Ngozi Okure

BE DISCERNING

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All that King David asked from Nabal was a few loaves of bread. Was he a beggar? He was not. He was just passing through a phase of life. Unfortunately, Nabal lacked discernment. He called permanent what was obviously a temporary situation. What grieves me is that our world is full of Nabals.

Mark chapter 2 contains one of my favorite Bible stories. Four young men brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing. The crowd was much. Instead of them to give up and go back home, they took off the roof and dropped their friend right before Jesus and he was healed. I love those friends.

I love those friends because they keep telling me not to give up. They tell me that a man of vision and passion recognizes no obstacles. If a wall shows up before a man of vision, he either climbs over it or tunnels through it and keeps moving. Nothing should stop us from becoming all that God has created us to be.

What I love most about those four friends was that they were full of discernment. What Nabal lacked in the Old Covenant, they had. They saw their friend on his back and knew that with just a little help, he could be on his feet again. They knew that life is a journey and sometimes it presents some sharp bends that could knock someone down. At such times, may we never lack discerning and compassionate friends.

When I look into my life, I do not know where I would have been without good and caring people. I thank God that He has not allowed me to be like the man in the pool of Bethesda. That poor sick man was stagnant for 38 years because he lacked men. This year, may the Lord plant destiny helpers in your path in Jesus name.

More importantly, may the Lord make you a destiny helper for people. May He grant you discernment to see the invisible in people. If only Nabal could see the king locked up in David.

Recently, I went to a meeting and met a particular sister there. Although she is flat on her back but I can clearly see the eagle in her. It is wisdom to know that the eagle flaps its wings only at the beginning of the flight. Just give it a very short time and it begins to soar. This message came coded this morning. Discernment is a free gift from our God. May it never be lacking in us in Jesus Christ name.

Have a beautiful favour filled weekend.Ngozi Okure.

Ngozi Okure

THE REAL DEAL

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Something very huge happened in our nation Nigeria yesterday. I had earnestly wished that someone would give the church direction on what to do with the things happening in our nation. Dear Jesus, what should we do? You can imagine how happy I was yesterday as our father in the Lord, Pastor E. A. Adeboye led us to pray for our beloved country. Being a man of prayer who understands the rules, he came out clearly with our prayer point. Lord, destroy anyone who wants to destroy your church in this nation. No more ambiguities.

Prayer is the real deal. With it, mountains are moved. As our perfect example in all things, the Lord Jesus Christ gave us a guide on how to pray. Mark 1:35.says And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Our Saviour made prayer and praying a big deal in His ministry. No wonder He fulfilled purpose and finished well. He has handed the baton to us.

I heard that research has it that the average pastor prays for fifteen minutes daily. If the pulpit prays that little, what do we expect from the pew?

1 Kings 3 told the story of two slumbering women. Verse 19 says, And the woman’s child died in the night because she overlaid it. The woman was in deep slumber and did not know when she rolled on her new born baby and killed it. Slumber? Very terrible vice!!!

The second woman was in so much slumber that she did not know when her living baby was exchanged for a dead one. Talk about labouring in vain. That is not our portion in Jesus name.

In this season, determine to pray more. Make a huge deal of prayer and praying. By prayer, awaken the giant within you. By it, get the fountain of inspiration in you flowing. We will fulfill purpose in Jesus Christ name.

Have a beautiful day.

Ngozi Okure.

Ngozi Okure

BE WITH HIM.

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One of the most powerful laws in life is the law of association. Even the son of God did not despise it when He was here. He knew that you can hardly achieve any lasting success without men. Someone says that no matter what you achieved in life, that somebody helped you.

Mark 3:14 -15 says, And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him and that he might send them forth to preach. And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.

Notice from the above scripture that the disciples were picked to primarily be with Jesus. Verse 12.says, …and they went into an house. This is exactly what a bridegroom does after the wedding. He enters the house with his bride and with time, she conceives. There will never be conception without intimacy.

Christ is the bridegroom of the church. Nobody conceives any valuable thing from Him without intimacy. When Mary sat at His feet in Luke 10, He said that she had done the needful thing.

Acts 4:13 says…and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. You cannot be with Jesus and it will not show. The big question is how can we be with Jesus in our dispensation?

John 1:1 has the answer. It tells us that Jesus and His Word are the same. Spending time with the Word of God is being with Jesus. Unfortunately, the devil makes people believe some lies about the Bible. I remember someone telling me years ago that I was spending too much time reading the Bible, that he heard that it makes people mad. No it does not. The Bible rather makes you wise. It goes ahead to birth vision in you and gives you the requisite passion to drive the vision.

Be with Jesus. There are too many people who are representing the Jesus they have not been with. You do not need to add to that number. Remember once again that Jesus chose the twelve to be with Him.

