John 11:39 (KJV)

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

Lazarus’s resurrection not only shows Christ’s power but also exposes the mindset of many Christians today.

Though Lazarus’ sister Martha believed in God’s power, she cried out to Jesus that He arrived too late, four days after her brother’s death. The scriptures show that, several days prior, the sisters notified the Lord Jesus of their brother's illness, so why didn't he rush to them? Why was he late?

The answer is simple; Jesus wasn't late; He was right on time!

In Jewish tradition, someone's soul is believed to linger in the body for up to three days after death. By waiting until the fourth day, Jesus left no doubt that Lazarus was truly dead and that resurrecting him could only be by the power of God himself!

Many Christians hold grievances against God for times they think he showed up too late yet fail to account for what His larger plan may be! He is called the Extraordinary Strategist. Whatever the situation, He is bringing life and right on time!

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

GOD IS RIGHT ON TIME! I serve a God who is the Extraordinary Strategist. He is bringing new life to every area of my being today! Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Romans 8:28

John 15:13 (KJV)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Today’s scripture highlights something extraordinary about our Lord Jesus, He willingly laid down His life for us. No prophet, shepherd, or rabbi ever did that. He wasn’t the first to be crucified, but He was the first to die in the place of others.

He intentionally laid down His life of His own free will. He could have easily delivered Himself from the hands of those who crucified Him. He certainly had the power, but He chose to go to the cross and die for sinners.

Everything the Lord Jesus did was because of His love for you and me. The reason He was born, lived, died, and rose again to life was that we "might have and enjoy life to the full" (John 10:10). Who on this earth has this manner of love? The answer is no one. Today, meditate on this great love God has shown mankind. Give Him thanks and glorify Him for willingly laying down His life so you can enjoy yours to the fullest.

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

I prophesy a life that is full. Full of joy, peace, prosperity, love and all the other great blessings that come with my salvation. I am loved by God; my heart is spoken for! Thank you, Lord! Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

John 3:16

Colossians 4:2 (KJV)

Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving….

Over the years in ministry, I cannot tell you how many people asked questions that stem from seemingly continued prayer without results. One gentleman went to the extent of asking me if there was a secret to fast-tracking answers to prayer. Let me explain the verse above so that you understand better.

The Greek word proskartereo, which means to press heavily towards something, to never give up, or to lean forward, continue and persevere. By using this word, Apostle Paul tells us to stay focused in prayer, press in the spirit, and never give up. In fact, he goes on to say add thanksgiving to that pressing. Why? He knew that once you have this mindset towards prayer, your victory is guaranteed!

Brothers and sisters, there will be times when some answers to prayer take longer. Especially if the prayer is what I call a “special order,” you are expected to keep pressing and anticipate an outcome even though you are in the parking bay. Don’t give up on what you’ve been praying for. Press heavily towards it and give God thanks while you’re at it – CHAINS ARE BREAKING!

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

I shall never give up on prayer. From this day, I press toward my mark in prayer like never before. Victory is a done deal. Thank You, my Lord God Almighty! Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let’s explore part b of today’s theme verse, how our Lord Jesus endured the cross and “despised the shame” that came with it. The word “shame” is the Greek word aischune, which means disgrace, dishonour, something despicable and so embarrassing. By using this word, Apostle Paul gives us insight into what our Saviour went through that day. Imagine being severely flogged, strung up on a cross, stripped bare for all to see. How would that make you feel? Though paintings often depict Him with a cloth around his waist, that was not the case. History shows that Roman soldiers were not big on covering the male anatomy.

Our Lord suffered extreme humiliation that day. He not only took sickness upon Himself, He took shame too, so that you don’t need to suffer it. What shame are you holding onto today? The Lord Jesus despised the shame He went through so that you don’t have to be ashamed.

Let it go!

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

I shall never be tormented by my past and its wicked hold. My Lord Jesus delivered me from shame so I could live a bondage-free life. Thank you, My Lord, I am FREE!!

