend until he wastaken away from their sight. While they were yet to believe theireyes, two men dressed in white stood beside and addressed them.As they were pondering over the ascension, they were told that inthe same manner that he left so he will return. In the Apocalypse(Revelation) John wrote, \"Look, he is coming with the clouds,and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and allthe peoples of the earth will mourn because of him so shall itbe! Amen\" (1:7). Boko Haram is busy destroying lives they willsurely give account of the souls they killed.There are some lessons we need to learn from his ascension.First, it shows that the assignment given to him by the Father hadbeen completed and he had to go back and give account of hisstewardship. Secondly, his ascension is an indication that he isgoing to prepare a place for us and it shows that he is comingback to Judge the living and the dead after which he will take hisown to himself.Finally, his ascension is an indication that this world is atemporary place, as Christians we are strangers and pilgrims. Wehave a home whose builder is God. Are you preparing for it oryou are putting everything into this deluded world?PRAYERAs we commemorate your ascension today grant we beseechyou Lord that we may ascend beyond all earthly pleasures. 133

As we mediate on the passage, though two verse, remember we used to say, God never allow vacuum. one begin to wonder whether there was a time when the nation couldnot produce a priest (pastor). Indeed, God would not allow vacuum.Our consolation in this matter was the statement; “they turned tothe Lord”… Of course, when you turn (forsook) away from theLord, you lack true knowledge, true God and all that is divine.There is a big challenge to all who are ministers of God. Are youtruly a minister of God or you are one of those the Bible describedas, “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, andtheir glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things”(Phil 3:19). No doubt, there were priests, pastors, prophetsevangelists etc, unfortunately they all belong to the group that Paulmentioned in the above passage. As a minister of God are youdispensing the word of God accordingly or you avoid the truth so asto keep members? While the word requires persuasion andencouragement, it also includes rebuke, correction when necessary(2 Tim. 3:16).As members of the church, we must desire the sincere milk of theword. The idea that the pastor is using you to preach or preaching atyou should be discarded. Let us open our hearts to the word of Godso that we could receive the blessing therein. When the peopleturned to the Lord, that is when they were ready to hear the wordwithout adulteration, they found the Lord. The situation in our textis the case of many congregations, if yours is similar, go to God inprayer for revival.PRAYERDear Holy Spirit, let the fire of revival fall on your people today. 134

Our passage for yesterday clearly shows that when Asa took over the mantle of leadership, the nation was suffering from apostasy. It was a period that God waspushed aside by the people and they chose to go their own way.Our generation, the world of today is clamouring for the removalof religion especially Christianity. The teaching according tothem violates human rights. We should be allowed to do what welike to do. The church in some part of the world is in full supporthence homosexuals and lesbians are free to be in church.Our passage for today is a clear description of our belovedcountry Nigeria that was amalgamated 100 years ago without theconsent of the people hence there is a great turmoil in the land.Insurgents are bent on reducing the country to nothing if possible.The Boko Haram elements are killing people in their hundreds.Villages and towns are being crushed by the day. It is highlyunsafe to travel to some parts of the country.Things were really bad hence the prophet told Asa, “be strongand do not give up”. The same message comes to us all especiallythose facing great turmoil as leaders at different levels orindividuals who are struggling with life. Asa held on to theprophetic declaration and he conquered his situation and becamethe master. For all who sees this as a message from the Lord, theytoo shall conquer and be victorious.PRAYERLord help us to be strong and may we be convinced that we arestrong in Jesus name. 135

One with God they say is a majority.As at the timeAsa was king in Judah, Israel as a nation had divided unto two- Southern and Northern Kingdom. Asa had a rareprivilege of enjoying the anointing of the Lord. When theanointing of God is upon the life of a man, it distinguishes him,among men. The anointing attracts God's favour upon him. Agood number of persons are enjoying this privilege.For those who may be enjoying this, it is important for you toknow that, you will always be envied by others. Make sure youremain faithful to the Lord; your God will continue to decorateyou far and above your companion. As ministers of the gospelwho are called by God, we need to remain faithful to the one whocalled us. Do not be discouraged by what looks like decampingby members who can best be described as chaff that the wind ofany just arrived prophets are blowing up and down. Daniel hadsaid, those who know their God shall be strong and they shall doexploit.Certainly if your calling is of the Lord, you are about to enjoywhat Asa enjoyed. Large numbers will soon cross-carpet to youbecause they are about to see clearly that the Lord is with you.Asa took the word of the prophet to heart and believed it. The nextthing was to remove every ungodly establishment in the land. Hetotally dedicated the land to the Lord. As we totally dedicateourselves and all that belongs to us, we too shall enjoy this favour.PRAYERLord Jesus give us an unusual courage to remove everydetestable thing in and around us. 136

