Wednesday,  August  31st

Praise precedes abundance.


“And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.”
2 Chronicles 20:25

Praise brings you into a realm where you do not struggle to get what is of value. What others struggle to get will come to you effortlessly when you are a person of praise.

Praise brings you into a realm where you become so blessed that other people become blessed because of you. When Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, the Bible says in Acts 16:26(GNB), “Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, which shook the prison to its foundations. At once all the doors opened, and the chains fell off all the prisoners.” The earth responded to their praise and not only their chains, but the chains of all the prisoners fell off because of their praise.

Also, the Bible says in Psalm 67:5-6, “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.” Your praise will cause God's blessings to be released upon you in abundance. Therefore I encourage you to live a life of continual praise to God.
     
Instruction.
Read Psalm 67 in praise to the Lord.

For further study, read:
Psalm 85:6-13, Ezekiel 34:23-29.

Doing the Word
Live in praise continually.

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Tuesday,  August 30th

Effortless success.


“And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.”                                    2 Chronicles 20:22-24

Today I want you to understand that your praise causes confusion in the camp of the enemy.

I want you to also notice from our opening scripture that their praise made their success effortless. So if you want to get effortless success in every area of your life, then you must begin to cultivate the praise habit. The children of Judah were going to fight their enemies, but because they praised, their enemies were defeated before they got to them.

Therefore as you praise today, every confrontation of the enemy against you is already defeated before it came. And the Bible says in our opening scripture, “… and none escaped.” Therefore as you praise, know that no problem will escape the weapon of your praise. Praise with this understanding.

Prayer.
Dear Father, I thank you because as I praise You, I declare that I have all round victory and peace in all areas of my life, in Jesus Name, Amen.

For further study, read:
Isaiah 37:35-36, Jeremiah 23:5, Jeremiah 33:14-16.

Doing the Word
Keep practicing the praise habit  Ephesians 5:19.

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Monday,  August  29th

The antidote.


“And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.”                         2 Chronicles 20:22

Praise makes success effortless. When the children of Israel sang and praised the Lord, the Bible says that the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, who came up against them were smitten.

Ammon means tribal; this means that the issues or challenges that the people of your tribe have to contend with will be completely destroyed before you by your praise.

Moab means of a father; this means that the issues or challenges from your father's house or problems synonymous with your family will be completely destroyed before you by your praise.

Mount Seir means the shaggy one or hairy; this is a symbolic word for demons. This means that all demonic attacks assigned against you will be completely destroyed by your praise.

These three nations are symbolic of the three primary challenges people have, which could either be tribal; referring to your race, your father's house; referring to problems associated to the family in which you are born and the final one is demonic issues. If in your life you are confronted with any of these problems, what should you do? Praise. Praise is the strategy for your victory from these problems.

Prayer.
Dear Father, I thank you because according to your Word, as I praise your name today, problems associated with my tribe, my family including all demonic attacks are completely smitten before me by the power of your Spirit, in Jesus Name. Amen.

For further study, read:
2 Chronicle 20:1-30.

Doing the Word
Give God praise today; with your words, singing and dancing.

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Sunday,  August  28th

Testify in praise.

“I will give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart. I will tell about all the miracles you have done.”
Psalm 9:1(GW)

Every time you testify publicly, you are praising God. Yet there are Christians who do not like to testify publicly. God does something for them and they keep it to themselves. You are not glorifying God that way.

Some Christians give the excuse that it is because of shyness they do not testify publicly. Enough of the shyness, God has not given you the spirit of timidity. Start celebrating the miracles God has done in your life. This is important because it is what you celebrate, God will sustain in your life. So if you do not celebrate what God is doing you will lose it.

I remember the story told by a Man of God who is popularly known for laying hands on people and they fall under the power of the Holy Spirit. He said at a particular time he started taking it for granted and began seeing it as a common thing to the point that he began to laugh when he sees those under him lay hands on people and they fall. As a result, he was laying hands in a meeting and he was not seeing that manifestation of God's Spirit anymore (nobody was falling). Then God told him, “Never let whatever I do become common.” He repented and it started happening again.

What are the miracles God is doing in your life? Are you always experiencing favours? Testify about it. Did you get healed or did someone get healed because you prayed? Testify about it. Do not allow the miracles you see become common to you.


Prayer.
Dear Father, I repent from any way I have taken your works for granted in my life. I receive forgiveness and I choose to begin to celebrate every miracle to the glory of your name, in Jesus Name. Amen.

For further study, read:
1 Chronicles 6:8-9(MSG), Psalm 40:9-10(MSG), Psalm 145:4-6, 11,12.


Doing the Word
Go and testify of all the things God has done for you that you have not given Him glory for.  

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Saturday,  August  27th

Dance in praise.


“Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.”
Psalm 149:3

When we dance to the Lord, we are expressing our praise to Him. I never really knew that dancing was so important to God until I studied the life of David. David was someone God choose because of His praise.

