Machaira With Apostle Bennie

Category: Diligence

  • EPISODE 624 – RUN WITH THE WORD

    EPISODE 624 – RUN WITH THE WORD

    CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

    The Love-Life Agency

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    Be determined and maintain an undisturbed composure this week. Shalom!
    Apostle Bennie
    Author
    DIG DEEPER
    (Psalm 119:31-33; Hebrews 12:1; Psalm 18:36)
     
    WE PRAY
    We pray that we will grow and increase in understanding the paths of the Lord’s command.
     
    BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
    Luke 10 – 12
     
    DECLARE THESE WORDS:
    – I take heed to the instructions of God for the year and this month.
     
    – I focus and run in the path of the Lord’s command.
     
    – I consecrate my heart and mind to the word of the Lord for the year and this month.
     
    – I don’t turn away from the instructions no matter the matter.
     
    – I stand firmly by the Word and lay aside every weight.
     
    Thank you Lord Jesus!

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  • EPISODE 623 – FOCUS ON THE MANDATE

    EPISODE 623 – FOCUS ON THE MANDATE

    CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

    The Love-Life Agency

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    Be determined and maintain an undisturbed composure this week. Be blessed!
    Apostle Bennie
    Author
    Monday, 7th October, 2024

    FOCUS ON THE MANDATE

    “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” 

    1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)

     
    I will sincerely not deny the challenges which may confront you, just because of your stand in Christ.
     
    Our Lord declared this:
     
    ”for you get enough hate from the world! But then, it hated me before it hated you. The world would love you if you belonged to it; but you don’t—for I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave isn’t greater than his master!’ So since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you! The people of the world will persecute you because you belong to me, for they don’t know God who sent me.” John 15:18-21 (TLB)

    The events and activities of this world are not designed to favour your faith walk.

    They are skillfully and subtly designed to oppose, crush and cripple your faith in Christ. The systems of this world were structured by men, to redirect your desire, distract your focus, and impair your emotions, thoughts and conviction in Christ.
     
    And many fellow saints have become victims of the strategy of the systems of this world. Many make excuses in their service to God and become dull.
     
    Instead of serving or laboring with much enthusiasm and steadfastness, they become complacent and make the pursuit of their own interest their focus.

    Don’t be like them. Don’t be a slave to this world.

    Many are being used by their institutions as slaves and they waste their call on perishable things.
     
    We are to work but not to be wasted by the world.
    Through the building up of the Word of Grace, you become impregnable and immunized to the strategies of this world.

    Beloved, as long as you are in Christ and have set your focus to intensively serve His course, you will face opposition and tribulation.

    But tribulation should not break you.
    You are designed and built by Christ, to glory in Tribulation.
     
    “By whom (Jesus Christ) also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
    And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (Romans 5:2-3 KJV emphasis added)
     
     The Greek word used for Tribulation in this verse is “Thlipsis”, which means a pressing or pressing together pressure, oppression, affliction, or distress.

    To be afflicted or face tribulation, or to be oppressed or distressed is to be pressed.

    However, when you are pressed what issues out is your content?

     

    When you are pressured the divine virtues within, must issue out.
    God has filled you with Himself. Hence, when you are pressed, the best of God will come out of you.
     
    Get your inward substances well-built, and refuse to be broken no matter the afflictions that come your way.
     
    The word of His Grace builds us up. (Acts 20:32). It dispelled fear.
     
    “Jesus said, ” I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (John 16:33 AMPC)
     
    Be undaunted! Be confident! Be certain! Be determined!
    Have this knowing that, Our Lord has overcome the world. They may push you, press you together yet they are deprived of the power to harm you.
     
    Maintain an undisturbed composure. Through the knowledge of Christ, take on courage. Be toughened, and develop hard skin through the building up of the Word.

    To do big things for God, you must have tough skin.

    Be God-occupied. Don’t yield to challenges. Nothing has the capacity to work against you. 
     
    Anything that comes in contact with you must work for your good. You were designed that way. You were not designed to be broken.
     
    Don’t coil in at the sight of challenges, accusations, mockery and afflictions. Take advantage of the situations and challenges to resound the goodness of the Lord.
     
    Nothing should stop you from standing in the Truth, which is Christ. Don’t think the people of the world are ahead of you. Remember the adversary is the father of lies. He is always playing catch-up.
     

    Focus on the mandate the Lord has entrusted to you.

