Dominion City Rwang Pam,Jos

DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

THE TESTIMONY OF TRANSFORMED LIVES

BIBLE READING: LUKE 5:1-11; GALATIANS 1:13-24; LUKE 19:1-10

"So then Zacchaeus stood up and solemnly declared to the Lord, “See, Lord, the half of my goods I [now] give [by way of restoration] to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I [now] restore four times as much." Luke 19:8(AMP)

According to the Holy Scriptures, there is a plethora of records of people who have an Encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ or His Word that resulted in a clear Transformation in their lives. Our Key Scriptural Text obtained from the Gospel according to Luke the Physician talks about a man by the name Zaccheus, a notable tax collector and a sinner who encountered the Love and Truth of Jesus Christ which led to his transformation. Isaiah 6:1(NKJV) records the Encounter the Prophet Isaiah had with the Glory of God: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a Throne, high and lifted up, and the Train of His Robe filled the temple." The Prophet Isaiah later gave his own personal testimony after this Encounter in Isaiah 6:5-8: "So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; FOR MY EYES HAVE SEEN THE KING, THE LORD OF HOSTS.” "Then one of the Seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a Live Coal which he had taken with the Tongs from the Altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.” Also I heard the Voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, ”Here am I! Send me.”

We also have the documented case of the Apostle Paul, who also gave his own testimony in Galatians 1:13-16: "For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the Church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. BUT WHEN GOD, WHO SET ME APART FROM BIRTH AND CALLED ME BY HIS GRACE, WAS PLEASED TO REVEAL HIS SON IN ME SO THAT I MIGHT PREACH HIM AMONG THE GENTILES, I DID NOT CONSULT ANY MAN.”

In recent times, we have seen people who were previously occultists, cultists, drug addicts, murderers, jihadists, etc., who encountered Jesus Christ and His Word, who are presently on Fire for God. It is an indisputable fact that there is no single individual who cannot be transformed by God, provided he has a First-hand Encounter with the Glory of God and the Power of His Truth.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, we magnify You for Your Unending Dedication towards Your children. O Lord, please make our lives a Living Testimony of the Power of Your Transformation in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.

DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

BECOMING CHANGED INTO HIS LIKENESS

BIBLE READING: GENESIS 1:26-27; 1JOHN 3:1-3; ROMANS 8:29-30

"And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the Glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His Very Own Image in ever increasing Splendor and from one degree of Glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMP)

Apostle Paul wrote that being changed into the Image of the Son of God is a Process that takes quite some time. He wrote in his Second Epistle to the Church in Corinth, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the Glory of the Lord, ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO THE SAME IMAGE FROM ONE DEGREE OF GLORY TO ANOTHER. For this comes from the Lord Who is the Spirit” (2Cor. 3:18). So we see that this is an Ongoing Process throughout our lives. We shouldn’t grow discouraged because it takes time–a lifetime, in fact–and we would never achieve a Total Change into Holiness until He appears after which we shall finally be like Him, or as John wrote, “We know that when Christ appears, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1Jn. 3:2). Paul also wrote in Romans 8:29, “For those God foreknew He also predestined TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that He might be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

There are Four Basic Tools the Lord God Almighty uses to change us into His Likeness and they are as follows:

(1.) THE WORD OF GOD: James 1:25(NLT) states "But if you keep looking steadily into God's Perfect Law-the Law that sets you free-and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." There is a level of change that takes place in the life of a Christian believer if he meditates on God's Word and obeys it.

(2.) THE PRESENCE OF GOD: As we spend time in Fellowship with God in the Place of Prayer and Worship, we become more like Him. 2 Corinthians 3:16(NLT) states, "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away."

(3.) SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: God brings people into our lives to guide us. As we obey them, His Work that brings about True Change is activated. Hebrews 13:17(NLT) states, "Obey your Spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their Work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit."

(4.) SUFFERINGS: This can also be called the Wilderness Experience. God can allow us to pass through certain hardships or experiences to speed up His Work that brings about change in us. Hebrews 5:8-9(AMP) states: "Although He was a Son, He learned [Active, Special] Obedience through what He suffered. And [His Completed Experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of Eternal Salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him."

1Peter 5:10(NKJV) also states "But may the God of all Grace, Who called us to His Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you." In conclusion, the Process of being changed into His Likenesses is not all dependent on God. We all have a major part to play (Jam. 4:8).

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, please help us to yield to Your Process so that we can become more like You in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.

DOMINION MANDATE DEVOTIONAL:
DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

RECEIVING COMMENDATION FROM GOD

BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 25:14-30; LUKE 19:12-27; 1CORINTHIANS 15:9-10; PROVERBS 3:3-4

“So, he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His Lord said to him, 'Well done Good and Faithful servant; you have been Faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the Joy of the Lord” Matthew 25:20-21 (NKJV).

