Unashamed Proclamation

 

A few days ago, I woke up with an announcement in my spirit. In the middle of the night, as soon as heard this, my eyes flung open, it felt as though I hadn't been asleep at all.

There is a message that the enemy often brings to the children of God to destabilize and frighten them, spreading fear that creates uncertainty—even when you know victory is within your reach. 

In these times, what should we do? 

How do we respond when our reality doesn’t align with God’s promises?

Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"

When the enemy presents us with a lie, God's Word stands ever-present and relevant to combat it. There is a power that comes from an unashamed word proclamation. Persistent proclamation of God's word builds our faith, and this faith is the currency we need to tap into the supernatural power that the Gospel of Christ carries.

Victory is already secured in the name of Jesus, who has set us up as winners, for God has never lost a battle. So, if you are facing a challenge or battle, lift your head high—victory is here.

God will fight for you, and you will be the one to rejoice.

Stay Revived!

The Power of Prayer: Lifting Burdens

Many times, we seek others to pray for us, longing for comforting words or just something to ease the tension we feel. We often find ourselves wishing someone would simply say something that can lift the weight of our burdens. Does this sound familiar to you?

But what if we could be the ones lifting the burdens of those around us? What if our prayers could bring comfort, healing, and hope to others?

When I reflect on these thoughts, the Holy Spirit gently reminds me of how He has already made provisions for us to address these needs. So, how do we approach this?

The Power of Prayer

The Bible tells us, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). God has given each of us the power to lift burdens. We are not merely existing—we are telling God's story with our lives. Our lives have purpose, and our stories are significant. God wants us to partner with Him to achieve His divine narrative.

To do this, we must learn to exercise our spirits through prayer and the study of Scripture to be able to lift burdens. This begins within our families, where we help carry the weight of our loved ones. But it doesn’t end there—we are called to also carry the burdens of our friends, communities, and even nations.

When the enemy tries to convince us that our prayers are ineffective or irrelevant, urging us to simply live life the way the world does, as if everything is already sorted out by the cosmos, we must resist. Prayer is powerful, and when we engage in it, our faith in the Lord deepens when we pray, go beyond the veil, and seek a place of revelation and divine wisdom. Faith is the currency we use to access the answers we seek.

In Revelation 3:20-22, Jesus says:
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne." (Revelation 3:20-21, NIV)

Jesus invites us to partner with Him, equipping us with everything we need to live victorious lives and make a lasting impact in the world.

The Impact of Your Prayer

What can your prayer do? What weights have you tried to lift? When we lift weights in the spirit, the Lord strengthens us, giving us the capacity and faith to bear them. If you’ve prayed for something and have yet to see results, don’t give up. Keep praying.

God is watching to see your surrender and persistence. As you press on, He breathes His power upon you, enabling you to live triumphantly.

So, wake up and exercise your spirit! Through prayer, perseverance, and faith, you tap into the strength God has already made available to you. 

Stay revived and watch how He works in your life, enabling you to carry the burdens of others and live out His divine narrative.

Dealing with God's Quiet Moments

 

Dealing with God's quiet moments can be challenging. While complaining to my sister about a certain experience, she shared this insight with me: "As long as we're praying and connecting with God, He gives us the strength to navigate each season." This resonated deeply and left a settling peace in my heart.

After my recent 5-day fast before my birthday, I had expected a word of confirmation from God; revelations like I usually have but instead, I experienced an unsettling silence. I began to worry and doubt: "Maybe God hasn't picked up my call." But then I shared my concerns with my sister, who reminded me of the importance of staying connected to God with the abovementioned words. 

Meditating on this experience draws my attention to these words in Psalm 91:1 

It says, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Highest shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." This "dwelling" means choosing to reside in God's presence, even when the weather is stormy. It's about staying connected and patient, trusting that God is working everything out for my good.

In those moments of uncertainty, I've learned to comfort myself with God's track record of faithfulness and the benevolence of His presence. 

Dwelling in a secret place and getting the benefit of abiding under God's shadow can only be achieved by staying and waiting patiently. No moment skipped or fast forward but seeing every joy, pain, hurt, betrayal, win, victory, and just being transformed or becoming into the one you dwell with. "Staying connected" is also a key to our victory chant and that way is what God wants for us. 

I'm choosing to stay in this posture, and I invite you to join me.

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

How do you react in the moments when you don't feel loved?

It's easy for the devil to limit our understanding of God's love to physical manifestations. When we don't see these manifestations, we doubt God's love. Our reality seems different from what we feel God's love should be. We search for proof, something to confirm His love.

While listening to the choir sing during worship, I had an experience. The next day after my birthday, I woke up feeling exhausted and joyless. The enemy whispered, "You see, God doesn't love you." Instead of shutting out the voice, I went to church feeling unhappy.

During praise the praise session, I just couldn't make myself to celebrate God's faithfulness but when the worship session began the choir sang, "You are good, you are kind, I have never seen your type, I am devoted to your praise, and forever you are mine." These words brought me back to reality – the reality of God's unwavering love. The words "I love you" felt fresh, as if poured into my heart again. I felt his love in those very moment. 

The love spoken about became clearer to me. It is not based on any physical possessions maybe: a good marriage, a good home, great kids, great jobs, peaceful existence or what have you. 

