LIVE IN THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT

And Be Not Drunk With Wine, Wherein Is Excess; But Be Filled With The Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 KJV).


Many have approached their walk with God as though spiritual effectiveness comes only through occasional moments of intense preparation. So, when they need to do something significant for God, they feel they must first “get ready” spiritually before they can function effectively. But that’s not the life the Lord Jesus demonstrated or mirrored for us.

The Lord Jesus didn’t live from one spiritual emergency to another. He lived in uninterrupted fellowship with the Father. Prayer to Him wasn’t a burdensome “Preparation” because He needed to minister to people; it was His life. He didn’t have to suddenly withdraw to become spiritually fit each time a situation arose. He lived consistently filled with the Spirit, conscious of the Father’s indwelling presence and power at all times.

This is the understanding the Apostle Paul conveys in Ephesians 5:18. The expression “Be Filled With The Spirit” in the Greek carries the idea of being constantly and continually filled with the Spirit. It’s not a one-time experience or an occasional encounter. It’s a way of life.

Some have misunderstood certain portions of the book of Acts where the Bible records that the Apostles being filled with the Spirit, did something. For example, Acts 4:8 says, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said….” This doesn’t presume or suggest that Peter was empty at one moment and, because of an emergency, suddenly became filled with the Spirit. No.

The apostles lived under the continuous influence and fullness of the Holy Spirit. Their lives were yielded to Him daily. This is the life God wants for every Christian. He doesn’t want you struggling spiritually today and trying to recover tomorrow. He wants you continually aflame with the Spirit, always sensitive to His guidance, always full of faith, wisdom, power, and divine consciousness. When you’re continually filled with the Spirit, you won’t panic when challenges arise. You’ll respond from a place of spiritual strength and dominion.

How do you maintain this continual infilling? It’s through fellowship with the Word, praying in tongues, worship, and yielding yourself consciously to the Holy Spirit every day. Make it your desire to live constantly under His influence. That’s the higher life in Christ: a life of consistent victory, power, and unbroken fellowship with the Lord. Hallelujah!


FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 5:18-21 KJV
And Be Not Drunk With Wine, Wherein Is Excess; But Be Filled With The Spirit; Speaking To Yourselves In Psalms And Hymns And Spiritual Songs, Singing And Making Melody In Your Heart To The Lord; Giving Thanks Always For All Things Unto God And The Father In The Name Of Our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting Yourselves One To Another In The Fear Of God.

Acts 6:3 KJV
Wherefore, Brethren, Look Ye Out Among You Seven Men Of Honest Report, Full Of The Holy Ghost And Wisdom, Whom We May Appoint Over This Business.

Luke 4:14 AMPC
Then Jesus Went Back Full Of And Under The Power Of The Abraham Munuve Spirit Into Galilee, And The Fame Of Him Spread Through The Whole Region Round About.

HIS AMAZING AND ALL-PROMOTING GRACE

For If By One Man’s Offence Death Reigned By One; Much More They Which Receive Abundance Of Grace And Of The Gift Of Righteousness Shall Reign In Life By One, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17 KJV).


The opening scripture isn’t a promise for the future; it is a present reality. The grace of God pilots you. It causes you to reign in life. To reign means to live in dominion. It means you’re always on top, always above, never beneath. This is consistent with what God said to the children of Israel: “And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath…” (Deuteronomy 28:13).

Now, in Christ Jesus, by this amazing grace, that becomes your daily experience. This is why you must understand the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever you do in life, do it with this grace. With this grace at work in you, you’ll be successful, excellent, and a wonder. There is no failure in the life of one who walks in the consciousness of this grace.

This grace is all-promoting. It produces a life that is upward and forward only. There is no stagnation. Every day is progress. Every day is advancement. Your life becomes a continuous experience of growth and victory.

Then the Scripture further tells us something really remarkable: “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20). This shows that the grace of God is more powerful than sin. When grace takes over your life, sin loses its dominion. Grace elevates you, strengthens you, and establishes you in righteousness.

How wonderful to know that grace reigns through righteousness. Romans 5:21 reveals this; it says, “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” This is the life you’ve received in Christ—a life where grace governs, righteousness prevails, and eternal life is expressed. Hallelujah!


FURTHER STUDY

2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV
And God Is Able To Make All Grace Abound Toward You; That Ye, Always Having All Sufficiency In All Things, May Abound To Every Good Work:

James 4:6 KJV
But He Giveth More Grace. Wherefore He Saith, God Resisteth The Proud, But Giveth Grace Unto The Humble.

1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV
But By The Grace Of God I Am What I Am: And His Grace Which Was Bestowed Upon Me Was Not In Vain; But I Laboured More Abundantly Than They All: Yet Not I, But The Grace Of God Which Was With Me.

GRACE AND TRUTH ARE REVEALED IN HIM

For The Law Was Given By Moses, But Grace And Truth Came By Jesus Christ (John 1:17 KJV).


When the Bible says the Law was given by Moses, it doesn’t mean Moses originated the Law. God Almighty gave it to him, and Moses gave it to the people. It was God's Law as delivered through Moses. In the same vein, the grace and truth that came by Jesus Christ is God's grace and God's truth.

Recall the prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ in John 17:17. He said to the Father, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” God's Word is truth. Therefore, when the Bible says grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, it refers to the grace of God and the truth of God that came by Jesus Christ.

In our previous study, we examined the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the grace of God expressed towards us in the life, ministry, sacrificial death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That grace is with you. Glory to God! That’s the lovingkindness of God in manifestation. That’s His favour in operation in your life.

That grace brought us into the righteousness of God and fellowship with God in Christ Jesus. Herein is the Gospel of Jesus Christ—a message that gives life to the one who was once dead and separated from God. The Bible says in Romans 5:17: “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

That means those who have received His grace and truth will always be on top, always be in dominion. It's like when God blessed the children of Israel and said, “...you shall be above only and not be beneath...” (Deuteronomy 28:13 NKJV). Now in Christ Jesus, you’re above only and never beneath. Hallelujah!

