There is truly no other god who can rescue like our God. Whatever circumstances you might be thrown into, our Lord Jesus is the fourth man with you in the midst of the fire. Notice how He didn’t stand outside of the fire, but was in the fire together with the three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.
This brings a whole new meaning for us when we read the verse, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6, boldface mine).
Our Lord doesn’t deliver you from afar; He is with you in the midst of your adversity. Call upon Him and He will answer you. When Jesus is with you, nothing can harm you!
Don’t you just love how the Word of God describes the three friends when they came out of the furnace? They were in the fire, but it had absolutely no power over them. It did not even leave a trace of smoke on them! Now, that’s a beautiful picture of God’s divine protection!
Beloved, as you call upon the Lord in your day of trouble, my prayer for you is that the trial you are going through will have no power over you; it will not even leave a smell on you.
Instead, I declare in Jesus’ name that you will walk out of that challenge in your life and the only smell on you will be the fragrance of the Lord Jesus (2 Cor. 2:14)! And as the people around you witness how the Lord delivers you, may they come to know His wonderful name and give Him praise.
Instead of being negatively affected by whatever trial you might face, I pray that you will receive honor and promotion just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Amen!
Today’s Scripture “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:25, NKJV
IN THE FIRE In Daniel 3, when three Hebrew teenagers were thrown into the fiery furnace because they wouldn’t bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol, not only did they survive without being harmed, but their enemies saw a fourth man, one “like the Son of God,” with them. What’s interesting is that the teenagers couldn’t see the fourth man. When you’re in the fire, in the adversity, you may not see what God is doing. You don’t think anything is changing or improving. But you can be sure the fourth man is in there with you. The beauty of our God is that He never lets you go in the fire alone.
Meanwhile, the king was stunned. He had the teenagers brought out and decreed that no one in the nation speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Sometimes God lets you go through the fire so other people will see the hand of God on your life. They’ll see that the cancer or the bad break or the betrayal couldn’t take you out. They’ll see God’s power displayed through you and be changed.
A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that when I am overwhelmed with challenges, You will show out with Your power so others will know that You are God. Thank You that You are with me in the fire whether I can see You or not. I believe that You will display Your power through me today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
SECTION TWO
The book of Daniel records how King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon made a towering golden statue and commanded all in his kingdom to bow down before it and worship it. Three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, whom the king had appointed to oversee the province of Babylon, refused to do so.
Humiliated by their defiance, the king was livid. He gave them one more chance to bow down and worship his golden statue or be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.
Without flinching, they said, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t . . . we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (Dan. 3:16–18 NLT).
The king commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual, and ordered some of his strongest soldiers to bind them and throw them into the furnace. The furnace was so hot that the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men into the roaring flames, securely bound.
Suddenly, the king jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his officials, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” (Dan. 3:24–25).
Nebuchadnezzar called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” The three men stepped out of the fire and all the officials and advisers crowded around them and “saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched” (Dan. 3:26–27 NLT). In fact, the flames only served to loose them from their bonds.
Amazed at how their God had protected them, Nebuchadnezzar began praising God himself. The king then issued a decree stating that if any person spoke a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, they would be cut in pieces and their houses would be turned into ash heaps “because there is no other God who can deliver like this” (Dan. 3:29). Then, the king promoted the three men to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1–2, NIV
Pruning Sometimes God will remove things in our lives that we don’t understand. Perhaps He will remove a friendship, someone who’s pulling us down, causing us to compromise. We don’t like change. We were comfortable. Now we’re going to have to stretch and grow. Don’t fight the pruning of the branch. God knows what He’s doing. He’s not going to leave something on you that will keep you from your purpose. He’ll never ask you to do something and then not give you the ability to do it. If He’s asking you to walk away from an unhealthy relationship, you know a season is coming to an end for your good. If you resist it, you’re going to miss the greater things God has in store. Let Him remove what He knows is keeping you from the true you He created you to be. He’s not trying to take something from you; He’s trying to get something better to you. He wants to bring out the true you. The true you is more fruitful, more blessed, and more successful than you can imagine.
A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for knowing what’s best for my life and for tending over me as a gardener. Thank You for times of pruning when You cut back something in my life so I can bear more fruit. I believe that Your purpose is to bring something better into my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
SECTION TWO
We have a God who wants us to run to Him. And the moment we do, He has promised that He will answer us. Not “might,” or “perhaps,” but a definite “will.”
And He does not stop at merely assuring us that He will answer us. He goes on record for all eternity, saying, “I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him” (boldface mine).