 He doesn't love us more or less depending on our situation. His love is constant, and He cares for us, keeping us safe. He promises not to fail us.

Remember, whether you feel loved now or are in a season where God's love seems hidden, insist that God loves you. Say to yourself, "God loves me, and I'm glad He thinks about me." All things, good and bad, work together for your good.

This we can truly say: 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

How do we Manifest?

Some weeks ago, while sleeping, the Holy Spirit spoke these words to my heart:

"Who has been living, is it you or the scriptures? What has been breathing successfully in you? Because I have sent you to be living epistles, that is to come in the volume of the books that have been written about you. To be this living epistle, that is when you have come alive, the very moment I have come alive in you, living, breathing, and working in you. Be my living epistle."

I knew I had to write it down, or I'd forget once I got busy. Later, while preparing for my birthday, I stumbled upon these words again. I wanted a unique experience, so I decided to go on a three-day fast before my birthday. The Holy Spirit asked me to extend it to five days.

As I sought God for a brighter 28th year, He said, "Happy birthday" with these words:

"I want to do more than provide for your daily needs, give you excellent children, business, or career. I want to live, breathe, and move in you."

If we carry His breath, there's more He wants to do with the breath of life He's deposited in us. It's easy to focus on daily needs, but God wants us to be living epistles.

He's saying, "I need a container that doesn't just house My breath but also My presence, and together we can change a contradictory reality."

It's easy to say "God loves us," but it takes conviction to accept that God loves us truly, regardless of our love for Him or what we can give Him.

God loves you, friend, and wants to manifest in us. The most beautiful experience is to know that God is manifesting in you.

In those moments, we can truly say, "In Him we live, in Him we move, in Him I breathe, and in Him I have my being." (Acts 17:8)

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

A Call to Examine Ourselves.

Some time ago, I got a job as a secondary class tutor. One certain day, I disciplined a student who always brings back his assignment undone. A few days later, the child’s mom came to see me. she was upset that I had disciplined her child. As I thought about how parents are quick to come to their children's aid this story came to mind.

We humans often come to the aid of our friends and families when help is needed. Parents are a solid rock to their children. This made me wonder—what was God actually thinking when He decided to give His only begotten Son? What was running through His mind?

He knew He wanted us, and to show how much He loved us, He gave His only begotten Son. This means there was no "only" after Him. Very often, we focus more on the birth of Jesus because it marks the coming of joy to the earth. This birth had been spoken of by many prophets even before He was born, but when He came, only a few acknowledged that He was the one they had been waiting for.

It is not God’s will that anyone should perish, but that everyone should come to repentance. If He wanted us to continue living in sin, bound by the enemy, He would not have sent His Son. There is a place for us to come to repentance, where we accept the Lord. We should not ask if we deserve His forgiveness and love because, when the Lord forgives us, He remembers our sins no more. As it says in the book: “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him, and in whose spirit, there is no deceit.”

When we give ourselves to Christ, we are made fresh before Him, but we must be honest with Him.

Friend, there is so much the Lord has in store for those who love Him, but we must first seek Him while He can be found. We must call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his ways and the evil man his thoughts. When we do this, He comes to our aid. This is a call to examine ourselves.

We are often quick to claim that we are pure and holy, but being sanctified is a question we will answer before the Lord. Yes, many serve Him, and many are in His household, but yet He knows each and every one of us by name. It is time to come boldly before the Lord and seek forgiveness where needed.

Revelation 22:17 says:

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” (NIV)

It’s time for us to examine ourselves and see if we are in faith. May the Lord help us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stay revived!

From Oversized to Perfect Fit

As a child, I loved new clothes and shoes, but my mom often bought me oversized items. Nigerian mothers believe children will grow into them. Imagine receiving a new dress in primary school, only for it to fit perfectly in your final year of tertiary education.

Reflecting on this, I am reminded that we often ask God for things we're not yet ready to handle. We request so much, yet fail to manage the blessings He's already entrusted to us.

Luke 12:48 (NIV) says, "For everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." God knows our capacity and doesn’t give us more than we can handle. What He has given, He knows we can manage.

Many times, we haven’t received the blessings we desire because we’ve refused to grow. Too often, we get too comfortable and expect things to come to us, believing we deserve them without working towards them.

Yes, Christianity is free, but to experience its fullness, we must work it out with fear and trembling. God is looking for men and women He can trust with His power—those who are prepared to bear the burdens in His heart. It burdens him that we are not living the way He wants us to, but he cannot come from heaven to do our part for us, we have to be intentional about our spiritual and mental growth.

God withholds certain blessings not because He doesn't want to give them to us, but because He understands we are not yet ready to handle them. He patiently waits for us to grow into the person who can manage those blessings. We must be intentional about our spiritual growth before God can trust us with such responsibility. We cannot simply wish for it to happen. It’s important to recognize that what differentiates you from others is the time you've spent at your prayer altar, investing in your spiritual growth.

So, friend wake up and be intentional about your growth, but these blessings may not manifest until we are spiritually and mentally prepared for them. God wants us to understand that we must grow into the fullness He has for us.

Stay revived!

Can Prayer Be a Highness Drug?

 

I was never a fan of long prayers. I would choose studying or reading my way out of a crisis. Reading was more than just an educational skill to me; it slowly became a form of therapy. Then I came across the scripture that says, "Men ought always to pray and not faint," and another that says, "Pray without ceasing."