At the region of Gerasenes lies a man wasting away completely. When the mother gave birth to him, it was a moment of joy both for the family and the entire people.As he was growing up there was a high expectation on him.However this was cut short when the arrow of madness from theenemy landed on him. The arrow altered his destiny and hebecame a set back to his family and the society at large.Imagine the fortune that would have been wasted as they madeeffort to cure him. The enemies were hard on him and theydecided to shut him out of humanity. Thus he had his abode in thetombs. How can a living soul be dwelling in the tombs? That tellsyou vividly that enemies never wish you anything good. They cango to any length to achieve their satanic objectives. What is yourattitude to life and Christianity generally? The very thought ofenemies should evoke two desires in you. The desire to live arighteous and a holy life and for you to be prayerful. Take theschool of prayer seriously. If you allow the enemy any chance, hewill surely strike hard he never wish you well.For Jesus to come to Gerasenes, it was a day of divine visitationfor this demon possessed man. Immediately he saw Jesus from adistance he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. Thismeditation has brought Jesus to you today, the one who knowsand understands you. Meeting Him will surely lead to a new life,therefore open your heart for Him today.PRAYERLord I believe you have come to my region, help me to locate you. 137

Apostle Mark noted that, no one was strong enough to subdue the demon possessed man. Even when they used chains for him, he tore the chains apart and broke theirons on his feet. The man was able to do this because he wasplaying host to a legion and a legion is made up of severaldemons. If the number of the pigs is anything to go by, it meansthe man was hosting 2000 demons inside of him. Indeed enemieshave no mercy and they are wicked.When Jesus commanded them to go out, they begged Jesus to takepossession of the pigs. It is interesting to note that when thedeliverance of this man was taken place, there were people whowitnessed it. It was amazing to them, the awesomeness of themiracles led them to the town to report it in the country side andthe people came out to see what had happened. They came andsaw the man, sitting, dressed and in his right mind.One would have thought that those who came (most likely leadersof the town) should be thanking God for the deliverance of theman and be willing to host Jesus to help them deliver as many thatneeds it. But instead they begged Jesus to leave their region. Thisis more than ignorance. At one time or the other, some peoplehave behaved like this people when they ignore men of God withimpunity and dismiss their ministry that would have broughtblessing to people. We must be careful not to drive Jesus awayfrom our homes, place of work or business through our behaviour.PRAYERLord Jesus, the people of Gerasenes drove you, help us not to fallinto this temptation. 138

Every miracle requires testimony. Our Lord desires that we should tell people how much He has done for us and His mercy freely showered on us. This is the essence ofpreaching and sharing the good news with others. As Jesus wasgetting into he boat the man who had been delivered made attemptto go with him. This desire may be rooted out of the poor responseof his people to the ministry of Jesus. The people hate the light thatJesus brought. “This is the verdict light has come into the world,but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds wereevil” (John 3:19).Jesus did not let him because he has turned light. Even if his peoplefailed to realize that they need light, he cannot deny them the lightof salvation. He told him, go home and start spreading the light inyour family. At least your family should be able to acknowledgewhat the Lord has done in your life, even if others are angry aboutit. Those who begged Jesus to leave, no doubt are not members ofhis immediate family, surely they are sadist. The man is the lightthat will shine and the darkness of that region will not comprehendit.Beloved, you are the light in your family; to what extent are youshining in the midst of the darkness? If we fail to shine it means weare collaborating with those who drove Jesus. If it is so, then hearwhat Paul said, “For, as I have often told you before and now sayagain even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Jesus”(Phil 3:18). If we fail to shine, we become enemies of the cross.PRAYERDear Lord Jesus, let the light of the gospel shine in me andthrough me. 139

