HOW TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

 You shall continue to increase in strength regardless of the situation against you because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: HOW TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   The Holy Spirit is God’s precious gift to every believer in Christ. He empowers us for holy living, bold witness, spiritual growth, and victorious Christian life (Acts 1:8). Scripture clearly reveals practical steps through which believers receive the Holy Spirit.

1. Repentance and Faith

Peter declared, “Repent, and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, AMP). Repentance is a turning away from sin and a turning toward God in faith. On the Day of Pentecost, about three thousand people repented, believed the gospel, and received the Spirit (Acts 2:41). A clean heart prepares the vessel for God’s Spirit.

2. Earnest Desire and Prayer

Jesus assured His disciples that the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13). The early believers waited in prayer and unity in the upper room until the Spirit was poured out (Acts 1:14; 2:1–4). Hunger for God and persistent prayer opens the door for divine infilling.

3. Obedience to God

The Bible teaches that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). Saul lost the Spirit because of rebellion and disobedience (1 Samuel 16:14). In contrast, David valued God’s presence and cried, “Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11). Obedience keeps the flow of the Spirit active in a believer’s life.

4. Laying on of Hands

God also uses spiritual impartation. When Paul laid hands on the Ephesian believers, the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 19:6). Timothy received a spiritual gift through this same process (2 Timothy 1:6).

    Anyone who repents, believes in Christ, prays earnestly, walks in obedience, and yields fully to God can receive the Holy Spirit. He remains God’s abiding power for holy living, effective service, and victorious Christian growth.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome temptation.

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HINDRANCES TO BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

 The anointing of God's favour is turning you into a righteous role model for many to follow.

Good -Life Devotional: HINDRANCES TO BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

 Acts 2:4 (AMP) — “And they were all filled [that is, diffused throughout their being] with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.”

   God’s desire for every believer is not partial infilling but continual fullness of the Holy Spirit for victorious living, effective service, and bold witness (Acts 1:8). Yet many Christians remain spiritually dry, not because God is unwilling, but because certain hindrances block the flow of His power.

    One major hindrance is unrepented sin. Isaiah 59:1–2 teaches that sin separates and grieves the Spirit. When prayer becomes cold and the Word loses its sweetness, it is a call to return to genuine repentance. God is faithful to cleanse and restore (1 John 1:9).

    Another barrier is unforgiveness and bitterness. Ephesians 4:30–32 warns that bitterness grieves the Holy Spirit. A heart full of anger cannot be full of the Spirit. Forgiving others releases divine freedom and healing in our souls.

    Pride and self-dependence also hinder spiritual fullness. James 4:6 declares that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. When we rely on our abilities instead of God’s power, we shut the door to supernatural help. Humility opens the channel of grace.

    Lack of spiritual hunger is another obstacle. Jesus said those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled (Matthew 5:6). Lukewarmness and complacency starve the soul. Hunger is rekindled through prayer, fasting, and consistent meditation on God’s Word.

Finally, fear—fear of surrender or spiritual manifestations—limits our experience. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Trusting God fully allows the Spirit to work freely.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to preah the gospel. Lord, remove every hindrance in my heart. Cleanse me, humble me, and ignite fresh hunger within me.  in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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WE NEED THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BECAUSE OF WITCHCRAFT, SORCERY, AND MAGICIANS’ INFILTRATION IN THE CHURCH (part 2)

 The anointing of God's favour will set confusion in the camp of the enemy.

Good -Life Devotional; WE NEED THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BECAUSE OF WITCHCRAFT, SORCERY, AND MAGICIANS’ INFILTRATION IN THE CHURCH (part 2) 

    “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” — 1 Corinthians 12:7 (AMP)

    The power gifts—faith, healing, and miracles—exist to demonstrate God’s superior authority over every form of darkness. When Moses confronted the Egyptian magicians, their enchantments imitated God’s works for a moment, but Aaron’s rod swallowed theirs (Exodus 7–8). This reveals a spiritual principle: counterfeit power may impress, but God’s power always prevails.    

