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GOSPEL CORNER: FATHER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOODNESS THAT SURROUNDS ME, THAT IS SUSTAINING AND FAVORING ME.

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
TODAY’S WORD

01/02/24

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
…whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things.
Philippians 4:8, AMP

RECOGNIZE WHAT’S REALLY EXTRAORDINARY
In today’s Scripture, it’s significant that the apostle Paul used the word “if.” “If there is any excellence.” He was saying you have to look for the good in your spouse, your children, your workplace, and in that difficulty you’re facing. It’s so easy to focus on all the flaws in our loved ones and on the discouraging things we face. How many times on our daily journey are we not recognizing what God is doing and what He has given us. We’re so caught up in the stress of the day that we don’t see how God is sustaining us, favoring us, guiding us. You have to look past all the wrongs and see the good things in your life and be grateful.

Don’t take for granted the people God has given you to love. They may not be perfect, but none of us are. Some people would love to have a spouse, to have children, to have a workplace, to have a home. What we often see as common is really uncommon. What we think is ordinary is really extraordinary.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
“Father, thank You for Your goodness that surrounds me, that is sustaining and favoring me. Help me to look for and recognize the uncommon, to appreciate the people You’ve given me to love and enjoy. Open my eyes to the extraordinary and to find joy in my journey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

My friend, today do you believe that God is for you and not against you? You see, the greatest blessing anyone can have is peace with God through Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). To know beyond the shadow of any doubt that all your sins are forgiven is the greatest provision made for you on Calvary’s hill.

Jesus took upon Himself all your sins at the cross. He absorbed all of God’s fiery indignation and judgment against all your sins, past, present, and future, so that you can be totally forgiven and have everlasting peace with God.

So today, there is nothing between you and God. There is no more sin, no more shame, and no more condemnation! And if God is for you, who can be against you? Now, what will you do today knowing that all His favor, wisdom, heavenly provision, and blessings are backing you up, and that you cannot fail?

NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES DAY: EXPERTS CALL FOR CONTINUED EFFORTS AND ADHERENCE TO THE WHO NTD ELIMINATION ROADMAP IN THE PURSUIT OF A DISEASE-FREE FUTURE

DANIELS OG

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS TAKES PROACTIVE MEASURES AGAINST NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES

… As Government, Stakeholders Commemorates Y2024 World NTD Day with Awareness Walk

In a resolute effort to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), the Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with stakeholders and non-governmental organizations, marked the Y2024 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day with a purposeful awareness walk around the State Government Secretariat and Alausa Communities.

The event, spearheaded by the coordinator for the NTD program in Lagos State, Mrs. Modupe Dawodu, saw active participation from representatives of partner NGO including Maryanne Edeh of Evidence Action and Dr. Francesca Olamiju of Mission to Save the Helpless (MITOSATH), along with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health.

The awareness walk, a visual representation of the collective commitment to eliminate NTDs, served as a platform to educate the public on the prevalence of these diseases and the urgent need for united action to address the inequalities that drive NTD.

In an exclusive interview during the Awareness Walk marking the Y2024 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, the coordinator for the NTD program in Lagos State, Mrs. Modupe Dawodu, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for unwavering support in the fight against NTDs in Lagos State.

Mrs. Dawodu who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, highlighted the significance of combating neglected tropical diseases such as onchocerciasis, Lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, leprosy, and trachoma. Emphasizing Lymphatic filariasis as the most common in Lagos State, endemic in 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and schistosomiasis in 13 LGAs, she stressed the need for collective action.

“Notably, soil-transmitted helminths pose a serious challenge in three LGAs— Ibeju Lekki, Amuwo Odofin, and Ojo. To address this, the state implements a biannual deworming program for school-age children, 5 to 14 years old in these high-risk areas”, she said.

Mrs. Dawodu noted that the free medicine distributed during the mass administration of medicines campaign for the elimination of NTDs, supplied by the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Federal Ministry of Health, focuses on maintaining the health and concentration of school-age children. She urged residents to embrace this initiative, stressing its non-political nature and emphasizing its role in safeguarding the well-being of children in the community.

