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Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Acts 19:13-17 (KJV) The above story was quite an embarrassing moment for the family. Handkerchiefs from the Apostle Paul had just been used to heal the sick and oppressed in verses 11 and 12 and amongst the many which the scriptures called “vagabond news” attempting to cast out demons in the name of a third party Jesus. It’s so shameful to me that in a family seven young men will rise into spiritual battles they had no authority or audacity for. Kindly note that they had great credentials but no essentials. They were Jews (vagabond, yes, but Jews all the same. They were seven in number symbolic of the perfect number. They were sons ofthe Chief Priest They knew of Paul’s processes They used the name of Jesus. All these credentials were not the essentials. They knew Jesus through a third-person’s revelation. To garner spiritual strength and stamina to defeat demonic forces, we must know God for ourselves. Unfortunately, the Church is daily getting filled with folks who are excellent in quoting their pastors and bishops but have little or no depth in God themselves. A bunch of big fat babies. Lord have mercy! It has become imperative that we grasp a personal knowledge of who we are in Christ Jesus so we can always overcome at the battle gates. These boys had no answer to the question posed by the demon spirit; “but who are you?”, so they got beaten, chased out and naked. I am always feeling sick of saints who give little attention to the word of God and just love to chase prophecies and miracles. Check out our congregations today. A prayer meeting or miracle service will be packed full but Bible Study often have scanty attendance. Friends, you are what you know of yourself. It is through the insight of God’s Word that we understand Christ and thereby understand ourselves. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Philippians 3:10 (KJV) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians 1:17 (KJV) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Colossians 3:10 (KJV) Don’t repeat Paul’s words without his revelation. Don’t use Christ’s name without abiding in Him. Know Him for yourself. The Lord is my Shepherd, like the Psalmist said (not our shepherd). Pursue hard after God’s Word and know who you are in Christ so you could accurately respond when satan comes asking, “but who are you?” Shalom!

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 (KJV) The Message Version puts it more intricately, “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Matthew 5:14-15 (Msg) Jesus said strongly, “we are the light”. Not a little light by the corner. Not a satellite reflecting the light. No, He said we are the light of the world. In other words, without us, there will be no light. Wow! Without light, colors cannot be distinguished, warmth cannot be attained and darkness will thrive. I have asserted several times that there is no darkness anywhere; indeed, only an absence of light. As soon as the switch is put on and the light let to shine, all the darkness that causes fright and terror just disappears. Darkness only has an effect in the absence of light. So as long as we take our place as The Light spiritually all evil and darkness become dispelled. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:4-5 (KJV) This life that Jesus imparts in and over us is the light of men. The message version says it is the light to live by. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. John 1:4 (Msg) You are the light beloved. You owe humanity this one thing – to rise and shine, to promote righteousness, to dispel every form of evil, and bring God glory. How can a believer in Christ be engaged in scheming and cheating others? How can a follower of Christ be engaged in witchcraft? How can the light now be dancing with darkness? Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV) Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. Luke 11:35 (KJV) What? How can light become darkness? This happens only when the light refuses to shine. The instruction in Isaiah’s prophecy commands that we rise and shine. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1 (KJV) Your light has come! The glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Rise like an edifice and shine. 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! Isaiah 60:1 (Amp) Refuse the depressions. Reject the prostration! Arise and shine. As in the image above, the lion and the lamb shine as lights. Just as Jesus (the Lion) shines, the Church (the Lamb) can shine with similar lumen and intensity.  You are the Light! Shine! Hallelujah!

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Luke 9:55 (KJV) 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. For God hath NOT given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) What manner of Spirit are you of? Beloved, the Bible tells us God has NOT given us the spirit of fear. I make bold to say that when we live in fear, we act like thieves – taking what we aren’t given. God didn’t give us fear. These False Evidences Appearing Real (FEAR) has crippled a lot of believers from achieving their highest potential in God, in life, in marriage, in their careers, and in businesses. You are not of the spirit of fear. On the contrary, you are made of the Spirit of Love, Power, and Sound mind. We have researched in previous teachings how we have been imbibed with God’s Spirit of Love. In addition, we have been blessed with the Spirit of power. We are truly full of power by the Spirit (Micah 3:8). When we received the promise of the Holy Spirit, he impregnated us with His life-giving power. That’s who we are. Timidity, cringing fear, worry, and anxiety aren’t part of the package we received in Christ Jesus. Also 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us we are blessed with the Spirit of a sound mind. Glory! Accept God’s report concerning you. You have a sound mind – a mind loaded with wisdom, counsel, innovation, direction, and self-control. The more you meditate on God’s word, the more alert your mind will be and the more in tune you will be to enjoy a maximized Christian life. Know thyself! You are made of the Spirit of Love, Power, and a Sound Mind. Trust God to guide and direct your mind. For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.1 Corinthians 2:16 (Amp) You have the Spirit of a sound mind – the mind of Christ. Accept who you are and live it out in your life. Oh, what bliss we often forfeit when we fail to acknowledge the manner of Spirit we are made of. Beloved, look deeper, there is more to you than meets the eye. Shalom! David Sanda (+2347034529339)

