DEVOTION FOR TODAY

After collecting her Industry Merit Award at the 2016 AMVCA in Port Harcourt, veteran Nollywood actress, Bukky Ajayi said, 'You are all standing up for me? If I stand up, I will fall down, that is why I'm sitting down.' I am sure she tried to stand up but on July 6, 2016, she died at 82. Today, many are on the floor of life because they lack the strength and courage to stand up. The reason for staying down can be traced to the fact that someone told them to sit down or stay down. Someone told you if you try to stand up or stand out, you will fall or fail or fumble. That's why it is important whose voice you listen to daily. In Joshua 1:9, God is saying to you: Have I not commanded you? What is His command to you? It is fourfold: 1. Be strong. Refuse to accept weakness as part of your being. Receive strength in your weak areas. 2. Be of good courage. Refuse to be shy and timid. Refuse to be naive and nervous. Don't accept timidity as your status. Don’t say, I am nervous or timid or shy. Stop talking like a grasshopper when God has made a champion of you. 3. Be not afraid. Stop saying, I am scared or afraid. There is nothing fashionable being afraid. It only reduces your creativity and innovation. Don't let the dogs smell fear in you, they will attack and hurt you. As a matter of fact, kiss all your fears goodbye right now. 4. Be not dismayed. Refuse to be discouraged and disappointed. No matter what did not work or who left you or who refused to take your call or reply your text or email, they are not worthy of your creative genuise. Why should you obey these commands? God said, I AM WITH YOU EVERYWHERE YOU GO. Unknown to them, it was God they disdained and despised. Don't take it personal. You represent God. Think like it. Talk like it. Act like it. Partner with me to reach 30 million souls in 50 nations this year. Bishop Michael O. Amamieye - www.aggressivefaith.org.