“The message is clear: Accept the free medicine, keep the children healthy, and ensure a worm-free future for Lagos State”, She stated.

Speaking in the same vein, Senior Program Manager at Evidence Action, Mary Anne Edeh calls for sustained efforts in ending Neglected Tropical Diseases. Standing in for her country director, Pharmacist Tope Ogunnubi, Edeh addressing the global movement’s theme, “Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs”, emphasized the need for concerted action to eradicate NTDs globally and in Nigeria.

With over one billion people affected by neglected tropical diseases, Edeh stressed the crucial role of sustained investment by the Lagos State Government, particularly through the Ministry of Health. Highlighting the positive impact of investing in NTDs, Edeh noted that sustainable financing is a success story in global health and development. “It not only keeps children in school but also enhances their performance, paving the way for a more productive adult future”, she noted.

Expressing gratitude for the ongoing partnership with the Lagos State Government, particularly through the Ministries of Health and Education, Edeh conveyed confidence in the commitment to eradicating and eliminating NTDs from Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. She commended the Ministry of Health’s seriousness in addressing the issue and called for increased investments to strengthen the fight against neglected tropical diseases.

Executive Director of MITOSATH, Dr. Francesca Olamiju, also addressed the pressing issue of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) during the Y2024 World NTD Day Awareness Walk, shedding light on the profound impact these conditions have on marginalized communities.

Highlighting the preventable and treatable nature of NTDs, Dr. Olamiju emphasized their intricate ties to poverty and ecological systems, causing devastating health, social, and economic consequences. She pointed out the neglect these diseases face despite their significant global implications, leading to the declaration of January 30th as World NTD Day by the 74th World Health Assembly.

Speaking about Nigeria’s significant burden, accounting for 25% of Africa’s NTD cases, Dr. Olamiju underscored the collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, NGO partners, and the World Health Organization to eliminate all NTDs in the country by 2030.

Discussing Lagos State’s achievements, she commended the state for its proactive measures. Notably, Lagos received awards for implementing Schistosomiasis ward-level treatment and conducted a confirmatory mapping for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in 6 LGAs in 2023. LF treatment reached over 3.6 million individuals with a therapeutic coverage of 75% and geographic coverage of 100%.

Dr. Olamiju while urging continued efforts and adherence to the WHO NTD elimination roadmap in the pursuit of a disease-free future for Lagos State and beyond, announced the commencement of Schistosomiasis treatment in seven LGAs in alignment with this year’s theme: “Unite, Act & Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases.”

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

30 January, 2024

FG INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON MINIMUM WAGE

31/01/24

PRESS RELEASE

OLADIPO DG

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 37-man Tripartite Committee with a mandate to recommend a new National Minimum Wage for Nigeria.

The brief inauguration ceremony which held this Tuesday at the executive council chambers of the presidential villa in Abuja, was presided over by Vice president Kashim Shettima, who stood in for President Bola Tinubu who is currently in France on a private visit.

The National Minimum Wage committee is chaired by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji, with other members drawn from the Federal Government and State Governments, the Private Sector as well as the Organised Labour.

Vice president Kashim Shettima says the setting up of the minimum wage review committee is a reaffirmation of President Tinubu’s desire to motivate the nation’s workforce which he describes as the cornerstone of the administration

Shettima notes that though decisions made to salvage the economy remain inevitable, the federal government is not oblivious of the short-term implications, assuring Nigerians of better days ahead

He urged the committee to be diligent and consult widely in arriving at a fair and decent wage that can alleviate the sufferings of the people.

The vice president directed ministers who are part of the national minimum wage committee to be physically present at meetings while encouraging state governors to do same.

Chairman of the committee, Bukar Aji thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and promised to deliver on the assignment in fairness to all parties.

Recommendations of the National Minimum Wage Committee which has till April, 2024 to conclude its assignment will be drafted as a bill and sent to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

GOSPEL CORNER: IT WASN’T THE ENEMY LEADING HIM INTO THE WRONGS; IT WAS THE HAND OF GOD LEADING TO A RIGHT.

