Text: Revelation 12:11 (KJV)

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Friends, congratulations as we end the month with thanksgiving and put a seal by the power in the blood of Jesus. Hence, the blood of Jesus represents the price Christ paid for our redemption and deliverance. So, through His blood, we receive forgiveness, cleansing, reconciliation with God, and victory over the power of sin and darkness. Sometimes, people allow guilt and past mistakes to convince them that they are too far from God. But the blood of Jesus speaks of God's mercy and redemption. 1 John 1:7 says, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” The blood of Jesus reminds us that our past does not have to determine our future. We can walk into freedom, and a restored relationship with God. Exodus 12:13 - And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Amazingly, during the Passover in Egypt, the Israelites were instructed to place the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. When the destroying angel passed through Egypt, the houses marked with blood were protected. This points us to the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood brings redemption. Hebrews 9:22 reminds us, “without shedding of blood is no remission. Also, Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Therefore, don't allow condemnation to keep you away from God. Let’s come boldly to Him through Christ, knowing that Jesus paid the price for your redemption no matter your current situation in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:

Father, thank You for the precious blood of Jesus that cleanse, redeems, and gives me victory. Help me to walk continually in the freedom Christ has purchased for me in Jesus’ name.

Action Quote: Friends, never underestimate the power of the blood of Jesus because what sin damaged, His blood can redeem.

Text: Mark 10:18 (KJV)

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

Friends, in this encounter with the rich young ruler, Jesus points our attention to the goodness of God. The man came to Jesus with an important question about eternal life and addressed Him as “Good Master.” Jesus directed his attention to the One who is truly good which is our God. Remember, God is not simply the giver of good things but He is the greatest good in our lives. . Psalm 73:25 says, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” We can become so focused on what we want from God that we forget to value God Himself. Unfortunately, we celebrate the blessing, the answered prayer, and the promotion, but what happens when the blessing is delayed? Can we still say, “God is good”? When God is the good in your life, your life will no longer be based on circumstances. Thanksgiving becomes easy. You can praise Him when the answer comes and still trust Him when you are waiting.  So, your confidence should not be built only on what God does for you but on who God is. So, let’s discover that God's presence is greater than any possession. Habakkuk 3:17–18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines... Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

Interestingly, when God becomes your greatest treasure, you will not allow temporary things to determine your joy, or identity. Remember, good things can change. People can change. Opportunities can come and go but God's goodness remains. Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the LORD is good.” His goodness is not merely something we talk about; it is something we experience as we walk with Him. Therefore, do not measure God's goodness only by what is happening around you. Even when you are waiting, God is still good. Even when you do not understand, God is still good. His character has not changed. So, let God Himself be your greatest confidence, and your treasure as you remain grateful today while waiting in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:

Father, help us to recognize that You are the greatest good in our lives and teach us not to love Your blessings more than we love Your person in Jesus name..

Action Quote: Friends, don't let what you have determine whether God is good but let who God is determine how you live, trust, and praise.

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

Friends, if I may ask, who are you and what can people see in you from a far? For instance, the fig tree looked healthy from a distance because it had plenty of leaves. But when Jesus came closer, He found no fruit. This gives us an important spiritual lesson that God is not only interested in what our lives look like; He is interested in the fruit our lives produce. John 15:5 - “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. Hence, what kind of fruit is my life producing for God and for the people around me? There is an expectation of fruits to bear in every life and every situation. Therefore, we should not disappoint our maker. Psalm 1:3 - The righteous person is like a tree planted by streams of water, “that bringeth forth his fruit in his season 

Interestingly, it is possible to look like we are doing well outwardly while lacking the fruit God desires inwardly. Our faith should produce love, kindness, patience, forgiveness, obedience, humility, and a life that points others to Christ. According to Galatians 5:22–23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Today, don't only ask, “How do I look?” Ask, “What fruit is my life producing?” what is my impact and my influence? God has given each of us opportunities, gifts, time, and relationships, so maximize them. Let them produce something that brings glory to Him.  Remember, a life full of leaves may look impressive, but a fruitful life makes an impact, daily. I pray we shall bear fruit that will abide in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:

Lord, help me to bear fruit that brings glorify to God as you remove everything that makes my life look fruitful without actually producing godly results in Jesus' name.

Action Quote: Remember, God is not looking for a life that only looks fruitful but He is looking for a life that truly bears fruit.

