Praying Persistently Until there is a manifestation

Zachariah 1:16

Zechariah 1:16-21 (KJV)  Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.

And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

And the LORD shewed me four carpenters.

Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.

Zechariah 2:1-4 (KJV) 

 I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.

Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.

And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

Opposition against one another is the reason why many do not rise in certain nations. 

Satan makes people to rise against each other. 

Support for one another is the reason for growth and development in any system. 

Matthew 16:16-19 (KJV)  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

What is established or authorized in heaven is what the keys delivered have ability to make happen on the earth. 

PROPHETIC PRAYERS THAT WOULD RELEASE THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST ON THE EARTH. 

The secret to Successful prayer is faith. 

We press into the place of prayer through faith....

The truth taught in any area that brings about the release of Gods power in that area. 

Inspite of diversitives in individual preferences, coorporate prayers brings everyone into one accord. 

Acts 19:9-11 (KJV)  

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

Withing temples, most times there are always disputing...

Romans 10:12-14 (KJV)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

We need to be brought to the place of sufficiency. 

Luke 18:1-9 (KJV)  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Persistence is key to answers to prayers. 

Speedy answers to prayers comes as a result of persistence. 

Psalm 2:8

Persist in the place of prayer until there is a manifestation. 

JOHN CHAPTER 16 - DAY 7 OF FASTING & PRAYERS

ECCCYI

It's been close to 2,000 years since Jesus spoke the words in John 16 to the disciples gathered with Him in the Upper Room just hours before His death. And so we take it for granted that, of course, the disciples would go on to be Apostles, and spread the Good News to the surrounding nations. That the Apostle Paul would travel the known world preaching Jesus. For us, the formation and the spreading of the Church is ancient history.

But imagine being one of the disciples in that room on that night. The way Jesus has been talking makes it clear that something is about to happen, and now He's talking about going away, and coming back? How were the disciples supposed to carry on the work that the Son of God Himself had begun? Talk about big shoes to fill! Keep those fears and concerns in mind as you read today's chapter.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus thank you for these words of Jesus and the encouragement they provide. Help us to remember in our dark days that you are present, and grant us the peace you promise.

John 16 English Standard Version (ESV)

16 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy

16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

I Have Overcome the World

25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.[a] 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

REFLECTION & APPLICATION

In the first verses of this chapter, Jesus talks about how the disciples will be driven from the synagogues and even killed. But in the last verse, Jesus reminds them, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Have you ever experienced this supernatural peace?

What trials have you faced? What helped you keep your focus on Jesus?

And let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

We look forward to your comments and questions below!

If you found value in this post, please share your comments, questions, and prayers with us!

Discipleship Tip: Sharing is discipleship. Invite a friend to join you on this platform. What you share is what you multiply. Subscribe today to this blog and convince someone to do same. You would be glad you did. You are blessed. 

JOHN CHAPTER 15 - DAY 6 OF FASTING & PRAYERS

ECCCYI

Here we are at day 15: two-thirds of the way through our 21 Days Exploration in the book of John and the 6th day (end of second three days) in our 21 days prayer and fasting.  But we pray you choose to continue reading the Bible after these time out with the word. 

We don't say this just to sound "religious," it's because we believe what Jesus says in today's chapter of John. "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (15:5, ESV). Outside of Jesus, a man is lonely, and according to scriptures, it is not good for a man to be a alone. It is ok to be single, but not right to be alone. And later He says, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (v. 11, ESV).

Walking with Jesus, living the way He lives and loving the way He loves is impossible without the Bible - the kingdom code that scripts our future. Though Jesus is now in heaven with the Father, do you remember how He promised to help us until His return? The Holy Spirit, as we learned in chapter 14, will "bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (14:26, ESV). The Holy Spirit is accomplishing this mission every day by speaking to you through the Bible. So, let's read!

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus grant me deeper access to the mysteries that is inherent in your word. Open up this scripture to me in a new and living way. 

John 15 English Standard Version (ESV)

I Am the True Vine

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants,[a] for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

The Hatred of the World

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin,[b] but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

REFLECTION & APPLICATION

A life without Jesus is a life without joy and one full of spiritual frustration. That's why we need the Bible, not just for 21 days, but for a lifetime! Each day allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of God's love and Jesus' life. And then take those lessons into the world, and let others see.

What are some ways you've grown in your relationship with God through this study?

And let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

We look forward to your comments and questions below!

If you found value in this post, please share your comments, questions, and prayers with us!

