VOT: Voice of Testimony Patience Eguavoen

VOT: June 11, 2024
Shun mundane things “Embrace the Mindset of the Kingdom” M-factor”
Since man lives on earth and sees things that are visible, it is natural to focus more on the material things or visible things of life. However, the invisible realm where God exists till eternity Has the best picture of every situation or reality of life. This is why God expects us not to limit ourselves through our own feelings or emotions, but rather create more room for those things which we do not m understand and will never understand. This is actually where giving people the benefit of doubt is very important in order to maintain peace all round. Let us create room in our hearts for the God who is constantly knocking at the door of our heart. As we let Jesus into our hearts, He is more than able and capable of fixing all things because He is the “All knowing God.
Nuggets
M-1: Make conscious efforts to let go of the excess weights that can pull you down or make you miss the purpose of God for your life.
M-2: Make amends quickly once prompted by the Holy Spirit. God will never turn His back or despise one who Has a broken and a contrite spirit (pure heart). Be quick to repent and you will never be put to shame.
M-3: Make adjustments that will put you fully on God’s side by maintaining an open mind, not allowing any negativity to cloud your mind or pollute your mind.
M-4: Meditate on God’s Word often to have the same mind as Christ. This will aid your walk with God and make you to be more fruitful.

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am know. ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.

VOT: June 3, 2024-Price (Cross) precedes Prize (Crown) The C-P-factor”
The two words “Price” and Prize” sound alike, but are the opposite of one another. Price is the cost incurred or the cross we have to carry, while Prize is the reward or crown of glory, a blessing or gain coming after pain or sacrifice. Our saviour Jesus Christ is our heavenly role model while we have several examples of saints like Apostle Paul who suffered persecution and humiliation on earth before they obtained their Heavenly crown in glory.
Our saviour Jesus Christ suffered on earth for the joy that was ahead and the glory reserved for Him in Heaven. He passed through the earthly pain, shame, pain and humiliation. This He endured by carrying the cross “C-factor” which was the pathway to receiving the crown in glory or the worthy prize and victory.
The “Well done” or crown Jesus won did not come cheap. There was a price paid by the shedding of His potent blood on Calvary. In like manner if we claim Him (Jesus Christ) as our example, we must tap into the grace which was provided for us by the redemptive power of the blood.
Every glorious destiny or purpose will be tested, tried and is expected to come out true, shining as Gold. Jesus Christ is the “Truth” that endures forever. While all other sources or men might fail due to their lack of ability and capacity, we can count on Him (Jesus Christ) to come out victorious as “winners”
However we must make Him the bishop of our soul and our anchor, ensuring that we stay connected to the Holy Spirit by God’s exceeding grace.
Nuggets “C-P” factor
1. Cross is the cost (Price) yields Crown (Prize) Your earthly cross represents challenges, trials or temptation which is the cost or “Price” with confidence that in eternity you will obtain a “Crown” and “Prize” (reward) worthy of the praise and glory of God.
2. Confidence & Purpose: Confidence and trust in God is essential for you to fulfill God’s plan and “Purpose” for your life. The temporal pain is working for you a permanent gain and greater weight of glory. You must have the “Overcomer mentality”
3. True Christianity is not denying the cross, but carrying it daily with the winning attitude and mindset, knowing that Jesus Christ is ahead leading the way, because He is the way, the truth and life. John 14:6.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬.
“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

VOT: May 30, 2024
Desperate Faith overlooks all odds “The Syrophoenician Woman” Matthew 15:21-28.
The Syrophoenician Woman’s daughter was demon-possessed and she desperately needed Jesus to step into her situation and heal her daughter. For this reason, she was not offended by the words of Jesus, who was trying to make her understand her not been qualified by law to receive the blessing. When Jesus saw how desperate she was, He exempted her from the law and she received her miracle as her daughter was healed that same hour.

”Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.“ Matthew 15:21-28 NKJV.

VOT: May 27, 2024
Avoid excuses “Availability precedes Ability” Excuses short circuit blessings and makes you lose your ultimate reward.
An “Excuse” in simple terms is giving a reason for not doing something or giving a helping hand in some cases.
The act of giving excuse may be a genuine or truthful reason for refusal to do a thing or declining to offer help when requested for.
At the instant an excuse is given it might seem acceptable, but on the long run it may negatively impact the person who constantly gives it. Therefore we must take heed and refrain from making it a habit of always giving excuses.
One very clear case in the bible was the parable of the “Wedding Banquet”
Initially, Jesus opened the invitation to all, but when they all started giving excuses, He decided to reach out to people who even seemed unqualified to be invited. He went to the streets or by-ways to invite people who probably didn’t know him or He didn’t know. To His amazement those that were given a short notice with very unfavourable conditions happened to be those who honoured the invitation and did not give any excuses but even came early to the banquet.
In order words, the blessing was given to those that may have been unqualified in the sight of men. God qualifies the unqualified and multiplies grace upon the willing and obedient.

