17/11/2023

Use your gifts!

If you're an encourager, encourage, if you're 

Luke 5:17-26

Spiritual Bread-Fast 16/11/23

with Jude and Sope Emelifeonwu 


Luke 5:17-26 

17 On one of the days while Jesus was teaching, some proud religious law-keepers and teachers of the Law were sitting by Him. They had come from every town in the countries of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was there to heal them. 18 Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. 19 But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

21 The teachers of the Law and the proud religious law-keepers thought to themselves, “Who is this Man Who speaks as if He is God? Who can forgive sins but God only?” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to them, “Why do you think this way in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’?

24 “So that you may know the Son of Man has the right and the power on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who could not move his body, “I say to you, get up. Take your bed and go to your home.” 25 At once the sick man got up in front of them. He took his bed and went to his home thanking God. 26 All those who were there were surprised and gave thanks to God, saying, “We have seen very special things today.”

God sent men determined to succeed. God will raise men with determination to see you succeed!
These guys opened up the roof . Your sins are forgiven. Jesus make room for you, we must go up to the roof ! ...

13/11/2023

Today, I read the story of Samson!


It is found in Judges 13. It's not one my favourite passages in the Old testament though every time I read it, it's clearer in my mind! As i was looking for a commentary, I came across this study on David  Johnathan Inc website. 

The angel of the Lord appears to the wife of Manoah promising that she will conceive and bear a son who must be set apart to God from the moment of his birth. Manoah asks to see the angel of the Lord who does repeat the instructions that He gave his wife : abstain from wine and refrain from having his hair cut....

Have you ever considered that the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament days was temporary and occasional: the Spirit of God moved Samson at times in the camp of Dan” (13:25, AV). 

How reassuring that in the New Testament times, His ministry is not temporary but permanent, not occasional but continuous. Hallelujah!

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever—the Spirit of truth…” (John 14:16-17, NIV)

What about you brothers and sis, what do you think of this story of Samson?



Love is patient!


1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

PRAYERS
1. Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of family. Thank You for my parents, siblings, husband, wife, children, and every member of our family. I give You praise and glorify Your name for making me a member of my present family. I express my profound gratitude for Your wisdom and commit myself to love You and others, in Jesus' name.
2. Today, O LORD, I stand in the authority in the name of Jesus and bind every spirit of discord, bitterness, and resentment in my family. I declare that we will walk in unity and understanding, extending grace and forgiveness to one another. By the power of your Holy Spirit, Father, I release a spirit of patience and kindness within our family dynamics, in Jesus' name.
3. In the name of Jesus Christ, I cast out any spirit of envy or jealousy that may try to infiltrate our hearts. I declare that we will celebrate and support one another's successes, knowing that your blessings upon one are blessings upon all. I release a spirit of genuine joy and contentment in our family, in Jesus' name.
4. I break the stronghold of pride and self-centeredness in my family. I declare that, from today on, we will honor and value each family member. We will put the needs of others above our own. We receive a spirit of humility and servanthood among us, in Jesus' name.
5. I bind and command every spirit of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness to leave our family in the name of Jesus. I declare that we will choose forgiveness and let go of past hurts. By the power of Christ's love, I release a spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and emotional healing in our family, in Jesus' name.
6. I stop any evil spirit of harm or division from entering our family. I release a spirit of unity, security, and unconditional love within our family lineage. I declare that we will protect and cherish one another; we will create a safe and nurturing environment where love thrives and where everyone finds their purpose, in Jesus' name.
7. Father, I declare an increase in trust and loyalty within our family. I bind every spirit of doubt and suspicion and release a spirit of trust and faithfulness among us. By your power, I release a deepening of the bonds of trust and reliance upon one another, in Jesus' name.
8. May the spirit of hope and optimism for the future possess every member of my family. I bind every spirit of discouragement and negativity. I declare that we will believe and support one another's dreams and aspirations, in Jesus' name.
9. Father, grant us the grace and wisdom to persevere and overcome challenges that try to tear us apart. Release a spirit of resilience and determination upon us. Teach us teamwork and support because we are stronger together, in Jesus' name.
10. Thank You, LORD, for the abounding love you have poured into me and everyone in my family. By your authority, I declare that your love will be a guiding force in all that we do. Your love will bind us together. Your love will flow through us, transforming our relationships and bringing glory to your name, in Jesus' name.
MEDITATION
Love is the cornerstone of a thriving family. When there is love, we create an environment where trust, respect, and unity flourish. Love is not merely an emotion but a choice — an intentional commitment to prioritize the well-being and happiness of our family members. Meditate on how we can embody the qualities of love mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 in our interactions with our family.
CONTINUE TO:
1. Pray for God's love to permeate every aspect of your family's life. Ask God to fill your hearts with His unconditional love and to help you demonstrate that love to one another.
2. Pray for love and understanding to abound between family members. Ask God to cultivate a spirit of patience, kindness, and humility within your family relationships.
3. Pray for God's grace to heal any broken relationships within your family. Ask God to bring reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration where there may be hurt or division.
LET'S CONNECT
1. Do you have a specific need in your family? Share in the comments, and I will join you in prayer.
2. Share this prayer to bless others.
Something good is on your way.
Dr. Daniel Okpara | Daniel Okpara | Light Bearer | Shining Light Christian Centre