Yes, I would pray, but because I didn’t really understand the essence of prayer, it felt more like a chore. However, over the past few months, praying has grown beyond a command for me. Just like God's word has said, it has become a source of strength and a strategy for refreshment.

There were times when I would feel so helpless, trying to grasp for a survival chord. Words, no matter how much I loved them, would fail to comfort me, and reading in those moments felt like a chore. I would end up searching for satisfaction.

There were moments when I intentionally chose not to pray, but even when I wanted to run away, prayer became like a highness drug.

To the lonely and broken hearted, it gives companionship. To the lost and hopeless, it reassures. To the broken hearted, it finds you and gives you meaning. I’ve discovered that strength can be drawn in the place of prayer. A safe haven and a place of peace can be built when we do not faint in our place of prayer.

But to God, it is a means by which He reaches out to us and ultimately connects us to every word and spiritual reality He has for us.

When was the last time you prayed? Not the communal kind, just you and Him. Someone once told me that we might all appear in the secret place together, but when it comes to communion, it becomes a personal transaction.

Today, pray. Not just for a moment, but stay and just pray. Let our conviction be, "Until He sees me, I tarry in the place of prayer." We do not stop praying because we got answers; it is our life support.

Stay revived!

I come in the Volume of the Books.

While growing up, one of the encounters I remember having was seeing a book with my name on it. I picked it up to read, and although I forgot most of what I read, certain things still resonate with me occasionally. This morning, as I put the song Volume of the Book by Moses Akoh on repeat, I felt an atmosphere around me. A picture formed in my mind. Imagine that you are on a mission to discover a treasure, and this treasure is a book that contains your story—everything about you. It holds details from the day you were born and your journey, and though you can see the end, the book doesn't reveal the process or how you’ll get there. Let this image form in your mind.

Psalm 40:7-8 (KJV): "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book, it is written of me."
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."

What is written about you? What have you discovered that the Lord wants to do with your life? Our existence alone is older than the world itself. Just think about how old the world is, and imagine what the Bible says in...

  Ephesians 1:4 (NIV):
"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."
This means that your spirit existed before the creation of the world. Life is in the spirit, and the spirit freely relates with the Lord. We exercise this relationship through prayer. As we begin to exercise our spirit, who we were before the existence of the world is gradually awakened.

Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV):
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart."

It’s time to awaken to our assignment. We must not be tired; we must not grow weary; Awake.

Imagine everything you’ve always desired being handed to you. No, it won’t be easy at first, but there is no David without Goliath. Victory is ahead, but this can only be discovered when we come to the Lord with a hunger to know Him. As He begins to reveal who we are, our lives are transformed into the people we are meant to be in Christ.

I have a saying that I always hold to: “I won’t take what the Lord hasn’t given me. I’ll awaken and take my place.” Remember, God has anointed all His children for different circles. Discover yours, and then you will be able to say, “I have come in the volume of the book. It is written about me to do His will alone.”

Stay revived!

What Does it Mean to be Born for Such a Time as This?

The phrase "born for such a time as this" from Esther's story has become popular among believers. It sounds inspiring and implies a greater purpose. 

In Esther 4:14, Mordecai says to Esther:

"Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (NIV)

However, after listening to a family member's experience, I realized that being born for such a time comes with difficulties, pain, rejection, and loss. It's easy to question our stand and faith. It ranges from facing crises for a destiny ordained marriage God directed you to; experiencing business stagnation to several other challenges. 

Being born for such a time doesn't just bring crowns; it often requires leaving familiar environments and navigating unfamiliar situations. It stretches us, placing our lives on the sacrificial table. We may doubt God's voice and our faithfulness.

But here's the truth: God creates ministers for each season, equipping them to navigate challenges. The enemy may resist, but God knows we have the strength to face these moments. Trials, pains, and rejections will come, but God works everything for our good.

Even after Esther kept winning the initial victories, the enemy didn't give up. We must persevere with the "if I perish, I perish" mentality, trusting that God won't lead us to a dead end. We were born for such a time, and though the path may be dreary, remember that God's "dead end" is often a doorway to another path.

Always remember, Stay Revived!

By Guest Writer.

Bounds: Whom Christ has set free is free indeed.

I've never been physically bound, but I dislike closed spaces, which makes me feel claustrophobic. I consider that a kind of bind. Last year, I experienced a different kind of bind when my mental health was attacked by the enemy. In an instant, I struggled with suicidal attempts, depression, and fragmented thoughts.

Today, as I reflect on those moments, I understand freedom from the perspective of the Son of Man's liberty. We don't need to be war victims to experience bondage. Since we live in a spiritual world that transcends the physical, the enemy can claim access to our lives for various reasons.

However, God's Word clearly states, "Who the Son sets free is free indeed" (John 8:36). If Christ became bound on the cross so I can experience freedom, then I am grateful He is mine. The Son of Man has indeed set me free.

I've come to realize the extent of the enemy's tactics to keep us in darkness. The enemy doesn't stop because he's exhausted but because he has left us lifeless. He imposes limitations on our marriages, finances, children, jobs, health, careers, and businesses.

But today, we say no more. We claim our authority and declare, "We are the authority here." We acknowledge the enemy's limitations and strategies, but we see God, who has declared us free.