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Luke 9:52-55 (KJV) Believe in the best in people. A person becomes trustworthy only when you trust him or her with some worth. Looking at the incident in the scripture quoted above, we can observe that there was a reason the people didn’t receive Jesus’ messengers. “Because his face was as though He was heading for Jerusalem”. These Samaritans observed that Jesus was set to go to Jerusalem. They had no problem with Jesus’ person but they were displeased with His destination as they were not friends with Jerusalem. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused hospitality. Luke 9:53 (Msg). If you look back a few verses earlier, verse 51 said he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. Now you see why they weren’t welcoming. The manner of Spirit we are of believes the best in others, gives them the benefit of the doubt, and hopes they turn out good. The story of the woman caught in the very act of adultery in John 8 showcases this truth. Rather than condemn the adultery, Jesus redeemed her. He was the righteous one without sin who should have cast the first stone but He saved her and instructed her to go and sin no more. Genuine love covers a multitude of sins. Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. Proverbs 10:12 (KJV) And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (KJV) In defining love, the Apostle Paul eloquently states, Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughty. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (Amp) Kindly give attention to the emphasized phrases. That’s who you are. God is love and as His children, we are love. We must manifest this awesome attribute in our daily lives. Our anger, vengeance and wrath do not give God glory. These do not promote God’s righteousness. The spirit of Christianity is not a spirit of wrath and vengeance but of peace and gentleness and love. – John Wesley Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 (KJV) Just imagine such abuse of power which the messengers of Jesus wanted to display by calling down fire on people who simply rejected them because of their enmity with Jerusalem. We must be careful how we utilize our authority in Christ and be well guided in exercising His power working through us. I know that some people are simply difficult but we must respond as influenced by Christ’s Spirit of Love in us. Beloved, I believe in you. Your greatness is sure. Shalom!

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Luke 9:52-55 (KJV) Understanding the stuff we are made of in the new creation is so important in our fulfilling the law of Christ and doing all to please the Father. In the above scripture, the disciples like a lot of our modern preachers sought to promote an old testament idea of destroying enemies and those not in alignment with us and Jesus rebuked them. You are far way more advanced than the Prophet Elijah. Stop seeking to operate in Elijah’s anointing or to follow his methods. Amongst all the prophets, Jesus said the greatest was John the Baptist. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 7:28 (KJV) The least in the New Testament kingdom of Christ is greater than even that John! Know Yourself! You know not what spirit you are made of. You are made of the Spirit of Love. A Spirit that can’t be limited or manipulated by people or events. You are not made of the Spirit that curses, destroys or condemns. No! Rather the Spirit we are made of seeks that people be saved, redeemed and delivered. When we focus our energies to pray “against” our enemies desiring that they fall down and die, get burnt alive by the fire of heaven or things work against them, what kind of spirit is that?! Jesus enjoins us to love our enemies, pray “for” them and bless them (never to curse them). But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44 (KJV) Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:28 (KJV) Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Romans 12:14 (KJV) He that is truly born of the Spirit is like the wind. He can’t be caged, limited or changed by people or circumstances. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God. ” John 3:8 (Msg) Don’t let people’s attitudes or events change who you are. If they hate, you love. Don’t call down fire on them. Know the manner of Spirit you are made of. Your spiritual maturity thrills God. I love you.

In the 1937 movie of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the wicked witch will daily ask the magic mirror. “Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me who is the fairest of them all” expecting a different answer each time. But the mirror will always answer “Over the seven jewelled hills, beyond the seventh fall, in the cottage of the Seven Dwarfs, dwells Snow White, fairest one of all.” We read the story in kiddies books as young lads and one day it was in a movie format. Every time she summons the slave in the mirror and asks her time and again. The answer remains the same. But I love a statement the mirror made on one occasion. “Famed is thy beauty, Majesty. But hold, a lovely maid I see. Rags cannot hide her gentle grace. Alas, she is more fair than thee.” Similarly, the Scripture clearly states that we are fair and without spot. Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee. Song of Solomon 4:7 (KJV) Jesus paid the ultimate price and died on the cross to ensure we measure up to be the fairest without spot or wrinkles. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27 (KJV) Beloved to see who you truly are, look into the mirror – the mirror of God’s word. When we look into the mirror presented to us by Christ, we will see our true selves. Holy, with no spot or wrinkles. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV) Quit measuring yourself from the eyes of your frailty and rags. Rags cannot hide your gentle grace. Stop defining yourself based on what you own or lack. Your life is worth much more than things. You are the fairest of God’s creation. He lives in you. Speaking to the people, he went on, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” Luke 12:15 (Msg) ” If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers–most of which are never even seen–don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? Matthew 6:30 (Msg) You are of great value in His sight. Look through the word and discover. You are more valuable than the riches of pearls, onyx and diamonds. Smile and rejoice. God loves you. Yes, you!