In 2 Samuel 6:14(MSG) the Bible says, “David, ceremonially dressed in priest's linen, danced with great abandon before GOD.” See what the Bible says in 2 Samuel 6:16, 20-21(MSG), “But as the Chest of GOD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul's daughter, happened to be looking out a window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before GOD, her heart filled with scorn.  David returned home to bless his family. Michal, Saul's daughter, came out to greet him: "How wonderfully the king has distinguished himself today--exposing himself to the eyes of the servants' maids like some burlesque street dancer!" David replied to Michal, "In GOD's presence I'll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over GOD's people, over Israel. Oh yes, I'll dance to GOD's glory--”

The next time you have an opportunity to dance in the presence of the Lord, do it with great abandon because you are expressing your praise to God.

Instruction.
Read Psalm 150 in praise to the Lord.

For further study, read:
Exodus 15:18-21, Psalm 30:11-12,
Jeremiah 31:13-14.

Doing the Word
Give the Lord a dance of praise all by yourself.

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Friday, August 26th

Sing praises.

“I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.”

Psalm 9:2

One of the ways you offer praise to God is by singing. When we sing, we are not singing to impress ourselves or others; we are offering praise to God.

Psalm 21:13 says, “Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.”

Psalm 27:6 says, “And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.”

Psalm 92:1 says, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:”

Psalm 135:3 says, “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.”

Psalm 145:7 says, “They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.”

Instruction.

Sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.

For further study, read:

Psalm 81:1, Psalm 95:1, Psalm 100:2.

Doing the Word

Continue singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord today.

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Thursday, August 25th

Lift your hands.

“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”
Psalm 141:2

Are you aware that it has been found out from research that people in the music industry especially those in concert live longer? Most of them live to their 70's, 80's and 90's. One of the reasons observed and stated was because of the lifting up of their hands.

Amazingly, when you look at the various words for praise in the Bible, one common trend is the lifting up of the hands. This means that one of the ways by which we offer praise unto God is by lifting up our hands. Do you lift your hands when you pray, praise or worship God?

Our opening scripture lets us know that the lifting up of our hands to God is as the evening sacrifice. The time of the evening sacrifice is the ninth hour of the day (three o' clock in the afternoon). When you study the Bible there are three unforgettable instances about the evening sacrifice. The first was when Elijah called down fire from heaven. He called down fire from heaven at the time of the evening sacrifice. (See 1 Kings 18:36-39). The second was when the angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel; he appeared to Daniel at the time of the evening sacrifice. (See Daniel 9:21). The third was when an angel appeared to Cornelius at the time of the evening sacrifice which is also the ninth hour of the day. (See Acts 10:3).

Therefore if the lifting up of our hands is as the evening sacrifice, it shows us that when we lift our hands to God in worship or praise it increases angelic activity. So the next time you lift up your hands to God, not only are you offering praise to God, know that angels are released on your behalf for your good.

Instruction.
Read Psalm 95:1-6 and Psalm 63:1-11 in praise to God.

For further study, read:
Exodus 17:8-13, Psalm 63:4-5, Psalm 134:1-3,           1 Timothy 2:8.

Doing the Word
Always remember to lift up your hands during prayer and praise to God.

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Wednesday, August 24th

Praise with words.

“Take with you words and return to the Lord. Say to Him, Take away all our iniquity; accept what is good and receive us graciously; so will we render [our thanks] as bullocks [to be sacrificed] and pay the confession of our lips.”

Hosea 14:2(AMP)

Praise is the outward expression of gratitude or adoration to God for what He has done, what He is doing and what we expect Him to do. Praise can be in words; that is our confession according to Hebrews 13:15, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

Praise to God can be expressed through your words. What are you saying? Do you know that for the sake of praise expressed through words in the prayer of Hezekiah, God added fifteen more years to his life?

In Isaiah 38, the Bible lets us know that Hezekiah the king of Judah was sick unto death and Isaiah the Prophet came to him and made him know he was going to die and not live.

In the writings of Hezekiah himself in Isaiah 38:18-20 we are able to see the content of his prayer in praise to God, “For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth. The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.”

Therefore let your praise arise to God even with the confession of your lips and you will see His intervention in your situation.

Instruction.

Please read Psalm 34 in praise to the Lord.

For further study, read:

2 Chronicles 29:30, Psalm 95:2, Psalm 106:9-12.

Doing the Word

Let your words be filled with praise always.

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Tuesday, August  23rd

You are different.


“When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” 
Proverbs 16:7

Do you know that God can cause those who hate you to work for your good? I know you may wonder how that will be possible, but the Bible shows us that it is possible. 