My friend, here's God's reminder to you: whom God has set free is free indeed. Insist on your liberty today. I am free indeed, in Christ I am free.

Stay Revived!

By Guest Writer.

EFFICACY OF PRAYER: Experiencing God's Presence and Power"

Very recently, I had a conversation with a colleague about prayer. He shared how his family, despite the distance between them, comes together each week to pray online. It's inspiring to hear about families making time to pray, regardless of stress or distance. This commitment helps keep them connected.

Prayer is the key that initiates our transformation process in the Kingdom. When we pray, we awaken our divine nature, calling forth what the Lord has placed in us and what He has in store for us into reality. God designed prayer as a way for us to communicate with Him and experience His divine power.

Christianity is not meant to be lived through our own strength and power; it's through prayer that we commune with God, sharing our heart's desires and pleas. Often, people struggle with what to pray about, but prayer should not be seen as something difficult. God would never make the way He communicates with His children difficult.

Many people desire to grow spiritually but feel stuck when they find themselves repeating the same things over and over again. It's essential to understand that every believer experiences a season of dryness – those times when you may question if God is really hearing you or times when you feel you are not hearing God's voice. These moments are when we must learn to persevere and remain consistent in our prayers.

In the book of Luke, we see Jesus teaching his disciples the right way to pray and this should be our model:

In Luke 11:2-4 (KJV), Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray: "And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."

When we come to God, we must approach Him with reverence for His holy name. We must acknowledge His supremacy and power. First, we enter His presence to recognize that He is sufficient and can provide all we desire and ask for. Every child of God has a plan laid out for them by God. When we surrender our lives to Him, we align ourselves with His plan and make it work.

Prayer is a tool that brings change, divine guidance, and God's intervention in the affairs of man. The Bible says that the consistent and fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. Prayer is meant to be consistent. We do not give up; we do not get tired; we pray until we see Christ manifest on the earth.

It's time for you to wake up and pray. God is willing to teach us how to pray. God works through our hunger for Him, and when He sees our hunger to know Him, He responds by bringing His knowledge to us. God teaches us to know Him in a way that He knows we will understand.

The impact of prayer cannot be overemphasized. In prayer, we come into the knowledge of ourselves as God reveals it to us. God is eager to teach us how to pray, so we must wake up and tarry in the place of pray. Over time, prayer becomes more natural and impactful. Becoming proficiency in prayers takes time and commitment. It's a process. You must be willing to pray, remain still, listen to what God has to say, understand the signs, and pray again. 

So Awake and pray!

Stay Revived!

STEP INTO YOUR ABUNDANCE BY FAITH

Have you ever desired abundance during a season of harvest, only for it to seem like it’s not coming? I’ve experienced this a few times, and each time, I realized that blessings don’t always arrive in the way we expect. But this is the confidence I hold: when God says, "Whenever we call, He answers," it means that the answers we long for are already on their way.

I recall a testimony from a family friend who sowed a seed and expected a return. She believed, as she always did, that whenever she sows, she will reap financial blessings. However, during this particular season, while she was anticipating an inflow of finances, something unexpected occurred. Her husband was involved in a serious car accident, but by the grace of God, he emerged from it without a scratch. That was the undeniable hand of God at work.

At times, the abundance we desire may not come in the form we envision. It doesn’t mean that God hasn’t answered our prayers—it simply means the answer may take a shape we didn’t anticipate.

Many of us pray and fast for abundance, yet it sometimes feels delayed. As children of God, it is essential to rely on His promises. Unlike people, God is always faithful and never breaks His word. In Joel 2:15-20, the people fasted and prayed, and the priests cried out to the Lord, asking, "Spare your people, Lord... Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'"

There are times when we, too, find ourselves questioning God’s faithfulness. We wonder why it feels like He is taking too long to respond. Honestly, I have been there before, and I can relate to that feeling. But during these moments, God always provides His assurance as an anchor for our souls.

Friend, By faith it’s time for you to hold God by his word and step into the abundance that He has prepared for you. This abundance has your name on it. Never again will you experience loss of any kind for the Lord is here to restore the years, you've lost, and in plenty you shall live. 

In Joel 2:19, God’s promise stands: "The Lord replied to them, 'I am sending you grain, new wine, and olive oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations.'" (NIV). This promise is for those who truly love and honor Him.

Welcome to your season of abundance.

Stay Revived!

God's Word is an Asset

As I did my laundry yesterday, my mind wandered to my upcoming 28th birthday, just ten days away. I'm filled with emotions, but most of all, I'm grateful. I realized that I'm a work in progress, and the only assets I can truly boast of are God's words, which He has spoken to me over the past year.

 I'm grateful for the greatest asset: God's Word. The apostle's statement resonates with me: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14). The apostle's confidence wasn't rooted in worldly realities but in God, with whom he had constant communion and fellowship.

It's easy to feel dismayed when things don't add up, expectations are cut short, and hopes aren't met. Yet, our greatest joy is that we're being transformed by the One we come to daily.

Maybe you have everything figured out, or perhaps you're waiting for things to align. Here's our reality: we don't need physical assets to confirm our sufficiency. Our sufficiency comes from the One we call Lord. God's Word is the surest asset to navigate life.

I've experienced this firsthand. When asked about the absolute confidence I had in my future husband's faithfulness, I replied, "Because God is the One giving me a husband." God gives us guarantees and insurance. When we come to Him, we can taste and see that the Lord is good.