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
TODAY’S WORD

31/01/24

Today’s Scripture
But Jesus said, “Don’t resist anymore.”
Luke 22:51, TLB

WRONGS THAT LEAD TO RIGHTS
When Jesus was about to be arrested and crucified, the temple guards approached Him. Peter said, “This is wrong,” and struck one of them with his sword. The betrayal, the false accusations and trial, and the crucifixion were all wrong. But just as the other disciples were about to draw their swords, Jesus said, “Quit fighting these wrongs! They’re a part of My destiny.” The disciples couldn’t see that these wrongs against Jesus were necessary to get Him to the cross. It wasn’t the enemy leading Him into the wrongs; it was the hand of God leading to a right.

Too often we get stuck in the wrongs—the setbacks, the position you didn’t get, the hurtful things you don’t understand. As Peter did, you’ll be tempted to fight, get upset, live frustrated, and say, “God, where are You?” No, God is saying, “I am in control. Those wrongs are leading you to a right. Quit fighting everything you don’t like; flow with it.” You have to get through the wrongs to become who you were created to be.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
“Father, thank You that You are the Most High God who is directing my steps to my destiny. Thank You that You are in control and that I don’t have to get stuck in trying to understand every wrong along the way. I believe You are using it to transport me to my purpose. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

SECTION TWO

Psalm 91:4 starts with “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge” and ends with this proclamation: “His truth shall be your shield and buckler.”

What is the shield and buckler? A buckler refers to a small round shield used for close-contact fighting. A shield is much larger, one you can dig into the ground and hide behind when spears, arrows, or rocks are being launched at you in a bigger attack. So whether it is a small or big attack, His truth—your shield and buckler—covers you completely!

In Ephesians 6:16, it tells us to, above all, take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Why? Because the shield of faith will cover you all around. Amen!

That is why the devil is after your shield of faith—he wants to make you doubt God’s Word, which is His truth. Once you take up the shield of faith, his attacks against you cannot prosper. So lift up your shield!

My dear reader, as you listen to messages about Jesus’ finished work and your faith is being built, your shield is also being built. Even if you are found in the wrong place at the wrong time, the Lord can protect you when His shield of faith surrounds you and you are placed under the shadow of His wings.

One of our church members was driving on the freeway with his family and came behind a van that had a queen-size mattress tied to its roof. Suddenly, the ropes that secured the mattress to the van snapped and the mattress came hurtling toward his vehicle. He and his wife braced themselves for impact, expecting the large mattress to crash into their windscreen, since there was no way they could avoid it in time.

Miraculously, the mattress somehow hit the road just in front of their car, bounced to the side, and hit another car instead. Thankfully, the driver of that car was able to brake in time and did not cause an accident.

For our church member, it was as if a force field—or an invisible shield—had protected his whole family! Can you imagine what could have happened if that large mattress had crashed into the windscreen of his car, which was ferrying his wife as well as their young children in the backseat?

Let’s give thanks to the Lord, for He is so good and His tender mercies endure forever! Truly, He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.

GOSPEL CORNER : BELOVED, IN THE PLACE OF NEARNESS, GOD MAKES A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIS PEOPLE AND THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD. WE ARE IN THIS WORLD, BUT WE ARE NOT OF THIS WORLD (JOHN 17:14).

30/01/24

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
TODAY’S WORD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.
Mark 6:31, NLT

STAY IN BALANCE
Everywhere Jesus went, He was healing people, teaching in the synagogues, pouring Himself into His disciples. People made constant demands on His time and energies. Imagine how He felt. As the Son of God, He had this incredible power, anointing, wisdom, so much to offer. Yet at times, when He was exhausted, He would go away from the crowds and get alone so He could be refreshed. Despite the pressing needs around Him, Jesus knew that He had to take care of His temple.

If the Son of God had to be alone and rest, if He couldn’t meet all the demands of the people around Him, why do we think we can go all the time and be everything for everyone? No matter how anointed, strong, smart, or gifted you are, you get depleted. Despite all the needs around you, you have to get alone and recharge your batteries.