Are you aware that before Moses was born, the Pharaoh at that time passed a law to the Hebrew midwives saying, “When you deliver the Hebrew women, look at the sex of the baby. If it's a boy, kill him; if it's a girl, let her live.” Exodus 1:16(MSG) When they refused to obey him, he passed another law to all his people, “Every boy that is born, drown him in the Nile. But let the girls live.” Exodus 1:22(MSG)

When Moses was born and his mother discovered that she could not hide him anymore after three months she put him in a basket waterproofed it with tar and pitch and allowed him to float on the Nile. Do you know whose daughter came to Moses' rescue? Pharaoh's daughter. She not only rescued Moses, she paid Moses mother to nurse him for her and then bring Moses to live in the palace of the Pharaoh that wanted him dead initially. (See Exodus 2:1-10) God can use your enemies to bless you.

Sometimes we may be tempted to base our lives on someone's experience. They may tell you that the people there are wicked, do not let fear grip your heart, know that your case is different; God will cause them to work for your good.


Confession.
In the Name of Jesus, I declare that all things are working together for my good because I love God and I am called according to His design and purpose. Amen.

For further study, read:
Genesis 50:20, Jeremiah 15:11, Romans 8:35-39. 

Doing the Word
Be conscious that your case is different.

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Do not waver

Monday, August  22nd
Do not waver.

“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?”
Isaiah 53:1

Have you been told that your case is a hopeless case? That is when you should give the sacrifice of praise. This is because there is another report concerning that same case that has been labeled by men as hopeless. Will you believe the report of the Lord today? His report says your case is not hopeless. His report says you will prosper. His report says you will still have your baby. Whatever negative report you have heard, God’s report says the opposite. Do not receive the report of men as final. Receive only God's report as final. I want you to know that the more difficult the challenge may be, the greater the miracle that will come out of it.

Ten years ago God told me to have a meeting called from 'Glory to Glory' and the Lord told me to use the indoor sports hall in the stadium in our city. So we applied for the hall. Before the time for the meeting came, the refugees from Bakassi came into the State and started living in the indoor sports hall. When we went to see the Commissioner in respect to the hall, he told us bluntly that we would not be able to use it anymore. He said this because the Governor of the State at that time tried to use it and the refugees refused to vacate the hall. Even when the President of Nigeria visited the State and wanted to use the hall the refugees still refused to vacate the hall, so to him it will be impossible to get them to leave now.

When I went back to pray, God told me that what I was seeing in respect to the hall was a shifting shadow. So we went ahead and made publicity both on print and the electronic media while the refugees were still in the hall. We kept announcing the meeting and distributing handbills. The refugees finally left in the morning of the very day the meeting was to commence. I want you to know that there is no hopeless case if you will only stand your ground believing God’s report. He sent us to use the place, and even when the highest authority in the nation could not use it, He made it possible for us to use it. Praise God.

Confession.
I declare in the Name of Jesus that all my limitations are unreal. My challenges are working to produce a greater weight of glory and greater testimonies for me. Amen.

For further study, read:
2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 2 Corinthians 5:7,
1 Peter 1:7-8.

Doing the Word
Walk by faith.  

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Where is your trust?

Sunday, August  21st
Where is your trust?

“Thus says the Lord: Cursed [with great evil] is the strong man who trusts in and relies on frail man, making weak [human] flesh his arm, and whose mind and heart turn aside from the Lord.”
Jeremiah 17:5(AMP)

Carefully examine your heart to find out where you have put your trust. Is your trust really in God or in men? Is your confidence in what God can do for you and make you, or in what man can do for you and make you? God uses men, but never make any mortal man your arm.

Rely only on God, never rely on men. Human help is limited; it can only take you as far as they can go. God's help is all sufficient, it has no limitations. I had an experience ten years ago when we wanted to use the hall of a particular organization for our services. We applied for the hall and they said we were the third church to apply for the use of the hall. Note that one of the churches that applied was the church that the person in charge of the hall was attending and they already applied before us. Also, one of our members at that time had her father working with that organization, so I asked her to tell her dad that we needed the place, when she went and told her father, the response from her father who had some influence made it look impossible for us to use the place. That was when I decided to lean entirely on the Lord. When I did, all the hurdles were taken out of the way and the place was approved for us to use.

Notice that the man that had influence could not help us to get the hall, but when we relied on God alone without knowing anyone we got the hall for free. Stop looking for the connection of men, use God's connection.

Prayer.
Dear Father, I choose to lean entirely on you. I turn my heart completely away from men and all their promises. I make you my source for all things and my only resource for all my needs, in Jesus Name. Amen.

For further study, read:
Psalm 118:8-9, Psalm 146:3-4, 2 Chronicles 32:7-8.

Doing the Word
Trust only God.

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It's never late

Saturday, August 20th
It's never late.

“Even when Sarah was too old to have children, she had faith that God would do what he had promised, and she had a son.”
Hebrews 11:11(CEV)

Today I want you to know that in the realm of faith it is never late.