Do you feel lost lately?, then here is God's specialty - To seek you out and show you a way. 

Stay Revived!

By Guest Writer.

What do you see?

There’s been something on my heart for a while now, something I’ve been wanting to share. Lately, I’ve noticed a friend of mine always complaining about the setbacks she’s facing. These complaints seem to drain her energy, demoralizing her instead of encouraging her to keep moving forward. This made me reflect: What do you see?

This simple question should be personal to each of us. The truth is, we are often insufficient in ourselves, and our vision is limited to what we can physically perceive. However, when we align our hearts and minds with God’s will, we begin to see with clarity and purpose through His eyes. It’s only when we align with God that we truly see what He wants us to see.

I pray that we all receive the grace to always speak what we want to see, in Jesus' name.

In Jeremiah 1:11-12 (NIV), God asks Jeremiah, “What do you see?” Jeremiah replies, “I see the branch of an almond tree.” God responds, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

In this passage, God asks Jeremiah, “What do you see?” This question isn’t just about the physical realm but about seeing with the heart—understanding and perceiving through the lens of God’s Word. When we face the realities of life through God’s perspective, we begin to live more joyfully, with hope and purpose.

The question “What do you see?” isn’t just about what we see with our physical eyes. It’s about what we see in our hearts. When we align ourselves with God’s vision, we begin to see things as He does.

God has given us minds that can either help us thrive or hinder our progress. Out of our minds flow the issues of life, and this mind can only function well when we see things rightly—when we see them through God’s truth.

God has given us the ability to speak. As His children, we are meant to see and speak the things we desire, even in the face of difficulty. We must learn to see victory amid chaos. When there’s scarcity, we must see abundance. The Lord wants us to speak His truth into our circumstances.

God has great things He wants to do through us, but He can’t act until we see rightly. The Bible says, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” What you think, what you see, matters. God is deeply concerned about our vision because what we see will shape our reality—it’s up to you to stay dedicated to what God has spoken over your life.

What you see should not depend on your current circumstances. Instead, speak life into your future, even when things don’t make sense. Don’t wait for things to align perfectly before you speak them into existence. Speak with faith and confidence, and God will be committed to bringing those words to pass.

Even when setbacks come your way, speak positively. Don’t wait for circumstances to dictate your reality. Speak as though things are already the way God desires them to be. The more you speak in alignment with God’s Word, the more you will see your desires manifest.

Your desires can only be actualized when you speak them from where you are right now—no matter the present circumstances. From your current position, speak what you want to see come into reality.

Stay alert. You must be aware of what the Lord is doing in and out of season. Be specific about what you want to see, because if you stop seeing with God’s eyes, the enemy will start painting pictures of defeat and discouragement for you.

Train your spiritual eyes to see according to God’s Word, and don’t let distractions take your focus away from the vision He has given you. God’s promises are good, and His plans for you are filled with hope and a future.

Just like in the beginning, when God spoke the heavens and the earth into existence, He is still watching over His Word to ensure it comes to pass. God is eager to fulfill the plans He has for you. When you speak in alignment with His Word, He is committed to bringing those words into reality.

Change your thoughts and guard your heart diligently. God has given you the ability to choose what you think and see. What you focus on matters, and it shapes your life.

Friend, rise up and speak what you see to reality. God is eager to bring it to pass, and His Word will never return void.

So, what do you see? What do you desire?

As you align your heart with God’s vision and speak His promises over your life, you will begin to see your desires come to fruition. God has already given you everything you need to see victory, and He’s watching over His Word to make sure it is fulfilled.

Speak with faith. Speak with conviction. And know that God is committed to fulfilling the plans He has for you.

Stay revived!

Who is God to You?

After reading the Book of Ezekiel, I discovered that Ezekiel frequently referred to God as the Sovereign Lord. This revelation led me to notice the many other instances throughout Scripture where God's sovereignty is mentioned.

For example, in Ezekiel 45:9:
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You have gone far enough, princes of Israel..."

And in Amos 4:7:
“This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: The Sovereign LORD was calling for judgment by fire; it dried up the great deep and devoured the land.”

To be sovereign means to be in charge, to be the ruler. As I reflect on this, I've come to realize that often, when God is encountered in the Bible, people tend to name Him based on what He did or the circumstances in which He appeared. For instance, when Hagar called God the EL-Roi, she did so after feeling unseen and neglected in Abraham's household as a slave. After she ran away, the Lord spoke to her, asking her to return. In that moment, Hagar realized that she was not just a pawn in Sarah's plan, but that everything was part of God's greater purpose. She named God El-Roi, meaning "The God Who Sees Me."

This made me reflect on a question that I would like to share with you today: Who is God to you? What have you experienced that has led you to call Him by a particular name? For example, if you call God your help, how has He helped you in a way that makes you identify Him as your Helper? Or are you calling Him that simply because someone else does?

When we begin to meditate on the little ways the Lord works in our lives, we start to recognize His sovereignty. God deals with each of us uniquely in ways that cannot be compared to anyone else's experience. Some may see Him as their Helper, others as their Ever-Present Help, and still others as their Healer and Restorer.

So, who is God to you? What is it that you can't live without, the thing that sustains you and enables your survival? God is calling us to trust His sovereignty in our lives, so that we may experience Him personally and truly come to understand who He is.