Do you know why we can have the assurance that when we call on Him, He will answer us? It’s because of the divine exchange that took place at the cross, where our Lord Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46).
He was forsaken—left helpless, totally abandoned, and deserted—so that today, we can have the confidence that our heavenly Father will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). What a Savior!
Don’t you feel so loved and so cherished by our Lord? And He made it so easy for us to receive His promises—our part is to simply call upon Him and let Him be our God. Whatever you may be going through today, call upon Him right now and He will deliver and honor you!
Whenever I am troubled, I tell the Lord, “Lord, I am worried about this situation, but I place it in Your nail-pierced hands right now. I surrender into Your hands all my worries, concerns, and cares in this area.” Then, I receive His peace, and when the enemy tries to fire new arrows of fear into my heart and mind, I remind myself that the situation is already in the Lord’s hands. I remind myself of His promise that He will deliver me!
Are you living with panic attacks, fear, and chronic anxiety? Don’t allow the devil to cripple you with all kinds of negative mental pictures, or by replaying all the worst-case scenarios in your head.
Call out to your Savior, Jesus Christ! He wants you to cast “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7, boldface mine). You are not a sheep without a Shepherd, so stop trying to carry all your cares upon your own shoulders.
Whether it is a physical symptom, a financial challenge, or a family situation that you are anxious about, call upon Him and allow His peace to supernaturally guard your heart in every area that you are troubled (Phil. 4:6–7).
Preparing for a buffet or a jamboree party is fun, but such anticipation can become worrisome and an object of anguish and anger, if not regret, where the buffet is but a buffet of shit! Oh yes, of what use is a meal party that ends with constipation, diarrheoa and hospitalization?
Surprise!
There’s no end to what the human mind can think — the good, the bad and the ugly — but certain thoughts and actions can make the dead wriggle in the grave.
Some people believe they are the best among equals and with such belief, they stretch their lucks, claiming the powers they never had and will never exercise.
With a premeditated intention, a group interest would be announced and pursued with expired vigour. But can someone who shut a person at close range be the one to conduct a surgery to remove the bullets? May your adversary never preside over your case.
To be smart by half, some people lost the sense of reason and expose their folly. In fighting an imaginary enemy, one can lose relevance with ease. Or how else can you view an elder or a purported leader who speaks from the two sides of his mouth to a table of double standards?
You can’t blackmail and backstab a man and still expect him to confide in you for whatever reason.
Being strangers in a jungle we should strive to live in such a way to continue to live even when we must have gone — and to achieve this, one should not be obsessed with evil, but it is unfortunate that some people have a penchant for destroying others, creating enmity where none existed, and brag at their stupidity!
Why do men plot iniquity, speak with froward mouths and live by the sword, looking for whom to destroy? What is the motivation for crime?
In exhibition of complex behaviours anything and everything is possible.
Who is an enemy?
An enemy may not be the person who engaged you in an open fight: the true enemy might be the individual you dine and wine without borders. Look through the picture very well, and you can see many things.
The concept, knowledge, and practice of enmity is the best way to define an enemy. If you have an enemy (real or imaginary), you would understand better.
“The term “enemy” can have different meanings depending on the context:
i. Personal enemy: Someone who harbours hatred, hostility, or opposition towards another person.
ii. National enemy: A person, group, or nation that poses a threat to a country’s safety, security, or interests.
iii. Enemy combatant: A person who engages in armed conflict against a state or its armed forces.
iv. Enemy of the state: A person or group considered a threat to a nation’s sovereignty, security, or stability.
v. Figurative enemy: A concept, idea, or situation that opposes or hinders progress, happiness, or well-being (e.g., “poverty is the enemy of prosperity”).
In general, an enemy is someone or something that opposes, resists, or seeks to harm or defeat another person, group, or entity.”
“An enemy is typically someone who:
Harbours hatred or hostility towards you or your group.
Opposes or resists your goals, values, or beliefs.
Seeks to harm or defeat you physically, emotionally, or psychologically.
Engages in conflict or competition against you.
Undermines or sabotages your efforts or progress.
Enemies can be individuals, groups, organizations, or even abstract concepts (like poverty, disease, or addiction). Keep in mind that having an enemy doesn’t necessarily mean a physical confrontation; it can also be a metaphorical or ideological opposition.
However, the focus of this work is on the personal enemy.
It should be noted that not everyone who disagrees with you is an enemy.
Enemies exhibit intentional harm or malice, whereas disagreements can often lead to growth and understanding!
