Victory

Have you seen a situation where someone wakes up in the morning and she feels good as she dresses, have breakfast and head to work possibly whistling and feeling good with herself and the world. Whilst on her way, a phone call came that crashed everything, She needs to see her doctor for the result, predictably, this kind of news have the tendency to result in negative feelings and depression which is probably one of the top emotional feelings people struggles with everyday of this life.

Negative thoughts

The truth is, living on this planet comes with its troubles and challenges. We are not immune from being hit with bad news, however the news comes to us , we can determine how we respond to it every time so as to come out victorious.

Life is not fair and if we allow negative emotions to direct our lives, it will end in a ditch because our feelings must never be the barometer to use to measure whether we can do certain things or not. In fact our feelings will tend to tell us that we can’t do anything at all.

But the bible says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4:3

You can take it to the bank every time that the chances of negative emotions ruining your day is high if you allow it, even if you decide to lock yourself up at home and not have contact with the outside world, you still have your mind with you and left on its own without direction, it will wander and wander and wander eventually into the Slough of Despond. See what I mean.

Positive thoughts

if you don’t allow positive thoughts from the scripture to dominate your mind, chances are you will dwell on something else. Why?

Because the ‘gravitational’ pull of this world is towards sin, towards the negative, towards failure. So to go against it you will have to well, go against it! Its that simple but not easy.

But we can do it!

The bible says we walk by faith and not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7. That is we should not walk by our five senses. It means we are accountable for the way we feel. I know that you probably heard some bad news, or someone said something to you that riles you up or your mind wanders to that embarrassing moment 10 years ago.

And it bothers you so much that it ruins your day. Don’t allow it.

Get your thoughts to Jesus

As hard as it is to believe, Jesus did experienced these things, things happened to Him that would have set Him in a spiral of depression but He did not take the bait

Hear Mark’s account of the incident leading to His death

And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be struck with terror and amazement and deeply troubled and depressed. And He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sad (overwhelmed with grief) so that it almost kills Me! Remain here and keep awake and be watching. And going a little farther, He fell on the ground and kept praying that if it were possible the [fatal] hour might pass from Him (Mark 14:33-35, AMPC).

Jesus experienced strong emotions when He realised what lay ahead of Him but He did not allow negative emotions to master His life and purpose, He did something about it. He prayed! He rejected the negative feelings and continue to move in the direction God wanted Him to despite His feelings. He overcame and became strengthened.

We have to do the same. We have to allow the word of God to dominate our thoughts each time our feelings want to respond to the wrong thoughts being inserted into our minds by the enemy or things happening that can activate our emotions towards the negative.

This is something we need to know and do, so that when our feelings threaten to sweep us away, we can resist the urge and stand firm because we are accountable for how we feel

It’s interesting when you listen to debates with two opposing sides talking about suffering and poverty that exists in this world. Each side of the debate always try to justify the reason why what they are saying is right and the other side, wrong! Now the fact is when you look at it closely, every nation or society on this earth have the poor and the rich. The richest nation on earth has poor people and poorest nation have rich people. Even Jesus commented in His lifetime about the poor  The poor you will always have with you,  but you will not always have me. Matthew 26:11

But why should everyone deserves a good life? Truth is life is not fair.

However, we have not been left by God to be victims of life’s unfairness.

Why? Because of what God has done through Jesus for mankind already. Unfortunately many do not know this. But God did something about all these things we see today.

Everything was good in the beginning

You probably know the story, every thing was good in the beginning, when God created everything on this earth including man, whom He gave dominion over all things, man fell by allowing Satan to take over, when man disobeyed God and sin came into the world with all the attendant poverty, sickness and disease, wars, terrorism, man inhumanity to man and all evils you can think of. Genesis chapters 1,2,3

But that is not end of the story. God prepared a way out. Jesus came, died and paid the ultimate sacrifice for sin by suffering the penalty on the cross and went to hell,  so we need not go there anymore. Jesus going to hell did not only redeemed us from sin, He redeemed us from sin, sickness, poverty and second death.

You see, redemption simply means an action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt. Jesus redeemed us. He paid the price. He not only cleared the debt for us to go to heaven, but he cleared the debt you owe life so to speak  from all manner of evil that life could subject you to.

Jesus defeated the devil totally and completely for every body that have ever been born.

Hear God’s mind about this: This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Did  you see that? Everybody has the right to be saved.

Everyone deserve the good life.

Including you.

God has already done everything He needs to do for everyone not to be victims of this life. He has done everything for everyone no to play the script written by the evil.

You need to receive

All you need to do is to receive His love in Jesus

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3 :16

Receive His word that He has given you, believe His word and act on it because it is true. When you adopt the position of the saved ones in your minds you will emerge victorious over the devil and his demons as he tries to keep you in bondage in your mind as a victim of life.

Victor in life, victor forever

You are a victor in life, a victor of life. Let that resonate in your mind over and over again.