Stay revived!

The World's Light

If I had the chance to choose the kind of life I wanted, I would opt for one with no battles to fight, just a smooth ride. There are moments when I look at the lives and celebrations of acquaintances and wonder, "What effort has this person put in to achieve this victory or beauty?" Not because I wish them ill or have bad intentions, but because I'm curious.

As I study the story of the blind man, I begin to wonder how he lived with his impairment and accepted it. What thoughts did he have about his disability? The fact that his disability was regarded as a reward for being born in sin by passersby and members of the synagogue is heartbreaking.

But here's what God says to us: "Situation is for my workings to be displayed." Just like Jesus declared, we also say that as long as we are in the world, we are the world's light (John 9:5). So, even if my situation remains challenging, I am committed to God that His light will be manifested through me.

The place where the enemy thinks we will let go of God is precisely the point where God wants to prevail. It's easy to trust God when everything is going well in our lives, but how do we feel when the miracle we've been praying for is achieved by someone who doesn't seem to be working as hard for God as we are?

Jesus says, "As long as I am in the world, I am the world's light." It doesn't matter what situation we find ourselves in; as long as Jesus can be seen through it, that's all that matters. We realize that every situation is an opportunity for God's workings to be displayed.

We don't cast blame, we don't focus on cause and effect, and we don't look at our hopes, which might be dwindling. Instead, we look at the light God is willing to shine in those moments. Jesus took the blind eyes of the man born blind and shone His light through him. And when He speaks of us shining our light, He does this shining in us and through us.

We choose Jesus and believe that We are the World's Light. 

Stay Revived!

Jesus at the Center.

Who is at the center of your life? Who runs your life? Who guides your path?

It's easy to say that God is our everything, but does He truly occupy the central place in our lives?

When I began to meditate on whether Christ is truly my everything, I reflected on how I had addressed and reacted to various issues, challenges, despair, fears, hopes, and dreams.

Having fears is natural, and feeling doubtful can seem easier, especially when faced with setbacks. However, Christ does one thing: He rolls our lives forward.

I've witnessed Him do this in my own life, rolling my life forward step by step, and filling me with hope and confidence.

Initially, I had desired a dramatic, rollercoaster-like movement, but He chose to work differently.

I often share a part of my story from 2024, which marked the beginning of my hope story. That year, I faced attacks on my mental health, finances, family, and job, and it seemed as though the crises kept piling up.

Doubts about God's goodness arose, my hope wavered, and anxiety intensified. Yet, amidst these battles, I found God, and I heard His voice.

God gave me a message of hope and a victory song. Although I have been a Christian for a long time, I recently made a conscious decision to make God the center of my life.

God desires to be the One revolving our lives. As the Psalmist said in Psalm 16:8, "I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

The Psalmist came to understand that when God runs our lives, stability is assured. His eyes were fixed on God, and God took the central place, plotting every angle of his life accurately.

A few weeks after crossing over into the new year, my sister shared with me, "I don't know why, but I have so much hope about 2025. God has told me that it will be the year of settlements."

That word has continued to resonate in my heart, and 2025 has felt like a gift package from God. This package is still being unveiled by Him.

So I ask you, beloved, will you make God the center of your life? God plots the best engineering graph, and imagine when He takes the compass of your life and creates beauty out of it.

Like David, we can say, "I have made God the center of my life," and with Him by our side, we will not be shaken.

Stay revived!

You Cannot Hide from God: A Lesson from Jonah

 As I studied the book of Jonah, a song my mom often sings came to mind. It goes, "You cannot hide from God, you cannot hide from wherever you go, whatever you do, you cannot hide from God. His eyes are fixed on you."

It's fascinating how, at times, we believe we can hide from God. This was exactly what Jonah thought when the Lord gave him a specific instruction. Jonah was told to deliver a warning to the people of Nineveh because of their wickedness. Instead of obeying, Jonah chose to flee. He boarded a ship bound for Tarshish, heading to the furthest place he could imagine, thinking that perhaps by running away, he could escape God's call. He even went to the lowest part of the ship, believing that God would either not notice or that He would change His mind and choose someone else for the task.

What Jonah failed to understand was that the sovereign God who saw the wickedness in Nineveh and called him to speak to them had the ability to see him wherever he hid. When God has a purpose for you, He will go to great lengths to ensure you fulfill it, even if it means removing you from your comfort zone. God can shift your circumstances and take you out of your circle of friends, all to place you in a position where you will be willing to listen to Him.

Jonah 1:2-3 (NIV)
"Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."
"But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord."

Are there instructions or tasks that the Lord has given you that you are running away from? Jonah tried to escape, but God pursued him. While Jonah was on the ship, God caused a violent storm that threatened to tear the ship apart. The crew, desperate for answers, cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. Even in his disobedience, Jonah knew the storm was because of him, yet he was still asleep, hoping the situation would resolve itself. He even suggested they throw him overboard to calm the storm, perhaps thinking that by surrendering to the sea, he could escape God's pursuit.

But Jonah didn't escape. Instead, God had already prepared a fish to swallow him, and he spent three days in the belly of the fish. Even in the depths of the sea, God saw Jonah. He heard Jonah's prayers, and God’s words remained consistent. When we run from God's calling, it's remarkable how He often reminds us of the last instruction we tried to avoid.

