Anyone who lays a strong emphasis on the word “I” is a proud person. Satan lost his beautiful position in heaven because of “I”. Anyone who intends to satisfy God must be humble; his emphasis must be in “Him” (That is, in Christ Jesus!)
Satan is a prime example of pride. He initiated pride and fell for the sake. Satan lost his position in heaven because of pride.
“And war broke out in heaven… So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:7-9).
Just as Satan is an example of pride so is Jesus an example of humility.
Jesus Christ is the prime example of humility. He humbled himself and was willing to do the will of God at all costs. (Revelation 5:1-4; Philippians 2:5-8). Therefore, God awarded him the highest honor as the king of the entire universe (earth and heaven inclusive).
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:9-11).
God debased Satan to the lowest part of the earth with a promise to eternally condemned him to hell fire on the last day.
Be humble! Aspire to live your life in Christ Jesus; train your mind to declare, “I am what I am by the grace of God!”
Emulate Jesus Christ who is the prime example of humility.
Make humility your lifestyle to enjoy God’s premium benefits in every aspect of your life.
See some questions and answers on Pride versus Humility:
What did Satan lose as a result of pride?
He was instantly judged by God and condemned to a permanent place of punishment called hell fire.
“…The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone… will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).
He was banished in heaven and cast to the earth pending his permanent punishment of hell fire.
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!… you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit” (Isaiah 14:12-15).
He became a “Lesser Personality” to all creatures. (Revelation 12:11; Isaiah 14:15).
“Those who see you will gaze at you… saying: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble… But you are cast out of your grave Like an abominable branch… Like the garment of those who are slain… Like a corpse trodden underfoot” (Isaiah 14:15-17).
What did Jesus Christ gain as a result of humility?
He was awarded the highest authority in the universe – The King!
“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).
He became the only channel of salvation for mankind.
“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).
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
Paul asked his Christian friends to support him in prayer so that he could have more opportunity to minister the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Paul had done so much for the kingdom of God but still believed the Creator deserves more; therefore, he was determined to dedicate his complete life to propagate the gospel.) Paul needed spiritual help to fulfill his mission. He asked the Colossians,
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:2-4).
Prayer Is Effective For Both Spiritual And Physical Exploits
Children of God must cultivate the habit of praying always. Prayer cannot be too much; we all need it to prosper for the kingdom of God.
Every Christian needs prayer! We need prayer in form of intercession to support one another. Through prayers, we can have the strength needed to effectively preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and prosper for God’s kingdom.
Prayers will help a believer valiantly prosper for the kingdom of God! Anyone who desires to prosper in all ramifications of life should explore the benefits of prayer!
Prayer Is Needed For Physical Success
Christians ought to explore the benefits of prayer to receive the miracles of God in our lives. We have the right, as Christians, to request for God’s blessing. God will surely grant the request of his own children. However, despite Christians entitlement to receive God’s blessings through prayer, we must ensure not to centralize our requests on material wealth only. Our primary goal is to make heaven and bring as many people as possible along; therefore, we should consider it important to pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit so that we can effectively preach the gospel and prosper for the kingdom of God.
A Christian should daily ask God to give him (or her) the strength to effectively communicate the word of God with unbelievers and lead them into receiving the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our continuous praying exercise will incapacitate Satan and diffuse his influence in unbelievers’ lives. Our prayers will ignite God’s fire in unbelievers’ minds to be receptive of the gospel and take the step to surrender their lives to Jesus. In other words, the more a Christian prays for spiritual strength, the more opportunity he (or she) will have to lead others into Christ’s salvation. In a simple language, our effective prayers will aid evangelistic efforts to bear some good fruits for God’s kingdom.
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I ask you to please make me a prayerful person! Do not let me be a selfish person; let my efforts lead to the salvation of others. Please, help me to pray (intercede) on behalf of my fellow Christians so that they can be successful in their evangelistic efforts.
I am using this medium to pray for myself and my fellow Christians throughout the world that you please anoint and empower us by the Holy Spirit to effectively preach the gospel! Help us to prosper for your kingdom as we endeavor to spread your good news throughout the world.