I will like to share with you the story of a brother who got an opportunity to go to the United States for training. The requirement was for them to write a five hundred words essay on conflict resolution. They had about five hundred entries from Nigeria and they needed only twelve. The deadline was before December 31st of that year.

Due to his commitment in Church and the preparations for the 31st night service of that year, he could not meet the deadline, but he still went ahead to submit it in January after the deadline had passed. Eventually only eleven persons were chosen from Nigeria and he was one of them.

In the realm of faith it is never late. Stop counting yourself out. You do not need to know anybody to be, do and have all that God has ordained for you to be, do and have. The One you need to know is God and your faith alone is all you need to have. Your faith will provide for you the opportunities, men, materials and the resources that are necessary for you to fulfill destiny. Praise God.    

Confession.
Dear Father, I thank you because you are enough for me. By my faith I declare that; you have made me what you want me to be, you have equipped me to do all you have called me to do and I am empowered by you to have all you have ordained for me to have in this life. Amen.

For further study, read:
Genesis 17:17-19, Genesis 18:11-14,
Habakkuk 2:3.

Doing the Word
Stop counting yourself out from having God’s best.

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Faith is enough.

Friday, August 19th
Faith is enough.

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”
Mark 10:27

God taught me that in the realm of faith there is no distance. This means that no matter where you are your miracle can still happen. This means that God can reach you anywhere.

I remember the story told by a dear Man of God. He spoke about an elderly couple that could not have children. So when they came to him, he prayed for them and the woman got pregnant. Before she gave birth, they found out through scan that she was going to have twins.

Since they were well to do, she was flown to America to give birth. She finally delivered the twins safely. After she delivered, the elderly man who was her husband told the doctor that since they are already old, the twins will be enough for them, so he requested that the doctor should tie the womb of his wife so that she would never need to conceive again.

The doctor decided to do as he had requested, in the process, he discovered that there was no womb. This is a doctor that had been in medical practice for over twenty-four years. He was shocked to discover that a woman gave birth to twins yet there was no womb. This should let you know that no matter what the doctor's report may have been, you can still have your child because in the realm of faith anything is possible.

Confession.
Dear Father, I declare according to my faith that all things are possible to me because I believe. Amen.

For further study, read:
Romans 4:20-21, Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 11:11.

Doing the Word
Let the Word of God be your firm conviction always concerning what you expect.

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when challenges come...

Thursday, August 18th
When challenges come …

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”           1 Thessalonians 5:16-18(MSG)

Our opening scripture shows you the appropriate attitude when you are going through challenges. Be cheerful. Maintain your joy and be thankful. Do not let your challenges depress you; know that it will turn out for your good.

When you are going through challenges, never focus on the problem or the challenge, focus on God. This is important because whatever you are focusing on is what will determine your attitude. If you focus on your problem you will be complaining and ungrateful. But when you focus on God and His ability in difficult times, all you will see is your victory.

When Jesus had the challenge of feeding the multitudes in Matthew 14:15-21, he did not focus on the resource that was available to him (five loaves of bread and two fish). The Bible says in Matthew 14:19(GNB), “He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God.

He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.” His attitude and response to His challenge was thanksgiving and Matthew 14:20(GNB) shows us the result; “Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over.”

Confession.
In the Name of Jesus, I declare that I have victory in Christ. All things are working together for my good. I choose to be cheerful no matter what; I will thank God no matter what happens, because this is the way God wants me to live. Amen.

For further study, read:
Matthew 5:11-12, Philippians 4:4, James 1:2-4.

Doing the Word
Be cheerful. Maintain your joy and be thankful.

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Appreciate what you have

Wednesday, August 17th
Appreciate what you have.

“Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part.”
1 Thessalonians 5:13(MSG)

Many times people fail to appreciate what they have until they lose it. There is a man I know who had a hard working wife; helping him, connecting him with people and ensuring that he does well. As this man got richer, he never really cared about his wife. When she died, that was when his eyes were really opened to the treasure he had that he did not have the opportunity to value much.

That does not need to happen to you. Start today to begin to appreciate what you have. Appreciate your family; your spouse, your children, your parents, your brothers and sisters. You may also need to appreciate those who have helped you in one way or the other to become who you are in your journey in life today. Also appreciate your Pastors, your members, your leaders, your boss, your uncles and aunties, your friends. Do not wait until you lose them before you begin to see how valuable they have been to you.

Whatever you appreciate, is what appreciates in value. Whatever you do not appreciate, depreciates in value. Whatever you do not appreciate, you will eventually lose.

Prayer.
Dear Father, I thank you for everyone you have used to do me good right from my birth to this day. I ask that you multiply your grace and your blessings towards them in every way, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

For further study, read:
1 Corinthians 16:14-18, Philippians 2:19-29,           1 Thessalonians 5:11-13.

Doing the Word
Sincerely begin to appreciate with love everyone that has been a blessing to you. Let them know you value them.