Have you ever felt like delaying or avoiding God's command, thinking He might change His mind or that maybe, just maybe, running away from the people who encourage you will allow you to live life your own way?

But remember, when we choose to live for Christ, we no longer live for ourselves. We are called to live the life of Christ, and God never gives an instruction that will burden or harm us. His plans are always for our good. He equips us with the strength we need to carry out His will.

If God has given you an instruction, trust that you are capable of fulfilling it. With Him, you can do all things.

Stay blessed!

Stay revived!

Nineveh: A Love Redefined.

Growing up as a teen in the choir, there was a song we always turned to when looking for a piece to sing during our Valentine’s Day programs. Whenever we couldn’t agree on a song, this one by Hezekiah Walker was our go-to. The lyrics, “Love is patient, caring. Love is kind. Love is felt most when it’s genuine,” always resonated with us. But despite the beauty of these words, Love has been abused, manipulated, and misused.

This song is a beautiful reminder of what love is meant to be. It teaches us that God's love is the foundation that allows us to love genuinely. You can’t truly say you love someone if you don’t know what love is. God is love. It's striking how, often, people who claim to be in love can’t stand each other after a breakup—that is a love that is not genuine.

God’s love is evident in the story of Jonah. When God gave Jonah the task of delivering a message to Nineveh, Jonah tried to escape, but he ended up in the belly of a fish. Even in his disobedience, God’s love was evident. For three days, God protected Jonah, ensuring he wasn’t harmed or digested by the fish. God was patient with him, even in his disobedience. Jonah 2:1 says, “In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead, I called for help, and You listened to my cry.” Jonah’s gratitude for God’s love and patience is clear, especially after God saved him from the fish’s belly.

When Jonah obeyed and took God’s message to Nineveh, the people believed, turned from their evil ways, and God, in His love, relented from the destruction He had planned. Jonah 3:10 tells us, “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened.”

But even after this, Jonah became angry. In Jonah 4:1-2, it says, “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, ‘I pray You, O Lord, was this not my saying when I was still in my country? Therefore, I fled before to Tarshish; for I knew that You are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and You relent from doing harm.’”

It’s often easy to believe that some people are unworthy of God’s love, based on their actions. But God, the Creator of all, shows no partiality. He sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous, the wealthy and the poor. This is the kind of love we should emulate—the love that is not conditional, that isn’t based on what we can gain from others.

As we celebrate the month of love, let’s not forget that God’s love is for the whole world. He loved everyone. Let us strive to spread the love He gives, shining His light to all people. This way, we redefine love—not as something dependent on what we can receive from others, but as something grounded in who we represent.

Stay revived!

The Fragments from Our Miracle.

While reading about Jesus feeding the five thousand, I pondered the relevance of this miracle in my life. I imagined the loaves and fragments, wondering how God could create a miracle from what I had.

 John 6:12 stood out: 

"When they had all had enough, He said to His disciples, Gather up now the fragments (the broken pieces that are left over), so that nothing may be lost and wasted".

Recently, I secured a job to meet my daily needs, a stepping stone I'd call "better than nothing." Yet, I found myself wondering, "How do I get to where I desire to be when I'm still nowhere?" I'd nursed dreams, but they seemed distant. Like the disciples, I thought, "How can I feed the crowd with just five barley loaves and two small fish?"

How do I achieve success when my current situation is blurry? 

How do I revive broken relationships or fit into a constantly changing world? But then I realized, the loaves were given to Jesus, the One who can multiply them until we're satisfied. Our "loaves" may differ, but we all have "crowds" to feed. By giving our limited resources to Jesus, we can trust Him to create a miracle.

We'll not only receive a miracle but also the fragments – the leftovers – will be a reminder of God's abundance. 

I am not where I desire to be, but I am trusting Jesus with my life; how about you?

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

The Miracle Is In His Presence.

 

"If I stick around the place of worship for long maybe someday my miracle might come", while reading the story of the crippled man who had sat by the pool for 38 years, the above lines dropped in my heart.

The Bible doesn't explicitly state whether the crippled man exercised faith, but his perseverance is undeniable. He consistently returned to the pool, believing that if he could just get in at the right time, he would be healed. His response to Jesus didn't indicate a strong show of faith, but rather a deep-seated conviction that getting into the pool was his only hope. He persisted for 38 years, never giving up.

Jesus asked him in the book of John

John 5:6 -7 (AMP)

When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well? [Are you really in earnest about getting well?]

7 The invalid answered, Sir, I have nobody when the water is moving to put me into the pool; but while I am trying to come [into it] myself, somebody else steps down ahead of me.

What strikes me about this story is the man's determination to stay by the pool, even when it seems like a futile effort. He didn't let his failures discourage him; instead, he adopted an "I'll try again next time" attitude. 

Just like this man, God wants us to build strength and capacity not to give in or give up. To stay in the place of his presence. The miracle might not have occurred, but staying in God's presence gives us a reassuring hope and strength that our miracle will occur. 

While expecting God to work my miracle, there are moments I just give up hope and just wonder if God could still work for my good, but you know cultivating a posture of his presence nudges me and reminds me of God's love and mercy. 

The testimony is not just his wholeness, but that he encountered Jesus while he waited, so just like this man even as we wait on the Lord for our miracle, may we encounter Jesus. 