Fill your mind with the word of God so that no matter what life throws at you, you will push back in the name of Jesus.

Refuse the victim mentality. You have been made a conqueror

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

History is repleted with heroic resistance of people in the face of tyranny in virtually every generation and cultures. An interesting story about resistance to the tyranny of an empire that came to my mind was that of how a group of rag-tag men: artisan, craftsmen, hunters and farmers in a small country in pre-colonial Africa called Egba got their act together to defeat an empire. You see at the time the Oyo empire was an empire in what is geographically today, Western Nigeria and part of Benin Republic. It was founded circa 1300 and at its height, was the most politically important state in the entirety of Western Africa till the late 18th century. But these group of artisan, craftsmen and farmers defeated the empire in their land and liberated themselves because they refused to play dead again and allow things to continue as they were. They organised themselves, they took action and won the war of liberation against the powerful empire. Same way the bible encourages us to resist the enemy at all points.

That enemy is the devil.

But unlike the powerful empire the people of Egba faced, this  enemy has already been defeated. However he has through the centuries after his defeat cast himself as a powerful foe.

The bible beg to differ

But the bible beg to differ, Jesus had defeated Him on our behalf already! Yes, there was a time when he was powerful on this earth but he has been stripped of that by Jesus.

God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. There Christ defeated all powers and forces. He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory. Colossians 2:15 CEV

So the devil and his minions has been defeated already, But he still try to strut around as someone powerful through creating an impression via various means that he is. But he is not. I’ve heard believers say this, ‘the devil has power but no salvation’ There is nothing in the bible that teaches that. Hear what the bible says about what he has,

Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. Ephesians 6:11

Tricks is all He has

Did you see that?

Tricks is all he has and if he can trick us to believe that he is more powerful than us and can take us out anytime, we will walk in fear all the days of our lives afraid of a defeated foe. And when he come against you in any area of your life with intention to take you out, to destroy your health, to destroy your home or your finances, you will not lie down and play dead but rise up  and put on the armour of God to resist him.

It’s not only you

You might say ‘Pastor, It’s just only me, I don’t think I can fight the devil and win and I know myself’

Truth is you probably don’t if you think like that. You are a new creature made righteous by God to reign in life (2 Corinthians 5:21) You have been given authority over the devil and all the powers of the enemy.

Hear what Jesus said about you:  Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you Luke 10:19

Hear what you are expected to do:  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

That is what happen when we resist the devil. he will flee, tat is guaranteed by the scripture. You will make him flee. So take action today just like those group of Egba rag-tag army made up of artisan, farmers, hunters and craftsmen refused to play dead in the midst of oppression and won the war against an empire. So resist the devil and he will run away from you in terror.

You only live once, that statement was made to me recently by someone, I believe it reflects what the bible say about the life we live, it can be short but when you are young it somehow look as if you have time but time can be very short The bible says that  it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement, Hebrews 9:27 and the book of Psalms 102:11-12 states that My days are like a shadow that lengthens, And I wither away like grass. But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations.

However God want us to maximise our lives on earth as believers. He want us to live our spent. what do I mean by that, I mean He want us to fulfill the dreams, ideas and vision that He has put in our heart and succeed in life. God does not made failures. He has made you a winner. Here are 3 ways to maximise your life

Find out the will of God for your life

What is the will of God for your life? it appears that being uncertain of God’s plan for our lives is common among Christians. But it shouldn’t be. The bible says Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  (Ephesians 5:17). It is important for us to know what the will of God is for our lives.

Many erroneously believes that God only have plans for those He has called in to the what we know as five fold ministries according to Ephesians 4:11 but that is not true. God has a plan for every body. To maximise your life you have to  realise that the Lord has a specific and unique plan for you. He’s had this plan in mind before you were even born.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,  as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:15-16 NLT

Did you see that God had your life plan out before you came on the scene, you are not a mistake going somewhere to happen, you are not her by chance at all. However, you the one responsible for discovering God’s plan for your life. Make no mistake about it, His plan for your life is good.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

So it’s wise to find out what God’s plan is for your life in order to maximise your life.

Build your life on the word of God

The bible is not a vague representation of what God is trying to tell you rather it is a God-breathed utterances that you can rely upon and trust. In fact the way you see the word of God is going to affect how you relate to Him and in order to maximise your life you have to see the word of God as God see it to have spiritual; growth and fruitfulness that God has planned for you in this life. The word of God will guide and direct as you move towards fulfilling God’s plan for your life. The truth is just because you know God’s plan for your life does not mean that you will succeed if you don’t build your life on the word of God and live your life according to its dictates. However if you will, your success is guaranteed

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

Never give up on God’s plan

Winners never quit and quitters never win. You have to refuse to give up. You see the plan of God for your life already have success built into it but you have to understand that in order to maximise your life and succeed you will have to stand strong and refuse to give up in time of adversity. You will have to let your confidence remain in God’s plan as you go through His process in fulfilling His plan and maximise your life. You will have to be exercise patient, and I am not talking about folding your hands and do nothing, I am talking about doing the will of God, doing what God has said to you consistently irrespective of the obstacles before you. Jesus said when you seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness all other things will be added to you.

