STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH WITH THE WORD

The word of God is truth, irrespective of what your experiences might be. The word never fails. There're people who say they pray, but never receive answers. Some others lament that they gave so much to God, but never received much in return. There're also those who say, "I've been speaking the Word concerning my healing for such a long time, yet I'm sick."Now, if any of these applies to you, then here's something you should know: Your experience should never affect your confidence in the Word. As you grow in the knowledge of the word, and keep the Word in your mouth, no circumstance can successfully stand against you. Just because it's been several days and there's still no change as you expect, doesn't mean it's failing. The word never fails. You must understand that Christians growth and maturity are progressive. Acting your faith to get results isn't something you become perfect in at once; it gets better and easier as you keep at it. The reason for this has to do with your limited knowledge at the time, meaning, you don't know enough or there's too much you don't know on the subject you're dealing with. What you're supposed to do is to keep going for the word, and keep exercising your faith. Keep strengthening your faith with the Word. For instance, at a certain time in your life, you might have tired to use your faith to get a certain amount of money, but it didn't quite work. Don't be discourage; grow your faith to the level where it can produce that amount when you want it! If it took you six months the first time, tell yourself,"Next time, I'll get it in one month, or even less." Then, begin to study and mediate on the Word with your new goal in focus. That's how you train yourself in the faith-life. Never give up on the word. Stand your ground, and be confident in its ability to prevail over circumstances and put you over all the time

MEMORISING SCRIPTURES IN GOOD SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8).
Some Christians can memorise and quote many scriptures off by heart, which is commendable. Whereas, some others erroneously assume that memorising scriptures is no longer fashionable. With the introduction of different electronic Bibles and Bible software where scriptures can be located at the click or push of a button, many Christians have relegated the importance of memorising scriptures in personal Bible study. This ought not to be so.
Learning to memorise scriptures is a very fundamental part of good Christian growth and development. Even though you have easy access to electronic Bible reference materials, you must exercise your mind to retain the Word of God. Your mind is the doorway to your spirit (2 Corinthians 4:4). The Word of God has to be in your consciousness to produce result in your life.
When you have read your Bible, pick out certain verses and recite them by heart. This is the beginning of meditation, and the more you do this, the more the Word will get into your spirit. The same way you took time to learn and memorise things in school, you have to discipline your mind to retain scriptures. You can set a target for yourself for the rest of the year, to memorize at least one scripture per day, and measure your progress in it. You'd be amazed at the impact it'll have on your life!

GOING TO CHURCH: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU?

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Some Christians think they should only go to church when it's convenient. They believe God is everywhere, so you don't necessarily have to go to church to serve or worship Him. It's not right. Our opening scripture expresses the importance of going to church. It chides those who don't and admonishes us not to be like them.
There should be a compulsion in your heart to be in church when you should. Cultivate that personal discipline. God says it's important so it must be to you too. In the Old Testament, He said to the children of Israel,"Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year" (Exodus 34:23-24). Notice what He told them; He promised them those lands, through their fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But the lands were occupied by enemy nations who were naturally stronger than Israel. However, God was going to cast out the nations from before them, give them their possessions, enlarge their borders and protect them. The blessing of verse twenty-four was fully dependent on their obedience in verse twenty-three; their being in the designated place of worship when they should. It's all about priorities. This year, as you make it a priority to be present in your church, fellowship and cell-group meetings, God's mighty hand of protection will rest upon all that you do! His word that'll come to you will lift you, and keep you perpetually above every evil, destruction, hardship and terror. You'll ride upon the high places of the earth, walking in abundance, and in the wisdom of the spirit. Hallelujah!

MEASURING YOUR PROGRESS

But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20 AMP).

Progress means advancement; moving forward. Progress must be measurable, otherwise, it's not progress. You must have goals; if you don't have definite goals, you may not be able to really measure your progress. In making progress there're certain things you must consider. First, locate your present position in that area of your life in which you desire to make progress. Is it in your health, finance, job, business or family? Whatever it is, locate your present position.

FUEL YOUR PASSION FOR THE GOSPEL!

Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavour; be aglow and burning with the spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11 AMP). The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only saving message for the world, and you're a custodian of this life-changing message. It's the message of power by which God saves, heals, protects, delivers, preserves, and prospers. In Romans 1:16-17; the Apostle Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Observe those beautiful, Spirit-inspired words carefully; it says, the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. The Gospel isn't one of the requirements nor part of God's power for salvation, no! The Holy Spirit, penning down this truth through Paul, was absolute! The Gospel is God's ONLY power to save man. You must be convinced about this and become passionate in your spirit for the Gospel. When you're passionate about the Gospel it'll impact those around you. Passion is like fire that must be fuelled, otherwise it'll be extinguished. Therefore you must fuel your passion for the Gospel.

LET THE SPIRIT GUIDE YOU

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and i will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and i will sing with the understanding also (1 Corinthians 14:15)
One of the numerous benefits of praying in other tongues is the fact that it gets you synchronized with the will, purpose, and timing of God. Those who haven't understood this awesome benefit of speaking in tongues would rather use vain repetitions; numerous words in their understanding to try to express themselves to God. The Lord Jesus already pointed out fruitlessness of praying that way: "But when ye pray, use not in repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking" (Matthew 6:7). What do you tell a God who knows everything? He gave us the ability to pray in other tongues. When you pray in tongues, your spirit is stirred to know the mind of God. In 1 Corinthians 14:15, the Apostle Paul said, "I will pray with the spirit, and i will pray with the understanding also..." He gave pre-eminence to praying in other tongues because that way, the spirit stirs your heart and guides you to pray the will of the Father.