GOOD NEWS DEVOTIONAL

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GOODNEWS DEVOTIONAL SIN CANNOT CANCEL THE PROMISE MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

TEXT: MAL 3:6: For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed (KJV)
Sin cannot cancel the promise of God in any man’s life because sin cannot make God to change his mind. Paul, the apostle was one of the worst sinners that ever lived. This is why he said in 1 Timothy1:15 that “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief”. Describing himself to the Galatians, he said “for you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it”. Saul, who later became Paul lived contrary to the scriptures in his early days. He was notorious in wickedness particularly against the church of God but yet God’s promise for him even before his birth was not cancelled. Apostle Paul said in Galatians 1:15-16 “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace to reveal his son in me that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood”. This means that Apostle Paul had been destined from birth to work the work of ministry yet every evil he did could not stop the purpose of God for his life. This is why today’s text says “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed”. It does not matter what God has promised you, your sins do not have power to stop it. What stops the promises of God from coming to pass in a man’s life is when the person refuses to give his life to Christ, repents of his sin and believes God for his word. It is not sins that cancel the plans of God for a man but lack of genuine salvation, genuine repentance and confidence in God. God will never say, what I said, I do not say it again or what I promised, I will not do it again. The bible says “He is not a man that he should lie, nor the son of man that he should repent” (Num 23:19). Whatever God had promised you is still intact, if you are going to give your life to Christ, repent of your sins and take God by His word. Paul still fulfilled God’s promises for His life despite his many years in sins, you will fulfill yours in Jesus name.
Confession
Dear father, I receive your son, Jesus as my Lord today. I repent of my sins and believe that your words are coming to pass in my life in Jesus name.

GOODNEWS DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017

IT IS TIME TO DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS AND BELIEVE YOUR BELIEFS
TEXT: James 1:8: A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (KJV).
A great servant of God, Oral Robots of blessed memory said “one of the vows I made with God is to doubt my doubts and believe my beliefs”. This is serious, making vows about his doubts. Why the vow? Because doubts could be terrible, paralyzes faith and good ideas. It prevents the beauty of God from coming upon the destiny of man. Doubts render the word of God ineffective in our lives. This means that no man can be great in life by being in doubts. Today’s text says “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways”. Doubt robs you of your destiny, it was doubt that kept King Saul and the Israelites from challenging Goliath. If Saul had challenged Goliath, he would have won too because it is the same God of Israel. It was doubt that prevented other Apostles from walking on water. It is doubt that is keeping many people from attempting something great in life. Doubt is simply not believing what God told you, when you are not certain whether God will do what He says. Doubt is when your mind is not fixed on God’s words and promises. James 1:6-7 says “but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. FOR LET NOT THAT MAN THINK THAT HE SHALL RECEIVE ANYTHING OF THE LORD”. You have given doubt too much space in your life. It’s time you doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs. Instead of believing that you can fail, why don’t you believe that you can succeed? Instead of believing that sickness is incurable, why don’t you believe that by His stripes, you were healed. Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs by confessing what the word of God says concerning you, and taking practical steps on what God asked you to do. Listen; whatever God asks you to do, He has given you capacity to do it. The bible says “the just shall live by faith”.
Confession
Doubt, you are a spirit, I cast you out today in the name of Jesus. Doubt, you are a liar. I doubt you and believe my beliefs in Jesus name.

GOODNEWS DEVOTIONAL: GOD DOES NOT EXPECT US TO HAVE EQUAL RESULTS || SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2017

GOD DOES NOT EXPECT US TO HAVE EQUAL RESULTS
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (KJV).
We are not born to compete with each other; we are born to complement each other. God did create us equally, but he did not give us same talents and gifts. Therefore, He does not expect us to have same results. In Matthew 25:11-30, Jesus told a story of a man who went into a far country and delivered to his servants 10 talents, another 5, another 2 and another 1. The bible says “to everyman according to his several ability” (vs 15). We are not given the same amount of talents and gifts because we do not have the same ability. What determines our talents is our ability and faithfulness. Now, if our talents are not the same, how would He expect the same results from us? If you read the story above, the one with 5 came back with 5 more, the one with 2 talents came back with 2 more but the one with a talent did not return with any increase. The man did not condemn the man with 1 talent because he did not return with 10 talents, but the man condemned him because he did not return with anything extra. God knows your talents, ability and your situations, so do not compete with others. This is very important, although He’s not saying we should be lazy, but the truth is that we cannot always have the same results. This is why he said in today’s text “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (KJV). It is foolishness to be comparing oneself with another. God would not expect you to trade with the talents He has not given you, why do you want to kill yourself to achieve the result someone else is having? If you look at the bible, Peter was Jesus’ Apostle, Paul was also Jesus’ Apostle, but they had different results. Both of them were great in the sight of the Lord. Peter preached and three thousand souls were converted in one day, and Paul traveled to many countries to preach the same gospel. Somebody’s result should not be the yardstick for your prayer. I never saw where Paul prayed in the bible and said “Bless my ministry like that of Peter”. We also did not see where Paul preached and five thousand souls were converted. Paul was an evangelist while peter was a teacher; the results can’t be the same. So stop disturbing yourself with the results of others. Disturb yourself with the talents of God in your life.
CONFESSION
Father, help me to be focused in life and not be bothered about anybody’s result in Jesus name.