Discipleship Tip: Sharing is discipleship. Invite a friend to join you on this platform. What you share is what you multiply. Subscribe today to this blog and convince someone to do same. You would be glad you did. You are blessed. 

JOHN CHAPTER 14 - DAY 5 OF FASTING & PRAYERS

ECCCYI

Some people who are critical of the idea of the Trinity (one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) will rightfully point out that the word "trinity" is never used once in the Bible. But after reading a chapter like John 14, it's abundantly clear that there is something unique and wonderful about the person of God that deserves it's own word.

All throughout this Gospel Jesus has reminded us that He and the Father are one; He speaks for the Father; and to see One, is to know the other. And in this chapter Jesus mentions the Holy Spirit who would be sent after He has returned to Heaven. Jesus says, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

Just as Jesus came in God the Father's name, the Spirit comes in Jesus' name. The Spirit will continue to teach us and remind us of what Jesus taught. The Spirit won't just be God in the Flesh; He will be God in the hearts of those who love Him.

Our job now is to continue living the way Jesus demonstrated, showing love for Him and compassion for others. And when you need help, the Spirit, the Divine Counsellor will be there to assist.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus thank you for the comforting words found in today's chapter. Thank you that these words you spoke 2,000 years ago have been preserved for me to read in the first place! Thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit and we pray that we will continue to grow in our knowledge of You.

John 14 English Standard Version (ESV)

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;[a] believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”[c] 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it.

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,[f] to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[g] in you.

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

REFLECTION & APPLICATION

The Holy Spirit wasn't the only thing Jesus promised in this chapter. Take a look back through the verses and find Jesus' other promises.

What comes to mind when you imagine Jesus preparing a place for you?

On what basis does Jesus tell the disciples to not be troubled or afraid?

And let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

We look forward to your comments and questions below!

If you found value in this post, please share your comments, questions, and prayers with us!

Discipleship Tip: Sharing is discipleship. Invite a friend to join you on this platform. What you share is what you multiply. Subscribe today to this blog and convince someone to do same. You would be glad you did. You are blessed. 

Theme Song on Hebron FM 95.9 with Kay Daniels - Impacting lives with your business

Business is not just about staying busy or an avenue to make money, it is much more about rendering services in your bid to add value to lives. 

Creating value is in my own opinion is the essence of business. 

Those who commit to value addition never run out ideas in business. 

As long as there is idea flow, there would also be production. 

When there is production, there would be something to multiply. Multiplication is what creates income and sustained income would culminate in wealth creation. 

Sustained multiplication would always at some point demand replenishing or what I would love to term repackaging. Those who understand the wonders of repackaging enjoy longevity in the business world. 

Repacking is appearing relevant inspite of changing times and ideas. 

This is what makes business a tool for impacting lives, especially when it is truly meeting the needs of people. 

JOHN CHAPTER 13 - DAY 4 OF FASTING & PRAYERS

ECCCYI

At this point in the Book of John we've seen Jesus turn water into wine, feed more than 5,000 people with only a couple loaves of bread and fish, walk on water, chase the money-changers out of the temple of Jerusalem, and, in chapter 11, call a dead man out of his grave. So, it's understandable surprising when in this chapter, Jesus wraps a towel around his waist and begins washing the feet of the disciples.

Peter is also surprised and even rebukes Jesus. We do the same thing today when we try to dictate the means of our salvation. We say, "I must do this great deed, to be worthy of your attention!" And Jesus' response to us is the same as His reply to Peter, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with me." This is a mystery that Jesus was trying to communicate, but the human nature in Peter imposed a resistance. This is because, men tend to instantly resist whatever their brains cannot comprehend. 

In the rest of the chapter, Jesus goes on to explain that this kind of sacrificial service will be the distinguishing mark of the disciple. "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus, on this fouth day of the fasting and prayer, let your doube revival take place in our lives. Let everything dead or dying experience the Lazarus kind of resurrection. 

John 13 English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet

13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet,[a] but is completely clean. And you[b] are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[c] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled,[d] ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

One of You Will Betray Me

21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side,[e] 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus[f] of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

A New Commandment

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

REFLECTION & APPLICATION

At the heart of the Gospel message is the idea of sacrificial love. Jesus, the Messiah, took on the role of a servant. He suffered death because He knew it would provide salvation for us.

What are some ways you can show this kind of love to those around you?

Have you ever been served in this way by another? How did it make you feel?

