The Oscar Ajoku Blog: Daily Vitamin Devotional

DAILY VITAMIN - The Power Of Praise "And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." (2 Chro 20:22)       The Disciples knew the power of praise and worship; and this they learned from Jesus. Notice what Jesus did when He got to Lazarus' tomb; He gave glory to God, and the dead man came walking. When He got the five loaves, He gave glory to God for them, and it fed thousands. Praise is a great tool on the lips of those who know how to give it.       When we praise God, we create platforms to be raised. When we do it, we open up portals of abundant and supernatural happenings for ourselves in this mortal time. In prayer, we fight, but in praise we celebrate. When we praise God, we walk out of the battlefield to let God go in and win the victory on our behalfs. And just as the apostles made the best out of it then, we also can relish in its

DAILY VITAMIN - Developing Skill "...God presented David to his people as their shepherd and he cared for them with a true heart and skillful hands" (Psalm 78:71-72 TLB)       The scriptures say that God picked David from the sheepcote to lead His people. However, we always fail to recognize that the sheepcote was intended to be a training ground for David - a place to hone and develop his skills for leadership. Just like Moses, as he learned to effectively lead sheep, he also had gained capacity in one level to lead mankind. David might have had a calling for leadership - a potential for it, but until he built capacity for it, it couldn't come to be. The opportunities in events God placed before him was to prepare him in anticipation of what was to come. And that is exactly what He’s doing with you too.       Let me tell you this: There are two things we can learn from this narrative as imposed upon us by that scripture; (1) Having a great call is completely diff

DAILY VITAMIN - Impossible Is Nothing "Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh, is there anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)        A popular brand's slogan reads "Impossible is Nothing". Well, if God were to have one too, that would be it; and He proved it far too many times in scripture, but today we'd look at how He did to Jeremiah firsthand. Let's do a quick recap:       For years God had been telling the prophet that Jerusalem would be captured and destroyed, and this had landed him in the palace's cell. However, in what seemed like a month before the great fall of Jerusalem, God informed him of a great property in the city He wanted him to acquire. But with such fate awaiting the city, the acquisition of such property would be a disastrous enterprise, at least so thought Jeremiah. And so he took this brilliant argument to God. And then in the serenity of that scenery, God would utter those words in our theme scripture.      

DAILY VITAMIN  - Loving The Lord, Loving His Church  "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind...And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matt 22:37-39)      Have you ever wondered why the scriptures never tells us to fear the Lord with all our hearts and mind, but rather to love? Well, it's because love is a greater force than fear. Fear brings torment, and God doesn't desire us to be tormented in His presence, but to be liberated. Fear may compel obedience once in a while, but only love can bring delightsome obedience.       In other words, God wants us to obey Him not because if we don't we'll perish, but because we now love Him. Because He understands that there can never be true fellowship where fear exists, He calls for us to embrace love.      Now, what does it mean to love God? This is simply to put Him first. To be yielded to H

DAILY VITAMIN - The Power Of The Word (2) "And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power" (Luke 4:32)       Romans 5:10 tells us that if God was good to us while we were sinners and ignorant, how much more will He be to us now that we are saved? The scriptures affirm this by saying that no eyes have seen nor any ear heard what God has prepared for such as loved Him enough to believe and obey Him (1 Cor 2:9). However, this He reveals to us, and bring into delivery, via the Spirit of His Word. The Word of God is full of power. All things were made and sustained by and through it; and in it is contained all of God's plans and purposes for us. And again we'd be looking at these two other phenomenal things it does in our lives: (1) It reveals our status in Christ: Activity is strengthened by identity. Whatever we do has its greatest effect only as soon as we know who we are. And just as it showed Christ as was written of Him, it shows us as

DAILY VITAMIN - The Power Of The Word (1) "For the Word of God is quick and powerful...." (Hebrew 4:12)      In God's Word is sufficient power to turn any situation around. Even the Bible says that through it Jesus casted out devils, overcame adversity and healed all sort of illnesses (Matt 8:16). So, it is limitless in its capacity to influence circumstances. Little wonder why half the scripture is full of God's admonition to indulge ourselves in knowing and keeping the Word- the very Word of life that transforms as many as see it, hear it and handle it; and in this part of this series, we'd look at some diverse ways in which the Word can positively affect us to the glory of God: 1. It brings Understanding: David said "I have more understanding than all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my meditation" (Psalm 119:99 RSV). And how could he say such a thing when even the scripture says that the student can never be greater than the master? Well,

