Machaira With Apostle Bennie

Category: Armor of God

EPISODE 521 – FINALLY BE STRONG

CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

The Love-Life Agency

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Thursday 27th, June 2024

FINALLY BE STRONG
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)
One of the most beautiful and detailed epistles of Paul the apostle, is the Epistle to the Believers in Ephesus.
Remember though these epistles in the New Testament were written to believers in specific locations, they are also epistles to us in this century for our benefit and growth in the Lord.
The Epistle to the Church in Ephesus has two parts.
1. Paul the apostle took his time to explain all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. He explained God’s predestined plan, the believer’s inheritance and position in Christ. He also unveiled details of the glorious union we have in Christ Jesus. The book of Ephesians is strong on “In Christ realities”.
2. The second part of the book (chapters 4 – 6) focuses on the believer’s function and responsibilities. Eg: Ephesians 4:1 begins with:

“As a prisoner of the Lord, I plead with you to walk holy, in a way that is suitable to your high rank, given to you in your divine calling.“ (Amplified)
The emphasis in the second part of Ephesians establishes the necessity that God’s life dispensed into us must be expressed.
As part of the instructions to the believer, Paul the apostle finally admonished every believer

“To be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
The whole armor of God and prayers for the saints have one result, to help you to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
The word strong in the verse is from the Greek word “endunamoō” which means to be enabled or to increase in strength.
Paul wasn’t asking the believers to increase in their own strength but to increase in the strength of the Lord.
He didn’t end there, he also admonished the brethren to increase in the power of the Lord’s might.
This is not really about you trying to conquer the enemy but enforcing the dominion of Christ.
Take a look at the meaning of “Power of His might”.
The phrase has two keywords:
Power and Might!
The word “power” used here isn’t “dunamis”; he chose the word “kratos” which means “great vigor” or “dominion” or “mighty” deed. It also means “force”.
The word “Might” is from the Greek word “ischus”, which also means “forcefulness and inherent strength”. Ischus is not necessarily the accomplishment of might but the power as an enduement. It is the fact or record that there is ability.
While “ischus” has to do with the possessiveness of might, “kratos” has to do with the supremacy of might.
Through your union with Christ, there is the presence of the might of Christ within you. Thus you have the might of Christ as your possession because the presence of Christ’s might is in you.
By this might (ischus) you can now be explosive or enforce superiority of power (kratos).
By the might and power of the Lord in you, there is no way you shouldn’t walk in victory.
As you engage the whole armor pieces of the Lord, stay alert to persevere in prayer and supplication for all the saints and those who lead in the mandate of the Lord, and you increase in strength.
There will be attempts of the adversary to oppose you as long as you labor to advance the spread of the gospel. The rulers of dark places will make you the focus of their attacks as you shine forth the light of the gospel.
However, you must continually stand victorious with the force of his explosive power flowing in and through you.
There is nothing you need to remain strong in the Lord and the power of His might which the Lord has not given to you. Don’t break down, and don’t live as one who is defenseless.
You have God’s whole battle strategy and weapons for your victory.
By the wisdom of His word, you are not ignorant of the devices and wiles of the devil.
You increase in strength and take advantage of the Lord’s armor as you:
– put on the belt of truth, and the breastplate of righteousness.
– shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
– take the shield of faith, and position yourself properly in the testudo shield formation then you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
– take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
– pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watch with all perseverance.
– make supplication for all saints and for the leaders to make known the mystery of the gospel.
No matter the situation, remain strong and resolute. You have the whole armor of God to exercise your victory.
Hallelujah!

DIG DEEPER
(Ephesians 1:19-20; Haggai 2:4; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:1; 1 Peter 4:11)

WE PRAY
We pray that all the saints will stand firm in their faith and be strong and courageous.

BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
Proverbs 4 – 8

DECLARE THESE WORDS:
– I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

– I don’t break down.

– I live daily in victory.

– I take advantage of the whole armor of God, I remain strong in the Lord.

– With this whole armor of God, I exercise victory at every count.