How do you respond to the question, “who are you”? It is a highly pertinent question and how you see yourself will greatly affect how you live. Indeed, who are you? Don’t respond with your titles, names or lies. The titles and names we bear were conferred on us by others. That’s not who we are. The serious issue here is that without a knowledge of who we are, life will be a competition and it losses it’s meaning. That’s why we have a lot of people depressed, dejected and oppressed. That’s why people contemplate suicide and fight others, often defining themselves by the acceptance or rejection of others. You MUST know who you are beyond the whims and caprices of others. Beloved, you must define your person from the eyes of your creator. Only God can truly define you to you. Jesus was super conscious of who He was that he didn’t let people define Him or dictate how He operated. We must learn from Him. In the fourth Chapter of Matthew, the devil tempted Jesus in three ways. However, in two distinct temptations he questioned his identity. If you are God’s son, turn stone to bread and If you are God’s son, jump down and be caught by angels. Jesus did not fall for the trap. He chose to ignore to prove His sonship At the close of His ministry on the cross His accusers boldly mocked; ” You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days– so show us your stuff!  Save yourself! *If you’re really God’s Son, come down from that cross! ” Matthew 27:40 Jesus knew who He was and didn’t need to *show his stuff* to anyone. It matters little what people think or say of you. Don’t live your life pursuing the impressions of men.  Live from the true essence of who you are. Who are you? You are God’s workmanship. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) You are God’s son. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12 (KJV) You are joint heirs with Christ Jesus. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:17 (KJV) Hallelujah! It has nothing to do with your feelings, experience or background. Race, colour, creed and gender are inconsequential. You are who God says you are. If you are born again, you are now in Christ. Accept it, Believe it, Receive it. You are blessed, healed, delivered, and prosperous. Be who you are beloved. I love and celebrate you.

Why do we tell lies? That’s too broad a question, I guess. But think about it. We all have lied at one time or another. We lie to impress people who may end up discovering the truth. We lie to keep ourselves from harm or punishment. We lie to pass the buck and responsibilities to another. Lying is for some a norm of life but how does God see lying? In His mosaic commandments, He calls it false witness. Lying is so appalling to God that He promises to send all liars along with other grievous offenders to the lake of fire. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8 (KJV) If you were lied to, we will pity you. If you lie to others, we will rebuke you. But how do you help a person that lies to himself? Spiritually, Emotionally, Maritally, and Legally, a person who lies to himself or herself cannot be helped. Jacob sought the birthright of the family from Esau and he got it. However, later he deceived his father and lied to not just his dad but to himself. As Isaac laid hands on him to bless him, Jacob shouted resounding “amens” to the prayers made for Esau (whom he had pretended to be). Imagine the dad proclaiming, “Esau, you shall be great”, Esau you will be mightier than Jacob”, ” Esau you are blessed”, and to all these Jacob affirmed with an Amen. Jacob’s life was a wreak after the supposed “blessing”. He is the only one documented in Scripture to have served to get a wife and even after 7 years of labour he got the fake bride. He served again for another 7 years to get a second wife. His father-in-law changed his wages several times and with 20 years wasted he sat down to meditate and pray. It was at this point in his life that he was visited by an angel whom he wrestled with for a blessing. The blessing only came when he acknowledged his true name – Jacob. Lying destroys, delays, and denies you and causes decay. Know yourself! Are you living a lie? Some will even bluntly lie and say it’s “walking by faith”. No! Faith doesn’t deny what was. Faith declares what is. Faith is a declaration based on God’s word of the desired outcome. It doesn’t say let the weak say I am not weak but rather what says the word of faith? The weak say, “I am strong”. The truth is what sets free. The lie imprisons. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you. ” John 8:32 (Msg) Don’t lie about your age, your income, or your weakness. Stop living your life to impress people. If you must impress anyone, impress God and yourself. Love yourself and be true to yourself. It’s a new day. Enjoy the liberty of the Spirit! Live free in the truth.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) The importance of self-examination can never be overemphasized. As a secondary school student, before every examination, my late Dad (God bless his soul), would often insist that I test myself using past questions to ascertain my preparedness. As saints, we must in like manner take time out to test ourselves in preparedness for the return of the Lord. We need to ask ourselves certain pertinent questions regarding our emotional spirituality, stability, and maturity. For me, my most self-help question is, “What Will Jesus Do or say in such a situation?” I often stick to the acronym WWJD for What Will Jesus Do. It helps me delay my anger, project my Christlike true nature, and love even the ‘unlovable. Taking a moment or more this month to reflect on events and our actions can indeed make us better, wiser, and smarter. Jesus taught us to take off the log in our eyes before we take out the speck in another’s.  Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. Matthew 7:5 (KJV) Beloved, Jesus also taught to Judge wisely taking heed to ourselves primarily. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. Luke 11:35 (KJV) And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. Luke 21:8 (KJV) And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Luke 21:34 (KJV)_ Take a moment this month to do a quick self-examination and ensure you are still in the faith. Take heed and be not deceived. Make a resolve, beloved, to stand strong for Jesus – come what may. God has blessed you. Amen. Shalom!