Also, please enlighten the unbelievers’ minds to overcome their limitations; repent of their sins, and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. For I have made this prayer request through faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
I give you my life oh Lord! I give it to you in all situations.
I give you my life though rain may not fall!
I give you my life though war may surround me!
I promise to trust and serve you in every circumstance because I’m fearfully and wonderfully made by you!
Some people bow their heads in sorrow thinking life has no value because of their present circumstance. The only reason anyone would entertain such thought is because he has forgotten that God owns his life.
If you truly understand that God owns your life, you will care less of your present circumstance and care more about God.
Dare to verbalize the fact that God owns your life and he is in charge! Declare your identity with God and state,
I owe my allegiance to Jesus Christ
God you’ve gotten my attention
I will give everything I have to serve you
Some people turn from God (or at least give God a lesser attention)
Because of problem
Because of enjoyment
Because of persecution
Learn How to Verbalize Your Faith In God
Declare it again and again until your spirit agrees:
God owns my life even though rain may not fall
God owns my life even though war may surround me
God owns my life whether there is food on my table or not
I am certain that God who owns my life is able to take care of my situation
People ought to be thankful for every blessing they receive from God. In as much everyone will agree with this fact, most people still find it difficult sometimes to give God their heartfelt praises. We drag our feet and wait for the happy moment to come so that we can express our gratitude to God. Meanwhile, the practice of giving God conditional praises is insufficient to satisfy God. In fact, the practice of offering God conditional praises shows how much ungrateful we are to God who blesses us with undeserving benefits.
This post will not only scold the readers, but it will also teach us how to retrain our minds to do the due diligence – Offering God an unconditional appreciation!
Indeed, God deserves our praises. He has done so many things for us that deserve us honoring him at all times. Everyone ought to give God his or her best thanksgiving to God at all times. That is, we must consider it a matter of importance to give our unconditional quality praises to God whether we are in the mood to do so or not.
Everyone (myself inclusive) has the tendency to drag our feet when things don’t go our way. Meanwhile, over time, I have learned to settle with a simple slogan crafted for myself, “If you can think, you can thank!”
My slogan: “If you can think, you can thank!” can also be rephrased as “Someone who can reflect on his past will be motivated to thank God.”
There are so many benefits to derive from cultivating the attitude of specially thanking God.
Thanksgiving Is Vertically Effective
Thanksgiving is a service rendered to God. It is an exercise that put us in a position to offer something to God – which is rare!
Prayer positions us to request something from God, while thanksgiving positions us to offer something to God. What a remarkable opportunity!
Thanksgiving exercise brings pleasure to God. It also brings a blessing to us. That is, God sends down his blessing to us to compensate our efforts. (Meanwhile, we should not praise God with the aim to manipulate and receive his blessing; we should praise God for who he is.)
You Must Overcome Discouragement To Truly Thank God
Thanksgiving, as much as it pleases God and leads to our blessings, requires a significant effort from us. A person must be ready for it before it can be effectively done. Satan will attempt to interrupt the process.
To overcome any odd and bring God some dedicated worships, note the following factors:
Don’t allow your problem to consume you. Shift your mind from your problem and focus on God. (You can’t centralize your mind on a problem and still expects to have enough motivation to praise God .)
Don’t wait till the feeling of thanksgiving comes; take a personal approach and set some times aside to praise God!
Make it a point of duty to reflect on your past success; let your discovery motivate you into praising God.
Don’t be condemned of the past; don’t be anxious about tomorrow; praise God for today!
Don’t compare yourself with anyone – simply thank God for who you are!
Life sometimes throws a curve ball at people, but don’t allow anything in this life to steal your joy! Don’t let any stressful situation take away your right to praise God.
Don’t dwell on your emotion to tell you when to praise God. Be proactive to create the moment yourself. Understand there is no rule requires; just start to think positively about God and count his blessings in your life.
To create an atmosphere of praises, ask yourself the following three questions:
Has God added anything positive to my life between then and now?
Has God protected me from any danger in the past?
Has God done anything for my family deserving of saying “Thank you God”?
If your responses to those questions are affirmative, then you are all set to begin sending God your heartfelt praises.