Ohh thank you Lord Jesus!!!

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June 27, 2024
EPISODE 520 – MAKE SUPPLICATION FOR YOUR LEADER 3

CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

The Love-Life Agency

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Wednesday 26th, June 2024

MAKE SUPPLICATION FOR YOUR LEADER 3

“and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel”
Ephesians 6:19 (NKJV)
There is nothing done for the spread of the gospel, which the adversary has not attacked or attempted to destroy.
When the love of the Lord is in your heart, you will pray for the spread of the gospel and those who are leading such course.
The reason for the spiritual warfare is because of the gospel of Jesus. It is the most opposed mission on Earth. There are countries where they may permit anything at all except the gospel of Jesus. The gospel of Jesus is the greatest threat to politics, religion, and the traditions of men.
Certain men who are not of the faith make themselves enemies of the gospel and wickedly plot for the destruction of those who preach Christ.
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 (KJV)
There are many places where ministers of the gospel are not given access to preach. There are people who have hardened their hearts from receiving the gospel.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.“ Colossians 4:2-4 (NASB)
If you want to see the gospel prevail in such places, then you must pray. This is part of your kingdom responsibility. It is part of your role in the spread of the gospel.
You become a partner with those who lead in the spread of the gospel, when you pray for them.
“…strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf…” Romans 15:30
This is the time to fill the earth with the knowledge of Christ as the waters cover the sea.
Don’t sit on the fence. Strive with your leader through prayers to God for the spread of the gospel.
Glory to God.

DIG DEEPER
(1 Thesalonians 5:25; Philemon 1:22; Hebrews 13:18-19)

WE PRAY
Pray for all leaders laboring in the spread of the gospel, that:

– they will be delivered from wicked men.

– doors will be opened to them for the spread of the gospel of Jesus.

– they will be given utterance to speak the wisdom of God.

– they will remain focused in the work of the Lord.

BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
Proverbs 1-3

DECLARE THESE WORDS:
– Utterance is given to all the leaders and sound teachers of the gospel.

– The Lord is making them increase in boldness.

– They abound in knowledge and love for the Lord.

– They are strengthened in the Lord and the fullness of power.

– They enjoy divine insight and are protected by the power of the Lord from every evil.

– The faith of the Leaders shall not grow cold. They will increase in the Lord’s zeal and in great faith.

Oh Hallelujah!

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June 26, 2024
EPISODE 519 – MAKE SUPPLICATION FOR YOUR LEADER 2

CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

The Love-Life Agency

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Tuesday 25th, June 2024

MAKE SUPPLICATION FOR YOUR LEADER 2

“and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel”
Ephesians 6:19 (NKJV)
The gap between God’s plan and the fulfilment of that plan is God’s people.
Anything God has accomplished on Earth, He did it through His people.
God will always appoint a man among His people to become a voice, a leader and a lighthouse. This is not to create an impression that, others are better. This is by the workings of God’s grace.
Those leaders God appoints become conduits of His greater works.
As we discussed previously, God has set leaders in the church to be responsible for the growth of each saint and to equip the saints for the spread of the gospel according to the power of the Holy Spirit.
The mindset of the spiritual leaders, will affect the mindset of the people and influence the climate of the Church within a locality.
These leaders in the Church mostly labour for the spread of the gospel. Sometimes most believers assume their leaders are strong in faith and don’t need prayers.
It is important you understand that, through prayers, you make the abundant supply of divine grace, strength and provisions in the spirit to your leader. There are many ways the adversary wants to destroy and distract their focus and pursuit of God’s plan.
In the labour of the gospel, people risk their lives and come close to death.
To do the work of the ministry and to spread the gospel is true warfare. And the adversary seeks every opportunity to attack and destroy not only the saints, but mainly the shepherds or those who lead the saints.
“…Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered…” (Zechariah 13:7)
Epaphroditus was a leader who was assisting Paul on behalf of the saints in Philippi, at the frontline of the ministry, even as Paul was in prison.
Paul in his epistles referred to Epaphroditus as “fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25).
This characterizes the nature of the work they were doing. They worked or laboured as fellow soldiers because the work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare.
“However, I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, [who has been] my brother and companion and fellow soldier, who was also sent as your messenger to take care of my needs. For he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. He certainly was sick and close to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. So I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. Welcome him home in the Lord with great joy, and appreciate and honor men like him; because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me [which distance prevented you from rendering personally].” Phillipians 2:25-3 (Amplified Bible)
This is the reason Paul’s prayer request in Ephesians 6:19-20, unveils the objective of spiritual warfare.
This spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness is mainly to ensure that the gospel of Jesus shall prevail in all places.
This is war.
The adversary is plotting against the Church and the leaders.
And for your Church leaders to firmly stand to continue in the labour of the gospel, you must make supplication for them daily.
This is to your advantage.
Has this Machaira with Apostle Bennie blessed you in any way?
Then you must pray for me as well.
There is nothing done for the spread of the gospel, which the adversary has not attacked or attempted to destroy.
Beloved pray and honor those who labour in the gospel of Jesus.
Glory to God.