There will always be needs, always be something to do, always be someone who needs your attention. You have to make it a priority to stay in balance.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
“Father, thank You that You know my needs and You make provisions for me all along my life journey. Thank You for the example of how Jesus would get away and be refreshed when He was tired. Help me to be wise about taking care of myself and living balanced. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

You may have read of how Joseph in the book of Genesis wanted his family to dwell in Goshen, which means “drawing near.” He wanted them in a place of nearness to him and he told them, “There I will provide for you” (Gen. 45:11).

Beloved, even in the midst of famine, Jesus, our heavenly Joseph, wants us close to Him so He can provide for us. In the book of Exodus, God declared, “I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there” (Exod. 8:22).

In the land of Goshen, God’s people were protected from all of the ten plagues that besieged the land of Egypt during the time of Moses. In the second last of the ten plagues, a thick, paralyzing darkness covered the land of Egypt for three whole days. Yet, during that time, “all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exod. 10:23).

I believe it was a supernatural darkness that covered Egypt, because the Egyptians must have turned to natural resources of light to dispel the darkness—only to find they couldn’t. By the same token, it was a supernatural light that the Israelites enjoyed in Goshen, a light the darkness tried to smother but couldn’t.

Now, I believe this is prophetic of our times. The Bible is relevant for today. We are living in days where we see darkness—a supernatural darkness—cover the earth.

Yet, the Scriptures tell us that even when there’s thick and deep darkness all around, the church—you and I, together with our families—can experience and enjoy God’s supernatural light in our dwellings. We, who have been drawn near to Him through the work of His Son, can have intimacy with God and enjoy His protective covering to live fear-free and victoriously in these dark times.

Beloved, in the place of nearness, God makes a difference between His people and the people of the world. We are in this world, but we are not of this world (John 17:14).

We are His. He desires for us to be close to Him so that He can hide us under the shadow of His wings. He paid the price so that we can be called His children. Oh, what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the sons and daughters of the Most High (1 John 3:1)!

Beloved, whatever may be happening in the world today, you can be bold and fearless because nothing can ever separate you from the love of God, your heavenly Father!

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT GOES TOUGH,GIVES FIVE DAYS NOTICE TO ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS UNDER IJORA BRIDGE

29/01/24

OLADIPO DG

PRESS RELEASE

Lagos State Government on Sunday gave a five days quit notice to different squatters under the Ijora Causeway bridge and Lagos Blue rail Line over head bridge in Ijora to remove all their shanties for constituting a danger to the Lagos Blue Line corridor or risk demolition and removal.

The quit notice was given by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab when he led a high powered team that included the Chairman, Special Intervention Squad on the Restoration of the Lagos Badagry Rail Corridor Clean-Up, ACP BAYO Sulaiman and Special Adviser on the Environment, Kunle ROTIMI-Akodu on an inspection of the Ijora and the under bridge.

Wahab who lamented the security risk that the occupation of the underneath of the blue rail line bridge by mini buses, block moulders, fuel sellers and miscreants posed to the safe operation of the blue rail line service, said government will not allow this to continue.

The Commissioner stated that the State Task Force on Special Offences will take full possession of the whole expanse of land under the Ijora Causeway Bridge and would be sustained by the State Government.

He also gave a 24 hours quit notice to all those selling petroleum products under the Ijora Bridge to move all their trucks and containers or risk confiscation, adding that they posed enormous dangers to the infrastructure and human presence in the area.

He reiterated that no form of enforcement must be carried against distributors and sellers of styrofoam products until the expiration of the three weeks moratorium granted them.

He maintained that the three weeks window will allow all producers and distributors to mop up all the stock they have before the enforcement of the ban takes effect.

The Environment team was also at the Park View Estate in Ikoyi where a secondary collector has been infringed upon from the upstream by building across and fencing it off.

The Environment team was also at the Park View Estate in Ikoyi where a secondary collector has been infringed upon from the upstream by building across and fencin

He directed the Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Department to serve proper notices to all the property owners asking them to give unfettered access to the state to monitor its secondary collectors and remove any impediments if any.

