EMPOWERED WITH ALL MIGHT

AGAPEEMBASSY DAILY DEVOTIONAL:

THURSDAY, JULY 24TH, 2014.

…That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness (Colossians 1:9-11).

It's God's will for us to be strengthened; that is, empowered with ALL might (miracle-working) power in our spirits! Ponder on that for a moment. He wants us filled, not with some of His power, but with all of it. He's dealing here with "dunamis" (Greek); inherent power. He wants this power working in you.

This shouldn't be difficult for any Christian to comprehend at all, because the one who's born again, and has received the Holy Spirit, has received the power of God; for the Holy Spirit is the power of God. Acts 1:8 says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…." The question now is, how can you make this power you have inside you, work for you?

The first thing is to recognize that you have it in you. You don't need to ask God for more power. The power of God is in you. That means you can't be disadvantaged. Acknowledge this about yourself always. In Philippians 4:13, Paul didn't say, "O God, I pray you'll give me power to do all things." Realizing that all the power he needed was already in him, he declared, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Secondly, know that the power you've received works with attitude. Yes, you've been empowered with all might, and can do all things, but you must balance it with good character: love, patience, joyfulness, meekness, and humility. Observe that the latter part of our opening verse says, "…Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power,unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness."

Some people endure with anger when they face certain situations. But we're admonished to endure with joyfulness; patient and hopeful that the righteousness of God will be established in that situation. Therefore, in exercising your power to do anything, and effect changes in your life and in your environment, do so with patience, longsuffering (endurance), joyfulness, and humility.

CONFESSION:
I'm strengthened with all might by God's Spirit in my inner man. I have the right attitude of humility in the face of staggering opposition. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 3:5(CEV) We don't have the right to claim that we have done anything on our own. God gives us what it takes to do all we do.
Ephesians 3:20(CEV) I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 28:17-31;Psalm 30-31

www.agapeembassyministries.org

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Must Know Reasons why you should become a Christian

The word translated "religion" means "the outward practice, the service of a god." 
"Religion" and "religious" in Elizabethan English were used frequently to denote the outward expression of worship.

Most world religions have a creation story, a deliverance story, a revelation story, some kind of messiah (which others model after), set of do’s and dont's to appease God etc. Each religion has its own theorem. For example, Mormonism have their ‘many gods theorem’. Islam have their ‘7 heavens theorem’ amongst other theorems. Some religions have their reincarnation theorem, while others don’t.  Some believes there is a hell, while others disagree.

But what makes Christianity unique. Can it really be that there is one God with many religions to reach Him? No Certainly Not! Religions contradict each other; therefore, it cannot all be true that all religions leads to the true God (Almighty God)

"What makes Christianity unique?"

Christianity is the only religion where God has revealed himself to man. All others try to reach God by propounding principles and theorems. 

The burden of religion (man trying to please God in his own strength) is a grievous one (Matt 23:4)

Christianity is a relationship with God.

Christianity is LOVE. It doesn’t take pleasure in the misfortune of anyone even the worst offender

Christianity is not burdensome (Matt 11:28-30). Love lightens burdens.

Christianity is backed up with Signs and Wonders

• Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:39; John 20:27).
• Jesus appeared to disciples after resurrection (John 20:19).
• Jesus cast out demons (Matt. 8:28-32; 15:22-28).
• Jesus healed lepers (Matt. 8:3; Luke 17:14).
• Jesus healed diseases (Matt. 4:23, 24; Luke 6:17-19).
• Jesus healed the paralytic (Mark 2:3-12).
• Jesus raised the dead (Matt. 9:25; John 11:43-44).
• Jesus restored sight to the blind (Matt. 9:27-30; John 9:1-7).
• Jesus restored/cured deafness (Mark 7:32-35).
• Jesus calmed a storm with a command (Matt. 8:22-27; Mark 4:39).
• Jesus fed the multitude (Matt. 14:15-21; Matt. 15:32-38).
• Jesus walked on water (Matt. 14:25-27).
• Amongst many others…

Christianity has one source of Information (the Bible) – which is the inerrant Word of God

Christianity is the only religion that proves its authenticity by its Messiah rising from the dead never to die again (No other religions can and will be able to do this).

All man's present and eternal needs are met by the Bible (Christian)

Christianity is a religion of True Peace. 

Christianity is spiritually and morally powerful

Approx 3,300 verses (of the Christian Bible) have been fulfilled and still counting – Awesome!