Jesus also said. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

For some people it’s no news that there is an unseen world not visible to our physical eyes, there are existence of beings in another dimension who attempt to control our daily life. However for some it’s sound like conspiracy theory, but then some people are still trying to find aliens.
However aliens are on this planet already, and just because you cannot see them does not mean that they are not.

You are in the middle of conflicts daily

Whether you realise it or not, you are in a battle every minute of the day. In the spiritual world there are conflicts which reflects in what we see in the natural. You see, the spiritual produces the natural and we are involve in that fight everyday whether we want to get involve or not.

There is no middle ground. Satan will still bring the fight to your doorstep.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12, 13.

Contrary to many people’s idea, the fight is not between God and devil. Rather, the fight is between you and the devil with all his cohorts. You need to understand this essential information because of what happened in the beginning when God created man (Adam and Eve) and gave him dominion over all things on earth (Genesis 1:26). Man subsequently fell from his position of dominion because sin of disobedience. He obeyed the devil who now took authority over the earth.
But that is not the end of the story. Thank God Jesus came and took that authority from the enemy and gave it to us ( Luke 10:19) However due to the initial sin of Adam, the lease the devil has on this earth is still there and that is why he is going to and fro seeking whom to devour. But he can’t just devour anybody, he can’t devour a child of God who is ready to wrestle and win.

You are designed to win the battle

God created us in His image to have dominion on this earth. is plan has not changed despite the disobedience of man. The bible tells us that this wrestling contest is a good one. Because of Jesus we have been declared winner. We do not even need to try and fight the devil, the reason is he has been defeated already by Jesus when He sacrificed Himself for you and put Satan under your feet.

Fight the good fight of faith

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12.
The fight you need to fight is the good fight of faith; you need to develop your faith muscles by using it to defeat the enemy. That is the fight we need to fight, a good fight of faith in God’s word. A good fight is a fight that you win when you fight it! You are the winner, Satan is the loser.
It’s a good fight of faith if you will choose to fight and take the battle to the gates of the enemy by believing and acting on the word of God. It is our responsibility to take hold of the word of God and use God’s word to stop the devil in his tracks and we can because God has given us the power and the ability to do so. Your faith in God’s word will make you come out on top every time over Satan. You need to put your faith in the ability of God’s word to give you victory in this fight, it’s a good fight and you are the winner.

2 Timothy 2:4; 2 Corinthians 10:4, Ephesians 6:12

What would you do when you hear bad news? What do you do when the enemy attacks and tries to throw you off course in order to destroy you and render you helpless?

What would you do?

Because your response to the enemy attacks will determine the outcome whether you win or lose. Your response determines what happens next. Your response has to come from the word of God instead of your feelings or something else.

Have the righteous man mindset.

The bible gives us insight into the mind of a righteous man and his response to evil news. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord Psalm 112:7. The response described by the psalmist indicated that of a person who refuse to fear despite what is a fearful situation.
Various issues of life presents themselves to us on a daily basis but God’s command to us remains fear not! The devil cannot do anything that will make God panic, that is why we need to imitate Him and refuse to panic in any situation. That should be our first powerful response to the enemy.

Don’t panic and give in to fear

God has not given us the spirit of fear, when we became born again we receive the life of God and the life of God has no fear For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7.
Any kind of fear is from outside you, not from the Spirit of God and definitely not from your spirit.
Therefore, our heart must be fixed on the word of God casting down anything contrary to the word of God from our minds. When we do that, we allow the power and ability of God to move into that situation instead of fear.
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God Philippians 1:28.
The word of God is clear about victory if we stay in faith and refuse to fear.

Remain strong and trust The Lord

Begin to walk in the light of this, cast out every fear and terror from your mind with the word of God and you will see it coming to pass in your life. You need to follow the pattern of this person described by the Psalmist in Psalm 112. A man whose heart is fixed on the Lord and His word, a man whose trust in the Lord is constant, irrespective of what the circumstance presented. He is a man that says in the face of fear that “there is no fear here!” He believes that God will do what He says all the times, not some of the times, but all the time if He trusts wholly and totally in Him.
God is faithful to do what He says He would do and you need to let that be in your heart always.
When you respond to God’s word you demonstrate your faithfulness to His word and since God responds to His word, He will demonstrate His faithfulness to you and His word. The faithfulness of God makes the principles of His word to work always, if you will believe His word like He says. By believing and acting on His word you demonstrate your commitment and faithfulness to Him.

Psalm 112; Mark 11:23 Proverbs 3:5, 6.