Wahab said monitoring and enforcement of the laws on the environment will be an everyday affair and this explains why the ministry has picked up from where it stopped last year.

The delegation also included the Permanent Secretaries, Office of Drainage Services, ENGR Lekan Shodeinde, Environmental Services, GAJI Omobolaji, Managing director, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, GM LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, GM LASPARK, Mrs Toun Popoola, Managing director LASAA, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, Corps Marshal KAI, Mrs Gbemi AKINPELU and other directors in the ministry.

Signed

Kunle Adeshina

Director, Public Afairs

MOE&WR

January 28, 2024

GOSPEL CORNER: GOD’S FINANCIAL PROVISION IS FOR A DIVINE PURPOSE. DON’T USE PEOPLE AND LOVE MONEY. INSTEAD, USE MONEY TO LOVE PEOPLE!

29/01/24

Listen to the words that God pronounced over Abraham: “I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing” (Gen. 12:2).

My friend, as you trust God to walk more and more in the fullness of Abraham’s blessing, have a revelation that He blesses you because He loves you, and gives to you the privilege of being a practical extension of His love to your community, your country, and beyond.

God’s financial provision is for a divine purpose. Don’t use people and love money. Instead, use money to love people!

When it comes to our relationship with people, it is always more blessed to give than to receive. Have an abundant eye and heart, look around for people in need and bless them. Let your light so shine before all men for the glory of the name of Jesus Christ!

Today, see His abundant grace abounding toward you and your family so that you will have an abundance for every good work!

GOSPEL CORNER: BELOVED, PURSUE JESUS AND YOU WILL EXPERIENCE WISDOM IN EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE.

28/ 01/24

The Bible promises something when you have wisdom: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom . . . Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor” (Proverbs 3:13, 16). Unfortunately, for King Solomon, he only had the left hand of wisdom, which holds riches and honor. The Lord had said to him, “If you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments . . . then I will lengthen your days” (1 Kings 3:14).

For Solomon, who was under the old covenant of law, the blessing of length of days was a conditional one, which he could receive only if he was able to keep the law perfectly. However, Solomon failed to do so and he did not enjoy length of days, which is in wisdom’s right hand.

Today, because we are under the new covenant of grace, Jesus is at the Father’s right hand and He is our wisdom. And when we have Jesus, we can be blessed with the two hands of wisdom because of His finished work on the cross. This means that riches and honor, as well as length of days, belong to us! What an awesome God we serve!

Beloved, pursue Jesus and you will experience wisdom in every area of your life. You cannot try to earn, deserve, or study to acquire God’s wisdom. It comes by His unmerited favor.

His wisdom will give you good success in your career. It will cause you to succeed as a student, parent, or spouse.

For instance, if you are facing some problems in your marriage, God will not just “zap” your spouse and make him or her do a moonwalk and come back to you! The same thing that drove your spouse away from you in the first place will just drive him or her away again. What you need is wisdom for your marital situation!

If you are faced with a crisis in your business, depend on the Lord for His wisdom. There are no “money problems,” only “idea problems.” Trust that the Lord will bless you with the wisdom from heaven to cause everything that you touch at your workplace to prosper. God’s wisdom always leads to promotion and good success.

UPDATE ON PRIVATE JET WITH 15 PASSENGERS THAT VEERS OFF RUNWAY

27/01/24

PRESS RELEASE

BENEDICTA TD

The Nigerian Civil Aviation authority NCAA says it has suspended the Permit for Non- Commercial Flight Operations PNCF, issued to Mattini Airline operators of the aircraft that overshot Runway at Ibadan Airport .

The NCAA made this known in a release by its Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Michael Achimugu stressed that the suspension of the Airline’s PNCF is in accordance with Section 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, as it takes immediate effect.

Achimugu disclosed that the suspension will subsist until determination is made that the conditions of the PNCF have been adhered to, adding that the NCAA has further initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operators in Nigeria

The Private Jet with registration number N580kR veered off the Runway upon landing at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport lbadan on the 26th of January 2024

The aircraft CL60 operated by Mattini Air from Abuja, had about 15 persons on board which include 12 passengers and 3 crew members and there were no injuries recorded.