DIG DEEPER
(Colossians 4:3; Romans 15:30; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Philippians 1:19)

WE PRAY
Pray for your leader, Pastor or shepherd and Teacher of the gospel, that he or she will stand strong in the faith and remain focus in labour of the gospel.

BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
Psalm 147 -150

DECLARE THESE WORDS:
– Utterance is given to all the leaders and sound teachers of the gospel.

– The Lord is making them increase in boldness.

– They abound in knowledge and love for the Lord.

– They are strengthened in the Lord and the fullness of power.

– They enjoy divine insight and are protected by the power of the Lord from every evil.

– The faith of the Leaders shall not grow cold. They will increase in the Lord’s zeal and in great faith.

Oh Hallelujah!

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June 25, 2024
EPISODE 516 – MAKE SUPPLICATION FOR YOUR LEADER

CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

The Love-Life Agency

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Saturday 22nd, June 2024

MAKE SUPPLICATION FOR YOUR LEADER
“and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel”
Ephesians 6:19 (NKJV)
To exercise and enforce your victory in Christ depends on these four key areas:

1. The whole armor of God.
2. Your sense of responsibility.
3. The company of saints.
4. And a strong Kingdom leader.

These four areas are not written in any order. They are crucial items for your spiritual warfare against all the forces of darkness.
The whole armor of God are the provisions of God to you. They encapsulate all the things God achieved for you through Christ Jesus.
These whole armor were given to you by God to help you withstand the schemes of the adversary.

However, the armor of God given to you will not produce the intended results until you personally take responsibility to use them.

Paul the apostle in outlining the usage of the various armor pieces, included the responsibility of the believer. He didn’t suggest in any way that the armor pieces would automatically work.

You must have a sense of responsibility. For the armor pieces to work, you should learn to be responsible.

And Paul was clear on that. He didn’t mention any armor piece without addressing your role in its usage.

Though we have already looked at these verses, take another look at the role of the believer in relation to the armor pieces in Ephesians chapter 6:

1. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (verse 11).

2. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (verse 13).

3. Stand therefore, having girded your… having put on… having shod your (verses 14-15).

4. above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to … And take the helmet … (verses 16-17).

5. praying always (verse 18).

The whole armor of God is supplied by God, however, the functions of each armor piece is your responsibility.

And then in the usage of this armor, you don’t stand alone as a good soldier, but with the other saints. When you stand with the other saints, you are an army. No matter how good you are, you cannot accomplish great things for God in your generation alone. All the saints must stand together to fulfill their purpose and to enforce the victory of Christ in your generation.

In every army, there are commanders and captains. And Christ is the Chief Commander and Captain of His army.

Nonetheless, the Lord has set men over the various groupings of His army. These men have the assignment to equip, nurture and build up the saints to function effectively.