And let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

We look forward to your comments and questions below!

If you found value in this post, please share your comments, questions, and prayers with us!

Discipleship Tip: Sharing is discipleship. Invite a friend to join you on this platform. What you share is what you multiply. Subscribe today to this blog and convince someone to do same. You would be glad you did. You are blessed. 

JOHN CHAPTER 12 - DAY 3 OF FASTING & PRAYER

ECCCYI

In this chapter we see into the hearts of several people. In 12:3 we see Mary's heart for Jesus--He was worth an extravagant sacrifice. This in turn reveals something about Judas' heart.

In the rest of the chapter we see the crowds turn out at Jerusalem's gate to welcome Jesus; we see men from Greece asking for an introduction. And we see the chief priests still plotting to kill Him, and now plotting to kill Lazarus as well! (See 12:10-11.) We also see that many believed in Him, but were afraid to say so publicly. (See 12:42-43)

Finally, in the end, we see again in Jesus' heart: "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness." (12:46)

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus, you know my heart. You know how unworthy and sinful I might have been. But your love was so great that you gave Jesus to die for my sins. Help me to see your Son more clearly in your word. I pray that day by day I would grow closer to Him.

John 12 English Standard Version (ESV)

Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound[a] of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii[b] and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it[c] for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

The Plot to Kill Lazarus

9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus[d] was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The Triumphal Entry

12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;

behold, your king is coming,

sitting on a donkey's colt!”

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

Some Greeks Seek Jesus

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up

27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

The Unbelief of the People

When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,

and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

40 “He has blinded their eyes

and hardened their heart,

lest they see with their eyes,

and understand with their heart, and turn,

and I would heal them.”

41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Jesus Came to Save the World

44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

REFLECTION & APPLICATION

It's impossible to have an encounter with Jesus without being affected in some way. Some people turn and run, but return later. Some welcome Jesus with open arms, but later abandon Him. On this third day of the fast, you shall come alive by his Spirit. ....on the third day, he shall raise us up.....and we shall live in his sight...

Where are you at in your walk with Jesus?

If you worship Jesus privately, what's keeping you from worshipping Him openly?

And let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

We look forward to your comments and questions below!

If you found value in this post, please share your comments, questions, and prayers with us!
Discipleship Tip: Sharing is discipleship. Invite a friend to join you on this platform. What you share is what you multiply. Subscribe today to this blog and convince someone to do same. You would be glad you did. You are blessed. 

JOHN CHAPTER 11 - DAY 2 OF FASTING & PRAYERS

ECCCYI

When we think about Jesus, it's easy to go to one of two extremes. One extreme emphasizes His humanity. People who do this will read the Gospels and especially notice where Jesus talks about His compassion for others, His tiredness, the pleasure He gets from being in the company of others. When they read John 11, they'll be particularly moved by the verse, "Jesus wept" (11:35, ESV). Who wouldn't weep at the tomb of a good friend?

Others will focus on the divine nature of Jesus. They'll look at the miracles of turning water into wine or giving sight to the blind man and declare that only God can do such things. When they look at John 11, they'll key in on verse 43 where Jesus "cried out with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out'" (ESV).

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus, it's hard to comprehend the sheer magnitude of your being; how you can be fully human and yet fully God at the same time. As we read today's passage help us to see Jesus in a new and brighter light. Allow us to experience again the wonder and awe of the miracle of Jesus' life and sacrifice on our behalf.

John 11 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Death of Lazarus

11 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus[a] was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin,[b] said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

I Am the Resurrection and the Life

17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles[c] off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[d] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Jesus Weeps

28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved[e] in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus Raises Lazarus

38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

The Plot to Kill Jesus

45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.

55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for[f] Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.

REFLECTION & APPLICATION

It's not entirely wrong to lean toward one or the other view of Jesus. On different days, in different situations we need God in different ways. Some days we need a miracle! Some days we need a friend to listen and reassure. Look at where you are in your walk with Jesus today and pray to God according your needs. And pray that not only would your needs be met, but that God would be glorified through your life. 

On this second day of the fast, expect to be revived in your spirit man. After two days, he shall surely revive us ...... Look forward and expect a revival and so shall it be! Everything dying or dead around you would surey jark back to life in Jesus name! He is the resurection and the life.

And let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

We look forward to your comments and questions below!