Verbalize your appreciations to God. Say it out loud, “Thank you God!”
You Are Very Important To God!
Last But Not The Least: You’re a VIP!
Understand that your life worths more than a sparrow. God owns your life; he is able to care for you more so that you can have more reasons to praise him.
Understand that you are a Very Important Personality (VIP) of God. Raise your head high and walk tall – with full assurance that all shall be well!
If you can make thanksgiving your routine practice, God’s angels will soon deliver some new packages of blessing to your life. Be assured that God will compensate your appreciative efforts!
I hope you can take a deep breath now and say, “Thank you Lord!”
You may have been one of the few people who missed the download link for Part 2 of Gospel Praise Jazz – African Medley (by James Taiwo). Here is the link.
As mentioned in my previous post, you are granted the full right to use the songs for your benefits. Feel free to duplicate the songs and re-share them with your loved ones.
I can’t wait to hear your feedback on the songs; please feel free to contact me here.
While you visit the site https://jamestaiwo.com for songs’ download, remember to subscribe for my free articles and other inspirational resources that I frequently share.
Evaluate yourself about the significance of God’s presence and take an appropriate action
Are you aware of the presence of God in your life? Even in your current circumstance, do you believe that God can earn you testimony? Do you celebrate God for your success?
You may have considered that you are all alone in your current situation, but I challenge you to think otherwise. The presence of God ever abides by his children.
Having the consciousness of God’s presence will help you to appreciate God for your success and trust him with your problem.
The consciousness of God’s presence will help you to stay on top of your challenges. Remember, “One with God is more than a majority!”
A person who understands the significance of God’s presence in his or her life will always be a winner!
Are you aware of the presence of God in your life?
Ask yourself: “Am I aware of God’s presence in my life?”
Pray that God helps you to have the consciousness of his presence in your life.
Pray that God helps you to consider yourself as a winner and not a loser.
See the additional shownote provided below for your benefits:
THE SENSE OF HIS PRESENCE – Shownote
(Psalm 23)
Examples of people who recognized the presence of God in their lives
Bible Application Lessons and Prayers is a Bible study tool that helps the readers to have a clear understanding of the Bible as it consistently teaches the Bible lessons from Genesis to Revelation. A daily Bible devotion and commentary combined, Bible Application Lessons and Prayers is structured for easy reads as it provides the lessons of the Bible in chronological order. The lessons are alternately arranged between the Old and New Testament.
Consider Bible Application Lessons and Prayers as one of your Bible study tools and a Bible study guide as it daily teaches on godliness, morality, and steadfastness.
With the consciousness of daily Bible reading plan, the author of this book (James Taiwo) ensures that each daily Bible devotion comes with a practical lesson, prayer, and Bible references. Each Bible lesson is short and precise as it encourages you to stick with God in this fast pace environment.
Make Bible Application Lessons and Prayers your daily companion to offer you 365 days divine inspirations from the Bible! Buy this book to improve your Bible reading habit and enhance your spiritual growth. Let Bible Application Lessons and Prayers guide you in walking with God this year!
Order your ebook and print version of Bible Application Lessons and Prayers by James Taiwo from Amazon.com.
Preview and buy Bible Application Lessons and Prayers Below
Watch some readers’ video testimony of Bible Application Lessons and Prayers
Some readers’ review of Bible Application Lessons and Prayers, as seen on Amazon.com
Phil B.
“To those who are nervous about picking up a book about religion and the bible, I wouldn’t fret too much about this one. This is not the type of book that is forced on you by pastors on the corners of college campuses…”
Romuald D.
“The author offers powerful lessons and it is interesting to see how he weaves his personal story into the narrative. I couldn’t stop reading.”
Billy O.
“If you have questions about weird Bible stories, then you may just find them more relatable with how Dr. Taiwo brings them down to Earth.”
Rebecca
“Bible Application Lessons and Prayers breaks the tough ordeal of reading and understand the Bible into simple life lessons and scenarios depicted and analogue-d by Devotions, making it more appealing to those who are not savvy or well-versed with the various phrases and versus of the actual Bible.”
