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Living by Faith—It’s a Lifestyle Gloria Copeland

Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:3

Times of hardness are inevitable. You need to know that. It’s true that we’ve been redeemed from the curse, and there’s nothing Satan can do to reverse that, but he is going to challenge you on it.

So don’t be surprised when things get tough. Times will come when you have to stand strictly by faith, when you’ll have to speak and act as though what God says is true even when you can’t feel it or see it happening around you. There will be times when everything looks terrible. That’s when you must endure hardness as a good soldier.

So many people hear the word of faith about healing or prosperity and they think, Hey! I’m going to try that. Then when the hard times come, they give up and cave in.

Let me warn you, living by faith is not something you try. It’s a lifestyle. You do it when it’s hard. You do it when it’s easy. You do it all the time because you’re not doing it just to get in on the benefits. You’re doing it because you know that faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).

Things may get a little rough at times, but let me assure you, you’ll always come out on top if you endure hardness as a good soldier. If you refuse to faint and fall away, you will have the victory. The only defeated Christian is the one who quits!

Scripture Reading:
Numbers 14:1-24

Still Running? by Joyce Meyer – posted March 13, 2017

Finding it difficult to forgive those who’ve hurt you? Understanding God’s grace can help.
—Daniel 4:5

In April 2005, many Americans and the world heard the story of the “runaway bride,” Jennifer Wilbanks. The thirty-two-year-old Duluth, Georgia, resident disappeared just days before her six hundred-guest wedding was to take place. Her family and fiancé, certain she had been kidnapped, pleaded for her safe return, and the missing bride became a national story for the major news media. When she turned up alive, the truth was revealed that the bride-to-be ran because of “certain fears” that controlled her life.

Most of us would say, “Well, she should have talked to her fiancé or her pastor instead of running away.” But how many of us easily confront our fears? You may not have ever physically run away as did Wilbanks, but I bet emotionally there are things you’re running from. You’re constantly looking over your shoulder trying to keep whatever you’re afraid of from catching up with you.

Satan loves causing people to dread and avoid confronting unpleasant issues, because he knows that he loses power when his lies are confronted. Even though a lie is not true, it becomes reality for the person who believes it. Don’t believe the lies Satan tries to deceive you with.

Lord, expose the lies that I’ve believed and that give strength to the fears that harass me. Shine Your light of truth on them and break their deceptive power. Amen.

Audio & Lyrics: Ekanem Esu – Andiwam [@Ekanemesu_]

Andiwam which means is a debut single by multiple-award winning Ekanem Esu. Andiwam is a Nigerian medley that enthrones God in our various indigenous languages as the only wise God. It enthrones God in English plus four (4) indigenous languages (Efik, Yoruba, Igbo, and Qua) and was Produced by King Sunny Baseda (Final Mix Studios & Entertainment). The slow gyration tempo and the rhythmic flow takes one to a place where trails and sorrows are forgotten and engaged the listener in a state of meditative content.

“ANDIWAM”” (MY HELPER) is my first debut single, it is a Nigerian medley inviting the immortal and invisible God to deliver us from our Vulnerabilities. It enthrones God in four (4) indigenous languages (Efik, Yoruba, Igbo, and Qua) as well as English) as the Only Wise God and our helper. The slow gyration tempo and the rhythmic flow takes one to a place where trails and sorrows are forgotten and engaged the listener in a state of meditative content. – Ekanem Esu

Ekanem Esu with her sonorous voice is easily recognized in the crowd and has graced the stage of many Church and events nationwide. She took part in the maiden edition of the West African idols in 2007 with the likes of Omawumi, Timi Dakolo, Jodie, Lara George… and rose to top 25 giving her professional career much boost and a great start. Her dedication and passion for good music has accorded accolades of 8 awards. She is passionate about God and spreading of the Gospel through her music.

