Read Isaiah 61:1-6
MEMORISE: ... the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1)
EXPOSITION
Over time, Deyemi (a fictitious name) was addicted to alcohol and a cocktail of strong anti-depressants, tranquilisers, beta-blockers and sleeping pills, to cope with the high-octane demands of being a corporate highflier and the strain of maintaining his success. To the rest of world, Deyemi appeared to have it all together, but in reality, his despair over his inability to cope without those substances only plunged him into a vicious cycle of defeat. Deyemi tried everything to beat the bottle and his depression: appointment with psychologists, prophets, alcoholics-support NGOs, etc. These endless appointments and prayer meetings only earned him what he called "a few bouts of recovery" that lasted several days at best.
In the end, Deyemi found himself on the verge of giving up. But God had other plans for him. He led him to one of the faithful church leaders who encouraged him to keep hearing the preached Word and praying in the Spirit. As he did these, God began uprooting the ungodly addictions, replacing them with right attitudes to God, himself and others. The more he heard, the more he was able to keep his eyes on Jesus, instead of trying to overcome the symptoms. And, his deliverance came!
Today that we celebrate the independence of Nigeria, that also doubles as the International Music Day and International Day of Older Persons, you too can experience liberation from destructive habits, fears and bondages. You may not understand how grace will deliver you from long-term addictions, but God will do it. Just come to Jesus in total faith, and surrender.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Oh Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You and the truth of Your grace, instead of my circumstances.
2. I walk triumphantly above every negative circumstance, and experience the freedom and blessings Christ has purchased for me, in Jesus' name.
3. Pray for as many as possible drug addicts you know around you.
EXTRA READING: Ecclesiastes 2:16 - 5:14; Galatians 4:20 - 5:10
Remain Blessing
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