That's why He wants you to know about this grace and live in the reality of it. He desires that this all-promoting grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you in your journey of life. As you take it with you and put it to work, it will make you super successful, and your life will be an amazing wonder.


FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 1:7 KJV
In Whom We Have Redemption Through His Blood, The Forgiveness Of Sins, According To The Riches Of His Grace;

2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV
And God Is Able To Make All Grace Abound Toward You; That Ye, Always Having All Sufficiency In All Things, May Abound To Every Good Work:

John 1:14 KJV
And The Word Was Made Flesh, And Dwelt Among Us, (And We Beheld His Glory, The Glory As Of The Only Begotten Of The Father,) Full Of Grace And Truth.

BRING YOUR BODY UNDER SUBJECTION

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

Having understood that your spirit is the Most Holy Place and must take the lead, with your soul trained to follow, there’s one more vital area to address: your body. Your body doesn’t automatically align with the life of God in your spirit; it must be brought under control.

That’s why the Word says, “…present your bodies a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1). God has done His part in recreating your spirit but the yielding of your body, presenting it to Him as a living sacrifice, is your responsibility. The Apostle Paul gives further insight: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

This means the body must be disciplined and trained to align with your spirit. The body has its tendencies; it responds to sensations, appetites and external stimuli. It wants to act based on what it feels. But you’re a spirit being, not a body; you live in a body. Therefore, you can’t let your senses rule you. The Bible says, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die…” (Romans 8:13).

To live after the flesh is to be governed by the body and its impulses, but that’s not your life. You live by the Spirit, and as the concluding part of Romans 8:13 declares, “…if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” That means through the Holy Ghost, you put to death the activities of the body, override its impulses, and bring it into alignment with God’s will and purpose.

This isn’t suppression; it’s mastery. Your spirit, one with the Holy Spirit and filled with the life of God, takes charge. Your soul, renewed by the Word, agrees. Then your body is brought into obedience. This is the complete order of the Christian life: spirit, soul and body in alignment with the Word of God.

Don’t let your body dictate your life or control your responses. Whether it’s weakness, appetite, or any form of pressure; take charge from your spirit. Present your body to God. Make it serve His purpose. If you feel symptoms of sickness, declare, “No! My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; therefore, it’s immune to sickness, disease and infirmities.” Refuse to allow sickness in your body; it’s part of keeping your body aligned and yielded to God.


FURTHER STUDY
1 Corinthians 9:27 AMPC
But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].

Romans 8:12-13 NIV
Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. [13] For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Galatians 5:24-25 KJV
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

TRAIN YOUR SOUL TO FOLLOW YOUR SPIRIT

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind… (Romans 12:2).

When Paul said in Romans 1:9, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son…,” he expressed something profound: we serve God with our spirits. But there's another vital part of your being—your soul, the arena of your mind, will, and emotions. Your mind shouldn’t rule you. Your emotions shouldn’t rule you. Your will shouldn’t rule you. Instead, they must come under the influence of the Holy Spirit and be brought into subjection.

In the Old Testament temple, the soul corresponds to the holy place, where the priests ministered. And what was their primary responsibility? Teaching. The priests were custodians and instructors of the law. This shows that your soul must be taught. Your mind must be trained with the Word. Your emotions must be governed by the Word. Your will must be disciplined by the Word.

There are times you say, “This is what I want to do; this is what I’ve decided.” But then the Word shows you something different. At that moment, your will must yield. You say, “Not my will but God’s will; not my way but God’s way.”

The same applies to your emotions. You may feel inclined in a certain direction but when the Word reveals otherwise, you stop. You allow the Word to dominate your emotions. That’s how your soul is brought under control.

Now, in the holy place, there were three significant elements: the candlestick, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. The candlestick gave light; that’s the illumination of the Word in your life. The table of showbread provided nourishment; that’s the Word feeding your spirit. And the altar of incense represents prayer—your communication with God.

Do you see the connection? As you study the Word, light comes, and your spirit is nourished. Then, out of that, you’re stirred to pray, and your prayers ascend like incense before God. So, two forces are constantly at work in your soul: the Word and prayer.

The more you receive the Word, the more you’re stirred to pray; and the more you pray, the more sensitive you become to the Word. This is how your soul is trained. It’s by keeping it under the influence of the Word. It’s by ensuring that your thinking, choices and responses align with God’s will. This is maturity—where your spirit leads, and your soul follows.

FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 119:130 KJV
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

James 1:21-22 KJV
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Hebrews 5:13-14 KJV For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

YOUR SPIRIT IS THE MOST HOLY PLACE

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16).

In the Old Testament, the temple had three distinct sections: the outer court, where sacrifices were offered; the holy place, where the priests ministered; and the innermost part called the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies.

This inner sanctuary was separated by a thick veil, and only the high priest could enter, and that, only once a year. It was the place of God’s manifest presence. There stood the Ark of the Covenant, with the mercy seat overshadowed by the cherubim of glory.

When the high priest entered with the blood of the sacrifice, he stood before God’s presence, where His glory was revealed. The people never saw it; even the priests couldn’t go in. Yet, this wasn’t merely a religious structure; it was a picture of something far greater.

The Bible says you’re the temple of God. This means the Old Testament arrangement symbolized the recreated human person: the outer court represents the body, the holy place represents the soul, and the Most Holy Place represents your spirit. Now the revelation becomes personal: your spirit is the Holy of Holies. That’s where God dwells.

The presence of God that was once hidden behind the veil is now in you. As the Scripture says, “...your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19). In the Old Testament, the high priest approached God from outside. But now, everything has changed. That ministry is within you.