What is the reason for enmity; what are the causes and consequences of enmity?
“Enmity can arise from various factors, including:
Causes:
a. Misunderstandings or miscommunications b. Differences in values, beliefs, or opinions c. Competition or rivalry d. Past conflicts or traumas e. Power struggles or control issues f. Jealousy or envy g. Cultural or social differences h. Historical grievances or injustices i. Personal attacks or insults j. Unmet expectations or perceived betrayals
Consequences:
a. Conflict or violence b. Emotional distress or trauma c. Damaged relationships or social isolation d. Loss of trust or respect e. Decreased productivity or performance f. Increased stress or anxiety g. Physical health problems h. Difficulty in finding common ground or resolving issues i. Creation of enemies or adversaries j. Cyclical pattern of retaliation or revenge.
Understanding the causes and consequences of enmity can help individuals and groups address and resolve conflicts more effectively, leading to improved relationships, personal growth, and a more harmonious environment.
Besides pictures of horrible looking people, your true enemy may not be that person you had disagreement with, but your confidant and a member of your “family” or close associate who subtly, out of complex, go out to pull you down despite communing and communicating with you.
How do you know the real enemy?
Appearance can be deceitful, and to achieve a premeditated goal, anything can happen. Don’t be carried away when dealing with people. Be cautious. Our true characters manifest when faced with critical issues. With a change of position comes a change of loyalty, and at that time you might discover that the ones you denied yourself of comfort to advance their causes would not blink an eye to betray you and make sure you are in pains.
Again nothing unites people more than having a common enemy. If you have what they lack but covet, they will gang up against you…
How best can one fight an enemy?
Is it possible to eat from the same pot with an enemy?
Your answer is as good as mine.
The way forward when faced with an enemy or enemies is not simple and straight.
“Dealing with enmity can be challenging, but here are some strategies to help:
Stay calm and composed: Emotions can escalate conflicts. Remain calm to think clearly and respond wisely.
Communicate effectively: Clarify misunderstandings, listen actively, and express yourself assertively.
Set boundaries: Establish clear limits to protect yourself from harm or toxicity.
Seek common ground: Look for shared interests or goals to build bridges and diffuse tension.
Practice empathy: Try to understand the other person’s perspective and feelings.
Focus on shared humanity: Recognize that enemies are still human beings deserving of respect and dignity.
Seek mediation: If necessary, involve a neutral third party to facilitate resolution.
Practice forgiveness: Let go of grudges and resentments for your own well-being.
Maintain a healthy distance: Prioritize self-care and surround yourself with positive influences.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or professionals for guidance and encouragement.
Dealing with enmity requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to find peaceful solutions.”
Whatever the case, an open enemy is better than a pretended friend.
Watch your back.
The animal called man can spring surprises atimes, betraying trust and wasting lives with reckless abandon. It’s funny and ridiculous that the same people who fast and pray for a better tomorrow for themselves and family members cannot blink an eye in destroying others.
Were men to be God, who can live?
However, man is not God – and God is God! In His infinite mercy every work of Nature is available for all, most times free of charge: air, light, Sun, moon, rain…
Had it occurred to us that whoever and whatever we are claim to be, we are important for a while; regardless of our achievements and possessions, we live to die and die to nourish the earth; we would have conducted our lives in different positive ways without a complex of either left or right, but this is not the case. We have mortals that claim immortality and weaklings that play God!
If you can be true to yourself and be true to others, your enemies will make the mistakes that will advance your cause.
Be security conscious. Preserve your life and protect your territory; do your best not to be a part of terrible publicity or negative statistics.
Today’s Scripture Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me?” 2 Kings 20:8, NIV
Sign or No Sign King Hezekiah was dying of an illness when God heard his prayer and promised he would be miraculously healed in three days and his life would be extended for fifteen years. But after the excitement of the promise wore off, Hezekiah started wondering how he could know his healing was for certain. So he asked for a sign, which God gave him, and he was healed.
God is merciful, and He’ll give us a sign sometimes. But if you live by the approach that God has to prove that He’s going to do what He’s said or you’re not going to believe, you’ll always be dependent on signs and never reach the fullness of your destiny. Perhaps you’re praying for a sign but you’re not seeing anything. The right attitude is: “God, I don’t need a sign that You’re going to do it; You’ve already proven to me who You are. You’ve already made ways where I didn’t see a way, opened doors I couldn’t open, and defeated giants. I trust You with no evidence. You’ve already shown Yourself faithful.”