     
    Even if the whole world comes against you, YOU ARE BIGGER THAN THE WORLD.
     
    ”But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.“ 1 John 4:4
     
    REMAIN IMMOVABLE, UNABASHED AND DEADLY COMMITTED TO THE VISION OF THE LORD!!! 
    DIG DEEPER
    (Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 16:10; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 2:30; Proverbs 21:21; Colossians 2:7; Psalm 43; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 4:8-17; Romans 8:31-39)
     
    WE PRAY
    – We pray, that in the midst of persecution, distress and challenge “the God of hope fill all the saints with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we shall overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
     
    – We pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, (for not everyone has faith But the Lord is faithful) and the Lord should strengthen us and protect us from the evil one.
     
    BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
    Luke 7 – 9
     

    DECLARE THESE WORDS:

    – I am undaunted and confident!
     
    – I have this knowing that, Our Lord has overcome the world. Therefore I have overcome the world.
     
    – I may be push and pressed together yet they are deprived of the power to harm me.
     
    – I maintain an undisturbed composure.
    – Through the knowledge of Christ, I take on courage.
     
    – I am toughened and I have hard skin through the building up of the Word and prayer.
     
    – I do big things for God.
     
    – I am God-occupied.
     
    – I don’t yield to challenges.
     
    – Nothing has the capacity to work against me.
     
    – Anything that comes in contact with me must work for my good.
    Oh, Thank you Lord Jesus!

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  • EPISODE 480 – BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 2

    EPISODE 480 – BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 2

    CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

    The Love-Life Agency

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    Friday 17th, May 2024
     

    BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 2

    “Eliab, his older brother, heard David fraternizing with the men and lost his temper: “What are you doing here! Why aren’t you minding your own business, tending that scrawny flock of sheep? I know what you’re up to. You’ve come down here to see the sights, hoping for a ringside seat at a bloody battle!”

    1 Samuel 17:28 (Message)

    As explained in the previous episode, the character of Eliab in our study, embodies a certain group of people we must beware of as we journey towards purpose.

    Within the Church, family, workplace, school and the society in which you find yourself, there are some people (or at least an individual) who demonstrate the character of Eliab or that which is similar to his.

    I gave a summary of who Eliab was and the kind of attention he commanded in the previous episode.

    He wasn’t an ordinary person, neither was he devilish nor a failure by the standards of men. He was one who also felt successful in his own right.

    Whenever people see the word BEWARE they think of a devil with horns.

    You don’t have to be told to BEWARE of the obvious. Whatever you are asked to BEWARE of looks harmless at first sight.

    Eliab as an older brother to David may have genuine concern about the well-being of David. And sometimes such concern can be a limitation to your advancement into greatness.

    However, a careful observation of Eliab’s words to David also exposed Eliab’s mindset concerning David. Apart from his mindset concerning David, other details also exposed his mindset about challenges.

    The presence of Goliath was the boundary or the end of Eliab’s boldness. He was part of the army of Israel which fell back and was frightened at the appearance of Goliath.

    Eliab had an attractive appearance but was a coward at heart. He looked more like a real man on the outside but was a crying vulnerable baby at heart.
    He lacked what it takes to go for the lion’s share.

    David was different. Outwardly he didn’t look like a strong tough soldier, but he had the heart of God. David was full of “God-fidence” (the confidence of God).

    Each morning, Goliath cursed and threatened the Israelites and none of them spoke back at him. They were rather frightened and fell back at his presence.
    Instead of confronting the challenge they rather talk among themselves:

    “…The talk among the troops was, “Have you ever seen anything like this, this man openly and defiantly challenging Israel? The man who kills the giant will have it made. The king will give him a huge reward, offer his daughter as a bride, and give his entire family a free ride.” 1 Samuel 17:24-25 (Message)

    See David’s first reaction to Goliath:

    “David, who was talking to the men standing around him, asked, “What’s in it for the man who kills that Philistine and gets rid of this ugly blot on Israel’s honor? Who does he think he is, anyway, this uncircumcised Philistine, taunting the armies of God-Alive?” 1 Samuel 17:26 (Message)

    At no point was he intimidated by the presence of Goliath.

    The boldness of David was bigger than the whole army of Israel.