DAILY VITAMIN - Go Beyond Legalism "This Good News tells us that God makes us ready for heaven—makes us right in God’s sight—when we put our faith and trust in Christ to save us. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scripture says it, “The man who finds life will find it through trusting God.” (Romans 1:17 TLB)      We are saved primarily because we trust Christ to save us- and through this trust established a union that helps us become more like Him, and not because we keep laws. But many think otherwise. Galatians 3 tells us that the Ten Commandments were given to Moses only to guide a man away from his frailties until the better way for a permanent transformation came; and that way is fulfilled through faith in Christ (v.19-22).      Remember, He said His grace saved us in believing, and not our own efforts (Eph 2:8), and that all such laws and our pietous observance of them truly brought was a sense of pride and self-righteousness (Col 2:21-23). I

DAILY VITAMIN - Access Has Been Given "Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]." (Hebrew 4:16 AMP)       In the Old Testament, no man except consecrated priests could approach God's holy place and live; thus we see the tragedy of Uzzah. Even his good intentions couldn't help him because access was denied. But in Christ, everything is different. It's been granted.      In prophecy of the days of God's redemption of His people, Jeremiah said "They will have their own ruler again. He will not be a foreigner. And I will invite him to be a priest at my altars, and he shall approach me, for who would dare to come unless invited. And you shall be my people, and I will be your God" (30:21-22

DAILY VITAMIN - Restored (2) "Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He restores my failing health. He helps me do what honours him the most" (Psalm 23:1-3 TLB)      What David wrote about in our theme scripture was exactly what Israel experienced as they came out of Egypt. First, they never had a lack even in the wilderness. He provided food, sustained their clothing, and granted them solace. Also, He caused the raging Red Sea to be stilled so that they could cross through; and let them see their oppressors perish before their eyes.      They might have cried, but it was simply the tears of joy. The greatness of this awesome deed was so intense that laughter alone couldn't do. In short, God restored their hopes, their peace and their all-round well-being on that day; and He promises the same reality to all who abide in Him - including you. Praise God!       In Jeremiah

DAILY VITAMIN - Restored (1) "When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream" (Psalm 126:1 RSV)     This is your day of salvation, the acceptable time God has chosen to compensate you for all your troubles (2 Cor 6:2). You simply have to believe it to experience it. You have to see it within your spirit as your only reality; for it is the truth of God's word concerning you.     It may not look like it now, or even like something that can happen suddenly, but don't be surprised because when God really acts on our behalf, it always comes forth as too wonderful to be true as seen in our theme scripture.     In Jeremiah 30:16-19, God says "But in that coming day, all who are destroying you shall be destroyed, and all your enemies shall be slaves. Those who rob you shall be robbed; and those attacking you shall be attacked.  I will give you back your health again and heal your wounds. Now you are called “The Outcast” and “Jerusalem,

DAILY VITAMIN - No Lack, No Loss "And he said to them, 'When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?' They said, 'Nothing." (Luke 22:35 RSV)     When God gives His word, He keeps it. And what has He said? He said He will pay back in full everything we seemed to have lost having obeyed Him (Mark 10:29-30). He says He will be our providence even in the dryness. He said the strong may lack what they need, but not His people (Psalm 34:10).     Just like the disciples in the opening scripture, perhaps you think you have lost more since you decided to serve the Lord. Maybe it appears as though what He has said isn't in anyway in congruence with what you are experiencing, and you are thinking of giving up, to you He says You haven't and won't lose. Remember, He already assured us that everything we do to His glory comes with a reward (1 Corinthians 15:58). So, you best believe Him.     Nothing lost is really lost with G

DAILY VITAMIN - An Outlet For Signs And Wonders "And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well." (Mark 16:17-18 AMP)     Scriptures had foretold that we are made for signs and wonders; and Jesus by His redemptive sacrifice established it. Now we can do all He did, and live as He lived. In our theme verse, we see Jesus' promise of dominion to each of us who have received Him. He says we will put demons to flight, and heal sicknesses with ease. This He says is the heritage of the Christian fellow.      In Malta, Paul had lodged at the home of Publius the Governor; however he didn't just go there for vacation, he went there for his natural responsibility as an ambassador of Christ. The Bible says for three days, after healing

DAILY VITAMIN - Untouchable "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17)      Over there at Malta, on a very rainy and cold night, Paul had set out to fetch wood to make a fire to keep warm. But in doing so, a viper stuck on to him. As the people waited, expecting him to go into a fit and die, Paul surprisingly simply shook off the snake and got on with what he was doing. Minutes passed, and he seemed stronger with each passing one.     "Yes, we saw him shake off the viper, but what about its venom?" seemed to be the thought that crossed the mind of the entire populace that witnessed it. It was so unusual that they assumed he was a god. Well, were they lying? Of course not; scripture says "Ye are gods and children of the Most High [God]" (Psalm 82:6

