Good-life Daily Devotional

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi Phil 3:13-14 KJV “ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”   The word ' press '  used in the above scripture is the Greek word ‘ Dioko ‘ and it means to flee, to pursue , to persecute .”  the believer in Christ is engaged in a spiritual warfare by virtue of the fact that he or she operates by a system that is diametrically opposed and mutually exclusive to the world’s system or popular worldview .      We have been called by Jesus Christ and given the power of attorney to represent him on  earth while propagating the gospel of his kingdom . This calling is sacred , it is described as a holy order or calling in 2 Timothy  1:9 KJv  “ Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not accord...

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi Eph 4:1 AMP “ I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service,”    The Christian calling is a lifetime commitment to propagate the gospel of God’s kindness using the resources at our disposal and by the enabling power of the Holy Ghost . We are assigned coaches whose guidance eventually leads us to locate our calling in Christ .      Some of the areas of specialization include the ministry of RECONCILIATION - This involves bringing together persons who are at war with the hope of having them live in peace with each other. The bible says blessed are the peace makers.       There is also the FINE ARTS ministry, this is spreading the gospel through esthetics derived from creative arts such as movies, music, painting, drama . This is better achieved through ...

By Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi 2 Peter 1:10 AMP  “ Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall.”     Matt 22:14 KJV “ For many are called, but few are chosen.”      The scriptures teach that all believers in Jesus Christ have been called to perform one or more functions in His vineyard, however not all are chosen. It is like being a professional footballer for the national team. The fact that a player once played for the national football team does not mean he or she will always be invited to star in all competitions involving the national team.    As a player one is expected to be fit and well experienced to feature at the international stage because so much is at stake. The reputation of the country could be dragged to the mud by an ill-mannered player. Therefore, the coach is expected t...

How do we start? 1 Tim 4:14 NIV “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” Deut 34:9  KJV “ And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.”      The laying on of hands by a spiritually believer (elder , pastor ) is an acknowledgment our willingness  to be under the authority of the Holy Spirit , every man or woman that was called of God must have hands laid on them for faith in their calling to be established in their hearts . Moses laid hands on Joshua Num 27:22-23 kjv   “ And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:  And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.”  The process of laying h...

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 2 Tim 1:5-6 KJV  “ When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” 1 Tim 4:13-15 KJV “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”     The church of Jesus Christ is likened to an army ( Philippians2:25, 2Timothy 2:3)  and as such everyone has been called to carry out one or more functions as directed by the commander in chief and his chiefs of staff (Prophets, pastors ,Teachers ,Evangelists ,Apostles ).  The are no pew warmers in God’s house , everyone has been called by Him to carry out an assignment in the body of Christ (1cor.7:17,20,,24) . Our...

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 2 Timothy  3:15-17 AMP  “ And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. “  Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),   So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. “       The above scripture is from a pastor to his flock , Apostle Paul was writing to his follower Timothy highlighting the im...

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi Heb 13:17-18  AMP “ Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either].  “      The LORD Jesus Christ is the chief shepherd of his flock - the church- and has appointed under-shepherd (Pastors, overseers) as care givers to the church. The church is one universal mystical living body of believers and yet compartmentalized for effectiveness and efficiency in administering care to each person (sheep) there is a symbiotic relationship which exists between the flock and the shepherd. First , we do not chose who our pastor should be , the Lord assigns  pastors to us  based on our life’s experience ...