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The right attitude

Tuesday, August 16th
The right attitude.

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much …”
Luke 16:10

I will like you to observe your life. Have you really been grateful to God? It takes humility to live a life of praise and thanksgiving. How much do you appreciate the little things that happen in your life? Are you faithful in giving God thanks for the little things? If God can find you faithful in thanking Him for the little things, you will begin to see greater things. Do not take anything that God does in your life for granted.

God watches your attitude with little before He promotes you. So if you do not learn to cultivate the right attitude and be grateful now with what you have and where you are, it may take longer for you to see the increase and greater miracles you desire. Remember 1 Peter 5:5-6, “…be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”

There are people who make statements like, “If God blesses me more now, I will be more dedicated and committed to Him.” That is not correct, because if you cannot be dedicated and committed to God at the level you are now, you will not be more dedicated and committed to God if He increases you more. First, be dedicated and committed to Him, then watch Him increase you to higher dimensions. It is when you seek Him first, that He adds to you what others put first. (See Matthew 6:32-33)

Prayer.
Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of life. I thank you for who you have made me and for all that I have. I believe greater things shall be done in my life and through me. Teach me your ways and by your grace I will always put you first above all else, in Jesus Name. Amen.

For further study, read:
Psalm 34:9-10, Psalm 37:18-19,25, Psalm 84:11-12.

Doing the Word
Thank Him for His faithfulness.

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Victory assured

Monday, August 15th
Victory assured.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”                                   1 Corinthians 15:57

Speaking the Word of God inspite of your circumstances is one of the ways you give to God the sacrifice of praise. Are you aware that no matter what comes against you as a child of God it will end in victory?

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58. When you have the understanding that your victory has already been established in Christ you would be steadfast; in other words, you will be consistent and firm in the midst of contrary evidence. You would not shift grounds because you know victory is certain.

Therefore, offer your praise and give glory to God with this understanding. Be victory conscious. Let your praise become purposeful. As you praise, see your victory; your victory could stand for whatever you desire or expect. So as you praise, begin to see your baby if you are expecting one, begin to see the increase you desire in the various areas of your life, begin to see God adding to the church, etc.

Confession.
Thanks be to God who has given me the victory through my Lord Jesus Christ.  

For further study, read:
Psalm 98:1, Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Doing the Word
Praise Him for answered prayers.

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Giving thanks...

Sunday, August 14th
Giving thanks …

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Hebrews 13:15  

One of the ways we offer the sacrifice of praise is by 'giving thanks'. The root word for giving thanks in the Greek also means, 'making confession'. Psalm 107:22 says, “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” So when you speak of the finished works of Christ you are giving God thanks.

Make a habit of speaking the Word of God. In declaring his works, it is possible for you to testify of your miracle even before it is manifested because you are judging Him faithful to perform. 2 Corinthians 4:13 says, “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;”

One of the secrets of Abraham in the actualization of God's Word to him was praise. The Bible says this about Abraham in Romans 4:20-21(AMP), “No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he  grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.” Your praise is also an expression of your faith and confidence in God's ability.

Prayer.
Dear Father, I am fully assured in my heart according to your Word that you are able and mighty to keep to your Word and to do all you have promised and said to me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

For further study, read:
Genesis 18:14, Jeremiah 32:17,27, Luke 1:37,45.

Doing the Word.
Recount and confess as many things that God has said He will do with your life and thank Him for they shall all come to pass.

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Get speedy answers

Saturday, August 13th
Get speedy answers.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.”    
Acts 16:25-26

Praising God brings to you speedy manifestations. So if there is something you have been praying for, that has delayed in manifesting, it is time to use praise to hasten it up. Keep at it; do not stop praising until you see the manifestation of that which you desire.

There are some problems in the lives of some Christians that are foundational. They have prayed, sown seeds, fasted, confessed the Word of God but the problem is still there. It is time for you to get into praise continually. As you do every foundational problem will be shaken and brought down before you. Amen.

Today, I believe you have learnt that praise deals with foundational problems and it also causes speedy answers. Therefore as you praise today, every door that has been shut against you in any area of your life will open to you supernaturally and every band shall be loosed in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Instruction.
Please read Psalm 107 in praise to the Lord.

For further study, read:
Jonah 2:1-10, Jeremiah 33:11, Hebrews 13:15.

Doing the Word.
Praise Him in the midst of your challenges.

Read More

Praise invokes God's presence

Friday, August 12th
Praise invokes God's presence.

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of

Israel.”
Psalm 22:3

The word inhabitest in our opening scripture also refers to

'married'. This means that God is married to praise. That is

why when you praise He shows up. Praise invokes God's presence.

A dear Man of God spoke about a time they had a praise service

in their church, as they were all dancing, a Muslim man who

came to drop his friends was hearing the sounds coming from the

church so he decided to come down to spy into the church to see

what they were doing. As he went to spy into the church, the

presence of God came upon him, he fell under the power of God,

and he got filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in

other tongues.