 Among many others…

To be continued….


Also Read:
How to become a Christian (Sinners Prayer)
Understanding Salvation
The State of Man

Read More

What I learnt in church on Sunday

I had already concluded this topic (Killer Tips to having a happy and successful marriage), permit me to add what I learnt yesterday (Sunday) from a guest speaker – Pastor Adeyemi on Marriage.


Eccl 4:9 Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
Eccl 4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help him up.
Eccl 4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone]?
Eccl 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Two (2) has become one so whatever you are doing carry your wife along.

Husband carry your wife along
Wife carry your husband along

Where there is unity, there is progress

 None should lay claim to anything individually. ‘MY OWN’ then becomes ‘OUR OWN’

OUR children NOT my children
OUR car not my car
Our account not my account
OUR parents not my parents. Note when the two married, my parent now becomes our parent. It is no longer my parent. Each one now has (2 mummys and 2 daddies).

Then the following takes place

You do virtually everything together
Talk together
Eat together
Stay together
Bath together
Do everything together

TWO HAVE BECOME ONE. THEY ARE NO LONGER TWO BUT ONE
SO WHATEVER GOD HAS JOINED TOGETHER LET NO MAN PUT ASUNDER.

Matt 19:4 -6
Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female,
 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?
 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”


NOTE: AFTER THE WEDDING, THE TWO HAVE BECOME WELDED TOGETHER

PRACTICE THIS WHILE NOT FORGETTING THE OTHER (LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS AND SELF CONTROL) AND YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A BLISSFUL MARRIAGE.

WISHING YOU ALL A HEAVEN ON EARTH MARRIAGE.

THANKS

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Killer Tips to Having a happy and successful Marriage - Part 2

Today we will be concluding the topic we started Yesterday - Killer Tips to Having a Happy and Successful Marriage

7. Faithfulness

Infidelity kills marriage. Husbands should be faithful to their wives, likewise wives to their husbands. Extramarital affair is an abomination, it kills.
(Heb 13:4 [KJV])
Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

(Prov 5:19 [NET])
​​​​​​​a loving doe, a graceful deer; may her breasts satisfy you AT ALL TIMES (always), may you be captivated by her love ALWAYS. 

(Prov 6:26 [KJV])
For by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

8. Gentleness

 (Prov 15:1 [NET])
​​​​​​​A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

(Ps 147:6 [KJV])
The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.

 (Ps 37:11 [KJV])
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Husbands should not be harsh to their wives, likewise wives shoulnt be harsh to their husbands.
The meek will enjoy their marriage. If both parties are meek, it makes an awesome marriage.

9. Self Control

(1Cor 13:5 [KJV])
Love… is not easily PROVOKED… 

(Prov 25:28 [KJV])
He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] broken down, [and] without walls. 

Arguments, conflict and, all too often, shouting matches is not healthy for a marriage. Husbands and wife should learn to exercise self control over themselves.
Arguing, quarelling and Fighting in the presence of the children leaves a negative impact on them. This is not healthy.
The best solution instead involves seeking peace, settling your misunderstandings quietly in the bedroom not in the sitting room.

Where Men fail in marriages

1. Selfishness

It is generally accepted by marriage counselors that a man is more apt to be selfish. He is more demanding, more inclined to think of his own bodily comfort, often at his wife’s expense.

2. Harshness

(Eph 4:32 [NET])
Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

(Eph 5:28 [KJV])
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

3. Adultery

(Heb 13:4 [KJV])
Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

4. Dishonesty

(Prov 11:1 [NET])
​​​​​​​The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but an accurate weight is his delight.

(Prov 20:10 [NET])
​​​​​​​Diverse weights and diverse measures – the LORD abhors both of them.

(Prov 20:23 [NET])
​​​​​​​The LORD abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are wicked.

5. Criticism

Some husbands are given to criticism.
(Matt 7:3 [KJV])
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

(Matt 7:1 [KJV])
Judge not, that ye be not judged.

6. Not being head over their homes

(Eph 5:23 [KJV])
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

(1Tim 3:12 [KJV])
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Where Women fail in marriages

1. Nagging

(Prov 19:13 [KJV])
A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping.

(Prov 21:9 [KJV])
[It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

(Prov 21:9 [NET])
​​​​​​​It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.