A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that You have proven Your faithfulness to me over and over. Thank You that I don’t need signs to know that You are going to do what You’ve said You will do in Your Word. I declare that I will walk by faith and not by sight. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
SECTION TWO
Do you know that the best time to thank Jesus for His presence is when you don’t “feel” His presence? When it comes to the presence of Jesus, don’t go by your feelings. Feelings can be deceptive. Go by His promise that He is Immanuel—God with us!
Have you heard the story of a groom who approached his pastor almost immediately after his wedding ceremony? He went up to his pastor and said, “Pastor, can I talk to you for a second?”
“Sure,” the pastor replied.
The groom said, “You know what, I don’t feel married.”
The pastor grabbed him by the collar and growled, “Listen, boy. You ARE married whether you feel it or not, understand? Just take it by faith that you are married!”
You see, my friend, you can’t go by your feelings. You go by the truth and the truth is this: God promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So the best time to practice His presence is precisely when you feel like Jesus is 100,000 miles away. Remember that feelings aren’t based on truth. God’s Word is truth!
Soon after I graduated from high school, I took on a part-time job to teach in an elementary school where I was placed in charge of a class of 10-year-olds. I remember one day, when I was practicing His presence, I knelt down in my living room and prayed, “Lord, I just thank You that You are always with me.” As I was on my knees, the Lord told me to pray specifically for one of the girls in my class who had been absent from school that day.
Now, it is very common for kids to miss class now and then for various reasons, and I had never been led by the Lord to pray specifically for any of them. This girl was the first! The Lord told me very clearly to pray for His protection to be over this girl and to cover her with His precious blood.
The next day, there was a big commotion in the school and I found out that the girl had been kidnapped by a notorious serial killer that very afternoon when the Lord had told me to pray for her. The killer, Adrian Lim, had kidnapped several children to be offered up as sacrifices to the devil. He believed that Satan would give him power when he offered the blood of these children to him.
Over the next couple of days, this girl from my class was all over our national media because she had been miraculously released. Sadly, she was the only girl released. All the other kidnapped children had been brutally murdered.
When she returned to class, I asked her how she came to be freed. She told me that her kidnapper was “praying” over her when suddenly he stopped and told her, “The gods do not want you.” She was quickly released that evening. Of course, you and I know why the “gods” didn’t want her—she was covered and protected by Jesus’ blood!
Listen to what I am saying here. In America today and around the world, the devil is trying to destroy a new generation because he is afraid that the young people of the new millennium are going to take over the world for Jesus. That is why we have to cover our children with Jesus’ protection.
I am sharing all this with you because I want you to see the importance and power of practicing His presence. As a teacher during that time, my class was my responsibility, just like my congregation is my responsibility today.
Think with me: How in the world, with my finite knowledge and intelligence, could I have known that one of my students was in grave danger? It is not possible! But because the Lord, who knows all things, was with me, He enabled me to make a difference in my student’s life.
Similarly, whatever role or vocation you are in, whether you are a schoolteacher, business leader, or homemaker, I want you to know that Jesus is with you and He wants to make you a success. Now, remember, all this happened to me before I became a full-time pastor, so please don’t think that this unmerited favor from Jesus is only for pastors. Beloved, His unmerited favor is for you. The Lord Immanuel is with you.
Today’s Scripture …you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Philippians 4:8, MSG
Be Selective What’s playing in your mind? What are you giving access to? You can’t think negative and have a positive life. You can’t think sickness and get well. You can’t think lack and have abundance. The battle is taking place in your mind. Why are you letting destructive thoughts in? Why are you letting fear roam around? Why are you letting worry have free reign? Why are you allowing doubt to hold you back? You have complete control over what you let in. You can’t stop negative thoughts from coming and knocking on the door, but you don’t have to give them access. Be selective of what you allow in.
Fill your mind with and meditate on these positive, hopeful, faith-filled thoughts today. “God is restoring health to me. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. My children will be mighty in the land. I’m a masterpiece. I’m one of a kind. I’m made in the image of God. I’m crowned with favor. I’m wearing a robe of righteousness. I have been fearfully and wonderfully made.”
A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for giving me Your promises to meditate upon. Thank You that Your Word instructs me to think on things that are true and right, wholesome, pure, and of good report. I declare that I will be selective in the thoughts I allow in. In Jesus’ Name
SECTION TWO
When God wanted to bring down a mighty giant who was terrorizing the nation of Israel, He sent someone who was weak in the flesh. Think about it.