You are blessed.

Ngozi Okure.

Ngozi Okure

NOT FOR THE SLOTHFUL.

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You know the book of Leviticus? It is one of those books that tries to check your resolve to read your Bible cover to cover each year. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. After all we see from scripture that while Moses finished building the tabernacle, King Solomon finished building the temple. We are finishers of good projects in Jesus name.

Three chapters into the book of Leviticus recently, it dawned on me that the priesthood was not meant for the slothful. So many assignments were given to Aaron and his sons that I began to wonder if they ever had time to sit down in the day. Thank God for the Sabbath day of rest.

What were Aaron and his sons busy doing in their time? Two major things – Blessing God’s people and offering sacrifices on their behalf. That is why in Numbers 6, the Lord told Moses to instruct Aaron on how to bless His people.

1 Peter 2:9 calls us royal priests among other things. Revelation 1:6 stretches it further by saying – And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his father.

As New Covenant priests, we have equally been called to bless our world and to render sacrifices unto our God. That is why it must not be said that a child of God curses people. It must equally not be said that as New Covenant priests, that our hearts are destitute of songs and praises unto our God. Lastly, as New Covenant priests, may it never be said that we are not sacrificial with our giving to our God. When we understood our position as priests in the New Covenant, every argument about tithing ceases. That is why I believe that Pastors should get copies of THE KINGDOM WOMAN for their members. Revelation will always lead to transformation. Remember once again that the priesthood was never meant for the slothful.

Have a favour filled week.Ngozi Okure.

Ngozi Okure

IT STARTS IN THE WILDERNESS

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Why the wilderness in the first place? That name depicts harshness and suffering. To think that it was not even the devil that drove Him there. I kept pondering over Mark 1:12. yesterday. It says, And immediately, the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

That reminded me of the children of Israel too that had to go through the wilderness on their way to Canaan. Our God is the God of purpose. He is the only wise God. There must be a good reason why He leads His people through the wilderness.

Listening to Joel Osteen a few weeks back, he told how he finally got their current church venue after three years in court. Those three years were years of intensive prayers and learning at the feet of the master.

God prepares His men. He uses the wilderness to train and develop the virtues that will sustain them at the throne when He eventually takes them there.

That was what He did with King David. Running from cave to cave, the Lord pulled out the humility and the other virtues that eventually made him the man after God’s heart. Compare him with King Saul that was just anointed and ascended the throne. He lacked the preparation of King David. Did he end well? What King Saul lacked, Joseph had. The Lord prepared him through various wilderness experiences.

I met a man of God in Aba years ago. He read my book titled SACK THAT DRIVER and desired to meet with me. “Madam, the devil will fight your books, the things you write about are just too good. They are things that the devil will not want brethren to know”

As long as Israel made it to Canaan, you will reach your goal in health and prosperity in Jesus name. Again, as long as Jesus defeated the devil soundly, left the wilderness and fulfilled purpose, you will not die in the wilderness phase of ministry or career in Jesus name.

Through faith and patience we inherit the promises. Faithful is He who has called us and He will perfect everything that concerns us. Please share this and encourage someone with it.

Ngozi Okure.

Ngozi Okure

THE VIRTUE OF SILENCE 

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What could he have been saying? He had been a disciple of Jesus for three solid years. He ate and slept with the master. Apostle Peter knew that Jesus was innocent. Yet, at that critical time when the Lord of Glory was being mocked, what was he doing?

Mathew 26:73 says, And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, surely thou also art one of them, for thy speech betrayeth thee. What could he have been saying at such a sober moment? Ecclesiastes 3 clearly tells us that there is a time to talk and a time to refrain from talking.

This gets really interesting as you read Mathew 27:12. It says, And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Never forget that He is our perfect example. I believe that He was showing us what to do in the face of wrong accusations sometimes. Just say nothing. In a bid to clarify things the issue at hand may get dirtier.

I have come to know that truth can not be covered for long. Jesus as the truth was buried but after a short time, He resurrected. Sometimes, silence could be louder than words. Verbal diarrhoea is not a virtue. Let your words be few, says the Word of God. Too many people are in trouble in the world today for saying wrong things. We will not add to that number in Jesus name

Have a very beautiful day.

Ngozi Okure.

Ngozi Okure

GREAT WORKS

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I read of a man whose home was visited by armed robbers who made away with valuables. As soon as they left, he rushed to his library and discovered to his delight that none of his books were touched. Fools, he said to himself, they do not know that wisdom from those books produced the tangibles they made away with.

The unfortunate thing about this side of the globe is that we value tangible things a great deal over the intangibles. That is why we vote undeveloped minds into governance because they have assets.