At the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, a Key Event will be the presentation of Rewards to those who served God Faithfully and brought Glory to the Lamb during their Earthly Journey. This Event underscores a Profound Truth: While being Born again and assured of Heaven is Foundational, it is not the sum total of our Christian Walk. We have each been entrusted with Gifts, Talents, and Divine Assignments. The True Measure of our lives will be found in our Faithfulness to these Divine Mandates. Faithfulness, in its Essence, is steadfastness in Love, Loyalty, and Obedience to God. It reflects qualities such as Dependability, Trustworthiness, and Unwavering Commitment. The Holy Bible strongly emphasizes the importance of this Virtue. In Jeremiah 48:10 (KJV), we are warned: "Cursed be he that doeth the Work of the Lord deceitfully; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood." This Scripture illustrates that Faithfulness in God's Service is not just about performing tasks but about doing so with Sincerity, Wholeheartedness, and Integrity.

The Lord highly esteems Faithfulness, even above skill or expertise. The Apostle Paul recognized this when he said, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who hath enabled me, for that He counted me Faithful, putting me into the Ministry" (1Tim. 1:12 KJV). This shows that God's Trust is granted to those who are Reliable and Steadfast. In contrast, Proverbs 25:19 (GNT) warns, "Putting Confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot." Faithfulness, therefore, is essential for gaining and maintaining God’s Trust. Our Faithfulness is not something we muster on our own; it is a Grace bestowed upon us by God. To be a Good Steward means managing what has been entrusted to us—our lives, Resources, and Talents—in a way that aligns with God’s Will. The Lord Jesus emphasized the importance of Faithfulness in Stewardship in the Parable of the Talents, where the master commends the Faithful servants: "Well done, Good and Faithful servant; you have been Faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord" (Matt. 25:21 NKJV). This commendation reflects the Reward for those who diligently fulfill their God-given Responsibilities.

Moreover, the Holy Bible shows that Faithfulness is a Precursor to Greater Opportunities and Responsibilities in God’s Kingdom. In Luke 16:10 (NKJV), Jesus teaches, "He who is Faithful in what is least is Faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." This Principle reveals that God tests our Faithfulness in small things before entrusting us with Greater Tasks. The Ultimate Goal of our Faithfulness is not merely Earthly success but to hear the Master’s Words, "Well done, Good and Faithful servant," and to be welcomed into His Eternal Joy. Consider the example of Joseph, who remained Faithful to God despite the trials he faced—from being sold into slavery to being falsely accused and imprisoned. Joseph's Faithfulness in Potiphar’s house and in prison eventually led to his promotion as the ruler of Egypt under Pharaoh. His story illustrates that Faithfulness to God, even in the most difficult circumstances, leads to Divine Commendation and Promotion (Gen. 39–41). Another profound example is the Apostle Paul, who remained Faithful to his Calling despite enduring great persecution, shipwrecks, and imprisonment.

Paul’s Unwavering Faithfulness is captured in his words: "I have fought the Good Fight, I have finished the Race, I have kept the Faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day." (2Tim. 4:7-8 NKJV). Paul’s life exemplifies the Reward of Faithfulness—a Crown of Righteousness awarded by the Lord Himself. Faithfulness in God's Service is not just a duty; it is a Divine Privilege that leads to Eternal Rewards. As we serve, let us be mindful that we are working for the Commendation of God, not for the applause of men. Our Faithfulness today will echo into Eternity, and our Greatest Honour will be to hear the Lord say, "Well done, Good and Faithful servant." May this be our Ultimate Aim as we strive to fulfill our God-given Assignments with Diligence, Integrity, and Unwavering Loyalty.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, please grant us the Grace to be Faithful Stewards of the Gifts, Talents, and Assignments You have entrusted to us. May we serve You with Unwavering Loyalty and Sincerity, always striving for Your Commendation above all else. Please help us to labour with the Knowledge that our Faithfulness will bear Fruit for generations to come and that our Works will follow us into Eternity in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.

DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

HAVING BOLDNESS IN THE DAY OF HIS JUDGMENT

BIBLE READING: ROMANS 14:10; REVELATION 20:11-15; 1JOHN 4:17-18; REVELATION 22:10-15

"For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." 2Corinthians 5:10(NKJV)

It has been so apparent over the years that whenever the Subject of Judgment is brought up within most Christian Circles, there is often an abundance of horror and apprehension that is felt. This is based on the fact that Divine Judgment is one of the least anticipated Encounters of many Genuine Christian believers in the Full Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the Issue of God's Judgment is inevitable according to the Holy Scriptures: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the Judgment" Heb. 9:27 (NKJV).