In the eyes of the world, what could be weaker against a trained and fearsome soldier than a young boy who had no formal military training, no armor, was dressed in a humble shepherd’s garb, and did not even carry any real weapons other than a sling and five smooth stones from a brook?
It is no wonder that Goliath mocked this young shepherd boy and his strategy. When David stepped into the battlefield, Goliath asked him sarcastically, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” (1 Sam. 17:43).
The implications of this battle were massive. It was not just a duel or contest between two individuals. The Israelites and Philistines had agreed to each send a warrior who would represent their nation. The defeated warrior would commit his entire nation to become servants to the other nation. It would be an understatement to say that a whole lot was riding on this one fight.
And who does God send to represent Israel? In natural terms, He sent possibly the most unqualified person onto that battlefield in the Valley of Elah.
David was not even a soldier in the army of Israel! Do you remember how this shepherd boy ended up at the battlefield to begin with? David was there to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers who were in the army (1 Sam. 17:17–20)!
And yet, David found himself standing on the battlefield as Israel’s representative against the haughty Goliath. From delivering bread and cheese, he was now called upon to deliver the entire nation of Israel.
David was at the right place at the right time because he humbled himself and submitted to his father’s instructions to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers. Beloved, this is something you need to understand. Submission to God-appointed leadership will always cause God’s favor to flow in your life, and you will find yourself, like David, at the right place at the right time!
The Bible says that we should not despise the day of humble beginnings (Zech. 4:10). There is nothing glamorous about delivering bread and cheese, but David did not despise it. And that put him right in the Valley of Elah, the wind blowing in his hair—a young shepherd boy with no military experience representing the nation of Israel against a mighty giant who was a man of war from his youth.
This is what God loves to do. He loves to take the foolish and weak things to shame the wise and mighty things of the world. So beloved, humble yourself and submit to the authorities that God has placed above you. And when you are faithful to carry out small tasks assigned to you, His favor is released in your life and you might just find yourself doing great exploits for God!
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, PhD, has pledged that the Agency will continue to develop new strategies, expand cooperation, and foster more collaboration to keep pace with the evolving trends in human trafficking.
Prof. Waziri-Azi made this commitment at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja while unveiling the activities planned for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, themed “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons”. The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2013 to be observed annually on July 30th to promote comprehensive, coordinated, and consistent responses at national, regional, and international levels to counter trafficking in persons. It aims to promote a human rights-based, gender- and age-sensitive approach in addressing all factors that make people vulnerable to trafficking, and in strengthening the criminal justice response necessary to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators. According to the United Nations, the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking urges accelerated action to end child trafficking, recognizing that children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.
Prof. Waziri-Azi announced that the activities lined up for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria in collaboration with UNODC, IOM, ICMPD, and OHCHR commencing from Saturday, July 28 to Sunday, August 4, 2024 have been carefully selected to reflect the theme of the celebration. These activities aim to create the needed awareness and impactful sensitization to address the concerns of all and reduce the vulnerability of potential trafficking victims. “I am pleased to state that our activities and interventions in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria are inclusive, involving various categories of stakeholders. For the first time, NAPTIP will commemorate the World Day together with the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP), our counterpart agency that would be visiting from The Gambia”, Prof. Waziri-Azi said. The celebration will kick off on Saturday, July 27, 2024, with a female novelty match to “Kick Against Human Trafficking” involving NAPTIP officers and partners at the Wakanda Games Arena, Accra Street, Wuse Zone 5, starting at 8:00 am. On Monday, July 29, 2024, a Community Town Hall Dialogue will provide a platform for community stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns, fostering engagement, transparency, problem-solving, inclusivity, and community cohesion. The Dialogue would be aired live on Radio Nigeria from 10.30am. “On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 7:30 am, there will be an Awareness Walk from the Old Parade Ground through major routes in the Central Business District of Abuja, ending at the Unity Fountain. State Task Forces on Human Trafficking from 23 states across Nigeria will participate. From Wednesday, July 31 to Friday, August 2, 2024, we have planned a Bootcamp for all State Task Force members,” Prof. Waziri-Azi added. Other planned activities include the Survivor’s Got Talent Grand Finale, sensitization and awareness creation in places of worship and public spaces, and a robust online awareness campaign. Prof. Waziri-Azi urges everyone to join hands with the Agency to ensure a successful 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons celebration. “Let us amplify our efforts, fortify our resolve, and work tirelessly to create a world where every child can thrive in safety and dignity. Together, we can and must leave no child behind in this crucial fight” the Director-General stated. Adekoye Vincent, Communication Officer, NAPTIP. 23rd July, 2024
Today’s Scripture “We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” Numbers 13:33, NLT
YOU’RE NOT AT A DISADVANTAGE When Moses sent twelve men to spy out the Promised Land, ten spies came back intimidated and afraid. They felt like grasshoppers because they didn’t understand that God will put you in situations where you’re the underdog. You don’t have the skill, the resources, the training, the connections. As the Israelites did, if you stay focused on what you don’t have, you’ll talk yourself out of what God has for you. The right approach is, “I may feel like a grasshopper, but I know that God being for me is greater than the world being against me.”