Just as no believer can exercise or enforce victory without the armor pieces, a believer may not be effective in the Kingdom by being isolated from the saints and without a Kingdom leader.
God has set leaders in the church to tend his flock. These leaders or shepherds (Pastors) and teachers are responsible for the growth of each saint.
These bring the saints to the place of knowledge and understanding.

How do you think the Church would know the function of the armor pieces without the teaching of Paul?

How were the brethren going to be equipped without the labour of Paul the apostle?

Pastors and Teachers determine the growth of the saints in Christ. Therefore, the adversary makes them a target. When men who opposed the gospel wanted to stop the spread of the gospel, they persecuted the leaders of the church.

When leaders faint in their faith, many other brethren will faint in their faith. The Church leaders are ambassadors who determine how effectively every Church within a locality will operate.
The mindset of the spiritual leaders will affect the mindset of the people.
This was why Paul in almost all his epistles requested that prayers will be made for him.

Paul didn’t only instruct that prayers will be made for all the saints, he also requested that prayers will be made for him also. He was specific and precise. Though he is also one of the saints or the brethren, he had to be sure that they would focus on prayer for him.

His request unveiled the objective of this spiritual warfare.
This spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness is mainly to ensure that the gospel of Jesus shall prevail in all places.
Who are those leading the spread of the gospel if not your Pastors or Shepherds and Teachers?

“And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.” Ephesians 6:19-20 (AMPC)

If the knowledge of the glory of God shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea, our leaders must be bold about the gospel of Jesus.
If all the saints will also be inspired to be bold about Jesus, then the leaders must be examples of great boldness of speech.
You have to pray for your leader to be bold in articulating the good news of Jesus.

Selah!

DIG DEEPER
(Colossians 4:3; Romans 15:30; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Philippians 1:19)

WE PRAY
Pray for your leader, Pastor or shepherd and Teacher of the gospel, that he or she will be given the message to speak and that he or she may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news of Jesus, at all times and in all places.

BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
Psalm 132 – 138

DECLARE THESE WORDS:
– Utterance is given to all the leaders and sound teachers of the gospel

– The Lord is making them increase in boldness.

– They abound in knowledge and love for the Lord.

– They are strengthened in the Lord and the fullness of power.

– They enjoy divine insight and are protected by the power of the Lord from every evil.

– The faith of the Leaders shall grow cold. They will increase in the Lord’s zeal and in great faith.

In the name of Jesus!

Thank you Lord!

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June 22, 2024
EPISODE 515 – SUPPLICATION AND INTERCESSION FOR ALL SAINTS 2

CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

The Love-Life Agency

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Friday 21st, June 2024

SUPPLICATION AND
INTERCESSION FOR ALL SAINTS 2
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”
Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)
To make supplication for all the saints is an essential contribution to the growth of the whole body of Christ.
Prayer in itself makes tremendous power available to cause changes.
Thus, through your prayer of supplication for the saints, the Holy Spirit supplies divine energies for change.
God will always step into situations when men submit that situation to Him in prayer.
There was a point when Herod arrested and executed James the brother of John with a sword. When he noticed it pleased the people, he proceeded to arrest Peter. When Peter was imprisoned, the Church decided to change the situation.
This time, the saints didn’t sit to look on, assuming that God would automatically step into the situation. They made a decision to pray.
“Thus Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer was fervently being made to God by the church for him.” Acts 12:5 (Lexham English Bible).
The Church continued earnestly in prayer until Peter returned to them.
Through the prayers of the saints, an angel was deployed to bring deliverance to Peter.
Sometimes some saints may have a challenge and become helpless not knowing what to do. As you consistently and earnestly pray for the saints, you deliver them from helpless situations.
The adversary is looking for every opportunity to ensnare and destroy the people of God, therefore, we must make supplications for one another.
Jesus said to Peter:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” Luke 22:31-32 (Lexham English Bible).
Satan has not refrained from finding an opportunity to sift the brethren like wheat.
Don’t join the world to criticize and condemn the Church and weak saints.
Pray for your Pastor or Church leader and all the other saints that their faith will not faint.
Please get into prayer now.
Hallelujah!