GOODNEWS DEVOTIONAL: LET GO YOUR SEED || WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017

GOODNEWS DEVOTIONAL
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017
LET GO YOUR SEED
TEXT: Mark 10:29
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel (KJV).
Many times most Christians get frustrated on why their harvest is so small after sowing so much seeds. Some even wonder why the result or blessing they get from God does not commensurate with their dedication, commitment and service to God. Many people truly give their money, time, and talents but the problem is that they did not release it to God. What they gave left their hands but it did not leave their hearts. Their hearts are still attached to it. Until you let go your seed from your heart, heaven won’t let go your harvest. This is one of such complaints, Peter was trying to pass across to Jesus in Mark 10:28 “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee (KJV). Just like many Christians are complaining today, “They asked us to pray, we prayed, they asked us to sow seed, we sowed, they asked us to dance, we danced, they asked us to serve in church, we did, now what do we have to show for it? In fact those who do not do any of these seem to have better result”. After Peter said that, Jesus now replied him, in our test today “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life (KJV). In other words, Jesus said, no one who truly released his seed for the sake of the kingdom that won’t have a bountiful harvest. The problem is that, many truly give, but their heart are still attached to it. Some give because they were asked to give, not because they do it for the sake of the gospel and Jesus.
Some give so that Pastor may see and acknowledge them, some give so that they could be identified with the church. Jesus said that there is no one who willingly give, that does not have harvest. So whatever you do, check your motive. Ensure you serve God with joy without being forced, because it is a cheerful giver that God loves (2 Corinthians 9:7). When you give, release it to God and give thanks.
CONFESSION
Father, I let go my life, sacrifice, offerings as a seed into your hands today and I receive hundred folds returns in the name of Jesus.

GOODNEWS DEVOTIONAL : LET HIM DENY HIMSELF || MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2017

LET HIM DENY HIMSELF
TEXT: Luke 9:23
And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (KJV).
Jesus desires to have followers but He wants serious and great followers. He want followers who will be greater than Him. He said to his disciples in John 14:12 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (KJV). What a great leader with a great mind? In order to achieve this, He blatantly told everyone who wanted to follow him in today’s text “….If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (KJV). What does it mean to deny oneself? It means to disallow or not to permit. This means that everyone who want to be a true follower of Jesus must be ready to disallow him/herself from certain things. Every genuine follower of Jesus must put his/her five senses under control. You can’t watch what unbelievers watch, taste what unbelievers taste, listen to what unbelievers listen to and you can’t smell what unbelievers smell. This is the truth Apostle Paul was trying to say in the book of 1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (KJV). This should be the understanding of a true follower of Jesus. Every believer must know that he is free but his freedom is within the scope of the scripture. Self-denial has to do with our connection to the lifting from above. To be a true follower of Jesus, you must pray, give, evangelize and forgive, not because it is convenient but it is commanded. True followers of Jesus must not see God’s commandment as a burden but a blessing. You cannot successfully follow Jesus on your own terms but on His own terms. Not your will, but His will. If you cannot deny yourself, it means you cannot be greater than yourself. You must deny yourself of ungodly practices, unholy alliances and relationships. Jesus said, let him that follow me, deny himself, may the Lord give you the grace in Jesus name.
CONFESSION
Father, I receive grace to deny myself of ungodly choices today. I am a good follower of Jesus. I promise to continue till the end in Jesus name.

GOOD NEWS DEVOTIONAL: THE PROOF THAT JESUS IS YOUR LORD IS THAT YOU DO WHATEVER HE ASKS YOU TO DO || SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2017

THE PROOF THAT JESUS IS YOUR LORD IS THAT YOU DO WHATEVER HE ASKS YOU TO DO
TEXT: Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?(KJV).
In the beatitudes, Jesus made a point clear and loud “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?(KJV). The proof that you respect and honour Jesus is when you do whatever he says at any situation. The proof of Jesus’s Lordship over our lives is tied to our obedience to His instructions. Jesus is not like some worldly people whom you praise in their presence and deny at the back, yet they accept your praise.
Jesus does not take that, if you cannot take His instructions with joy, do not bother to worship him even in the open, He would not accept that. This is why he said in Matthew 10:33 “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven (KJV). There are many who sing and shout that “Jesus you are my Lord” and Jesus is saying “I am not your Lord, since I cannot give you instruction and you would obey. He has instructed many to stop fighting, lying, keeping malice, destroying lives and homes, smoking and drinking, even getting late to services, but they would not adjust. What has He been telling you to do? You can’t prove to Jesus that He is your Lord and saviour by mouth; you must go further by your obedient actions. Jesus said in Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (KJV). Paying our tithes and offering alone does not make Him to be our Lord but total obedience to His words. May the Lord give you the grace in the name of Jesus.

CONFESSION
Dear Lord Jesus, I ask that you have your way in my life today. Help me to work in total obedience to your words in Jesus name.

GOODNEWS DEVOTIONAL: JESUS IS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP || SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2017

JESUS IS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP
TEXT: Luke 5:13
And he put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him (KJV).
Jesus is never tired of any of His children neither is He tired of their circumstances. The scripture says “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). There is none that ever come to Jesus for help in the bible that Jesus said “I have helped you before, I cannot help you again”. Jesus is always willing to help but the devil wants us to believe that God is not willing or ready to help. In the book of Psalm, chapter 46, verse 1, the bible says “God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble”. In other words, before trouble comes, God is already present and willing to help. In Matthew 14:22-27, the bible says “And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid (KJV). Even in the midst of the sea, Jesus was there for his people to offer help. Jesus is always ready to help. The preceding verse to our text for today says “And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on [his] face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean (KJV Luke 5:12. This man had serious problem and he thought that his problem was too much for Jesus to handle. He also thought that Jesus might not be willing to help, but Jesus responded I will: be thou clean … (KJV). There is no situation we find ourselves that our saviour is not willing to help. We only need to give him a chance to help by coming to Him in Spirit and truth, believing in His word and doing whatever He asks us to do. Jesus is not tired of your situation and He is willing to help. Can you ask him to come and help you now?
CONFESSION
Father, I believe you are willing to help me, therefore, I ask that you help me today in the name of Jesus.