When the service ended, he was still speaking in tongues, so

they carried him into the car, and drove him back home. When he

got home still speaking in tongues, his wife amazed and

wondering about what was happening to her husband accused his

friends of going to charm her husband that is why  he cannot

speak in English. These Christians in trying to convince his

wife that he was not charmed gave her a message to listen to,

and as she was listening to the message, the power of God came

upon her also. That was how salvation came into that home, it

was inspired by praise.

An example of such an experience in scripture that validates

their experience is found in Acts 10:44-46, “While Peter yet

spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard

the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were

astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the

Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For

they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.”

Instruction.
Read Psalm 47 and Psalm 100 in praise to God.

For further study, read:
Ephesians 5:18-20, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13.


Doing the Word.
Stay conscious and full of the presence of the Lord with you

today by singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Read More

Praise invokes God's Presence.

Friday, August 12th
Praise invokes God's presence.

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of
israel.”
Psalm 22:3

The word inhabitest in our opening scripture also refers to

'married'. This means that God is married to praise. That is

why when you praise He shows up. Praise invokes God's presence.

A dear Man of God spoke about a time they had a praise service

in their church, as they were all dancing, a Muslim man who

came to drop his friends was hearing the sounds coming from the

church so he decided to come down to spy into the church to see

what they were doing. As he went to spy into the church, the

presence of God came upon him, he fell under the power of God,

and he got filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in

other tongues.

When the service ended, he was still speaking in tongues, so

they carried him into the car, and drove him back home. When he

got home still speaking in tongues, his wife amazed and

wondering about what was happening to her husband accused his

friends of going to charm her husband that is why  he cannot

speak in English. These Christians in trying to convince his

wife that he was not charmed gave her a message to listen to,

and as she was listening to the message, the power of God came

upon her also. That was how salvation came into that home, it

was inspired by praise.

An example of such an experience in scripture that validates

their experience is found in Acts 10:44-46, “While Peter yet

spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard

the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were

astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the

Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For

they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.”

Instruction.
Read Psalm 47 and Psalm 100 in praise to God.

For further study, read:
Ephesians 5:18-20, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13.


Doing the Word.
Stay conscious and full of the presence of the Lord with you

today by singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Read More

Counter depression

Thursday, August  11th
Counter depression.

“My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.”  
Psalm 34:2

You can praise God for what He has done and for what you expect Him to do. Use your praise to counter depression and the spirit of heaviness. Whenever the devil wants to sow depression to your heart, begin to recount the great and glorious things that God has already done and also begin to declare in faith the great things that you expect.

Depression is focusing on your problems but praise is focusing on the greatness of your God. Therefore I encourage you to correct your focus in this season; focus on the greatness of your God.

Isaiah 61:3-4(AMP) say, “To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. And they shall rebuild the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former desolations and renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.”


Instruction.
In turning your focus on having a grateful attitude, write down as many things that you can be grateful for that God has done for you, through you and around you.

For further study, read:
Psalm 44:8, Romans 4:20, 2 Corinthians 10:17.

Doing the Word
Praise God sincerely for every item that you wrote down on your list.

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Praise habit

Wednesday, August  10th
Praise habit.

“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Psalm 34:1

There is such a thing as a praise habit; in other words, you make a habit of praise. It is possible for praise to proceed from you continually because when we praise, we are speaking well of God. That is why testifying of what God has done, is part and parcel of praise to God.

One of the things you must never loose in your life is your praise and your joy. David never lost a battle; he was a man who praised. This is because praise establishes you in victory.

Your praise or your joy is the indicator of your spiritual health. If you want to know if you are healthy spiritually, examine yourself to see if you are quick to praise God. Complaining instead of praising is a sign that you are not spiritually healthy. Those who complained according to          1 Corinthians 10:10 were destroyed by the destroyer.

Whenever you start complaining, you are blaming God and taking sides with satan which opens the door to demonic oppression. But when you praise God inspite of contrary evidence you are inviting God to intervene because praise opens the door for divine intervention.

Therefore I encourage you to maintain the praise habit because if you do, you will always have victory.  

Instruction.
Please read Psalm 66 to the Lord in praise.

For further study, read:
Psalm 71:6-8, Psalm 71:14-24, Psalm 146:1-2.

Doing the Word
Counter complaining with praise.

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Restoration of Praise

Tuesday, August  9th
Restoration of praise.

“In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:”
Amos 9:11

The restoration of the tabernacle of David refers also to the restoration of praise. Praise will accelerate your harvest and cause every opposition before you to melt. Amos 9:13 says, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed, and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.”