    Now comes in Eliab; the fine handsome gentleman. The big brother who thought he knew better and understood the destiny and the place of David than God:

    “Eliab, his older brother, heard David fraternizing with the men and lost his temper: “What are you doing here! Why aren’t you minding your own business, tending that scrawny flock of sheep? I know what you’re up to. You’ve come down here to see the sights, hoping for a ringside seat at a bloody battle!” 1 Samuel 17:28 (Message)

    Eliab didn’t think, the business of Israel is also the business of David.
    He wondered why this little boy David, poked his nose into matters “greater” than him.

    By fact, Eliab may be right.
    David was just a shepherd boy. And also was not at the age to be enlisted for war.

    He has to be at least 20 years old or older (Numbers 1:3)

    Nevertheless, the capacity to show up with God and stand with your leader is not in age, but in the condition of heart.

    Eliab was judging David by his own perception and state of heart. But it was God who was working in David.

    Sometimes by all the standards of men, you don’t seem to be qualified to do the things God has called you to do.

    You may have a Christian big brother or sister, a prayerful relative, a lecturer, a colleague, or a seemingly God-fearing boss at work; who may take up the position of Eliab in your life.

    He or she may have good intentions for you but can become the voice of discouragement in your life.

    He or she may even ask or tell you:

    – “The way you have taken ministry and kingdom matters seriously, are you Jesus Christ?”

    – “Every day you are involved in ministry. Do you think you are the only born again?”

    – “Do you know how long I have served the Lord, and the things I have done for the Lord? If there is a reward will I be at this level?”

    – “Do you think you have what it takes to do big things? You are wasting time, just find somewhere to sit and mind your own business.”

    Don’t be disrespectful, just do as David did; see it as a distraction, turn away and focus on the goal.

    The thing is, the devil will not inspire you to show up with Jesus and stand with the Kingdom assignment.

    The devil will not inspire you to take bold steps for the Lord.

    Whatever you are inspired to do, it is God who is working in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13).

    Refuse to be distracted by an Eliab

    Selah!

    DIG DEEPER
    (1 Samuel 17;  Romans 16:1-10; 2 Timothy 4:14-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Matthew 16:21-23)
     
    WE PRAY
    We pray that we shall remain resolute to show up with Jesus at all times and not yield to any voice of discouragement.
     
    BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
    Job 20 – 23
     
    DECLARE THESE WORDS:
    – I maintain my focus on the goal as I gaze my eyes on Jesus who is my example of faith.
     
    – I run the race set before me with all conviction and passion of heart.
     
    – I am not coward at heart.
     
    – I take daring steps.
     
    Oh thank you Lord Jesus!

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  • EPISODE 479 – BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 1

    EPISODE 479 – BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 1

    CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

    The Love-Life Agency

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    Thursday 16th, May 2024

    BEWARE OF AN ELIAB 1

    “Eliab, his older brother, heard David fraternizing with the men and lost his temper: “What are you doing here! Why aren’t you minding your own business, tending that scrawny flock of sheep? I know what you’re up to. You’ve come down here to see the sights, hoping for a ringside seat at a bloody battle!” 

    1 Samuel 17:28 (Message)

    There are several verses in the Bible that instruct and provide warning to the saints in Christ to beware of some fellows in the Church.

    Such as:

    – Those who teach another gospel, which is not the gospel of Jesus. ( 2 Corinthians 11:4)

    – False Teachers (Titus 1:10-11).

    – Error of unprincipled men (2 Peter 3:17)

    – Beware of dogs  (Philippians 3:2). This is in reference to Christians who imposed requirements of the law of Moses and the religious practices of Jews as means of Salvation.

    – Orators who deceive through old fables and philosophical reasoning. (Colossians 2:8)

    – Those who cause division and put obstacles contrary to the teachings of Christ. (Romans 16:17-18)

    There are many others the scriptures (especially the epistles), have warned the saints to avoid.

    There are some other characteristics we have to avoid as we journey towards the fulfilment of God’s purpose for our lives.

    Get this as we delve into today’s topic; the apostles recognized the Old Testament portion of the Bible (Genesis to Malachi) as the scriptures.

    They established that the stories of people, events, places, etc which are written in the scriptures (Old Testament portion of the Bible) were for our learning.

    “Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things.” Romans 15:4 (TPT)

    See this as well:

    “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV)

    The people, their stories and events we read in the scriptures are not to just keep us abreast of historical accounts. They are testimonies of the revelation of Jesus (John 5:39) and also dispense virtues for our living through the knowledge of Christ.

    Just as we are already gleaning wisdom from the life of David for our living.