If you found value in this post, please share your comments, questions, and prayers with us!
Discipleship Tip: Sharing is discipleship. Invite a friend to join you on this platform. What you share is what you multiply. Subscribe today to this blog and convince someone to do same. You would be glad you did. You are blessed. 

JOHN CHAPTER 10 - DAY 1 OF FASTING & PRAYER

ECCCYI

A common mistake people make in Bible reading is to assume that when a chapter ends, so does the story or lesson. Sometimes that's the case, but today it's not. So, take a moment to remind yourself of what happened in chapter 9: it involved a blind man and a confrontation.

For several chapters now we've seen Jesus' conflict with the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the Jews. It would seem that the Pharisees would be delighted to have Jesus, the Son of God, among them. The Pharisees had devoted their lives to serving God and following His law and teaching others to do the same. But Jesus revealed the truth about them. They weren't serving God with all their religious practices; they were serving themselves.

The parable is also a warning for today. There are many religious leaders out there who claim to be serving God but are really only serving themselves. How can you and I avoid them? "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (10:27, ESV). Become familiar with the voice of Jesus by spending time in His Word. And when you listen to the men and women claiming to be servants of God, listen to the Spirit's prompting in your heart. He knows the voice of God, and will recognize those who speak for Him.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, as we read today's passage, open our spiritual ears to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. Guard our hearts against those who would seek to harm us and cause us to doubt the goodness of Jesus. On this first day of the 21 days fasting and prayer, let light break forth light the morning and grant us access to deep revelations embeded in your word. 

John 10 English Standard Version (ESV)

I Am the Good Shepherd

10 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

I and the Father Are One

22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me,[a] is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.

40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. 41 And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there.

REFLECTIONS & APPLICATION

In this chapter we learn that Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

According to Jesus, what are some characteristics of the Good Shepherd?

What are the promises that Jesus makes to the "sheep" in this passage?

As a Christ-follower, the reality is that there are wolves out there looking for opportunities to attack the sheep. But our Shepherd is greater than the wolves! What can you do today to stay near Jesus and listen to His voice only?

And let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

We look forward to your comments and questions below!

If you found value in this post, please share your comments, questions, and prayers with us!
Discipleship Tip: Sharing is discipleship. Invite a friend to join you on this platform. What you share is what you multiply. Subscribe today to this blog and convince someone to do same. You would be glad you did. You are blessed. 

EMPOWERING THE TOTAL MAN FOR EXPLOITS IN 2022 by Pst Kay Daniels

EMPOWERING THE TOTAL MAN FOR EXPLOITS IN 2022

Man is a spirit (spirit man), he has a soul and lives in a Body

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV)  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This validates the truth that man is a spirit, has a soul and lives in a body. 

All these part of man has to be empowered if exploits must be achieved. 

How can these parts of man be empowered? 

Daniel 11:32 (KJV)  And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

The knowledge of our make up is key to a life of exploits in 2022. 

1. THE SPIRIT MAN

The spirit man is the spirit of man. 

Proverbs 20:27 (KJV)  The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Job 32:8 (KJV)  But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

The spirit of man is the candle God holds in his hand and lights up with the Spirit of the lord (Holy Spirit). 

To therefore inspire your spirit man, you need the Spirit of the Lord. 

The Spirit of the lord is the fire or flame that comes upon the candle of the lord (our spirit man) to lighten us up.  

This is what empowers our spirit man. 

When the spirit man received from the Spirit of the lord, it is known as the Spirit of faith and when the spirit man imparts on the Soul, it is known as the word of faith. 

The Spirit of faith recieves from God while the word of faith receives from word of faith. 

2 Corinthians 4:13 (KJV)  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

Isaiah 11:2 (KJV)  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

The resting of the Spirit of the lord is the resting of the oil on a man, injecting the Spirit of the Lord. Thie ie known as the Anointing

When the anointing comes upon the soul it empowers the five components of the soul. 

What are the five components of the soul? 

1. The Mind 

a. Imagination

b. Memory

2. The Intellect

3. The Emotion

4. The will. 

These five aspects of the soul are powerd by five of the seven spirits of God. 

1. The imagination - this ie powered by the spirir of Understanding. This is the image forming part of the soul. 

Genesis 11:6 (KJV)  And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

This is the birth place of vision. The unveiling of divine plan. 

John 3:3 (KJV)  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

What Adam and Eve lost in the garden was the ability to envision the kingdom. That is why salvation begins with the opening of our kingdom focused imagination. 

