The Oscar Ajoku Blog: Daily Vitamin Devotional

  DAILY VITAMIN  - There's No Negotiation "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." (Philippians 2:10) Read those words carefully again; it is not a negotiation. It's not something we have a sit-down to discuss the terms. The scripture says at the mention of the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow; it didn't say some; it didn't say in given circumstances. He said all shall bow in all circumstances.  With this in mind, you can now understand that if ever you come across any form of demonic oppression, and it appears as though nothing happens when you use the Name, it is not because the devil is stronger, and it's also not because the Name isn't effective, it's because of you. And this results from one of two things: either we acted in fear and not faith, as the disciples before the lunatic child that wouldn't be healed until Jesus came and rebuked the demon Himself, o

  DAILY VITAMIN - Arise ! "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:1-2) Everyone loves that verse, but ironically not everyone lives it. We have to understand that it isn't an expectation, it is our reality; our responsibility; it is what God expects of us today. Let's see it from the Amplified Version. It says "Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you... rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!"  Two things we learn from there are that (1)  God is not planning on lighting you up, He already illuminated you . You're not like some Christmas tree that gets lit during a certain period of time, you are constantly lighte

  DAILY VITAMIN  - Righteousness Is By Faith "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17) Our theme scripture tells us that the Word of God reveals that the righteousness of God is by faith. The entire scriptures prove that to be true. We never merited it, it was imparted to us in Christ (Romans 3:22). But one may argue, then how come Abraham was called righteous?  Abraham was declared righteous not because of his deeds, but because of his faith- because he believed (Romans 4:3). Yet even at that he wasn't referred to as a son of God, neither was any other patriach after Adam, as we are today; because his righteousness was simply symbolic as to how righteousness shall be attained only by faith.  But we through Christ are not only declared righteous but also children of God. And this is possible because if it took the first Adam to make us sinners, it would take only the "second A

DAILY VITAMIN  - It Is Because Of Christ In You "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) David opened one of his Psalms saying that it is not unto us, but unto thy name O Lord (115:1), and I concur. It is not in us to please God, it is only in Him to help us please Him. Scripture says it is not by might nor by power to do anything at all, but by His Spirit.... by His grace (Zechariah 4:6-7). And that's the secret of Christ in you. That's the mystery - Christ working in and through you to do of His goodwill.  Romans 1:5 tells us that it's all about the Son of God "by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name". So, it is He who helps us walk as is expected of us; and thus the more we release and submit ourselves to Him, the more we walk as He pleases. Philippians 2:13 says it is

  DAILY VITAMIN  - His Mercy Is Upon You "And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation." (Luke 1:50) The Songwriter said " Great is Thy mercy towards me "; but while a lot of people couldn't understand her temerity in uttering that statement since it wasn't a plea but a plain declaration, Mary tells us why. She said "And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation"; revealing that mercy isn't something the Christian prays for, but something (s)he simply and naturally obtains by virtue of what Christ has attained on his/her behalf.  In Hebrews 4, we are told that we have a High Priest in Christ who understands all we are going through and has prepared for it; and so now we can go boldly to the throne of grace, "that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (v. 16). The word "obtain" is only applicable when what is to be received one way or the other has been mad

  DAILY VITAMIN  - The Gift Is For All "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues" (Mark 16:17) In Christ, everyone can be used. Whether it is to heal or to exhort, anybody can be used by Him. The criteria isn't the positions we attained in the Church system, but our faith. The theme verse says it is to ALL them that believe. ALL shall be able to cast out devils in the Name of Jesus, and ALL shall speak in heavenly language since they shall all have received the Holy Spirit.  With those words of Christ in mind, we know that there's no monopoly in Christianity. Everyone is a recipient of this glorious package. The scripture says it is to you, your children, and all who shall believe (Acts 2:39). So, don't let anyone tell you that only a selected few can learn to know God or demonstrate His power; everyone can partake of it. This is a salient point; the gift is for all. Please understa

  DAILY VITAMIN - We Stand Strong Together   "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not anyone to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) Nothing holds the fort better than a United front. Unity makes us stronger; whether as a family, a church, an organization, or what have you. Unity keeps us firm. Little wonder Jesus' prayer for the Church was for oneness amongst us all (John 17:21). And soon enough we understood why.  The scripture says they were all of "one heart and of one soul" (Acts 4:32); and as a result no one lacked anything. They hid each other's weaknesses and augmented their strengths as well. But more importantly as a product of