As long as we keep staying in the presence of God our miracle is right there. 

Stay Revived!

By Guest Writer.

GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS.

Recently, the blog host made a profound revelation about what it means for the Lord to work in mysterious ways. When I was younger, the song "God Works in Mysterious Ways" was a common anthem during our devotion periods at school, home, and church. I never really took the time to think deeply about the meaning of this phrase, but God worked in my mind through this song.

The mystery of God is that He often does things we don't expect, anticipate, or think of. He simply does His work, and there are moments when we're amazed and moments when we're lost in deep thought. Working in God's plan and understanding His works each season is wonderful. However, there are moments when we seek His face, ask Him questions, and consecrate ourselves, but He still doesn't give us a clear answer.

How do you feel in those moments? For me, those are the most difficult moments, and I often wonder if I'm not doing my part with God correctly. Do you experience similar anxiety and thoughts?

This reminds me of the story of David after Bathsheba gave birth to their child. David sought God's face, asking for the child's healing, but God didn't respond. God didn't need to reply to confirm His forgiveness or love for David. Although God had already given His verdict concerning the child, His mercy, love, and presence remained with David, even if David didn't feel it at that moment.

After waiting on God for 21 days, I wondered why He didn't give me a specific word. Did I fast correctly? Did I seek His face enough? Was it just a futile exercise? The next day, after my 21-day fast, God instructed me to go on a 3-day fast. My initial thought was to dismiss the idea, but God works in mysterious ways. I began to watch my life take shape during these days. 

The bigger picture, which we often desire to see, is something that only God can see. God wants to unveil us to the world and to ourselves. We might hear what He's doing in most moments, and we might not in other moments, but the promise remains: "And nothing shall by any means harm you" (Luke 10:19). 

God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Stay revived!

By Guest Writer.

The Dangers of Rushing: Trusting God's Timing Over Our Own

 

Recently, I was having a conversation with my sister, and she asked me about why people often rush to achieve everything all at once, not fully trusting in the timing of life. She mentioned a guy who, feeling desperate for cash, couldn't wait any longer for the right opportunity. He decided to seek out someone who he believed could give him the wealth he desired, he got the wealth but died in a very short time. This situation got me thinking about how, at times, we are tempted to take shortcuts, believing that quick solutions will bring us happiness.

It's fascinating how, when we seek things outside of God's will, we fail to realize that anything the enemy offers is only a counterfeit of the original blessings God has in store for us. What the enemy gives is temporary, meant to satisfy only for a moment, while God's provision is eternal and abundant.

During this conversation, I was reminded of a classmate from some years ago. She was the first in our group to complete her degree, land a job at a radio station, get married, and have a child—all before the age of 27. Tragically, after a few months, she passed away. As I reflect on her life, I can't help but feel that she lived in a hurry, packing so many significant milestones into such a brief period. It was as though her life was compressed into a short line, rushing from one achievement to the next, without the opportunity for much rest or reflection.

This brings me to a broader point: There are times when we compare ourselves to others, thinking we need to reach certain milestones by a specific age or stage in life. But as the Bible clearly states, such comparisons are unwise.

2 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV) reminds us:
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

We are often tempted to look at others’ achievements and feel that we must measure up or follow a similar timeline. But when we measure our lives by someone else’s, we miss out on the unique journey that God has planned for us As the Regulator his timing is perfect, he directs our life to the place and how he wants when we surrender and His plans for us are filled with purpose, even if they don't always align with the timeline we envision.

Rather than rushing through life, let us learn to trust in God's timing and recognize that the things He has in store for us are far better than any quick fix the world can offer, you might not be there yet or get everything you want yet but He sees, he hears and is walking in the shadows to set things right in his time.

Stay revived!

The Ultimate Regulator

As the school regulator, I used to feel a sense of satisfaction whenever I rang the bell and watched as teachers changed classes and students prepared to welcome the next instructor. It gave me a sense of control, as I believed I was managing the flow of activities between teachers and students.

 At times, when a teacher who wasn’t particularly liked by my classmates walked into the classroom, I’d hear whispers like, “Isn’t it time yet? Please ring the bell and let this man go.” It’s funny to think back on, but it also makes me reflect on life in a deeper way.

Our entire existence is regulated by God. He is our life’s ultimate Regulator. A regulator is someone who controls, manages, or oversees a process, system, or event. As the Regulator, God sets the direction, timing, and purpose for everything that happens. He directs the course of events, guiding us in ways we may not always understand, but ultimately leading us toward His greater plan.

The important thing to recognize about God as our Regulator is that He requires our surrender for things to move steadily but not always smoothly. As the Regulator, He might decide to withhold certain things from us, even things we may desperately need at the time. But because it is not the right moment according to His plan, no matter how hard we try, we cannot force it to happen. It’s not that God doesn’t care—it’s just that based on his calendar its not yet time. He knows the right time for everything. What we are asking for may not align with His perfect timing.

When we try to align ourselves with God's plans, seeking to understand His timing, He gives us the ability to discern through the Holy Spirit what He is preparing for us. This allows us to sense the right moments for specific parts of His agenda in our lives.

Its the first Saturday of February and I'm sure we are hopeful about what the Lord has in store for us but never forget that the regulator sets things right in times and seasons.

Stay revived!