Nuggets
While men look for the able and qualified, God looks for the available though they may be unqualified. It is God that gives the ability once there is availability.
Excuse could be as a result of laziness, slackness or slothfulness
Excuses could also be given due to fear or lack of faith and trust in God or anxiety and uncertainty of the situation.
Excuses could open the door for our adversaries to accuse us. Adam and Eve gave excuses for their disobedience at the garden of Eden. Many people still fall short in this area.
Excuse will make you lose your chances or opportunities to those who are ready to go the extra mile or sacrificially give of themselves to do that which was ordained for the one who gave the excuse.
Prayer
Father grant me the grace to be obedient to divine instructions and stop giving excuses so that I do not trade my miracle or carelessly give my chances or opportunities to others who do not give excuses.

“Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his Lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭16‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬.
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬. https://youtu.be/j5aGrvqupyo

VOT: May 22, 2024
P.R.I.D.E: P-Personal-Ride “Pride is toxic”
Pride can be abbreviated to “Personal Ride”
This is because the focus and emphasis is usually on “Self” and it is subtle, always pretending to relate to others but with is a hidden personal interest. Everyone of God’s creation must be watchful of it (Pride) because often times it is not obvious physically, but reflects in our actions and reactions.
It is not wise to be proud, because the same way people ascend to the top is the same way people descend to the bottom. Interestingly you are likely to meet the same person or group of people while on the journey either to the top or to the bottom.
A good example is the life of Joseph and his encounter with his brothers. It was his humility that kept him calm and, he restrained himself from fighting back when they despised him and plotted against him. This was his lowest point or Valley experience, but he chose to stay focused on his dreams and vision. At the beginning his life looked like a puzzle, scattered, uncertain. He did not know how his story of life will end. To many, he appeared stupid for not responding to the attacks of his adversaries which unfortunately at that time happened to be his own blood brothers or family. The end of his journey proved that humility is not stupidity as most people think. Pharaoh recognized the power and wisdom Joseph had, but that did not make Joseph proud. He returned all the glory to God and that explains why he was elevated to the top.

Nuggets
1. The fact that you are been mocked at or despised when you are still at the bottom, does not mean you cannot climb to the mountain top.
2. Also even if you are in the Valley of dry bones, you can change your status or condition through your prophetic confession and show casing your gifts and talents.
3. Joseph’s gift and talent made a way for him to ascend to the top to confirm the dream he had and to fulfill God’s original plan and purpose foe his life. He was not drowned in the pit, but made his way to the top of the mountain through faith and patience.
4. Others may find it difficult to point out Pride because it is a very contentious subject which no one ever wants to admit to. It is wise to take heed and be watchful to ensure you are not operating in subtle Pride.
5. The antidote of Pride is always an intentional act of humility whereby we have to subdue our flesh or allow “The Holy Spirit” who is our great helper to give us the grace to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.
6. Painfully, those who fail to humble themselves may forcefully be humbled by circumstances or directly by God. It is wiser to allow man correct us and give us the chance to be humble which is still safer regardless of how painful it is.
7. When we allow God humble us, it is very difficult to bear and can even have terrible or negative and unbearable effect.

Prayer
1. Father please give me wisdom to humble myself willingly and not find myself in a situation where I am forced to be humble.
2. Father please grant me the grace to stay humble in whatever position or condition, so that I may obtain your mercy in any messy situation in Jesus’ name, Amen.
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬.
“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and Lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.”
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VOT: May 21, 2024-Win in the Spirit “No Profit in the flesh”
Man is a Spirit being, he possesses a Soul (Mind) and lives in the flesh. The flesh is the least of importance and must be given the least attention. While the Spirit lives forever, the flesh decays on earth where it came from and returns to. When you have a good understanding of this reality, you will intentionally walk in the Spirit and nurture it more than the flesh. There is constant war or contention between the flesh and the spirit. It is our responsibility to subdue our flesh and be strengthened in spirit.
The Spirit of God is always drawing or attracting men as magnet. However, He is gentle and cannot force anyone.
Nugget
When you are spiritually sensitive, you can lay hold of the best of Heaven’s blessings because your spirit is directly connected or plugged on to the socket of the Holy Spirit.
No battle can be won when fought in the flesh.
It is written that the weapons of our warfare are not canal, but rather, they are spiritual.
God Has commanded us and expects us to contend and fight with spiritual weapons and not canal weapons.
Canal weapons: Examples of canal weapons are: arguments, quarrels, backbiting, slandering, malice, enmity, hatred, bitterness.
Spiritual Weapons: Examples of spiritual weapons are: meditation and confession of the Word, prayer and fasting, self control, praying in tongues.

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

“Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭51‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV.

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭63‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