One of the tools the devil uses against the body of Christ is to capitalize on the believer’s ignorance but the question is; Are believers truly ignorant?
The word of God says in Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge…” Why should we be destroyed, because we lack knowledge when it can be sought for?
In every season of the believer’s life, the right knowledge is needed. It’s about time we understand the authority we have and use it to our advantage.
Jesus Christ said, “Behold, I give unto you power” That power given is meant for use and not to be kept.
Why should you wake up from a dream frightened, when there’s an authority you have in Christ as a believer?
Why is our attitude to positive dreams so calm, but when it’s a negative dream, you can wake up suddenly and pray for hours, just to terminate it, why can’t we pray those positive ones into reality also?
The first authority we have is our identity in Christ. The life of Christ has been given to us to become the sons of God, who have been transformed into the kingdom of His marvelous life. Jesus Christ said on the cross, “It is finished.”
The word of the enemy over our life is finished, the grip of sin over our life is finished, the power of sickness over our life has come to an end, whatsoever that is not of God in our life came to an end when He said, it is finished.
These are the things the devil doesn’t want you to know. The day you know the truth, there’s a freedom that comes with it, and then the application of this truth is peace, dominion, and breakthrough.
Another authority we have is in His word. Hebrews 4:12 says: “The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” It’s deeper than we can ever imagine, the Bible says, the words I speak, are Spirit and Life. This word will only be life for us when we know the life-giver Himself.
The efficacy of the word is activated by God. The word is beyond mere words, you must read it till it becomes the life that awakens your spirit man.
These words established the world, and that’s the authority we are talking about, even the dry bones in the valley received life by the word.
Irrespective of the bad reports that look like the end, the word of God can give life back to it.
Believers, it’s time for us to arise and take our stand. Enough of giving the devil an upper hand over our lives, it’s time to take charge and authority.
Begin to speak those same words into your life now believing it’s done.
A snare is a device or trap employed to capture or confine an animal against its will. Historically, fowlers (bird hunters) utilized snares to capture birds.
In Psalm 124:7-8, the term “snare” is employed metaphorically to convey a situation characterized by peril, oppression, or confinement.
Psa 124:7-8 (AMPC) We are like a bird escaped from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! [8] Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
The psalmist is comparing God’s rescue to a bird escaping from a hunter’s snare.
In a broader sense, the snare can represent any kind of trap, temptation, or bondage. The passage expresses gratitude for God’s deliverance and protection.
Guess what? This is exactly your story!
You’ve escaped!
Not only did you escape, but the trap was invalidated, rendered useless, null, and void!
You’re free!
Jesus has done something incredible for you and me. We’ve been freed from all sorts of traps, temptations, and bondages! Praise be to God!
You’re meant to live a triumphant life, not a defeated one like you’re still trapped!
And guess what? The next verse says your help comes from the Lord!
Live in the reality of the help that God has given you.
In your relationship and marriage, celebrate what God has done for you!
Soar like an eagle and don’t get caught up in the messes of this world.
We have a similar promise in Psalm 91, which says the same thing we have in God!
Psa 91:3 (KJV) Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Effective immediately, embrace the reality of that freedom and accept all the divine assistance that God bestows upon you in the name of Jesus.
Most believers live as if they have already lost the victory, particularly when it comes to living above sin.
Many people are still bound by immorality, which explains why they constantly feel defeated.
But what is the reality? Well, the reality is that we are not defeated!
Let us dive into the scriptures.
Rom 6:14 (KJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
This is unequivocally stated!
For sin shall not have dominion….
How more reassuring can it sound?
Let’s explore other translations.
Read the various versions to allow the revelations of victory over sin to sink in.
(AMPC) For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you…
(CEV) Don’t let sin keep ruling your lives…
(GNB) Sin must not be your master…
(GW) Certainly, sin shouldn’t have power over you…
(MSG) Sin can’t tell you how to live…
(TPT) Remember this: sin will not conquer you…
(Yoruba OCB) Nítorí ẹ̀ṣẹ̀ kì yóò tún ní ipá lórí yín mọ́…
The significance of this scripture lies in the fact that you possess the power to control sin, particularly sexual sins!
The next time you encounter a temptation, remember that you don’t have to succumb or yield to it!
You don’t give in to something you have already conquered!
You are not the conquered; you are the conqueror!
Sin attempts to dictate your life, impose its will upon you, and insist on what you should and shouldn’t do.
But The Message Translation of that verse says;
(MSG) Sin can’t tell you how to live…
I absolutely adore that!
Jesus guides me towards a righteous life, not towards sin.
I don’t have to succumb to the allure or the manipulations of sin.
You are no longer defeated by sin. You are no longer a weakling when it comes to resisting the natural inclinations of the flesh and the temptations of sin.
Shrouded Secrets, Resolute Exploits: The Chronicles of Sola’s Triumph
Sola, a devout and committed member of her village community, met George at a bustling market festival. George, known for his street smarts and charming demeanor, pursued Sola persistently. He often suggested they prove their love through physical intimacy, claiming it was customary in the village. Despite George’s persistent attempts, Sola remained steadfast in her beliefs and commitment to her faith, consistently refusing his exploits and advances.
The village, while vibrant and close-knit, had its share of issues. Families were under stress due to economic hardships and social pressures. Sola’s home life was particularly strained. Her father, a hardworking farmer, struggled with poor harvests, and her mother, who sold handmade crafts, was equally stressed. The constant financial struggles often led to heated arguments between her parents, creating an unbearable atmosphere for Sola. In her search for peace, Sola found herself spending more time with George, seeking solace from the turmoil at home.
George’s early years were marked by constant struggle and hardship. His father left when he was just a toddler, forcing his mother to raise four children alone. Living in a dilapidated hut on the outskirts of the village, basic necessities were often a luxury. George’s mother sold vegetables in the market, but her earnings were meager, and many nights, the family went to bed hungry.