Text: Mark 10:50 (KJV)

And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

Friends, when Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was calling him, he did something significant in that he cast away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. The garment was connected to the life he had been living as a blind beggar. It represented the place where he had been sitting, the identity people knew him by, and perhaps the security he had become accustomed to. When Jesus called him, Bartimaeus was willing to leave it behind. Hence, casting away the garment does not mean forgetting your past. It means refusing to allow your past to control your future. That is a powerful picture of surrendering to Jesus. Philippians 3:13 says, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”

Amazingly, God calls us into a new season, but we are still holding on to the things connected to our old season. We want something new from God, but we are unwilling to release the old nature of bitterness and negative habits, or labels that keep us tied to where we used to be. Isaiah 43:18–19 says, “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.” So, Bartimaeus understood that he could not remain where he was and respond fully to the call of Jesus. His garment had served a purpose in his former situation, but he did not allow it to become a permanent attachment. Yes, there are things that may have helped you survive one season that God may now be asking you to release so you can move forward. It is time to cast away the weight that will not allow you walk into your new. I encourage you to willingly stop allowing yesterday garment to define your today, in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:

Father, give me the grace to cast away every garment that is keeping me from moving forward with You. Help me release every limitation from my past as I respond to Your call in Jesus' name.

Action Quote: Friends, when Jesus calls you into a new season, don't carry the garment of your old season but cast it away, rise, and follow Him.

Text: Mark 10:49 (KJV)

And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

Friends, Bartimaeus was sitting by the highway, begging, when he heard that Jesus was passing by. He cried out, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” Though many told him to be quiet, he cried out even more. His persistent cry caught Jesus’ attention, and Jesus called for him.  The same Jesus who heard his cry was now calling him closer. Ephesians 5:14 - Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  Bartimaeus had been sitting, but when Jesus called, he got up. Mark 10:50 says, “And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” He did not remain where he was. He rose and moved toward Jesus. Sometimes, fear, delay, rejection, or people’s opinions can keep us sitting in the same place. Note that the crowd did not have the final word concerning Bartimaeus. The people who told him to be quiet eventually told him, “Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.” Never allow people’s opinions to become louder than God’s call upon your life.

Therefore, be courageous when Jesus calls you, get up! Get up from discouragement. Get up from the mindset that nothing can change. Get up and come closer to Jesus. Hence, trust the One who is calling you. Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.” Your prayer may seem delayed, but don’t give up. Keep calling on Jesus and remain ready to respond as we take step also when He calls today in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:

Father, help me to recognize Your call and give me the courage to rise, leaving behind whatever is holding me back, as I pursue a closer walk with Jesus and step into a new level with Him today, in Jesus’ name.

Action Quote: Friends, when Jesus calls you, don't remain where you are but get up, leave the past behind, and move toward the One who is calling you.

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; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

Friends, Jesus used the picture of a mountain to teach us about confronting impossible situations with faith. It is not time to be afraid of the mountain of opposition before you but it is ideal to speak the mind of God concerning that situation. There are moments when we spend so much time talking about our problems that we forget to speak God's promises over them. You can say let there be light in that dark moment. So, those challenges before you should be addressed as we declare them removed and be cast out. Hence, you can reflect by asking yourself, what mountain do I need to bring before God today? Job 22:28 - Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways

Amazingly, speaking to your mountain does not mean using words as a magical formula. It means bringing your situation before God in faith and aligning your words with His truth.  Zechariah 4:7 - Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Therefore, instead of saying, “I can never overcome this,” remind yourself, “God is with me, and I will trust Him through this.” Remember, your words should not be controlled by fear when your heart is anchored in God's promises. I pray His words shall flow from our fountain today in Jesus name.

Prayer Points:

Lord, teach me to decree and declare words of faith, hope, and truth instead of words controlled by fear when I face challenges in Jesus name.

Action Quote: Friends, don’t let your mountain become louder than your faith; speak words of faith and let your faith become louder than the mountain.

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; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

Friends, doubt can make us focus more on what might go wrong than on God's faithfulness. Doubt simply means being unsure or lacking confidence that something is true, possible, or will happen. So, in simple words, doubt is “I’m not sure this will happen. Yes, sometimes doubt comes from disappointment in the past experiences and in another situation, it comes from waiting too long. Hence, it could happen as a result of simply not understanding what God is actually doing at the moment because they are unclear. But we must also learn that we do not have to have every answer clearly spelt out before we can trust God. But the question is What doubt do you need to surrender to God today?  2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Interestingly, we should learn to let go of the doubt that keeps telling us that God cannot help us or that God has abandoned us. Also, let go of the fear that says your situation is hopeless and there is no way out. It is time to erase the limiting thoughts. Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Instead, choose to place your confidence in God's character and His Word. Remember, faith does not mean you understand everything. Faith means you continue trusting God while you are still waiting for understanding. I pray we shall live in faith and not doubt, today in Jesus name.

Prayer Point:

Father, help me to release every doubt and fear that is fighting against my faith as you teach me to trust You completely and patiently in Jesus name Amen.

Action Quote: Friends, release the doubt, hold on to faith, and keep trusting God.