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LYRICS: SONG TITLE- ANDIWAM (My Helper)
Chours One
Wa,wa,wa,wa, wa
Oluwa wa 2×
Soprano- Oluwa wa oh
Alto – Oluwa wa oh
Tenor – Oluwa wa oh
Oluwa wa
Oluwa wa oh
Oluwa wa

Chorus 2
Di, Di ,Di ,Di ,Di
Abasi Di 2x

Soprano- Abasi di oh
Alto – Abasi di oh
Tenor – Abasi di oh
Abasi di
Abasi di oh
Abasi di

Call- Father…….
Respond- Give your love
Call- Afo ikponga Akara Ererimbot
Respond- Heal Our Land
Call- Saviour……
Respond- Give your Peace
Call- Agam Eburu Hallelujah Eburu
Respond- Rule the earth
Call- Ba-yeh Ba-yeh
Respond- Ba-yeh
ka esona idah
Oluwa wa oh
Chinekamu bia
Abasi di oh
Asi ba

Chorus three

Bia-nu, Bia-nu ,Bia-nu
Chinekamu nbia 2x

Soprano – Chinekamu bia oh
Alto – Chinekamu bia oh Tenor – Chinekamu bia oh
Chinekamu bia
Chinekamu bia oh
Chinekamu bia

Chorus four
Call – Ba -yeh ,Ba-yeh
Respond- Ba-yeh Asi ba 2x

Soprano -Asi ba oh
Alto -Asi ba oh
Tenor – Asi ba oh
Asi ba
Asi ba oh
Asi ba

Verse Two

Ayangha Owo
Afo edi ofiok nkpo nnam Abasi
Ono owo emem
There is no one like you
I have search i couldn’t find any one like you
Oluwa wa oh
Chinekamu nbia
Abasi di
Asi ba

Interlude
Soprano-Oluwa wa oh
Alto -Oluwa wa oh
Tenor -Oluwa wa oh

Soprano- Abasi di oh
Alto – Abasi di oh
Tenor – Abasi di oh

Soprano- Chinekamu nbia oh
Alto -Chinekamu nbia oh
Tenor -Chinekamu nbia oh

Soprano -Asi ba oh
Alto – Asi ba oh
Tenor -Asi ba oh
Till Fade.

New Music: “Up Jesus” By Big Dreams ft.Tolu Baiyeri |@Soulzmp3

The long awaited song is out, from Big Dreams, a multi talented who despite his challenge sees possibility. Big Dreams is a Benue based gospel music artiste. He featured a powerful voice, Tolu Baiyeri.

“Up Jesus” is a powerful song that can lift your spirit so high. It also puts you in a meaningful state that allows you praise Jesus without stopping.

Download, listen and share with your friends and family.

DEVOTIONAL BY CREFLO DOLLAR

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).
Jesus was speaking of children’s unwavering faith and obedience. As parents, we have a major responsibility to set a good example for our children in their spiritual walk, and not lead them astray by any sinful behavior.

GOODNEWS DEVOTIONAL: GOD DOES NOT EXPECT US TO HAVE EQUAL RESULTS || SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2017

GOD DOES NOT EXPECT US TO HAVE EQUAL RESULTS
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (KJV).
We are not born to compete with each other; we are born to complement each other. God did create us equally, but he did not give us same talents and gifts. Therefore, He does not expect us to have same results. In Matthew 25:11-30, Jesus told a story of a man who went into a far country and delivered to his servants 10 talents, another 5, another 2 and another 1. The bible says “to everyman according to his several ability” (vs 15). We are not given the same amount of talents and gifts because we do not have the same ability. What determines our talents is our ability and faithfulness. Now, if our talents are not the same, how would He expect the same results from us? If you read the story above, the one with 5 came back with 5 more, the one with 2 talents came back with 2 more but the one with a talent did not return with any increase. The man did not condemn the man with 1 talent because he did not return with 10 talents, but the man condemned him because he did not return with anything extra. God knows your talents, ability and your situations, so do not compete with others. This is very important, although He’s not saying we should be lazy, but the truth is that we cannot always have the same results. This is why he said in today’s text “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (KJV). It is foolishness to be comparing oneself with another. God would not expect you to trade with the talents He has not given you, why do you want to kill yourself to achieve the result someone else is having? If you look at the bible, Peter was Jesus’ Apostle, Paul was also Jesus’ Apostle, but they had different results. Both of them were great in the sight of the Lord. Peter preached and three thousand souls were converted in one day, and Paul traveled to many countries to preach the same gospel. Somebody’s result should not be the yardstick for your prayer. I never saw where Paul prayed in the bible and said “Bless my ministry like that of Peter”. We also did not see where Paul preached and five thousand souls were converted. Paul was an evangelist while peter was a teacher; the results can’t be the same. So stop disturbing yourself with the results of others. Disturb yourself with the talents of God in your life.
CONFESSION
Father, help me to be focused in life and not be bothered about anybody’s result in Jesus name.