By the Holy Ghost, God’s presence is active in your spirit. His Word is in your heart. His glory is within you. The Kingdom of God is in your spirit (Luke 17:21). Oftentimes, in the old temple, the glory of God would be so strong that it extended into the holy place where the priests were. Yet even then, they couldn’t go beyond the veil. But today, there’s no veil. You are the sanctuary. You’re God’s dwelling place.

You’re not trying to reach God somewhere far away; you’re not looking outward for His presence. His presence is in your spirit. That’s where He speaks, guides, and manifests His power and glory. Become conscious of this truth. When you pray, you’re not trying to get into God’s presence; you pray in His presence because you carry His presence. When you seek direction, you don’t look around; you look within.


FURTHER STUDY
1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Hebrews 9:1-4 KJV
Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. [2] For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. [3] And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; [4] Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

LET YOUR SPIRIT TAKE THE LEAD”

For God Is My Witness, Whom I Serve With My Spirit In The Gospel Of His Son... (Romans 1:9 KJV).


What a profound statement from the Apostle Paul from the scripture we just read. It shows you where true service to God comes from. It’s not with your body or with your mind. True service to God is with your spirit. The Lord Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth”(John 4:24).

Your fellowship with God is spiritual; therefore, your service must flow from that same source. When you were born again, it wasn’t your body that was changed, and it wasn’t your mind that was recreated; it was your spirit. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

That new creation is your spirit. That’s where the life of God is. This is why a person can be born again and still struggle in certain areas. You may find someone who is short-tempered, easily offended, or still thinking the wrong thoughts. It’s not because he doesn’t have the life of God; it’s because his mind hasn’t been renewed.

That’s why the Bible says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (Romans 12:2). Your spirit is already recreated but your mind must be trained to align with the new life in Christ. Your body also must be brought under control. The Bible says, “...present your bodies a living sacrifice...” (Romans 12:1).

Who does the presenting? It’s your spirit. So, your spirit, being alive to God, must take the lead. From your spirit, you influence your mind. From your spirit, you bring your body into subjection. If you don’t let your spirit take the lead, your senses will. Your feelings will. Your old patterns of thinking will. But that’s not the life you’ve been called to live.

You’ve been called to live from within, from your spirit. That’s where the guidance of the Holy Ghost is. That’s where the life of God operates. Your spirit is a dependable guide because he’s mingled with the Holy Ghost. You’re one with Him: “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17). So, let your spirit guide your thoughts and actions. Let him direct and define your responses. That’s how you live the higher life in Christ.


FURTHER STUDY

John 4:23-24 (NKJV)
But The Hour Is Coming, And Now Is, When The True Worshipers Will Worship The Father In Spirit And Truth; For The Father Is Seeking Such To Worship Him. God Is Spirit, And Those Who Worship Him Must Worship In Spirit And Truth.”

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
I Beseech You Therefore, Brethren, By The Mercies Of God, That Ye Present Your Bodies A Living Sacrifice, Holy, Acceptable Unto God, Which Is Your Reasonable Service. And Be Not Conformed To This World: But Be Ye Transformed By The Renewing Of Your Mind, That Ye May Prove What Is That Good, And Acceptable, And Perfect, Will Of God.

Romans 8:12-13 (KJV)
Therefore, Brethren, We Are Debtors, Not To The Flesh, To Live After The Flesh. For If Ye Live After The Flesh, Ye Shall Die: But If Ye Through The Spirit Do Mortify The Deeds Of The Body, Ye Shall Live.”

SAY WHAT HE SAID

Let Your Conversation Be Without Covetousness; And Be Content With Such Things As Ye Have: For He Hath Said, I Will Never Leave Thee, Nor Forsake Thee. So That We May Boldly Say, The Lord Is My Helper, And I Will Not Fear What Man Shall Do Unto Me (Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV).


God didn’t give us the Scriptures merely for information, inspiration, or moral instruction. While the Scriptures certainly build and educate us, Hebrews 13:5-6 gives us a profound insight into the ultimate reason God speaks to us. His Word produces in us and for us what it talks about. And I’ll explain how this works.

After saying in verse five, “...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” verse 6 says, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper...” Notice the sequence: He spoke so that you may speak. This is one of the most important principles in the Christian life. God gives you His Word so you can receive it into your spirit and speak the same thing in agreement with Him.

So, in Christianity, we speak God’s language, we declare His Word boldly and we have what we say. God already lives in you by His Spirit. If His desire were merely to control you mechanically, He wouldn’t need to speak to you through the Scriptures. But He wants you to become an active participant in the divine experience, in the operation of His Word, by speaking in agreement with Him.

This is how faith works. You receive God’s Word into your spirit and voice it. You speak His truth concerning your health, your future, your finances, your family, and every area of your life. The Word of God in your mouth is God talking; His power goes to work in your behalf, aligning circumstances in your favour.

Many desire God’s Word to be fulfilled in their lives but they don’t speak it. Yet, the Word only becomes effective in your life and circumstances when you affirm it boldly. Therefore, always speak life, victory, righteousness, health, prosperity, and dominion. This is the secret of a triumphant Christian life.

FURTHER STUDY

Mark 11:23 KJV
For Verily I Say Unto You, That Whosoever Shall Say Unto This Mountain, Be Thou Removed, And Be Thou Cast Into The Sea; And Shall Not Doubt In His Heart, But Shall Believe That Those Things Which He Saith Shall Come To Pass; Shall Have Whatsoever He Saith.

Romans 10:8-10 KJV
But What Saith It? The Word Is Nigh Thee, Even In Thy Mouth, And In Thy Heart: That Is, The Word Of Faith, Which We Preach; That If Thou Shalt Confess With Thy Mouth The Lord Jesus, And Shalt Believe In Thine Heart That God Hath Raised Him From The Dead, Thou Shalt Be Saved. For With The Heart Man Believeth Unto Righteousness; And With The Mouth Confession Is Made Unto Salvation.