Rachel K.
“This book is well organized and will keep you on track for a yearly Bible devotional read.”
J. Armstrong
“I liked the down-to-earth and humble writing style of this author. He never seemed to presume that his reader was well versed in scripture and took the time to explain certain points without coming across as condescending. A great book and especially in today’s fast-paced world these short lessons and prayers may help you get back to the Bible and stick with it.”
Aline
“The devotionals are not lengthy and will not require a huge time investment. You will find it easy to incorporate into your day.”
Archie
“I guess this book is like a company that you can keep on your book shelve whenever you need some guidance, help or feeling sad and need some motivation. It is a keeper that can be read to yourself or to your kids. Start with any lesson and read as much when you need it.”
H.Taylor
“Each month is separated… It’s something that once read could be reread the following year.”
R. Parker
“This is not just a bible, which in this day and age can be rather hard to understand, the author has gone to great lengths to teach the words and give them meaning an help people to understand them in the context of a modern society.”
Victoria C.
“The author’s teaching is very sound… This is a good example for me as a Christian to keep serving God on daily basis with my mind centralized on God.”
Grady
“Daily theme, biblical references, scriptural quotation, lesson and closing prayer frame each of the 365 days. Compact, insightful, and from the heart, James’ book is a sound study guide for life improvement.”
Ivan H.
“I found the book rather interesting and even challenging. One could say that I was not the one who found this book and that this book found me.”
Book Ghost
“We were getting a little bored with some other books and devotionals and needed something to excite us and motivate us to continue with our ‘daily walk’ with God. This book certainly accomplished that!”
Success Express Lane presents the principles and the stages that are necessary for success in clear, easy-to-follow steps. Its pages are full of descriptive examples and real-life stories that will teach you to work your way up the ladder and inspire you to reach for all life has to offer.
The secret of success unfolded! Indeed, the road to success is not always easy, but Success Express Lane shows you how to avoid the potholes, traffic jams and detours, busting through the self-imposed and external roadblocks that keep you from reaching your goals. Accomplishing your dreams and achieving tangible, lifelong success.
The Success Express Lane cracks the secret code of success as it takes a different approach to success exploration challenging people to not only dream but make their dream becomes a reality.
Indeed, everyone wants to succeed but obviously, some people have hit the mark while the majority of the success admirers are scrambling for the secret of success.
Unfortunately, success so desired by many people may not be achieved after all. Why? Success does not crash a party and neither does it fall for the lure of an unserious admirer.
Watch this video about Success Express Lane (book)
The Success Express Lane is available in print (paperback), eBook, and audiobook. Listen to the preview of the audiobook below or download it to your devices.
What others have to say about Success Express Lane
Some readers’ reviews of Success Express Lane, as seen on Amazon website, are posted below.
As with most success plans, the focus is determination, perseverance, discipline and hard work. I liked that the author used key points throughout the book to restate ideas and that success in this book is not tied to wealth accumulation (which is sometimes a by-product but not the focus).”~ Dennie
“Success Express Lane is a great read for anyone who is striving to reach goals, starting off in their career, or working towards personal achievements. No doubt that this book will get nothing short of five stars because who doesn’t strive for success? The steps towards reaching success that the author James Taiwo describes are motivating, makes you realize that success doesn’t just come overnight. The book is easy to read and follow and I love how he adds inspirational quotes at the beginning of every chapter. If you want to be successful and have the desire to be then you will in your own way, and that is what Taiwo writes about.”~ Jessie
“…Simply looking at it (Success Express Lane) is enough to encourage readers to strive for success. A road leading into the sky? How is this anything but inspiring?! Opening the book, the reader then encounters page after page of how success is within anyone’s reach. To drive home his point, he even refers to historical figures for example Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass—individuals who had to clear substantial hurdles to make things happen in their lives. I especially applaud Taiwo’s acknowledgment that success is not all about money. It’s refreshing to see someone point out just how important it is that we pursue goals that give us a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and purpose in life. After all, money comes and goes. It’s the intangibles that truly make a difference. Highly recommended!~ Catwriter
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Unexpected Jesus – What Is Your Stand?
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