2. Domineering Tendencies

A man is the head of the house and not a woman
(Eph 5:23 [KJV])
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

3. Adultery

(1Tim 5:6 [KJV])
But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

4. Ungratefulness

(Col 3:15 [NET])
Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful.

Ungrateful women don’t receive a lot from their hubby because they don’t appreciate it.

5. Idleness  - Full housewife

(Prov 31:27 [KJV])
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

(Prov 31:31 [KJV])
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

6. Gossip

(1Tim 5:13 [KJV])
And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and BUSYBODIES, speaking things which they ought not.

7. Slander

(1Tim 3:11 [NET])
Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not SLANDEROUS, temperate, faithful in every respect.

FAITH SUCCESS WISHES YOU A BLISSFUL MARRIAGE 

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Killer tips to having a happy/successful marriage

9 Keys/Formulas for a successful & Happy Marriage

LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE/LONGSUFFERING, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS & SELF CONTROL

(Gal 5:22-23 [NET])
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


LIKEWISE,
The Keys to a successful marriage is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: AGAINST SUCH there is no KEY.

THE NUMBER ONE KEY (MAIN KEY) TO A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE IS LOVE (AGAPE)

1.    Love (Selfless Love – God kind of Love; Agape)
(Eph 5:25 [KJV])
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Characteristics of true love (agape)

(1Cor 13:4-7 [KJV])
Charity SUFFERETH LONG, [and] is KIND; charity ENVIETH NOT; charity VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF, is NOT PUFFED UP,
DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY, SEEKETH NOT HER OWN, IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED, THINKETH NO EVIL;
REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY, but rejoiceth in the truth;
BEARETH ALL THINGS, BELIEVETH ALL THINGS, HOPETH ALL THINGS, ENDURETH ALL THINGS.

The Kind of Love we are talking about is the God kind of Love (Agape). It is not the natural human love. It is the divine Love given to an individual when he becomes born again (Galatians 5:5).

2.    Joy

(Prov 5:18 [KJV])
Let thy fountain be blessed: and REJOICE with the wife of thy youth.

(Eccl 9:9 [KJV])
Live JOYFULLY with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life…, which he hath given thee under the sun…

The Bible tells us that husbands should live joyfully with their wives. Both partners should live joyfully with each other, this applies to both husbands and wives not husbands alone. Nevertheless women are known to be joyful while the husband stern and frowns face, No wonder the bible addresses this verse to husbands. Please Mr. Stern! Live joyfully with your wife, be joyful always.

3.    Peace

(Prov 15:1 [NET])
​​​​​​​A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. 

Over time, little & trivial matters can get propelled out of proportion, and not too long, couples say or do things that are nasty to each other. This results in arguments, conflict and shouting matches.
Since the fall in the garden of Eden, It is often very difficult to see our own faults. We are always right in our own eyes, so we place the blame on others. This started in the Garden of Eden - when Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent (Gen. 3:12-13).
But even if it is not our fault, shouting and maintaining the other person take all the blame is not caring. The best solution instead involves seeking peace, not reprisal (Matt. 5:9; Rom. 12:17-21).

4.    Patience/Longsuffering

Husband and wives, be patient with each other, patience will save you a lot.  Husbands remember your wife is the weaker vessel, a more reason to be patient.
Wives respect your husband and be patient with him.
Unfortunately, many younger wives today have not learned the importance of this.
In Malachi 2:14, marriage is a covenant. When we took our marriage vows, we probably repeated words like "For Better or Worse."
Do you consider Divorce (giving up) in your marriage if the situation has become "worse"? God says He "hates divorce" (Malachi 2:16), and He wants you committed to your marriage for life.
Paul gave instructions to the Church not to divorce (1 Cor. 7:10-11, Matt. 19:3-9).

5.    Kindness

(Eph 4:32 [NET])
Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

(Prov 31:26 [KJV])
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness.

Kindness from both parties is a vital key to a happy and successful marriage

6.    Goodness

(1Thess 5:15 [NET])
See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

Be good to your wives, cherish her, buy gifts for her, and take good care of her
Wives, be good to your husbands, respect him. Do your duty
(1Tim 5:10 [KJV])
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed EVERY GOOD WORK.

The Concluding part  which also includes why most men and women fail in marriages will be taken tomorrow. Thanks for reading.
We LOVE YOU!

Also Read:
How to become a Christian (Sinners Prayer)
Understanding Salvation
The State of Man

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Top Reason why the devil cannot have victory over you - Part 2

Yesterday we took the first part of this Topic , Today we will be taking the concluding part.