2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV
We Having The Same Spirit Of Faith, According As It Is Written, I Believed, And Therefore Have I Spoken; We Also Believe, And Therefore Speak;

TOPIC : BRING YOUR BODY UNDER SUBJECTION

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

Having understood that your spirit is the Most Holy Place and must take the lead, with your soul trained to follow, there’s one more vital area to address: your body. Your body doesn’t automatically align with the life of God in your spirit; it must be brought under control.

That’s why the Word says, “…present your bodies a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1). God has done His part in recreating your spirit but the yielding of your body, presenting it to Him as a living sacrifice, is your responsibility. The Apostle Paul gives further insight: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

This means the body must be disciplined and trained to align with your spirit. The body has its tendencies; it responds to sensations, appetites and external stimuli. It wants to act based on what it feels. But you’re a spirit being, not a body; you live in a body. Therefore, you can’t let your senses rule you. The Bible says, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die…” (Romans 8:13).

To live after the flesh is to be governed by the body and its impulses, but that’s not your life. You live by the Spirit, and as the concluding part of Romans 8:13 declares, “…if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” That means through the Holy Ghost, you put to death the activities of the body, override its impulses, and bring it into alignment with God’s will and purpose.

This isn’t suppression; it’s mastery. Your spirit, one with the Holy Spirit and filled with the life of God, takes charge. Your soul, renewed by the Word, agrees. Then your body is brought into obedience. This is the complete order of the Christian life: spirit, soul and body in alignment with the Word of God.

Don’t let your body dictate your life or control your responses. Whether it’s weakness, appetite, or any form of pressure; take charge from your spirit. Present your body to God. Make it serve His purpose. If you feel symptoms of sickness, declare, “No! My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; therefore, it’s immune to sickness, disease and infirmities.” Refuse to allow sickness in your body; it’s part of keeping your body aligned and yielded to God.

FURTHER STUDY
1 Corinthians 9:27 AMPC
But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].

Romans 8:12-13 NIV
Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. [13] For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Galatians 5:24-25 KJV
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

TOPIC: MORE THAN A SYMBOLIC OBSERVANCE

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body (1 Corinthians 11:29).

The Holy Communion is far more than a religious ritual or symbolic observance. It’s a divine ordinance instituted by the Lord Jesus Himself, carrying profound spiritual significance and power. In having the Communion with His disciples, the Bible says the Lord took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them and said, “this is my body” (Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22, Luke 22:19).

He didn’t say, “This represents my body”; rather, He was specific. He said, “This is my body which is broken for you.” Likewise, concerning the Cup, the Apostle Paul wrote by the Spirit, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16).

Notice that the Scriptures never reduce the Communion to mere symbolism. Rather, through the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit, there’s a spiritual participation and fellowship with the body and blood of Christ. This is why the Bible admonishes us to discern the Lord’s body when we partake of the Communion. To discern means to recognize accurately, to understand spiritually, and to respond with faith.

When you receive the Communion, do so with the understanding of its divine import. The Apostle Paul explains that many were weak, sickly, and some even died because they failed to discern the Lord’s body correctly (1 Corinthians 11:29-30). But the opposite is equally true: when you partake with faith and revelation, the Communion becomes a channel of divine life, health, strength, and spiritual vitality.

As the food you eat becomes one with your physical body, so does the Holy Communion, received in faith, minister the realities of the divine life into your being. Therefore, when you partake of it, declare that the power of Christ is at work in you. Affirm that sickness, infirmity, weakness and disease have no place in your body because you’re a partaker of the life of Christ.

Never approach the Communion casually. Approach it reverently, joyfully, and with unwavering faith in the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice. Through it, you reiterate the realities of His victory, life, health and righteousness, and that they’re manifested in you. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; John 6:56-57

RUN TOWARDS THE MARK

... This One Thing I Do, Forgetting Those Things Which Are Behind, And Reaching Forth Unto Those Things Which Are Before, I Press Toward The Mark For The Prize Of The High Calling Of God In Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV).


When you study the life of the Apostle Paul, you’d notice an unmistakable singularity and definitiveness in the pursuit of His divine purpose. His focus was undivided. He wasn’t trying to pursue many conflicting directions at once. His eyes were fixed on the mark, on the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

This was also the mindset of the Lord Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that for the joy set before Him, He endured the Cross and despised the shame. He had His eyes on the prize. In the midst of agony, rejection, humiliation, and suffering, He remained focused on the glorious outcome. He saw beyond the pain and fixed His gaze on the fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose. And because He stayed focused, He won.

That’s the mentality you must have in your walk with the Lord. Don’t allow the distractions of life, worldly ambitions, pressures, disappointments, or temporary pursuits to shift your focus away from Christ and His calling upon your life. Keep your eyes straight ahead.

Many are busy and active, yet they’re running in the wrong direction. They're like an athlete running swiftly in a sprint race but away from the finish line. Speed alone doesn’t guarantee victory. It’s not enough to run; you must run toward the mark. You must know the purpose, the vision, and the calling that God has set before you.

No matter your profession, business, or responsibilities in life, Christ must remain your focus. He must be the centre of your aspirations, decisions, pursuits, and ambitions. When your heart is fixed on Him, every other aspect of your life finds proper alignment and meaning.

Therefore, stay focused on the Lord and on the eternal purpose He has given you. Press toward the mark with determination, courage, and unwavering faith. There’s a prize to win, and as you keep your eyes on Him and remain steadfast in His Word, you’ll fulfil your calling gloriously and triumphantly. Hallelujah!