The Spirit vs the Flesh by Joyce Meyer – posted March 12, 2017

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).
—Galatians 5:16

Like a horse that has been trained to keep his ear always tuned to the voice of its master, we must be willing to follow the Lord in all His leadings, not just those we feel good about or happen to agree with. We won’t always like what we hear Him tell us to do.

We must realize that in order to follow God, the flesh must be told no at times, and when that happens, the flesh suffers. There are times when we are galloping full speed ahead in one direction when suddenly the Master tells us to stop and instructs us to go in another direction. It is painful to us when we don’t get our way, but ultimately we understand that God’s ways are always best.

In the verse for today, the apostle Paul writes about the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh. If we follow the leading of the Spirit, we won’t satisfy or fulfill the desires of the flesh that lead us away from God’s best. This verse doesn’t say that the desires of the flesh will disappear; we will always have to wrestle with them. But if we choose to be led by the Spirit, we won’t fulfill fleshly desires—and the devil won’t get his way.

We will sense a war going on in us as we choose to follow God’s leading. Our flesh and God’s Spirit usually disagree and we are tempted to keep the flesh comfortable. But, we all must learn to submit to God’s Spirit and overcome fleshly desires and temptations. Determine today that you will not let your flesh lead you, but that you will be led by the Spirit of God.

God’s Word for You Today: God wants to give you His best.

HOW DO YOU SEE GOD?

12
Mar
Luke 7:9
When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
The way you see Jesus, the revelation that you have of Him, will not affect God’s acceptance of you. But it will affect your acceptance of what God has for you. It will affect how you receive from Him.

Consider the Roman centurion who told Jesus, “You don’t have to come to my house. Just speak the word and my servant at home will be healed.” (Luke 7:6–7) Compare him with Jairus, the ruler of a synagogue, who told Jesus, “My daughter is dying. Please come to my house and lay Your hands on her, and she shall live.” (Mark 5:22–23)

Do you know that Jesus does not have to go to your house to heal you? So why did Jesus follow Jairus to his house? Jesus had to come down to Jairus’ level of faith. Jairus believed that his daughter could be healed, but only if Jesus came and laid His hands on her.

The centurion was different. He said, “Lord, You don’t have to come to my house. I know who You are.” This centurion believed that Jesus did not have to come to his house for his servant to be healed. He believed that Jesus only needed to speak the word. He said to Jesus, “Just speak the word and my servant at home will be healed.”

Do you know who Jesus is? The centurion had a greater understanding of who Jesus is than Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, and he wasn’t even a Jew!

Jesus asked his disciples, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40) He even remarked, “O you of little faith.” (Matthew 6:30) But to the woman whose daughter was demon-possessed, He said, “O woman, great is your faith!” (Matthew 15:28) And to the centurion, He declared, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”

My desire is for you to have an accurate understanding of who Jesus is because when your revelation of Jesus is big, you will know what has been freely given to you. And when you know what is yours in Christ Jesus, you will be rich in all things!

Thought For The Day
The size of your revelation of Jesus will affect how you receive from Him.