There are Two Major Classes or Categories of Divine Judgment documented in the Holy Bible that every human being (born again or not) must experience on the Last Day:

(1.) The Great White Throne Judgment: This talks about the Judgment of those unbelievers whose names are nowhere to be found in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 20:11-15). God the Father would have the Sole Responsibility of presiding over this Judgment which would guarantee Eternal Damnation for those people who have never accepted the Lord Jesus as Saviour and Lord in their lives.

(2.) The Judgment Seat of Christ: This refers to the Judgment of all Christian believers which would be presided over by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Rom. 14:10). The Fundamental Purpose of this form of Judgment is the issuing of Rewards for Faithfulness in Christian Stewardship, which Jesus Himself would give to the worthy. The Greek Word translated "Judgment Seat" here is "Bema" which literally to "a rostrum or podium upon which judges tower above those about to be judged." Simply put, even though the Lord Jesus came to save us by being the Lamb of God Who was slain for our sakes (Rev. 5:6). He would eventually judge us by being the Lion of the Tribe of Judah Who reigns Supreme over us as Lord (Rev. 5:5).

Therefore, being infused with Divine Boldness as Genuine Christian believers to come face to face with the Lord on the Day of Judgment and anticipate His Words of Commendation when He will say "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:21a) becomes possible only if our Love for Him and others is perfect. The word "Perfect" here is translated literally from the Greek Word "Teleios" which literally means "mature". In other words, the more mature we become in our Love Walk, the greater our Boldness becomes when we face Him before His Judgment Seat when receiving our Rewards from Him (1Jn. 4:17-18). May the Lord cause our eyes to become open as far as this Reality is concerned.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, we are Eternally Thankful to You for delivering us from the Great White Throne Judgment. O Lord, please preserve us by Your Mercy and Grace as we look forward to the Judgment Seat of Christ in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.

DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024

DISCERNING LORDSHIP IN MARRIAGE

BIBLE READING: 1 PETER 3:1-6; PHILIPPIANS 2:5-9; EPHESIANS 5:22-25

"Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honour him, for he is your lord." Psalm 45:11(New International Version)

We live in a time where there is a raging war between the Word of God and human culture mixed with sentiment. Many are interpreting God's Word based on culture, race, gender and the politically correct twisted woke ideologies, describing God's Laws as oppressive and hurtful to their feelings. The Word of God is not subject to any culture, race, or gender. One of the most sensitive and controversial issues being undermined by the post-modernists is the subject of the lordship of the man in Marriage. Many view this as oppressive and putting one gender over another, but that is so when viewed from a purely human perspective (Isa. 55:8-9). Lordship in Marriage must be discerned from God's Own Perspective through His Word. The Word of God represents the Nature of God and God Himself. God is not oppressive, but rather He is Love (1Jn. 4:7).

Every Order that the Lord God Almighty has set in place is for our good and to express His Love for us. Many women enter into the Marriage Covenant with this wrong mindset, and this makes them view the lordship of their husbands as oppressive. Many men, on the other hand, do not understand their roles as the head of the home, and they abuse their positions, thereby justifying these misconceptions. The Holy Scriptures clearly state what the lordship of the man in Marriage should be like. It is essentially being subject to the Lordship of Christ over the Church and it is to take the same shape which is to love and lead the woman, provide for her and lay down his life for her when necessary just as Christ does for the Church (Eph. 5:22-33). The modern teaching that man and woman are the same and have identical roles in the family which the spirit of Jezebel introduced into the Church through the feminist movement is from the pit of hell.

The lordship of a man does not make him superior to the woman, but for the Purpose of Order and Leadership, God put the man in a position of Authority over the woman (1Cor. 11:12). It doesn't matter if the woman is smarter, richer, taller, or even physically stronger; she must be subject to her own husband because of the Angels (1Cor. 11:10). For a man to succeed as the head of the Family, he must be subject to his own Head, Who is Christ (1Cor. 11:3). He must not abuse his Power over the woman by becoming oppressive, but handle her delicately. Otherwise, his Prayers would not be heard by God (1Pet. 3:7).

From day one, the devil has fought and sought to pervert the Institution of Marriage and the Family. He has deceived many and introduced a twisted and distorted version of Marriage and families, examples of which include women being the head of the family, two mothers in a le***an marriage, two fathers in a homosexual marriage and all sorts. The Church of Christ must arise and withstand the evil agenda of the enemy against this Sacred institution called Marriage.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Divine order which You set in place in Marriage, which is a Perfect Representation of Christ and the Church. O Lord, please help us to do Your Will in our Earthly Marriages just as it is done in Heaven in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.