FURTHER STUDY

Hebrews 12:2 KJV
Looking Unto Jesus The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith; Who For The Joy That Was Set Before Him Endured The Cross, Despising The Shame, And Is Set Down At The Right Hand Of The Throne Of God.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV Know Ye Not That They Which Run In A Race Run All, But One Receiveth The Prize? So Run, That Ye May Obtain. And Every Man That Striveth For The Mastery Is Temperate In All Things. Now They Do It To Obtain A Corruptible Crown; But We An Incorruptible. I Therefore So Run, Not As Uncertainly; So Fight I, Not As One That Beateth The Air: But I Keep Under My Body, And Bring It Into Subjection: Lest That By Any Means, When I Have Preached To Others, I Myself Should Be A Castaway.

MAKE HIM YOUR FOCUS

Looking Unto Jesus The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith.... (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).


One of the most important disciplines in the Christian life is maintaining your focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. The world is filled with distractions, pressures, opinions, and circumstances designed to shift your attention away from Him and from His Word. But the Spirit, through the Scriptures, admonishes us to remain steadfast and undistracted.

The Passion Translation of 2 Timothy 2:8 says, “…make Jesus, the Anointed One, your focus in life and ministry….” Did you notice that? The Lord isn’t to be part of your focus but your entire focus. Your thoughts, pursuits, decisions, energies, and aspirations must all be centred on Him and His divine purpose for your life.

Hebrews 12:2 (TPT) shows us the example of the Lord’s own focus: “...His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God.” Blessed thought! In the midst of pain, humiliation, rejection and shame, He looked beyond the suffering and fixed His gaze on the glorious outcome. He saw the harvest—you!

He saw the glory that would come through His obedience and He stayed focused until He fulfilled His mission completely. This is the mindset you must have. Refuse to be swayed by challenges, emotions, pressures, or temporary setbacks in expressing your love for the Lord. Keep your attention on Him and on the things He’s called you to do.

Focus gives strength, direction, and endurance. When your eyes are fixed on the Lord and your heart anchored on His Word, you’ll walk in victory consistently. That’s the instruction God gave to Joshua: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.... Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8 NIV).

Notice the connection between focus and success. Success in God’s Kingdom is not accidental. It comes from staying on the Word, remaining focused on the Lord, and living in His Word and His purpose for your life. Hallelujah!


FURTHER STUDY

Hebrews 12:2 AMPC
Looking Away [From All That Will Distract] To Jesus, Who Is The Leader And The Source Of Our Faith [Giving The First Incentive for our Belief] And Is Also It’s Finisher [Bringing It To Maturity And Perfections]. He, For The Joy [Of Obtaining The Prize] That Was Set Before Him, Endured The Cross, Despising And Ignoring The Shane, And Is Now Seated At The Right Hand Of The Throne Of God.

Joshua 1:8 AMPC
This Book Of The Law Shall Not Depart Out Of Your Mouth, But You Shall Meditate On It Day And Night, That You May Observe And Do According To All That is written In It. For Then You Shall Make Your Way Prosperous, And Then You Shall Deal Wisely And Have Good Success.

FELLOWSHIP WITH THE SPIRIT

For As Many As Are Led By The Spirit Of God, They Are The Sons Of God (Romans 8:14 KJV).


In our previous study, we made a very important point, which is the fact that the most important thing for anyone to do in this world is to discover God’s purpose and fulfil it. But sometimes, there are those who are already in the line of their calling in life, yet they don’t even know God chose them for it. They may not have enough understanding concerning God’s purpose for their lives, but they simply continue on the course life has presented to them.

To a certain extent, that may help, because they’re at least moving in a direction connected to their destiny. But in the journey of life, there’ll always be adversaries and adversities. The challenge is this: when obstacles arise, if you’re not connected with the One who knows what must be done to move beyond that point, your journey could be truncated.

The unexpected events of life could derail or even destroy what seemed to be a promising path. Not because you weren’t gifted, capable, or called but because you never truly discovered from the One who planned your life what His full purpose was and how to fulfil it completely.

This is why fellowship with the Holy Spirit is indispensable. No matter how successful your journey may appear outwardly, there’s a higher calling, a greater purpose, and a divine pattern that only the Spirit of God can unveil to you. He created you. He knows why you’re here. He knows the full extent of your calling and how to fulfil it to His glory and for His pleasure.

The Bible says in Revelation 4:11 that all things were created for His pleasure. We don’t live for ourselves; we live for Him. This consciousness gives meaning to your life and clarity to your pursuits. It helps you realize how much you need the Holy Spirit. When you walk in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, you receive divine direction, wisdom, strength and grace to fulfil your calling joyfully and victoriously.

Therefore, cultivate fellowship with the Spirit through studying the Word, prayer, and yieldedness to His guidance. Always tell Him how much you love Him and rely on His person, power and glory within you to put you over in all things. Hallelujah!


FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 2:10 KJV
For We Are His Workmanship, Created In Christ Jesus Unto Good Works, Which God Hath Before Ordained That We Should Walk In Them.

Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
Trust In The LORD With All Thine Heart; And Lean Not Unto Thine Own Understanding. In All Thy Ways Acknowledge Him, And He Shall Direct Thy Paths.

Revelation 4:11 KJV
Thou Art Worthy, O Lord, To Receive Glory And Honour And Power: For Thou Hast Created All Things, And For Thy Pleasure They Are And Were Created.

2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV
May The Grace Of The Lord Jesus Christ, And The Love Of God, And The Fellowship Of The Holy Spirit Be With You All.

FULFIL YOUR PURPOSE TO HIS GLORY

For We Are His Workmanship, Created In Christ Jesus Unto Good Works, Which God Hath Before Ordained That We Should Walk In Them (Ephesians 2:10 KJV).


The life Christ has given us to live is to the glory of the Father. God always had a very clear agenda, a definite purpose for the world and universe He created and, in particular, a definite purpose for your life. When you study the Scriptures, you discover a remarkable consistency in God’s plan and an unmistakable clarity of purpose concerning His creation and your place in it.