DAILY VITAMIN - Pray For The Nation "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper." (Psalm 122:6 TLB)    When the scriptures tell us to pray for our Jerusalem, it's beyond just our homeland; it is where we reside. Where a man stays is his refuge- be it a strange land or on familiar ground. However, we are told to pray for our place of residence because its peace can influence ours as well.    Even though it is not about where we stay but the God who keeps us, God counts it wise to have us stand as watchmen for our various cities of residence. He has called us to stand in gap in prayer and good deeds for the betterment of our present abode.     For instance, when the people of Judah were being exiled to Babylon, He told them to "pray for her, for if Babylon has peace, so will you" (Jeremiah 29:7 TLB). He then went ahead to tell them that it is the greatest way to return back to their homeland with much prosperity (v.10-14). Remembe

DAILY VITAMIN - You've Already Won In Christ "He died for our sins just as God our Father planned, and rescued us from this evil world in which we live." (Galatians 1:4 TLB)     Hope you got that? You have been rescued from the evil conditions of this world already, not waiting to be rescued. That is past tense; it is a done deal. Hallelujah! This means that there's nothing you're passing through now that God hasn't given you the victory over already. Your procession into Christ secured that (1 John 5:5 TLB). What you have to do is get conscious of this understanding and reality affirmed by the Word and live like it every day of your life.     He said that the birds neither sow nor reap yet they have no lack, and He says He has and will do much more for you and I (Matt 6:26-32). So believe God; you don't have a problem. At least you don't have a problem that God hasn't solved already in Christ. The scriptures say that He took upon Himself all

DAILY VITAMIN - Christ In You "...Christ is not weak in his dealings with you, but is a mighty power within you." (2 Corinthians 13:3 TLB)     You are not helpless. In fact, you have all you could ever need within you to be all God says you are. Christ in you is indeed your hope of attaining such glory (Colossians 1:27). Because of His presence actively dwelling in us, there is nothing we can't do. The Scripture says we can do all things -with zero impossibility- through the strength Christ gives us (Phil 4:13).     The Spirit of Christ empowers us to live in the glorious liberty of sons. That is, now we can live as He lives. And how did Jesus live? First, we know He lived loving mankind even when all they gave Him was abhorrence. We know He lived in dominion above all situations. That is, devils trembled before Him, fear ceased around Him, and lack fled as soon as He alighted. Indeed, His was the express image of life full of victory, righteousness and dominion.

DAILY VITAMIN - God Will Remember You "For if my father and mother should abandon me, you would welcome and comfort me" (Psalm 27:10 TLB)     God never forgets His own- not even for a bit. It might seem slow, but God always remembers and rewards our works and labours of love. The scripture gives us a wonderful example in Mephiboseth to support these claims.      We are already well acquainted with how he found favour with David, thereby leading him from Lodebar to the palace; from a burden to a prince; but there's a greater episode of God's grace upon his life we don't talk about often.       After Absalom usurped the throne, and David escaped with his entire household to ensure their safety, Mephiboseth was abandoned by his own manager Ziba. First of all, Ziba had left him in Jerusalem even though he knew his heart was with David, seeing he was unable to walk; possibly hoping Absalom would slay him. Second, the same Ziba went ahead to find David in order

DAILY VITAMIN - The Proof Of Your Faith "Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did" (1 John 2:6 TLB)      Christianity isn't just a way of life, it is the way that brings forth the God kind of life through you on the earth. So in essence, there are ways to validate if you're truly living as a Christian should. There are virtues that reflect this truth. The Word of God should be our mirror, and Christ our goal. Being a Christian is beyond just believing in Christ, it is about having His life revealed in and through us. And whether we like it or not, this is important.      Before we got saved, God judged us by our faith (John 1:12), but now He does by our works (Rev 22:12). That is, not just our identity, but the application of this identity in everyday life. John 14:15 says if we really love Him, we must keep His words. Our faith in Christ must be proven by the works we perform in accordance to the Word (James 2:17). He says these works shall

DAILY VITAMIN  - Living According To Our Kingdom Culture  "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]." (Romans 12:2 AMP).      One very exciting portion that gets me every time I study the scripture is Felix's thoughts as recorded by Luke in Acts 24. The scripture says "Felix, who knew Christians didn't go around starting riots..." (v.22 TLB). It may not have meant much to you before now, but isn't that amazing? And thank God more for those models of the faith who gave Christ a good representation before Felix and all the peoples. We need more of them nowadays; and guess what? It's what He

DAILY VITAMIN - Overcoming The Grand Evil Scheme "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (John 16:33 AMP)       The enemy will always keep fighting, but that doesn't mean he will ever overcome you - that is unless you let him. John 10:10 says his role in this world is simply to kill, steal and destroy. That is his evil scheme against all inhabitants of the earth; and with great wrath knowing he has only a little while he doesn't waste any second (Rev 12:12). He moves to and fro, up and down, looking for someone to destroy (1 Peter 5:8).        However, in that same book of John 10, we are told that we always have an option of life and victory. Even our theme script