    Having this understanding, you must know that, there is no agreed concept in the scriptures called Eliab. Nevertheless, the character of Eliab in our study today embodies a certain group of people we must beware of as we journey towards purpose.

    Eliab was the first Son of Jesse, while David was the youngest son. Thus, Eliab was David’s direct older brother.

    Eliab wasn’t just an ordinary person. He wasn’t just a soldier in the army of Israel. He exudes so much aura of honor and hardly will anyone ignore him. Even Samuel the prophet nearly traded the consistency of his prophetic accuracy at the sight of Eliab.

    Prophet Samuel was sent by God to anoint a new king for Israel from the house of Jesse.

    So the Prophet invited Jesse and his sons, to where he was going to worship.

    “When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Here he is! God’s anointed!” 1 Samuel 16:6 (Message)

    The Prophet was convinced that Eliab was the king the moment he saw him. His appearance was elegant and depicted royalty.

    And Samuel was a great Prophet whose words never fell to the ground.

    “As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.” 1 Samuel 3:19 (NLT)

    It wasn’t only Samuel who nearly appointed Eliab as king of Israel. Even God considered Eliab.

    “But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (Message).

    God eliminated Eliab because he first included him on his list.

    From this background you will understand the authority of Eliab as an older brother to David and also the presence he commands through his appearance.

    Well, of all his aura in his looks and stature, he was part of Israel’s army who fell back and were frightened at the appearance of Goliath.

    He wouldn’t dare take a step forward to confront Goliath. Thus, Eliab was excellent in appearance but a coward at heart.

    He wasn’t bold enough and passionate about the Lord’s course to show up with the Lord and stand with his leader.

    There are people in the Church like Eliab.

    They outwardly look attractive and anointed. They enlist to be leaders and part of God’s work. They wish to do more for the Lord and claim to know the Lord. They believe they are serving the Lord but are not willing to go the extra mile for Jesus.

    On the day of adversity, they can’t show up for Jesus. When everything seems to be comfortable and all glorious, they show up in their elegance. But never will they roll up their sleeves to work.

    They are like Demas; Paul said this of Demas:

    “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica…” 2 Timothy 4:10 (NLT).

    Beware of drawing inspiration from such people. They will never take a step for Jesus. They are in the Church, but are occupied with their self-interest (2 Timothy 3:2). They are only moved by convenience but not with conviction.

    The slightest confrontation or attack against the Church, the Kingdom and the gospel they fall back.

    They don’t truly love the things of Christ (Philippians 2:21).

    Yet, they will complain when you are willing to go the extra mile or complain that you are risking your life for the spread of the gospel.

    Beware of such, and avoid their pessimism.

    Don’t be afraid, the Lord will bring you into success, for He works in you both to will and to do to fulfill His good pleasure and purpose.

    Selah!

    DIG DEEPER
    (1 Samuel 17;  Romans 16:1-10; 2 Timothy 4:14-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Matthew 16:21-23)
     
    WE PRAY
    We pray that we shall set our eyes on Jesus as the example of faith and run the race set before us with the conviction and passion of the Lord.
     
    BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
    Job 16 – 19
     
    DECLARE THESE WORDS:
    – I maintain my focus on the goal as I gaze my eyes on Jesus who is my example of faith.
     
    – I run the race set before me with all conviction and passion of heart.
     
    – I am not coward at heart.
     
    – I take daring steps.
     
    Oh thank you Lord Jesus!

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  • EPISODE 478 – BE UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN

    EPISODE 478 – BE UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN

    CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

    The Love-Life Agency

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    Wednesday 15th, May 2024
     

    BE UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN

    “So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle .”

    1 Samuel 17:20 (NKJV)

     

    No one makes a great impact without possessing virtues for greatness.

    Being anointed doesn’t automatically bring you to the fulfilment of purpose.

    It takes virtue, character with anointing to become relevant in the Kingdom.

    Joseph did not just wake up to the fulfilment of his dream. He went through a process where his character and virtue were tested. Those processes established his character and virtue, and that enriched his rule as the Prime Minister of Egypt.

    He demonstrated absolute confidence and honor towards God, a heart of servitude, self-control, patience, humility, mastery of his gift, and readiness in season and out of season.

    David was also anointed by the Prophet Samuel to be King (1 Samuel 16:1,13).

    But David didn’t just rise to the throne. He has to go through a process to prove the consistency of his character.