Where this becomes really painful is where the church of the living God that should be the pillar of wisdom in the society is not spared from the scourge. It is lamentable that we raise money for all manner of projects in our churches but cannot put good books in the hands of our youths. If I may ask, what book are the youths in your church reading this week? What of the women?

Mathew 13:54 says, And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue in so much that they were astonished, and said, whence hath this man this wisdom and these mighty works. Wisdom and mighty works go hand in hand and that is why it is the principal thing.

Wisdom is a builder. Proverbs 24:3 says, Through wisdom is an house builded: and by understanding it is established. Never forget that you are the temple (house) of God. Make wisdom your pursuit. The Bible is a wisdom bank. Create time for it. Never forget that wisdom and great works are twins. You will do great things for your world in Jesus name.

We highly recommend our book titled HOW TO FLOURISH IN RECESSION this week. Available in any branch of the Bible Wonderland bookshops, Laterna, CRM in the Camp and other bookshops.  You are blessed.

Ngozi Okure

Ngozi Okure

IT TAKES TIME.

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I once met a young girl in a bus years ago with a very fat novel. Can I have a look at your book? I flipped through the book for a moment. Turning to the girl, I told her that I used to read books like that for several years until I learnt of another book much more interesting. I got her attention. She asked about the book I discovered and I opened my handbag and brought out my beautiful leather back Bible.

The stories in the Bible are not just stories. They are alive and ingrained with practical lessons for life and living. Take for instance the beautiful story in Luke 13. Here, a certain man had a vineyard that produced no fruits for three years. He decided to cut it off but the vine dresser stopped him. He pleaded that he should be given one more year to tend the vine and if it produced no fruits still, that he could cut it.

If you read that as an ordinary story, you would have missed out the great lesson inherent in it. That story tells me that if you are pursuing a God given dream or vision, don’t give up if no fruits show up in a couple of years. Don’t shut the doors. Keep digging. It takes time for fruits to show up. We live in a time when you can get everything instantly but babies still stay nine months in the womb. Our God is the Ancient of days and so are His principles.

Reading through Exodus 23 recently, I saw something beautiful in verse 30 It says, By little and little, I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased and inherit the land. Israel increased and possessed Canaan LITTLE BY LITTLE.

You are blessed.

Ngozi Okure.

Ngozi Okure

PECULIAR PEOPLE.

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I can’t understand how people can believe that God is like that. In a discussion with a young man in school, my daughter had tried to sell her concept of God to him. Unfortunately, the young man’s concept of God was so twisted and warped. He appears to be one of the many in God’s house who have been graciously ushered into the New Covenant but have refused to let go of the Old Covenant concept of God. The Bible is obviously written for all dispensations. It is wisdom to dwell on the things that are meant for you. It is more like a buffet. You pick the one that is yours.

Reading through Exodus 19 recently, I saw something that made me smile. The Lord was speaking to His people in verses 5-6 which says, Now, therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine. And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.

Compare the scripture above with 1 Peter 2:9 that says, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

If you compare the two scriptures above, you will discover that while the first is conditional, the second is not. We are made peculiar people unto God because of the obedience of Jesus. His obedience has been credited to our accounts. The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the laws and the prophets.

John 1:17 tells us that Jesus Christ came with grace and truth. Settle down and learn the truth of God’s Word. It is the Word that gives us the right concept of God. His Word shows us what it means to be peculiar people unto our God. Such knowledge adds springs to our feet.

Please share this and be a blessing to someone today. Also remember to pick your copy of THE WINNING CHRISTIAN from amazon. If Professor Akin says that the book is power packed, then there must be something in it for you. You are blessed.

Ngozi Okure

Ngozi Okure

PREVAILING THROUGH PRAYER

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Related imageReading through Exodus 17 yesterday, I was so blessed. Permit me to share a bit of what I saw in that loaded chapter of the Bible. I noted that warfare is an integral part of life. Israel never did anything to Amalek before they were attacked. Believe it or not, there are enemies everywhere.

I also noticed that we prevail in life when the Lord of Hosts is our captain. As long as the hands of Moses were lifted to God, the enemies could not prevail against them.

Next thing I noted was that out of the millions of people who came out with Moses, only two people were divinely chosen to lift up his hands. When God gives you an assignment to fulfil. He does not assign everybody to be your destiny helper. Quit being bitter with people who do not assist you. Fix your gaze on Jesus for He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Matthew 13:25 says, But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. We will neither slumber nor sleep in Jesus name. The God of heaven revives us and makes us instruments of revival in Jesus name.

Visit us on www.ngoziokure.com.ng for more insightful resources. You are blessed.

Ngozi Okure.