The world today looks so strange whenever we read about some of the beautiful virtues of the past. Vices have done a great damage to this world and it is on the increase on dailybasis. We have been told how in those days, our forbears woulddisplay their goods put a price tag and they go to their farms orwherever. Any customer goes there, pick the goods and keep themoney and the seller whenever he returns would meet his money.What is the story today? Hospitality was a virtue that keeps thestranger at peace, thus he can sleep wherever the night falls. Today isnot so, not even with the emblem or a badge of Christianity becauseso many 'Christians' have abused it.At Philippi, Paul and his companion had the privilege of preachingthe good news to some women who gathered. One of the womencalled Lydia had her heart opened by the word of God and sheresponded. Until a man's heart is opened to the word for thecircumcision of the heart, such a person cannot be said to be aChristian. Lydia and her household were baptized and they becamebelievers.Beloved, how is your household, can you confidently say Jesus isLord of all the members? This is the challenge of many a believer inthe church parents must rise up to this challenge and see to it thatevery member confesses the Lordship of Jesus and be willing to livefor him daily. Lydia's household became the Lord's home hence Pauland his companion yielded to her persuasion. Lydia was not lackingin hospitality. Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you follow theexample of Lydia.PRAYERHoly Father, make our home your abode, let the seed of our homebe yours in Jesus name. 140

Whenever we turn or return to the Lord our God, we find rest for our soul and the community at large. That the community is not at peace it is as a result of the lack ofpeace in the lives of the inhabitants. When the entire nation underAsadecided to assembled themselves at Jerusalem before the Lord, it wasanother step in the right direction. Take a look at the kind of sacrificethey made, the number of cattle and thousand of goats they sacrificedto the Lord. Such sacrifices were devoid of selfishness, it speaksvolume of the place of God in their lives at that particular time.How you see and understand God determine what you offer to him.Whenever a man realizes that he exist through the providence of Godand above all, God gave all in order to redeem man, then nothing isever too big to offer to this God.Whenever you plan to thank God, try and mediate on the abovestatement. You will certainly offer to God an acceptable sacrifice.The sense of thanksgiving brings enlightenment and understanding.The people saw the need to be more committed to their God hencethey took an oath to seek the Lord, the God of Israel. Some of us havereduced Christianity to a matter of choice in our homes. This isoutright rebellion against the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, call yourfamily together and let them be on oath to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.It was this understanding that made Asa to depose his grandmother.As many that are not willing to accept Jesus Christ as Lord andsaviour cannot be accepted in your home. Do not hate them, lovethem but let them realize they have no part in it.PRAYERO Lord Jesus we deposed every ungodliness in our homes,community and our nation in your name. 141

And the prophet said to him (Asa), “You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war”. What a temptation! Yesterday, we discovered that the peopletook an oath to further cement their commitment to God. Alas!King Asa fell short of this oath hence the prophet declared, youhave done a foolish thing, and the verdict is that for the rest of yourlife, you will be at war. O Lord, if we have acted foolishly havemercy upon your children today.The failure of Asa in this matter depicts the irony of life and itreminds us that the arm of flesh would always fail. A little advicethat undermines the sovereignty of God plunged Asa into warwhich he never recovered from. Imagine Asa the God fearing kingwho brought revival to the people and returned them to their God.Remember the beautiful things we have said about him. How arethe mighty fallen! The advice was an ungodly relationshipestablished with Ben Hadad king of Aram with a view to fightBasha king of Israel. Israel was his brother, why joining forceswith unbelievers against your brother?Secondly, does he need to seek help from an unbeliever, when hisGod is the Almighty? Asa cannot survive this contempt andblaspheming. Prophet Ezekiel declared; “But if a righteous manturns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the samedetestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of therighteous things he has done will be remembered. Because ofthe unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sin he hascommitted, he will die” (18:24).PRAYERLord, we have no power, righteousness of our own, help us goodLord and deliver us from evil advice. 142