Born into the family of God 

(1John 5:4 [KJV])
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
From the very moment you are born again, you are an overcomer!

You are a child of God. You have been born into the family of overcomers. Every born-again child of God is an overcomer. You are no exception. You are as much an overcomer as any other believer


 (1Cor 15:57 [KJV])
But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The moment you accept Jesus, you also receive absolute victory. Think it, talk it, live it.
Victory is yours because of what Jesus has done. He completed the work of redemption through His suffering, His death, and His resurrection. "THE WORK" is finished. The thing for you to do is appropriate it.

Maintain the Victory

We are more than conquerors (Rom 8:37 ), all we do is to maintain victory. We need not fight in the battle for the battle is God’s and has been won on our behalf, and victory has been given to us
The fact that you don’t fight (carnally) does not mean you are not a conqueror, No!
We maintain the victory by our believing and confessing right, Keep your confession going all the time.
If believeing and thinking and confession is right, living will be right (We will have no problem struggling with sin)
If our believing is wrong, our confession will be wrong therefore Living (approach to Life) will also be wrong.
Stand upon your rights and privileges. You have God inside of you. Acknowledge what He says about you (Speak Right!).

We triumph at all times 

(2Cor 2:14 [KJV])
Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.


We always triumph in Jesus Christ, We are not part-time triumphers we are full time

Helping others to triumph

This world is faced with challenges, economic chaos and so on, they are in desperate need of victory, be prepared to share with them, tell them it is just part of being "in Christ." Being in Christ makes you more than a conqueror.

CONGRATULATIONS MY BRETHREN for being in CHRIST JESUS


Also Read:
How to become a Christian (Sinners Prayer)
Understanding Salvation
The State of Man

Read More

Top Reason why the devil cannot have victory over you

Total Victory over Satan in Christ Jesus

(John 1:5 [KJV])
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
(John 1:5 [NET])
And the light SHINES ON in the darkness, but the darkness HAS NOT MASTERED IT.


Some people think that Jesus and the devil are always wrestling and exchanging blows with each other. This is a human Ideology.

When I examined the scriptures, I did not find Jesus exchanging blows with the devil. What I see is the devil taking off (Run) whenever he comes across Jesus!
Jesus is not fighting a 50-50 fight with the devil, he is not fighting a 60-40, 70-30, 80-20, 90-10 fight with the devil. Jesus is master over all. He has a 100-0 victory over him. Satan & Jesus are not equals. The devil has to flee whenever he encounters Jesus!

Consider the following scriptures

(Col 2:15 [KJV])
[And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

(Col 2:15 [NET])
Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made A PUBLIC DISGRACE of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

In Col 2: 15, AMP version says God disarmed the principalities and powers, TLB version says God took away their power… . It is as easy as taking away their power. It’s not a fight.


 (Luke 8:28 [NET])
When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before him, and shouted with a loud voice, “Leave me alone, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! I beg you, do not torment me!”


Here in Luke 8, the demons in the man begged Jesus not to torment them or send them into the abyss. They BEGGED, the devil nor his demons could not stand against Jesus.

Jesus sent the devil out with one word (no WRESTLING with the devil)

Jesus has not changed, He is still the same.

(Deut 28:7 [KJV])
The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

Our Spiritual Authority

As a child of God, you have the same authority Jesus has over the devil. When Jesus rose from the dead he gave us (BELIEVERS) his spiritual authority, we are HIS BODY here on earth to represent him.

(Mark 16:17 [NET])
These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will DRIVE OUT demons…
KJV version says, cast out demons. To cast out means to throw away forcefully. We have Jesus authority to throw away demons. What a great AUTHORITY.

(1John 4:4 [KJV])
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER IS HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.

(Ps 91:1 -4[KJV])
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.

(Luke 10:19 [NET])
Look, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and on the full force of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you.

 That is why no evil (curse, divination, enchantment etc) planned against you can prosper (because you are in CHRIST).

I encourage us to search the scriptures and know our rights and privileges as the Body of Christ so as to walk in DAILY victory over the devil.

I proclaim to you, confidence and total victory over your enemy in Jesus Name, Amen!

JESUS HAS GIVEN YOU THE VICTORY OVER SATAN

Also Read:
How to become a Christian (Sinners Prayer)
Understanding Salvation
The State of Man

Read More