FURTHER STUDY

Romans 10:11

1 Thessalonians 4:15 (KJV)

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

Let’s examine the word “alive” in today’s verse. The original Greek rendering is zao, which means having vital power, efficient, full of vigour, etc. So, it’s not just talking about you being alive, as in not dead. It's a deeper kind of aliveness. It gives us a clue as to how rapture-ready Christians ought to be.

You see, you ought to be vibrant in your walk with The Lord, fresh and strong, full of life and excited about it. It’s the Christian who is efficient in Kingdom matters that shall go by way of rapture, not the one who blends with the wallpaper in church.

So, you must ask yourself the question, “How vibrant and effective is my Christianity?” Church attendance is easy, anyone can do that. But taking what you have learnt to the highways and byways, applying it to those around you, moving with power and efficiency, serving with vigour and excitement with zero complacency is what sets you apart, ready for the rapture.

Just how ready are you?

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

From this day, I shall walk my faith journey full of vigour, excitement and effectiveness. Christ in me shall be so evident that when people see me, they see Him! Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY

Romans 12:11-13

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance….

As an ambassador of Heaven filled with God’s Spirit, you can expect the divine fruits mentioned in today’s verse to be produced in your life. Today, I’d like us to pay special attention to the fruit called temperance. The word “temperance” is egkrateia, which means in power, in control and pictures a person who is fully in command of their will, urges, and emotions. In other words, a person who knows how to ‘hold themselves from within.’ This is the idea of self-control and discipline.

I’ve met people who struggle with self-control in many areas, including their finances. Some use credit cards to purchase items they can’t afford, succumbing to their flesh, which has an insatiable desire to spend. I always say if you can't buy it twice, don't buy it at all. There are Christians in a rut today because they didn't practice temperance. The Holy Spirit is ever present to help you bear this fruit in abundance. Allow Him to guide you as you learn to bring discipline and self-control to every area of your life from today.

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

Discipline and self-control are a part of my DNA as I am born of The Spirit of God. I shall never spiral out of control in any area of my life as temperance grows each day in me, in Jesus' Name! Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Proverbs 25:28

Luke 22:43 (KJV)

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Today’s verse is from the night of The Lord Jesus' betrayal, the same night He asked for the cup to be removed from Him and asked His closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, to pray with Him in His final hours.

Just imagine that with the extreme pressure He felt that day, each time he came back to check on the three men He'd asked to come and assist Him in praying, He'd find them fast asleep! Talk about discouragement!

How many are feeling the lack of support they desperately need right now? Our Lord Jesus was there before! When He could find no one to stand with Him in His hour of need, God provided supernatural assistance! The scripture says He was strengthened by an angel. He had renewed vitality, which made up for the lack of support from His three closest disciples.

You might be feeling exhausted and depleted, but there is a blast of energy so strong that the angels are bringing it to you now. Anticipate supernatural strength in everything you do today. Armed with this strength, nothing can stand in your way!

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

I am filled with strength from Heaven, there is no barrier I cannot break, no hurdle I cannot overcome, no mountain I cannot climb and no race I cannot run. Nothing shall stand in the way of my success in Jesus’ Name!

FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 4:13

Psalm 103:7 (KJV)

He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel.

The Children of Israel in the wilderness got accustomed to the acts of God. They ate manna provided as food for them. They saw the Red Sea parted by God, their clothes did not fade nor tear, and their shoe sizes enlarged as they grew. In fact, they grew with their clothes! God provided quails from the sea for meat and water from a rock to quench their thirst. They lived amidst constant miracles, signs, and wonders. Those were the acts of God!

The ways of God, however, have to do with intimacy with God. This intimacy is developed by spending ample time in prayer talking to your Maker, worshipping in spirit and truth, and allowing God to speak back to you. It’s about knowing the God you serve personally, not just witnessing His miracles. This relationship grows as you read His Word daily and listen for His voice. Make a conscious decision to spend time with God, and He will reveal Himself to you more and more in this Year of the Chainbreaker.

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

God’s Word is a light to my path. I shall not stumble, for He directs my steps as I develop close fellowship with Him. I seek God early through His Word and in prayer. This year I shall know His ways. Hallelujah! Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Exodus 33:13