    In these times, the church must not rely on human wisdom or emotional hype, but on the authentic manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

One sign of witchcraft infiltration is when “prophets” commercialize miracles, demanding money instead of calling people to repentance. Others produce strange manifestations without biblical foundation, manipulate believers through fear, or display supernatural signs without preaching the Cross. Paul warned that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). Therefore, discernment is critical.

How then do we actively walk in the gifts of the Spirit? First, we must desire the gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1). Spiritual hunger positions the heart for divine release. 

   Second, we must live holy and separated lives, for the Spirit does not manifest strongly in vessels that resist purity. 

   Third, intimacy through prayer and the Word keeps us aligned with God’s voice. Fourth, submission to sound spiritual authority protects us from deception. Finally, every believer must reject all occult practices, as Scripture forbids any form of divination or spiritual compromise (Deuteronomy 18:10–12).

The end-time church must be spiritually armed. God has equipped us not only to survive, but to overcome, expose darkness, and glorify Christ.

PRAYER. Heavenly Father, forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour I humble myself before You. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. I commit to be a vessel of truth and power, used to destroy the works of the devil and advance Your Kingdom, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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WE NEED THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BECAUSE OF WITCHCRAFT, SORCERY, AND MAGICIANS’ INFILTRATION IN THE CHURCH ( part 1)

 Your family shall not fall apart but wax stronger in love  because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

 WE NEED THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BECAUSE OF WITCHCRAFT, SORCERY, AND MAGICIANS’ INFILTRATION IN THE CHURCH ( part 1) 

 By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” — 1 Corinthians 12:7 (AMP)

    In these last days, the Church is not only battling open persecution but also subtle spiritual infiltration. Scripture warns that “evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse” (2 Timothy 3:13). God’s response is not panic or fear—it is power. The Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts to preserve truth, expose deception, and protect the Body of Christ.

   The Bible gives us clear examples. Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9–24) tried to buy spiritual power so he could continue deceiving people. Through discernment, Peter exposed his corrupt heart. Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:6–12) actively opposed the Gospel, and Paul, filled with the Spirit, confronted and silenced his influence. In Acts 16:16–18, a slave girl spoke accurate information through demonic inspiration, yet Paul discerned the source and cast out the spirit. These accounts teach us a serious truth: not every supernatural manifestation comes from God.

   Today, counterfeit spiritual power is increasing. Jesus warned that false prophets would perform signs and wonders to deceive many (Matthew 24:24). This is why the gift of discerning of spirits is vital. It helps the Church recognize manipulation, false visions, lying spirits, and deceptive operations of darkness. Without it, believers can become spiritually blind.

The gifts of the word of knowledge and prophecy also reveal hidden matters, just as God exposed enemy plans in 2 Kings 6:12. These gifts guide the Church in righteousness, purity, and truth.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to serve you. 

Holy Spirit, activate Your gifts in Your Church. Give us discernment, wisdom, and boldness to stand for truth. Protect us from deception and let Your light expose every work of darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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FASTING AND PRAYER: BEYOND MEATS AND DRINKS

 Your family shall  not fail because of the anointing of God's favour upon you 

Good -Life Devotional: FASTING AND PRAYER: BEYOND MEATS AND DRINKS

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

    Fasting and prayer in Scripture are not centered on food restrictions or material gain but on spiritual transformation. Romans 14:17 declares that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (AMP). Worldly fasting often pursues fleshly desires—breakthroughs rooted in greed, pleasure, and self-exaltation. In contrast, Spirit-led fasting seeks alignment with God’s will, producing the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

    Jesus warned against reducing prayer and fasting to material pursuit. He said the Gentiles eagerly seek food and clothing, but believers are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:32–33). This pursuit invites heaven’s culture to prevail on earth—justice, holiness, mercy, and truth. When righteousness rules, provision follows naturally. Isaiah 32:17 affirms that “the work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” God’s order produces stability and progress.