You’re not in this world to balance the ecosystem. There’s a reason you were born at such a time as this, in the place where you are, with the gifts, abilities and opportunities entrusted to you. But it’s unfortunate that many go through life without ever discovering that purpose.

Don’t just exist, driven by trends, pressures, circumstances, and changing conditions. That’s not God’s plan for you. He never intended for your life to be directed by circumstances, whether favourable or unfavourable. A life governed merely by external events eventually produces emptiness and inward frustration, regardless of outward success. The world may admire the seeming accomplishments of such individuals, yet deep within, there remains the painful awareness that they never truly fulfilled their purpose for being.

The most important thing for anyone to do in this world is to discover and fulfil God’s purpose for their lives. And this can only come through a genuine relationship with Him. Purpose is not discovered through speculation, human philosophy, or personal ambition. It’s revealed through fellowship with the Lord and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

When you truly come to know the Lord and walk in fellowship with Him, there comes a certainty in your spirit of the divine direction and the heavenly vision for your life. More than that, the Holy Spirit helps you fulfil that purpose. He doesn’t merely reveal God’s plan to you; He empowers you to walk in it and make it happen. Therefore, live purposefully and walk with the consciousness that your life has meaning, direction, and divine significance. Through the Holy Spirit, fulfil your purpose to the glory of God.


FURTHER STUDY

Jeremiah 1:5 KJV
Before I Formed Thee In The Belly I Knew Thee; And Before Thou Camest Forth Out Of The Womb I Sanctified Thee, And I Ordained Thee A Prophet Unto The Nations.

Proverbs 19:21 KJV
There Are Many Devices In A Man’s Heart; Nevertheless The Counsel Of The LORD, That Shall Stand.

Romans 8:28-29 KJV
And We Know That All Things Working Together For Good To Them That Love God, To Them Who Are The Called According To His Purpose. For Whom He Did Foreknow, He Also Did Predestinate To Be Conformed To The Image Of His Son, That He Might Be The Firstborn Among Many Brethren.

Hear the word of the Lord for you this September.

Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

May this month favour you!
May everything the Lord has created work in your favour!

I declare this will be a September to remember for good in your life!

Welcome to September.

THE NAME THAT RULES HEAVEN AND EARTH

And Jesus Came And Spake Unto Them, Saying, All Power Is Given Unto Me In Heaven And In Earth" (Matthew 28:18 KJV).


When the Lord Jesus declared, "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth," He made a proclamation no earthly ruler could ever truthfully make. Throughout history, mighty empires arose with extraordinary influence and vast dominions.

The Pharaohs ruled with terrifying authority in Egypt. Nebuchadnezzar expanded Babylon's greatness across nations. The Persians, the Greeks, and later the Romans each dominated the world in their time. Yet, every one of those empires eventually crumbled.

However, while Rome still stood in all its pride and "Glory," the Lord Jesus came on the scene with a higher dominion. This wasn't merely political authority or earthly influence but absolute authority over all realms, visible and invisible, celestial and terrestrial. No emperor ever possessed that. No king ever ruled both heaven and earth. Only the Lord Jesus declared such authority.

This was why the disciples were so fiercely persecuted. They proclaimed another Kingdom while Caesar was still emperor. They preached a Name greater than Rome's authority, and the rulers of that age couldn't tolerate it. Yet, while they all faded away, the dominion of Christ continued increasingly unabated.

Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." His authority hasn't diminished. His Name hasn't weakened through the ages. The same Name that healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, and shook nations in Bible days carries the same power today.

More wonderfully, He's given us the power of attorney, the legal right and divine authority to act in His stead. When you speak in the Name of Jesus, you're not uttering mere words; you're exercising authority from the One who rules heaven and earth. Therefore, never be intimidated by earthly systems, oppositions, or circumstances.

Empires may rise and fall, governments may change, and human powers may fade, but the Name of the Lord Jesus remains eternally supreme. Use that Name with boldness. Use it to enforce His will in your world, for He rules over all, now and forever. Hallelujah!


FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 2:9-10 KJV Wherefore God Also Hath Highly Exalted Him, And Given Him A Name Which Is Above Every Name: That At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Should Bow, Of [Things] In Heaven, And [Things] In earth, And [Things] Under The Earth;

Acts 4:12 KJV
Neither Is There Salvation In Any Other: For There Is None Other Name Under Heaven Given Among Men, Whereby We Must Be Saved.

Ephesians 1:19-22 AMPC
And [So That You Can Know And Understand] What Is The Immeasurable And Unlimited And Surpassing Greatness Of His Power In And For Us Who Believe, As Demonstrated In The Working Of His Mighty Strength, Which He Exerted In Christ When He Raised Him From The Dead And Seated Him At His [Own] Right Hand In The Heavenly [Places], Far Above All Rule And Authority And Power And Dominion And Every Name That Is Named [Above Every Title That Can Be Conferred], Not Only In This Age And In This World, but Also In The Age And The World Which Are To Come. And He Has Put All Things Under His Feet And Has Appointed Him The Universal And Supreme Head Of The Church [A Headship Exercised Throughout The Church],

YOU’RE NOT SUBJECT TO YOUR THOUGHTS

Be Careful For Nothing; But In Every Thing By Prayer And Supplication With Thanksgiving Let Your Requests Be Made Known Unto God (Philippians 4:6 KJV).


In the Christian life, you must learn to manage your thoughts. You must know what to do with the thoughts that come to your mind every day. Your victory or defeat often begins with the thoughts you choose to dwell on. That’s why the Spirit gives this instruction: “Be Careful For Nothing.”

The word “Careful” is translated from the Greek "merimnaō", which means to take thought. It’s the same word the Lord Jesus used in Matthew 6:25 when He said, “…Take no thought for your life….” It tells you something very important—you don’t have to accept every thought that comes to you.