So what do you think about what you have? Are you discounting what God has given you? God has given you the talent, the courage, the skills, the looks, and the personality you need. Don’t go through life thinking you’re at a disadvantage, that you’re lacking. People may think you’re a grasshopper, but don’t underestimate yourself. Don’t talk yourself out of the greatness God put in you. You’ll be amazed at where you can go with your talent, your courage, your faith, and your determination.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY “Father, thank You that You are always greater than any difficulty or adversity I will ever face. Thank You that You have given me everything I need to live out Your purpose for my life. I declare that I am not a grasshopper, but I am well able to go in and take the land. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
SECTION TWO
I want to encourage you to make listening to the good news of Jesus a daily priority. Listen, I know just how crazy and busy our days can get. But when the day is over and we have heard nothing aboutq Jesus, we feel empty, stressed out, worried, fearful, and depressed.
My friend, Jesus is the bread of life and the living water. No matter how busy we get, it is prudent not to neglect feeding on His person.
I know that in the natural, this can sound simplistic. You may be asking yourself, “How can simply listening about Jesus change things in my life and circumstances?” The truth is, the things of God are really not complicated.
Just think about the woman who suffered from hemorrhaging for twelve years. Simply hearing about Jesus and His grace infused her with so much hope, so much faith, and so much courage that she was able to receive the healing she had started to believe for. Don’t underestimate the power of hearing about Jesus just because it sounds simple.
There is a beautiful verse in the psalms that says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). Do you want to know the secret of numbering your days and not allowing a single day of your life to be put to waste?
The key is found in verse 14, where it says, “Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy.” The word “mercy” here is the Hebrew word hesed, which means God’s grace. God is telling us to be satisfied every day with His grace.
I suggest that before you do anything—read the papers, check your emails, or make that important phone call—start the day with Jesus and be satisfied with His grace. You can read a devotional about God’s grace, feed on the Father’s love, meditate on His grace, listen to a message that is all about Jesus, and open up His love letter—His Word—to you.
But Pastor Prince, my mornings are crazy! How long do I spend doing this? How much must I read, listen, or pray?
Beloved, the key is not to be legalistic about it. If morning doesn’t work for you, then find a time that best suits your schedule. It could be during your lunch break or just before you go to bed.
The key principle here is to be satisfied daily with His grace. Feed on Him until your heart is full and satisfied with His grace. It’s really not about the duration or how much, but your level of satisfaction.
Enjoy God’s presence daily. He loves having a relationship with you and wants to fill your heart with His grace, peace, wisdom, and joy.
I have been accused of being one of those health and wealth “prosperity gospel” preachers. Actually, there is no such thing as a “prosperity gospel.” There is only one gospel and that is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Through Jesus’ finished work on the cross, you can depend on Him for His resurrection life to pulsate and flow in your physical body from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet. Sicknesses and diseases are not from God. On the cross, Jesus bore not just our sins, but also our sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities, and “by His stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5)!
That’s not all, my friend. On the cross, Jesus bore the curse of poverty! This is what the Word of God declares: “For you know the grace [unmerited favor] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).
Read 2 Corinthians 8 for yourself. The entire chapter is about money and being a blessing financially to those who are in need. So don’t let anyone tell you that the verse is referring to “spiritual” riches. Let me tell you this: It is the devil who wants you sick and poor, but the God I know has paid a heavy price to redeem you from the curse of sickness and poverty!
Let’s understand how God deals with us from the point of relationship. As parents, we always seek the best things for our children. How much more would our Father in heaven want the best things for us, His precious children?
In the same way that you want your children to be healthy, God wants you to enjoy His divine health. And in the same way that you want your children to always have more than enough, God wants you to enjoy His supernatural provision.
When He provides, get ready for a net-breaking, boat-sinking load (Luke 5:6–7). Get ready for 12 baskets full of leftovers (John 6:13)!
The Bible puts things in perspective most clearly in Matthew 7:11—If you then, as imperfect parents, “know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him”!
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