When you begin to humble yourself to praise God, those you think will dishonour you will begin to honour you. When David's wife Michal complained about the way David praised God, David answered and said to her in 2 Samuel 6:22(AMP), “I will be still more lightly esteemed than this, and will humble and lower myself in my own sight [and yours]. But by the maids you mentioned, I will be held in honor.”

The Bible says in 2 Samuel 6:23, “Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.” She had no child because she despised praise. But as you choose to praise the Lord, it will break the curse of barrenness. Therefore if you are believing for a child, I encourage you to get reckless with your praise.


Instruction.
Please read Psalm 118 in praise to the Lord.

For further study, read:
Psalm 113:1-9.

Doing the Word
Praise the Lord.

Read More

Celebrate the Lord

Monday, August  8th
Celebrate the Lord.

“When David returned to bless his family, Saul's daughter Michal came out to meet him. "How dignified Israel's king was today! He was exposing himself before the eyes of the slave girls of his palace staff-like a mindless fool might expose himself!" David answered Michal, "I didn't dance in front of the slave girls but in front of the LORD. He chose me rather than your father or anyone in your father's house, and he appointed me leader of Israel, the LORD'S people. I will celebrate in the LORD'S presence, and I will degrade myself even more than this. Even if I am humiliated in your eyes, I will be honored by these slave girls you speak about."”                 2 Samuel 6:20-22(GW)

David was willing to humble himself in the presence of the Lord and danced before God because he was conscious that it was God who made him who he was. He did not act big in the presence of God. Therefore, God honoured him. When you feel big in the presence of God and will not celebrate with a dance in his presence, you will not see big things. Humble yourself and play before God. To play before God also means to rejoice before God.

Jeremiah 30:19(DRB) says, “And out of them shall come forth praise, and the voice of them that play: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be made few: and I will glorify them, and they shall not be lessened.”

Instruction.
By yourself give the Lord a dance of praise for all His goodness towards you.

For further study, read:
Psalm 30:11, Psalm 149:3, Psalm 150:4.

Doing the Word.
Rejoice without shame in the presence of the Lord.

Read More

Praise continually.

Sunday,  August  7th
Praise continually.

“Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.”
Psalm 119:164

Our opening scripture shows us that David praised God seven times a day. That is one of the secrets of David. Another man in scripture that praised God liked David was Daniel. That was one of the reasons why he always had great testimonies and influence.

Your thanksgiving and praise to God can bring you to a place of authority. Daniel 6:10(MSG) says, “When Daniel learned that the decree had been signed and posted, he continued to pray just as he had always done. His house had windows in the upstairs that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he knelt there in prayer, thanking and praising his God.”

Daniel was spared from the lion's den because he was a man of praise. Praise silences your enemies and also activates angelic activity. After Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, the next day the Bible say in Daniel 6:19-22(GW), “At dawn, as soon as it was light, the king got up and quickly went to the lions' den.

As he came near the den where Daniel was, the king called to Daniel with anguish in his voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was God, whom you always worship, able to save you from the lions?" Daniel said to the king, "Your Majesty, may you live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths so that they couldn't hurt me…” This is the heritage of those who continually live a life of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Instruction.
Read Psalm 4 in thanksgiving to the Lord.

For further study, read:
Psalm 55:17-18, Psalm 119:62, Daniel 6:7-27.

Doing the Word
Refuse to allow any unpleasant circumstance or challenge compromise your praise in this season.

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Wonders of praise

Saturday, August  6th
Wonders of praise.

“I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalm 18:3

The man that praises God has no worthy opposition because praise silences every opposition. Praise is celebrating God. Celebration is never a quiet event. It is loud and wild. Psalm 50:23 says, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”

Praise pleases God. Psalm 69:30-31 say, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.”

The Lord told me that praise is the key to having landed properties. He also said, “Unleash praise in your church. Praise releases governmental authority. Tell your people to engage themselves in acts of praise and I will give them authority in this land.”

This is a time for you to praise like never before. Your praise will lead you to increased authority. David came to authority through praise.
(See 2 Samuel 6:14-21)


Instruction.
Please read Psalm 138 in praise to the Lord.

For further study, read:
Psalm 50:14-15, Psalm 34:1-22.

Doing the Word.
Declare Psalm 91 over you and your household.

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Praise as a weapon 2.

Friday, August  5th
Praise as a weapon 2.

“And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.”      
2 Chronicles 20:22

Praise is spiritual warfare. If you are a person of praise, even the things that men do against you will begin to work for your good. The children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir came to do battle against Judah. When Jehoshaphat the King and the people received the Word of the Lord that they will not need to fight in the battle, they decided to appoint singers to go before them to battle.

2 Chronicles 20:21-22 say, “And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.”

The strategy for their victory was praise.

2 Chronicles 20:24-25 say, “And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.” Notice that their praise not only caused their enemies to be smitten, but also gave them riches and precious jewels in abundance. That is what will happen to you even as you engage the weapon of praise.