Thoughts come constantly. Even now, your mind is active. There’s a barrage of thoughts coming from different directions. It could be about your work, your family, something you heard, something you saw, etc. But you don’t have to “Take” them. The moment you “Take” a thought, you centre your mind on it. You begin to dwell on it, and as you do, it starts shaping your emotions and influencing your actions.

The wrong thoughts are distractions. They’re designed to pull your attention away, to create concern, anxiety, or unrest. That’s why the Word shows you the kind of thoughts to accept: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Don’t entertain troubling thoughts. Don’t ruminate on them or convert them into prayer points. Remember, you’re not subject to your thoughts; you’re the one who decides what thoughts to allow. It’s the reason for the renewing of the mind: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

When your mind is stayed on, and renewed by the Word, it becomes sanctified to decipher and dwell only on the right thoughts. And when your thoughts are right, your words will be right, your life will be right, excellent and full of glory.



FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 6:25-26 KJV Therefore I Say Unto You, Take No Thought For Your Life, What Ye Shall Eat, Or What Ye Shall Drink; Not Yet For Your Body, What Ye Shall Put On. Is Not The Life More Than Meat, And The Body Than Raiment? Behold The Fowls Of The Air: For They Sow Not, Neither Do They Reap, Nor Gather Into Barns; Yet Your Heavenly Father Feedeth Them. Are Ye Not Much Better Than They?

Isaiah 26:3 KJV
Thou Wilt Keep Him In Perfect Peace, Whose Mind Is Stayed On Thee: Because He Trusteth In Thee.

Philippians 4:8 AMPC
For The Rest, Brethren, Whatever Is True, Whatever Is Worthy Of Reverence And Is Honorable And Seemly, Whatever Is Just, Whatever Is Pure, whatever Is Lovely And Lovable, Whatever Is Kind And Winsome And Gracious, If There Is Any Virtue And Excellence, If There Is Anything Worthy Of Praise, Think On And Weigh And Take Account Of These Things [Fix Your Minds On Them].

CHEER UP—VICTORY IS CERTAIN

Who Against Hope Believed In Hope, That He Might Become The Father Of Many Nations, According To That Which Was Spoken, So Shall Thy Seed Be (Romans 4:18 KJV).


There are times when you’ve done everything you know to do and the situation still seems unchanged. You’ve prayed, stood on the Word and applied the counsel given, yet nothing appears different. That’s the moment many are tempted to yield to discouragement. But that should never be your response; faith never gives up.

The Bible tells us that Abraham, against hope, believed in hope. When there was no natural reason to expect a change, he held on to what God had said. That’s the life of faith. You don’t allow circumstances to sway you or cause you to vacillate; you anchor your confidence in the Word.

Never stagger at the Word of God through unbelief just because the change you seek didn’t seem to happen overnight. Rather, be strong in faith giving glory to God, knowing His Word never fails. Stand your ground and win. The Bible says we’re not of them that draw back; we believe till the end: “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:38-39).

We don’t give up, and we don’t give in. You may find yourself in circumstances that seem resistant or appear unyielding or pressures that suggest you’re at a disadvantage; don’t cower. Hold your ground with the Word. You’re not at the mercy of the conditions or elements of this world; you’re a victor in Christ Jesus.

He already said “…in all these things we are more than conquerors…” (Romans 8:37). That’s His Word, and His Word is dependable. It works. But it requires your steadfastness. So lift your head and square your shoulders; refuse to give in to despair. Cheer up; victory is certain: “...In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade…” (2 Corinthians 2:14 MSG).


FURTHER STUDY

Hebrews 10:23 KJV
Let Us Hold Fast The Profession Of Our Faith Without Wavering; (For He Is Faithful That Promised;)

James 1:12 KJV
Blessed Is The Man That Endureth Temptation: For When He Is Tried, He Shall Receive The Crown Of Life, Which The Lord Hath Promised To Them That Love Him.

Romans 4:18-22 KJV
Who Against Hope Believed In Hope, That He Might Become The Father Of Many Nations; According To That Which Was Spoken, So Shall Thy Seed Be. And Being Not Weak In Faith, He Considered Not His Own Body Now Dead, When He Was About An Hundred Years Old, Neither Yet The Deadness Of Sara's Womb: He Staggered Not At The Promise Of God Through Unbelief; But Was Strong In Faith, Giving Glory To God; And Being Fully Persuaded That, What He Had Promised, He Was Able Also To Perform. And Therefore It Was Imputed To Him For Righteousness.

THE FATHER ALREADY KNOWS

Therefore Take No Thought, Saying, What Shall We Eat? Or, What Shall We Drink? Or, Wherewithal Shall We Be Clothed? (For After All These Things Do The Gentiles Seek:) For Your Heavenly Father Knoweth That Ye Have Need Of All These Things (Matthew 6:31-32 KJV).


Part of the reason the Lord Jesus told us not to worry is because our heavenly Father knows all things. He knows what’s in your heart. He knows all your needs and desires and has already gone ahead to grant them. He’s fully aware, completely informed and already ahead of every situation you’re concerned about.

Sadly, many still live as though God is unaware, acting anxious, pressured and uncertain. They think constantly about what to eat, what to wear, and how things will turn out. That’s the life of those who don’t know God. Jesus said the Gentiles seek after these things. That’s their pursuit and focus. But you’re different.

David understood this and declared in Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Let this dawn on your spirit. Don’t function by anxiety; live by the revelation of God’s Word. Respond to life’s circumstances in faith and with faith. Always be calm, assured and unshaken. Not because there are no challenges but because you know you’re not alone, and you’re not without help and supply.

Your heavenly Father daily loads you with benefits (Psalm 68:19). This is the consciousness you must have. All your needs are plugged into God’s supply system; you lack nothing; you have all things because you’re the seed of Abraham. Therefore, when situations arise, don’t panic; remind yourself, “My Father Knows!” That settles your heart and strengthens your faith.