Moreover, Growing up without a father figure, George had to fend for himself, taking on odd jobs around the village. By his teenage years, he had fallen in with a group of young men from troubled backgrounds. They found solace in each other’s company but also engaged in risky behavior to gain respect, and validation and prove their exploits. George, usually at the forefront of these challenges, felt intense peer pressure to prove himself, especially when it came to Sola.
One fateful day, after another intense argument at home, Sola visited George, hoping for respite. George greeted her warmly and offered her freshly tapped palm wine. Trusting George despite her doubts, Sola took a sip, unaware it was drugged. As the drug took effect, Sola felt dizzy and disoriented. George coaxed her to rest, and as her consciousness faded, she was vaguely aware of being moved.
Hours later, Sola awoke in a haze, with George and three other men standing around her. Despite her condition, Sola mustered her strength to fight back, using self-defense techniques taught by her mother, who did exploits in martial arts. However, her strikes were weak and unsteady. Overpowered and outnumbered, Sola realized the men intended to assault her. The vibrant sounds of the village festival outside contrasted cruelly with her plight.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Sola managed to escape the hut, bruised and traumatized. She stumbled back home, where her parents, noticing her disheveled state, immediately embraced her, providing the comfort she desperately needed.
Sola’s story spread quickly through the village, leading the elders to convene a council. George and his accomplices were summoned and faced severe punishment for their actions. This incident sparked a broader discussion about trust, relationships, and the influences of external pressures on the village’s youth.
Amid the turmoil, however, it was revealed that Sola had recently won a dancing competition and was chosen to do more exploits by representing her village in an inter-village competition. This achievement highlighted her resilience and the potential to rise above her challenges.
Lessons Learned
Trust and Values
Sola’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of misplaced trust and the importance of upholding personal values despite external pressures. It’s crucial to be discerning about whom you trust and allow into your life, especially when their values and intentions differ from yours.
Avoiding Vulnerable Situations
It’s essential to avoid putting oneself in vulnerable situations. Meeting people in safe, neutral locations can help maintain personal safety and prevent potential harm.
Seeking Healthy Support
Finding healthy outlets for support, such as friends, mentors, or community leaders, can provide the comfort and guidance needed without compromising safety. Sola’s turn to George for solace due to her stressful home environment highlights the importance of seeking support in healthy ways.
Trusting Instincts
Trusting one’s instincts can often prevent dangerous situations. Sola had initial doubts about George’s intentions but ignored them, leading to her traumatic experience.
Value Alignment in Relationships
Building relationships with individuals who share similar values and beliefs can create a stronger, more supportive network. Sola’s values clashed with George’s, leading to conflict and ultimately, harm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sola’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of maintaining personal integrity in the face of adversity. Moreover, her resilience and ability to overcome such a traumatic experience serve as an inspiration to others, emphasizing the importance of trust, values, and the support of a caring community.
I have often heard that those we love hurt us deeper than anyone else, especially our spouse. I had felt it can’t be that bad.
This world is full of hurtful people. I think the hurt is deeper when in marriage you hurt yourselves and keep on hunting yourselves unless you make up your mind not to hurt.
Hurt is a decision it is not based on your feeling. You have to make a conscious effort and decision against hurt.
Some people have been hurt for most years of their life.
That is what the devil wants. He is busy having a nice time stealing joy, peace, life, compassion, unity, and love from families.
The point is, people, your spouse, and those you hold dear to you will not stop hurting you but you have to make up your mind you won’t allow the hurt to get at you.
Hurtful words are spoken like the cutting of the sword especially if your spouse is choleric. You cannot prevent people from misunderstanding you, people judging you falsely, lying about you, etc.
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. –Proverbs 12:18 KJV
From this scripture, you can pray for your spouse, pray that their tongues become the tongue of the wise that brings healing.
Hurt is like drinking poison and hoping your neighbour dies.
That’s not going to happen. Hurts make you bitter. You can be bitter all your life if care is not taken. You will just see that sixty years of your life are gone without achieving much because of hurt and bitterness.
Let’s receive grace from the Lord. Jesus was hated, misunderstood, lied against, misjudged, and criticized, yet none of this affected him.
He choose to be immune to hurt. He kept His vision before His eyes. He choose between being powerful or being pitiful. He couldn’t possibly have died for humanity if He hated humanity. If he didn’t forgive on time He couldn’t go to the cross.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and overall the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. –Luke 10:19 (KJV)
Jesus knew we will be faced with hurt and he made provision for it. We have to walk in our authority over hurts.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. –Isaiah 54:17 (KJV)
You have to take charge of your emotions. Not even your feelings should be strong enough to stop you from fulfilling your purpose. You are only answerable to one; the one who died on the cross for you.
When you come face to face with Him on judgment day, you will have no excuse to offer. Jesus passed through the same and was victorious. He overcame and gave you the victory.
He gave the blood of Jesus, the Word, the shield of faith, communion, etc.
You have to take the shield of faith which is the Word of God. Anytime words are spoken to you that are hurtful, lies, remind yourself and confess out loud and use it against the wile of the enemy.
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. -Ephesians 6:16 (KJV)
Remember, to protect yourself against hurt and every negative emotion. Protect yourself God’s way. There are negative ways of dealing with hurts. I will talk about that later.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY: I declare concerning my life and marriage, I have victory, the enemy has lost the battle over my life and mind. I refuse to stay in hurt and unforgiveness, Jesus is glorified.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY: Father in the name of Jesus every fiery dart of the evil one is destroyed in my life and marriage in Jesus name
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. -Ephesians 6:16 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY: Forgive and let go of every hurt today