Jeremiah 1:10-11 (KJV)  See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

Your ability to see is empowerd by Spirit of Understanding which inspires you to the point where you can see what the Spirit of God is communicating to the spirit of man. 

At this point, man comes to visions and revelations. 

2 Corinthians 12:1 (KJV)  It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Coming to the vision of the lord is actually the imagination connectijg with the content of the Spirit of the Lord. 

EXPLORING THE WONDERS IN THE WORD OF GOD

Order my steps in your word! There are treasures in the word of God. 

God's actual plan for mankind is in his bood. Gods plan for mankind is hidden in his word. Gods counsel for mankind is hidden in his word. 

Isah. 14:24, Ecc 3:1

We serve a God of plan and purpose. 

Jeremiah 29:11 RSV

Isaoah 55:10-11

Our actual future is Gods plan and not in our ambitious efforts. 

What God shows you in his word is what empowers you for dominion. 

Communion with the word is an eye opening recipe. Luke 24:30-31

REPENTANCE

Repentance is the capital requirment for access to eternal life. 

Reentance thar has proofs to show. 

Luke 3:8, Acts 2:38

To sustain eternal life, you need to keep feeding on the word. 2 Peter 1:4

Prayer is the exercise that keeps your spirit man alive. 

Once saved may not always mean been saved.

When you quit God quits. Come unto me, and I will come unto you. 

Dont just be in church, stay in touch. 

Only fee find the way to heaven. 

ENHANCED WORD LEVEL

Ephesians 2:6, 1:21

Psalm 45:1-4

The deeper out insight in the word, the higher out level of authority. 

ENHANCED FAITH

Commit to building your faith. 

Hebree 11:33, Psalm 66:3

Power is not power, power is in levels. 

Ezekiel 47:1-3

Power is in degrees. It takes growing in power to flow in dominion. Isaiah 44:3, psalm 63:2, John 14:12, Psalm 66:7

REDEEMED TO REIGN AS KINGS ON THE EARTH

Genesis 17:6, 15-17 Galatians 3:29

Only kings come out of the loins of Abraham. 

Galatians 4:28, Genesis 26:29

ENHANCED WISDOM

Proverbs 8:15

You can only reign with the wisdom of God. 

To access wisdom, make a request for it. 

1 Kings 4:31-34

Wisdom is released on demand. 

It takes wisdom to be enthroned. 

Matthew 7:24 

Doing the word of God is what makes wise. 

Prayer of enquiry leads to inspired wisdom. 

Enjoy walking in the wisdom of God. 

God will not speak to you privately when. you will not accept open instructions. 

WE ARE REDEEMED A BLESSING AND NOT A BURDEN 

Galatians 3:26, 3:14

Psalm 112:1-3

ENHANCED OBEDIENCE

When you access his plans, you never run dry of funds. 

The easiest access to funds is to find his plan. 

Obedience is sweet. 

Obedience is key to dominion

We are all liable to error, only God is error free. 

Your new name is More than a Conqueror and you shall by this new name STEP UP TO GREATNESS in 2022. Glory to Jesus. 

JOHN CHAPTER 9

The disciples begin this chapter by raising a question a lot of us might have asked at one point or the other in our life. They see a man who was blind from birth, and they feel pity for him. It must have been terrible living in such a state, and such misery could only be the result of sin. Right? Jesus' answer to the disciples' question is understandably hard to swallow.

"'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.'" In other words, this man was born blind and lived blind so that one day Jesus could heal him. It wasn't punishment for someone's sin or the result of someone's carelessness; he was blind so God could display His glory. That is God for you?

The fact is, all of us are born in an equally miserable state. We're all born blind to spiritual matters. We're all born with a sinful spirit and a rebellious nature awaiting the day we meet Jesus. The problem is, some people, like the Pharisees, don't recognize their own blindness.

CCYI GOSPEL MEDIA

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to be our light and to show us your glory. Help us to see the need for your forgiveness. We pray that, like the man in today's passage, we may one day be able to say, "I was blind, now I see."

John 9 English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

9 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

18 The Jews[a] did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus[b] to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.) 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”[c] 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt;[d] but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.

REFLECTION & APPLICATION

It's easy to look at a physically challenged person and see his or her limitations and feel sorry for that person. But as Jesus pointed out time and again, it's possible to be physically whole yet spiritually disabled.

Do you know someone who hasn't yet met Jesus? Maybe you're in his or her life to make the introduction. More than anything, Jesus wants to restore that person's sight and show him or her the glory of God.

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