Trust Him and stay on the Word. You’re not trying to get God’s attention; you already have it. You’re not trying to convince Him to care; He already does. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMPC) says, “…He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” Therefore, walk in the quiet confidence that your heavenly Father is mindful of you, gracious and kind towards you, always watching over you to do you good. Hallelujah!

WE LIVE FOR THE KINGDOM

But Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of God, And His Righteousness; And All These Things Shall Be Added Unto You (Matthew 6:33 KJV).


In life, what you live for determines how you live. The Lord Jesus made it clear that your focus isn’t to be on the material things of this world but on the Kingdom. He said in Luke 12:15, “…Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

Many worry about material possessions, but you don’t get better by worrying. No one ever did. The Master made this clear when He asked in Luke 12:25, “...which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?” Worry, rather than improve your condition, distracts you from your true calling. That’s why He said don’t be anxious about your life, what you’ll eat, what you’ll drink, or what you’ll wear. You’ve been called to a higher purpose.

Your heavenly Father already made everything you require for life and godliness available to you: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). 2 Peter 1:3 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” 1 Corinthians 3:21 says, “…all things are yours.”

Consequently, He tells you what your priority in life should be: seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. That means everywhere you are, be conscious of the Kingdom. In your family, among your friends, in your workplace, in your school, your concern should be: Is the Kingdom of God established here? If it isn’t, you bring it there.

Make Christ known, and see to it that men receive and are established in His righteousness. Manifest His righteousness everywhere. This involves seeking what God wants, not what men want. Even when resolving issues amongst people, you don’t look for who’s right or wrong; you establish the righteousness of God.

Many struggle and are frustrated in life because they’re seeking their own way, their own satisfaction. But true satisfaction comes from seeking God’s Kingdom and expressing His righteousness. That’s living for the Kingdom.

THE DOMINION AND SUPREMACY OF CHRIST

Which He Wrought In Christ, When He Raised Him From The Dead, And Set Him At His Own Right Hand In The Heavenly Places, Far Above All Principality, And Power, And Might, And Dominion, And Every Name That Is Named, Not Only In This World, But Also In That Which Is To Come (Ephesians 1:20-21 KJV).


Our Lord Jesus Christ is not one among many authorities, governments or powers in this world; He’s far above them. He’s high above all other government, authority, power, dominion, and every title of sovereignty used in this age and in the age to come. That means there’s no system, no structure, no name, and no office anywhere that is outside the dominion and supremacy of Christ.

Remember, the Bible says He has a government (Isaiah 9:6) and His government is one with unlimited influence, power, dominion and authority: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end...” (Isaiah 9:7). His authority supersedes every earthly system. He is the Head and we are His body. And the Bible says His government is upon His shoulders, which means His body.

That’s why when any system stands against the Gospel of Jesus Christ or seeks to hinder the Church, we keep them in check. We frustrate their efforts and overthrow their plans. We have the authority to do that because we function in His Name. As He’s far above every ruler, authority, power and principality of darkness, so are we, because He raised us up together and made us sit together with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

His dominion and supremacy aren’t temporary but forever. Both now and in the world to come, His authority stands. The Bible shows the extent of His rule; everything is under Him. Ephesians 1:20-22 (MSG) says, “All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything....” Blessed be God!

Live with this consciousness. You’re functioning under the authority of the One who is above all—the Lord Jesus. Therefore, walk in dominion and supremacy of His glory and mighty power.

Look Up

It’s normal, as well as understandable, to spend our time, energy, and attention focusing on the here and now. We’re busy, after all. Sometimes we're preoccupied. And when we stop to really think about it, it’s difficult to perceive something beyond our five senses.

But in his letter to the Colossians, Paul encourages his fellow believers to look up:

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As you think about Paul’s words and the realities of heaven, here are four things to consider:

- First, heaven isn’t some vague, dream-like state. It’s a real place, with real people, where God is the true King.

- Second, there will come a day when we will all meet God face to face. We will no longer need faith or hope, because that which we’ve hoped for will finally be revealed.

- Third, our troubles and our heartbreaks (and even death itself) are temporary! Scripture tells us that, eventually, God will do away with pain and death and sickness and suffering—forever.

- Lastly (and most importantly), God is still on His throne, with Jesus beside Him in the place of honor. No matter how crazy, senseless, or heartbreaking the world can seem, we can have confidence knowing that nothing is outside of God’s sovereign plan.

So when you’re tempted to look around at others or look inward at yourself, look up instead. Heaven is wherever God is, and that’s the truest reality of all.

The Greatest Commandment

In Matthew 22:37, Jesus said: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

This verse is a powerful reminder of the greatest commandment, calling us to a wholehearted devotion to God. It challenges us to examine the depth and sincerity of our love for Him, urging us to go beyond following the rules of religious traditions and to cultivate an intimate, all-encompassing relationship with our Creator.

Loving God with all our heart means that our emotions and desires are aligned with His will. It means that we prioritize Him above all else, allowing His love to shape our affections and guide our decisions. When we love God with all our soul, we are committing our very being to Him. Our identity, purpose, and existence are rooted in His love, and we find our true fulfillment in living for His glory.

To love God with all our mind is to engage our intellect in the pursuit of knowing Him more deeply. It involves meditating on His Word, seeking His wisdom, and allowing His truth to transform our thoughts and perspectives. This holistic love for God is not a one-time event but a daily, intentional choice to surrender every aspect of our lives to Him.

Reflecting on this commandment, we are reminded that our love for God should be evident in every area of our lives. It should influence how we interact with others, how we spend our time, and how we use our resources. As we grow in our love for God, we become more attuned to His presence and more responsive to His leading.

Today, let’s surrender our hearts, souls, and minds to God. Let us seek to deepen our relationships with Him, knowing that as we do, we will experience the fullness of His love and the abundant life He promises. Amen.