    David was recommended to King Saul, because of his exceptional skill on the harp. He found favor and was privileged to serve the king in the palace. (1 Samuel 16:16-23).

    However, David’s rise to serve in the palace did not stop him from being humble towards his father. He occasionally visited his father to run errands for him.

    “But David occasionally went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.” 1 Samuel 17:15 (NKJV).

    David didn’t think that because he was now serving in the king’s palace and he would soon become the King of Israel, he didn’t have to continue to tend sheep and run errands for his father.

    As part of the many excellent virtues David demonstrated, I want us to give attention to this seemingly little but profound quality of exceptionalism.

    Let’s read the opening verse in context:

    “Then Jesse said to his son David, “Take now for your brothers an ephah of this dried grain and these ten loaves, and run to your brothers at the camp. And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and see how your brothers fare, and bring back news of them.” Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
    So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle.”     1 Samuel 17:17-20 (NKJV)

    David didn’t hesitate nor procrastinate. He rose early in the morning with a sense of responsibility.

    The Message Translation puts it this way:

    “David was up at the crack of dawn and, having arranged for someone to tend his flock, took the food and was on his way just as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the camp just as the army was moving into battle formation, shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines moved into position, facing each other, battle-ready”. (1 Samuel 17:20-21)

    Now because of David’s promptness, he got the battlefield at the right time (of his destiny).

    Many have delayed the plan and purpose of God for their lives because they failed to be prompt with an assignment.

    Don’t miss this other little detail as well:

    Though David was prompt with his father’s new task, he was attentive to all his responsibilities. He handed over the sheep he was tending to a keeper. The young man David had a sense of responsibility. And was not overwhelmed by his multi-task. You must have a great sense of responsibility to make a difference in your world.

    Let this character of exceptionalism be in you; because you are destined for greatness.

    Hallelujah!

    DIG DEEPER
    (1 Samuel 17; Proverbs 20:4; Genesis 22:1-3; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 22:12; Philippians 4:7-18; Romans 16:1-10)
     
    WE PRAY
    We pray that we shall be prompt, consistently diligent and humble with the assignment the Lord has given to us.
     
    BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
    Job 12 – 15
     
    DECLARE THESE WORDS:
    – I cultivate the right virtues for greatness.
     
    – I am prompt with every  assignment the Lord has entrusted into my hands.
     
    – I am empowered by God to be demonstrate consistence diligence in all I do.
     
    – I am exceptional in all that I do.
     
    Thank you Lord Jesus!

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  • EPISODE 427 – BE FAITHFUL TO THE LITTLE THINGS

    EPISODE 427 – BE FAITHFUL TO THE LITTLE THINGS

    CHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY

    The Love-Life Agency

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    Monday 25th March, 2024

    BE FAITHFUL TO THE LITTLE THINGS

    “Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.” 

    James 3:4 (ESV)

     
    I know you want to make a difference in your world and be the best God has called you to be.

    However, what do you think it entails?

    When most people look at those doing well in their ministry or vision, they assume it took a volume of many things for that to happen.
     
    Nevertheless, you should know that it doesn’t take a volume of things to make a difference. It is instead the same little things you may be aware of that are needed for great success.
     
    Most of the big things you see are controlled by little but powerful elements.
    It only takes a small rudder to direct a whole huge ship.

    Success doesn’t come by doing many things. It is simply giving attention to the basic instructions you are given and running with them consistently.

    Simple instructions such as;
     
    These instructions can revolutionize your entire world.
     
    Such instructions can move you from being a low-class, unrecognized, defeated fellow to a transgenerational leader.

    It will only take your dedication and consistency with the little instructions you are given, to make a difference in your world.

    Beloved, be faithful to the little things.
     
    Shalom!
    DIG DEEPER
    (1 Corinthians 1:26-29; Galatians 5:9; Matthew 25:21; Matthew 17:20; Zechariah 4:10)
     
    WE PRAY
    That we will take heed to every instruction and prompting of the Spirit to us, whether through the word, our man of God or to us personally.
     
    BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2024
    1 Kings 4 – 6
     
    DECLARE THESE WORDS:
    – I make time daily for the study of the word.
     
    – I make time daily for prayer and the meditation of the word.
     
    – I don’t trivialize my spirituality.
     
    – I take heed to the instructions of the Spirit of God through his word, my man of God and to me personally.
     
    – I am faithful in all things.
     
    OH HALLELUJAH! GLORY TO GOD!!!

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