  DAILY VITAMIN  - Set Your Heart On Eternity "Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting." (2 Corinthians 4:18 AMP)  Jesus tells us that it is unwise to live our lives as though it ended here. He said no sort of such is worth it if it leads to the loss of our souls in hell (Matt 16:26), because nothing matches a soul Jesus died to random in value.  You see, consider this: If it would take you a day to get to a place where you would spend the next decade, which would be important to you - what you would need for the day trip, or what you would need for the 10-year stay?  But ironically, many live only for the day's trip. Understand that our life doesn't end here. This earth is just the beginning. These frail bodies of our may die, but spirits are eternal; and so we never truly die down her

  DAILY VITAMIN  - You Have Been Sanctified "...but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God". (1 Corinthians 6:11) It is imperative as Christians to know that, even though we are obliged to walk in the Spirit of sanctification, it is not in our power to work out sanctification because we have already been sanctified by the Spirit of Christ in His Name.  With this understanding, it all makes sense. You see,  it would be impossible to clean what has already been cleaned. That's what sanctification means; being cleaned, without a past or a before, only a now in Christ. But it is possible to live in the newness of that identity, and that's what God expects of us.  And how do we do this? Scripture says those who turn to God receive forgiveness and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith (Acts 26:18). So there we see that the believers are already sanctified; however in Acts 20:32

  DAILY VITAMIN  - Why Should It Be Thought Incredible?  "Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?" (Acts 26:8 AMP)  When Paul spoke those words to Agrippa, he was actually assenting to Christ's words in Matthew 19:26. Jesus said that many things are impossible with men, but all things are possible with God. He left no room for doubt, and placed no limits to what God can do. In short, God has no limitations.  This same Paul wrote to the church that He is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20). Agrippa couldn't quite comprehend the certainty of this truth, but it doesn't take anything from it. God can do anything.  In our theme scripture, Paul asserts that even the greatest of miracles - a resurrection - is nothing but child's play to God; because He is unlimited in power and grace to do all things. With this in mind, tell me then you who ha

  DAILY VITAMIN  - Power Over Plagues "There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent." (Psalm 91:10 AMP)  The Revelations spoke of a God 'who has power over these plagues' (Rev 16:9). It doesn't matter the kind; and that God is our God. Our theme scripture says because of Him "shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling". And we can trust those words, because he who wrote them had a first hand experience of its authenticity.  First, we see Moses in the book of Exodus reverse every plague that befell Egypt in the name of the Lord; proving to us the sovereignty of God and His supremacy over all things.  But second, and more importantly, we see how he declared the habitation of the people of God-Goshen-a plague free zone, and it was so. Plagues surrounded Egypt, but none neared Goshen, because the Lord has power over all plagues, and those who abide in His presence are safe from them.  Little w

  DAILY VITAMIN  - There's Always Something To Be Thankful For  "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18 TLB)  Yes! There's always something to be thankful for. In the midst of the darkness, there's always light. You might not see it, or might have to look deeper and farther, but it's always there; that's why God expects thanksgiving in all situations.  You see, things might not have panned out how you'd hoped they would, but even at that, there's still something worth giving thanks for in your life. For instance, you may not be where you want to be, but you're also not where you use to be. You are in motion.  When I think about all the things I assumed I wanted but never got, there's always this urge to feel disappointed or discouraged, but then I remember all the things I had and those things I never thought I needed but got. They might not seem like

  DAILY VITAMIN  - God's Word Works All The Time "As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30 AMP)  In our theme verse, David affirmed that God's way never fails. When He tells us to follow certain paths and patterns in life, it is because they will inevitably bring us to a future He has designed for us; and we can count on Him. He continues, saying, that this is because His Word is tried and tested, and never disappoints those who trust Him for it. I can tell that that could be you and I today; because it was David in his day, and he testified afterwards that by it God made his feet swift and strong and brought him into a high and wealthy place (Psalm 18:19, 33). Even Habakkuk had the same testimony. He said that though things did not work out as he had planned, but he kept rejoicing at God's Word and God eventually brought him into a high place (3:

  DAILY VITAMIN  - God Expects Us To Bear Fruit "Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit." (John 15:2 AMP)  Our theme scripture tells us that God demands fruits from us. These are the results of your Christian walk that draw others towards Him. Like a light that guides others in the dark. And verse 16 of that same scripture tells us that is why He selected and sent us. He said whoever doesn't bear fruit shall be purged out; and he that does shall be pruned for more. That is to tell you that regardless of circumstance God expects us to bear fruit.  Let me explain better. In Mark 11, the Bible says Jesus was passing through Bethany; and while on the way found a fig tree. He expected to find fruit on it but found none since it wasn't the season of figs yet, but still He curse