Instruction.
Sing songs of praise and victory to the Lord.

For further study, read:
2 Chronicles 20:1-30.

Doing the Word
Praise in the midst of your challenges.

Read More

Praise as a weapon 1.

Thursday, August  4th
Praise as a weapon 1.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.”      
Acts 16:25-26

Have you noticed how many times you may be tempted to want to wait to see the complete miracle concerning what you prayed for before you give God praise? You do not need to wait for the complete miracle before you praise God with gratitude.

No matter whether you have seen any manifestation or not, let praise begin to flow from you. The miracle that you desire responds to your praise. So if you are not praising, you are hindering your own increase.

A certain minister of God spoke about a certain place where they were living and no plant seemed to be able to grow in that area. But the more they shared the Word of God and worshipped God in their compound where they lived, plants started growing. Why did the earth begin to yield her increase? Praise.

Therefore, if you are into farming and your farm is not producing well even though you are applying all the right farming practices, go there and do a dance, sing and praise the Lord, it will shock you as you will begin to see that creation responds to our praise to God.

I encourage you to use praise as a weapon in your home and everywhere you are to create an atmosphere where miracles happen.

Instruction.
Instead of asking again and again for the same thing, begin to thank and praise the Father for the answer.

For further study, read:
Psalm 100:4, Psalm 147:7, Philippians 4:6.

Doing the Word
Cultivate an atmosphere of praise in your home.

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Stir up productivity 2.

Wednesday, August  3rd
Stir up productivity 2.

“Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.”
Psalm 67:5-6

The reason why you may not be seeing the productivity and increase you desire is because you are not cultivating an attitude of praise and gratitude.

As a Pastor I have done my study and research and discovered that churches that are growing, no matter the denomination they are in, are churches that have the character of praise. This is also proven from the Word of God as seen in Acts 2:47 which says, “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Therefore if you want to activate favour and increased productivity in your church or in your life, you must be a person who praises God. Praising God should become your lifestyle not just something you do when you are in a service in church.

No matter how things have been difficult for you prior to this time, as you determine in your heart to get into praise everything around you will begin to yield their increase. Even if it has to do with the matter of conception, inspite of what the doctor's report may have been, praise can cause your body to begin to yield increase and fruitfulness.  


Prayer.
Dear Father, I thank you because as I begin to offer the sacrifice of praise to you continually in this season, I will indeed experience increased favour and productivity in all that concerns me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

For further study, read:
Psalm 103:2-5, Psalm 126:1-3, Job 5:9-11.

Doing the Word
Begin to give God praise for every good thing you can be grateful for around you.

Read More

Stir up productivity 1.

Tuesday, August  2nd
Stir up productivity 1.

“Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.”
Psalm 67:3-6

Our opening scripture shows us that praise increases productivity. When we praise the Lord, the earth shall begin to yield her increase. Therefore, if your business is not doing well, learn to praise.

I heard the story of a young man who started a fish farming business. After some time, some people stole some of his fish. When he discovered it, he called his staff together and they gathered to praise God. In about a year afterwards, a man came from Germany who was the number two man in the fish farming business in Germany. He came to buy produce from this man to spread his fish to the Scandinavian countries and even to Singapore.

This happened because this young man had the right attitude even in the midst of his challenge. He praised God and gave Him gratitude in the midst of unfavourable circumstances, by so doing God elevated his business. Always remember that your praise and your gratitude to God determine your altitude in life.

Prayer.
Dear Father, I thank you because I know according to your Word that all things are working together for my good because I love you and I am called according to your purpose, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

For further study, read:
Psalm 71:24, Psalm 107:22, Psalm 116:12,17.

Doing the Word
Speak well over your business and all that you do.

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Praise

Monday,August 1st
Praise.

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”
Psalm 22:3

Praise is the art of celebrating God in words, song, dance accompanied by instruments for what He has done, what He is doing or what you expect Him to do. To praise is to speak highly of someone. When you are praising someone, you speak highly of them. Therefore, when you are praising God, you speak highly of God.

If you want to see God's manifest presence, it is important that you create an atmosphere of praise. This is because God inhabits the praises of His people. So as you cultivate an attitude of praise and gratitude to God this month, you will experience His manifested presence in your life. God makes His abode where there is praise.

Praise is divine invitation. When you praise God you are inviting Him into that environment or that situation. Therefore I encourage you to praise God this season inspite of what may be happening around you because as you praise Him and express your gratitude to Him, He will show Himself strong in that situation and cause you to come out victoriously.

Your praise and your gratitude to God is what determines your altitude in life. If you lift Him, He will lift you. It is time to praise your heavenly Father.

Instruction.
Let the high praises of God be in your mouth.

For further study, read:
Psalm 50:23, Psalm 86:12, Romans 15:9.

Doing the Word
Count your blessings and thank Him for His faithfulness.

Read More