    Sadly, some false preachers encourage fasting primarily for money and possessions, fueling covetousness and corruption—an issue painfully visible in parts of Africa, including Nigeria. Yet Scripture teaches us to “set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above” (Colossians 3:2). True fasting humbles the soul (Psalm 35:13), breaks the yoke of injustice (Isaiah 58:6), and renews spiritual strength (Isaiah 40:31).

    Therefore, fasting is not about meats and drinks; it is about becoming vessels through which God’s righteous culture transforms lives and nations.

    In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and hunger for the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit 

PRAYER; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to preach Righteousness.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

GRACE BEYOND HUMAN EFFORT

 The yoke of confusion and stagnation is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: GRACE BEYOND HUMAN EFFORT

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

  Romans 9:16 declares, “So then God’s choice does not depend on human will or effort, but on God’s mercy [in His sovereign choice].” (AMP). This verse confronts a deeply human assumption—that salvation (Healing , prosperity , success, deliverance) is earned by religious performance, moral discipline, or personal striving. Paul’s argument dismantles this pride-based theology and re-centers the gospel on divine mercy.

      From an apologetic standpoint, Romans 9:16 defends the justice of God by showing that salvation is not owed to anyone.God owes nobody anything , he owns everything. If salvation were a reward for effort, grace would cease to be grace (Romans 11:6).   

Instead, God saves freely, not arbitrarily, but according to His redemptive purpose revealed in Christ. This does not make human responsibility meaningless; rather, it places human response within the framework of God’s initiating grace (John 6:44).

    Critics often accuse this doctrine of promoting fatalism ( the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable) However, Scripture presents divine sovereignty and human responsibility as complementary truths. God shows mercy, yet He commands repentance and faith (Acts 17:30). The mystery is not a contradiction but a revelation of God’s superior wisdom.

    Romans 9:16 humbles the believer. It reminds us that our standing before God is not secured by fasting, church attendance, or spiritual reputation, but by mercy alone.    This produces gratitude instead of pride, obedience instead of entitlement, and worship instead of self-glory.

When we understand that mercy—not merit—saved us, we stop boasting in ourselves and begin boasting in the cross (Galatians 6:14). Grace becomes our confidence, and Christ becomes our only hope.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and a willing and sensitive heart .

PRAYER; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and wisdom for excellence.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

MEASURING SUCCESS BY MONEY AND FAME: A DANGEROUS DECEPTION

 Your family is under a covenant of divine preservation because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

MEASURING SUCCESS BY MONEY AND FAME: A DANGEROUS DECEPTION

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   Measuring success by how much money and fame a person has makes one vulnerable to becoming a tool in Satan’s hand. Scripture warns clearly against this mindset. In 1 Timothy 6:4–5, Paul exposes teachers who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. He lists the fruits of this error: envy, strife, railings, and evil surmisings. The Greek phrase hypónoiai ponērai (ὑπόνοιαι πονηραί) means wicked suspicions and corrupt assumptions, attitudes that poison relationships and fracture society. When wealth becomes the yardstick of spirituality, the church and nation become morally sick.

Jesus Christ warned against this deception in Luke 12:15, teaching that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. 

     True wealth is Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).   Revelation 3:17 further describes those who claim to be rich apart from Christ as spiritually poor, blind, and miserable. This describes much of the African church context, including Nigeria, where prosperity is often promoted without holiness, repentance, and character.

Ironically, Africans are making more money yet becoming poorer in values.    

    Nations that invest in moral capital—truth, justice, discipline—often become wealthier even with fewer natural resources (Proverbs 14:34). The Kingdom of God is not measured by material accumulation but by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). While God blesses the righteous materially (Proverbs 10:22), believers are warned to avoid teachers who equate fame and riches with divine approval (Matthew 7:15–20).

    A nation is only as rich as its investment in morality. True success is conformity to Christ, not the size of one’s bank account.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and contentment and godliness.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome poverty.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com