  DAILY VITAMIN  - Why God Wants You To Prosper  "Say it again: The Lord of Hosts declares that the cities of Israel will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Jerusalem and bless her and live in her." (Zechariah 1:17 TLB)  The scripture says that "God will return to Jerusalem with mercies.... and thy cities through prosperity shall spread forth; for He shall yet comfort Zion, and He shall yet choose Jerusalem" (Zechariah 1:16-17). How wonderful! More than anything, God wants His people to prosper. We are told that He rejoices at this (Psalm 35:27); and in the New Testament speaking through John said "I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper, and be in good health, even as thy soul prospers" (3 John 2). So it isn't a myth; God does want you to prosper - be it in health, in your career, in your relationships, in your finances, or otherwise. For instance, He says you would lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10); what does that

  DAILY VITAMIN  - Manifesting The Word "But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God's law for free men,  he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does." (James 1:25 TLB)  God's Word always go with proofs. The scripture says it must have accomplished all that it was set to do (Isaiah 55:11). And God expects our lives to be tailored in the Word. That doesn't just mean living by it, but also living in it.  Let me explain.  He wants our daily experiences to be on the realities of the Word. That's how Jesus lived, and so lived above the limitations that easily sunk many. And how does He expect us to achieve this? On numerous occasions in scripture, the Word [commandment, judgment, statutes] of God is pronounced to work in this manner: "which if a man do, he shall live in them". And what that means is simple. It simply depicts that if we live by what the Word says, our lives will turn out

 DAILY VITAMIN  - Be God Confident   "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him..." (2 Chronicles 16:9 AMP)  The scripture says that "Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee" (Nehemiah 9:6). What we can learn from that is that God doesn't just make things, He preserves them as well. He is always in charge and on top of every situation.  You see, unlike men who create disasters and then find it difficult to control it when it goes ballistic, God can never be caught unaware or clueless at any time. He is always at the top of His game all the time. There is nothing too difficult for Him, and what He can't do doesn't exist.  And why is this good news

 DAILY VITAMIN  - Victory Through Christ   "For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you.  He is a mighty Savior. He will give you victory. He will rejoice over you in great gladness; he will love you and not accuse you". Is that a joyous choir I hear? No, it is the Lord himself exulting over you in happy song: "I have gathered your wounded and taken away your reproach" (Zephaniah 3:17-18 TLB)  The scripture tells us that this is the victory that overcomes the world even our faith- in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:4). Many do not understand that, and if they only did, they will be unmoved in the face of tribulation like Mount Zion (Psalm 125:1). Well, let's consider what the Spirit wrote many years before Jesus' arrival through Zephaniah to fully comprehend what that means. He said "Sing... Be glad and rejoice. The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not

  DAILY VITAMIN - God Will Make A Way "Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)  The Bible says that He will make the crooked way straight again. That means even when there seems to be no way at all,  or the only way found is impassable, He will yet make a way.  For instance, there were five thousand plus people wearied and in need of food, and Jesus said unto the disciples "Feed them". To Philip, it sounded absurd. He had done the maths, and they were way behind. It would take more than a year's wage to come close to feeding them, and they didn't even have a day's wage.  You see,  while Philip's maths was correct, it wasn't the truth. Based on human understanding, it was flawlessly right, but based on God's record, it w

  DAILY VITAMIN  - The Word Of God Is Not Bound "...But the Word of God is chained, even though I am." (2 Tim 2:9 TLB)  For centuries, men have tried to put God's Word into oblivion; but they have always failed. In every single place, the testimony had been "so mightily grew the word of God and prevailed" (Acts 19:20). God's Word always prevails regardless of the obstacles set against it. The scripture says it accomplishes its purpose at all times (Isaiah 55:11); and the purpose of God's Word is to save souls at all times, and salvation it shall accomplish.  In the city of Ephesus many centuries ago, Paul had moved from one place to another as directed by God's Spirit to preach the word, but only a few believed. Others fought against its spread. He stayed there for two years grooming the disciples, but the city was still filled with idolatry; until one day when God acted. By one simple sign, the entire city was won for Christ, and the Word mightily p