This incident is happening barely two months after a similar incident had occurred at the Ibadan Airport

NSIB on Ibadan Airport incident

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB says it has commenced Investigation into the serious incident involving a challenger 601-3R Aircraft operated by Mattini Air which occurred in Ibadan on 26th January 2024.

The NSIB in a release by its Director Public Affairs and consumer protection Bimbo Oladeji said the aircraft on final approach to landing Runway 22, at the Ibadan Airport overshoot the Runway.

Oladeji stressed that there was no fatality,as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated, adding that the NSIB has deployed a Go Team to investigate the incident.

The Bureau is expected to release a preliminary report on the incident as soon as possible

GOSPEL CORNER : TODAY, TURN YOUR EYES AWAY FROM YOURSELF AND STOP THE SELF-INTROSPECTION! LOOK TO JESUS, THE LAMB OF GOD, AND SEE HIS PERFECTION AS YOUR PERFECTION.

27/01/24

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
TODAY’S WORD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:2, NLT

FIRE
California’s magnificent sequoia trees can stand over three hundred feet tall and live over two thousand years. What’s significant is that the sequoia cones are full of seeds that are locked up inside. Fire dries out the cones, enabling them to crack open and deposit their seeds on the forest floor. Then the seeds are able to germinate and become what they were created to be. The fire is necessary for new growth.

In a similar way, there are seeds that are locked up in you—seeds of favor, greatness, and purpose. The only way they’ll come out is through fire—the business slows, a friend walks away, the medical report isn’t good. It’s easy to get discouraged, but God won’t allow a difficulty unless He has a purpose for it. There is potential locked up in you, gifts and talents that you won’t discover without going through times of adversity when it’s uncomfortable and you don’t understand. The fire is a part of God’s plan so you can become everything you were created to be.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your promise to be with me through life’s fires. I know that You’re here with me now, and I invite You into every challenging situation in my life. I believe that You are using the fire to unlock gifts and talents in my life so I can become what You created me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

SECTION TWO

I encourage you to start every new day with this thought: “God loves me and gave His only Son for me. Jesus is all for me today. I am saved, healed, favored, righteous, and accepted in Christ the Beloved.”

Start your day by occupying your mind with Jesus. For a season in my life, before I even got out of bed, I would repeat to myself over and over again, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ.”

Some mornings I would say it more than fifty times. I wanted it to be a revelation pulsating in my heart, an unshakable belief that God is for me and with me. When you occupy your mind with Jesus, every struggle, fear, and bondage that you are entangled with will lose its evil grasp on you!

There is a beautiful picture of Jesus hidden in the Old Testament. Under the old covenant of the law, those who sinned were told to bring a sheep that was without blemish, wrinkle, or spot to the priest. The priest does not examine the person to see if he is perfect (without sin), because he has sinned. So the priest examines the sheep.

If the sheep is indeed perfect, the person who has sinned lays his hands on the sheep in an act of transferring his sins to the innocent sheep. At the same time, the innocence and perfection of the sheep are transferred to the person.

The sheep is then killed, and the person leaves with his conscience cleared and his sin debt forgiven. He walks away under an open heaven of God’s favor and blessing.

Can you see Jesus in this Old Testament practice? The sheep without blemish, spot, or wrinkle is a picture of the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ Himself, who takes away the sins of the world.

The priest is a picture of God. He doesn’t examine you for your sins. Instead, He examines Jesus, and because Jesus is gloriously perfect, you can live today with your conscience cleared and your sin debt forgiven.

You can walk under an open heaven and expect God’s favor and blessings in your life. What a beautiful picture of God’s abundant and lavish grace.

Today, turn your eyes away from yourself and stop the self-introspection! Look to Jesus, the Lamb of God, and see His perfection as your perfection. See His innocence as your innocence, His righteousness as your righteousness. Be occupied with Him, and be transformed from the inside out.