DIG DEEPER
(Acts 12:5-14; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; 1 Timothy 2:1; 2 Corinthians 9:14)

WE PRAY
We pray for all saints that they will not faint in their faith.

BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
Psalm 125 – 131

DECLARE THESE WORDS:
– I seek for the well-being of all the saints.

– I grow in love for the saints.

– I make supplications for the saints my habit.

– I see every believer as a brother and I make supplication for them.

– None of the saints shall fail nor faint in their faith.

– We are a people of prayer.

Thank you Lord Jesus!

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June 21, 2024
EPISODE 514 – SUPPLICATION AND INTERCESSION FOR ALL SAINTS 1

CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

The Love-Life Agency

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Thursday 20th, June 2024

SUPPLICATION AND
INTERCESSION FOR ALL SAINTS
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”
Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)
No believer or saint in Christ is an Island. Every individual is part of the community of the saints.
As part of the discussion on the Lord’s armor pieces, we looked at the Roman shield formation known as the Testudo shield formation. The emphasis of the Roman army battle strategy is not on individual strength but on the effectiveness of the formation of the whole army.
Though individual skill and strength were important, they won battles by their battle formations. The Testudo shield formation was one of their exceptional strategies to withstand the attacks of the enemy and advance towards the enemy’s gates.
Paul instructed that as soldiers in Christ, we must take up the shield of faith. And when each believer takes up their shield, they fight individually and corporately.
We are strong as saints when we stand together in this fight of faith. We defend, support and strengthen one another to enforce our victory in Christ and prevail over every situation.
The Lord knows the believer is not called to stand alone, thus, He incorporates everyone who becomes born again into Himself.
“For by [means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 (AMPC)
In Christ Jesus, there is no individualism. Your well-being is not enough when the well-being of other saints is compromised.
This is why you don’t only pray for yourself but you must also become an intercessor.
You must be intentional about making prayers and supplication for other saints.
All believers or saints in Christ Jesus are of one body. When the hand is in pain, the whole body is in pain. You can’t have pain in your leg, and have the lungs rejoice.
The discomfort of one body part is the discomfort of the whole body.
This is why you must pray for one another. You must pray for the saints.
To make supplication simply means, to humbly make a request or petition.
To make supplication for the saints is to humbly and earnestly make a request for the saints.
Praying for the saints must be done with all perseverance. Don’t quietly watch your fellow saints go through pain and challenges. Instead of sitting back to complain about the failures of others, you can make supplication for them.
Read Ephesians 6:18 in the Amplified:
“With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.” Ephesians 6:18 (Amplified Bible)
This is one of the signs of spiritual maturity: Praying for God’s people!
Selflessness is a sign of maturity.
The “babe” in Christ doesn’t pray for others. He or she is only concerned about himself (or herself).
The more you pray for others, the less you get troubled or anxious about your challenges. Praying for others also means looking away from your situation and entrusting it to the hands of Jesus.
When you spend time to make supplication for others, all you are saying is, “Lord, please take care of my situation, as I stand in the gap for others”.
Let God handle your business as you make supplication for others.
Think about fellow saints in your community or city. Pray for their growth, their effectiveness in serving the Lord, and their strength and focus in the gospel of Jesus.
Set a time aside today and pray for the brethren.
Hallelujah!

DIG DEEPER
(Acts 12:5-14; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; 1 Timothy 2:1; 2 Corinthians 9:14)

WE PRAY
We pray for all saints that amidst all the distractions and pressures of this postmodern society, they shall not grow weary in faith, love and in doing the Lord’s work.

We pray that all the saints shall grow in the consciousness of our oneness in Christ Jesus.

BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
Psalm 119
NB: Patiently read Psalm 119 again today.

DECLARE THESE WORDS:
– I refuse to live isolated and selfish.

– I seek for the well-being of all the saints.

– I grow in love for the saints.

– I make supplication for the saints as my habit.

– I see every believer as a brother and I make supplication for them.

Thank you Lord Jesus!

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June 20, 2024