Sunday sermon:Walking in God’s Blessings: Freedom from Curses Through Christ Aug 23, 2026

 Walking in God’s Blessings: Freedom from Curses Through Christ

Aug 23, 2026

Summary

Blessing or Curse: The Choice Is Yours

Big Idea: Obedience, honesty, and faith in Christ open the flood-gates of God’s blessing; theft, lies, and rejecting His Word unleash a curse that still operates over individuals, homes, and nations.

Overview

The pastor contrasts the Bible’s picture of blessing and curse with Nigeria’s present struggles. From the flying scroll of Zechariah to the long list in Deuteronomy, Scripture shows that God’s favour or judgment “goes forth over the face of the whole earth,” including Nigeria. Houses, businesses—even whole governments—can come under a curse when people steal, lie, or swear falsely. Yet Christ has already carried every curse on the cross; those who walk in righteousness, speak blessings, practise generous giving, and revere the Lord in Holy Communion can live free, prosperous, and protected lives. The message ends with a call for personal integrity, family holiness, and civic responsibility—refusing to vote for or partner with thieves.

Key Scripture

• Deuteronomy 28 — The foundation of the whole message: obedience brings overflowing blessing; disobedience brings devastating curse.

• Zechariah 5 — Pivotal warning: a flying scroll curses thieves and liars, entering and destroying their houses.

• Galatians 3:13 — The theological anchor: Christ redeemed believers from the curse by becoming a curse for us.

• Acts 5 — New-Testament example: Ananias and Sapphira prove that lying still attracts instant judgment.

Main Points

1. A universal law: the blessing and the curse still “go forth over the whole earth.”

• Zechariah’s scroll includes Nigeria, Ghana—everywhere.

• Theft, perjury, and broken oaths attract divine judgment; contentment keeps you safe.

• Some houses become prayer-proof because the owners stole to build them.

2. What blessing looks like (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

• Influence: “set thee on high above all nations.”

• Fruitfulness in city and field, family and business.

• A “blessed storehouse” (bank account) — speak daily: “I bless my bank account with more credits than debits.”

• Enemies scatter seven ways.

• Practical counsel: speak life over food, clothes, workplace, and family; never speak lack.

3. What curse looks like (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) and how it is triggered today.

• Vexation, sickness, failure, family decay.

• Nigeria’s corruption—pastors and politicians stealing public funds—illustrates corporate curse.

• Fake drugs, fake pastors, and “Yahoo” fraud all carry this judgment.

• Family impact: lying parents raise corrupt children; pursuit of success can destroy marriages.

4. Christ’s redemption is conditional—turn away and the curse returns.

• Galatians 3:13 declares freedom, but willful disobedience re-opens the door.

• Ananias & Sapphira show New-Testament curses are real.

• Holy Communion taken irreverently can bring weakness or death (1 Corinthians 11).

• A suggested national cure: make leaders take communion with a vow—thieves would fall sick and die, ending corruption.

5. Living in blessing: integrity, family holiness, generous giving, and civic action.

• Investigate families before marriage; avoid cursed alliances.

• Discipline children strictly against lying.

• Give tithes and offerings to support gospel work and northern missions.

• In elections, refuse to vote for thieves; guard the ballot box and post results publicly.

Application

The call: Choose righteousness—accept Christ’s redemption, walk in integrity, and actively reject every form of theft and deceit.

Head — Understand that blessings and curses are covenant realities still at work; Christ’s cross is the only escape.

Heart — Cultivate holy fear and deep love for God that makes lying or stealing unthinkable.

Hands

• Speak blessing daily over your “storehouse” (finances, home, work).

• Practise strict honesty: return all change, refuse “Yahoo” money, expose corruption.

• Receive Holy Communion reverently and use it as a weapon against hidden sin in your home.

Reflection Questions

• Where do you see traces of Deuteronomy 28’s blessings or curses in your own family?

• How have your words recently shaped your “storehouse”—for better or worse?

• Are there any relationships, jobs, or churches that bring you under another person’s curse?

• What practical steps can you take this week to model integrity for your children or younger believers?

• How will you use your vote and voice to oppose theft and promote righteousness in the nation?

Prayer

Righteous Father, You bless the obedient and oppose the thief and the liar. Thank You that Jesus became a curse for us. Today we choose truth, justice, and generosity. Cleanse our hearts, guard our lips, and fill our homes with Your favour. Make us lights of integrity in our nation, that Nigeria may know Your blessing and not Your wrath. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S

 The structure of oppression shall fail because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:15

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” — 2 Chronicles 20:15

    Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced a formidable coalition of the Ammonites, Moabites, and people of Mount Seir. Humanly speaking, Judah appeared greatly outnumbered. Yet God reminded them that the battle belonged to Him.

   Interestingly, Israel had previously been commanded not to attack these nations because of their relationship to Lot (Deuteronomy 2:19). God had established boundaries concerning them, but they disregarded justice and the rule of God and chose to attack Judah. Their rebellion against God’s order ultimately became the reason for their own downfall. Those who disregard the rule of law shall fall for your sake . 

    God instructed Judah not to fight in the conventional way. Instead, He caused the enemy forces to turn against one another. The very army that came together to destroy Judah became an instrument of its own destruction. “The Lord set ambushes” against them, and they defeated one another (2 Chronicles 20:22-23).

   Beloved, when God declares that the battle is His, your responsibility is to trust, obey, pray, and stand firm. You do not need to manipulate people or compromise righteousness to secure victory. God can deal with opposition in ways you cannot imagine.

   Do not fear the size of the battle. The Lord is greater than the forces confronting you. When your ways please Him, leave room for Him to defend you.

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 fear and intimidation, Lord, give me faith to stand still and see Your salvation. Fight every battle that is beyond my strength, and let Your righteousness prevail in my life. Amen.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 

Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.

CAST OUT THE SCATTERER — Part 2

 

The anointing of God's favour is connecting you with committed  builders of your enterprise .
Good-Life Devotional: CAST OUT THE SCATTERER — Part 2

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Scripture: Zechariah 1:17–21
   The Lord's answer to the scatterer is not merely survival but restoration. Zechariah 1:17–21 shows God confronting the powers that scattered His people. What Satan seeks to disperse, God gathers; what the enemy seeks to destroy, God rebuilds.
   Jesus said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The Church therefore must not surrender to forces that produce poverty, division, ignorance, corruption, or spiritual captivity.
   Poverty can become a serious instrument of enslavement when people are driven by desperation into exploitation, crime, prostitution, fraud, corruption, or dependence on ungodly powers. Yet Scripture reveals God's desire for His people to experience productive work and provision: “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor” (Ephesians 4:28). Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that God gives power to obtain wealth so that His covenant purpose may be established.
   The Church must therefore preach salvation and righteousness while also empowering people through truth, diligence, skills, generosity, education, and responsible stewardship. Proverbs 10:22 says, “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.”
   Let every scatterer be cast out: every force scattering families, finances, ministries, communities, and destinies. Psalm 147:2 declares that the Lord builds Jerusalem and gathers the outcasts of Israel.
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 get wealth .
Lord Jesus, gather what the enemy has scattered. Cast out every spiritual and economic power working against Your people. Break the yoke of poverty, exploitation, addiction, corruption, and hopelessness. Give Your ministers sufficient resources to preach the gospel boldly. Establish righteousness, holiness, wisdom, productive labor, and divine provision among Your people. According to Isaiah 54:17, let every weapon formed against Your Church fail. Let the Church flourish and become a blessing to nations. In Jesus' name, Amen.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.

CAST OUT THE SCATTERER — Part 1

The curse of stagnation and confusion is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional: CAST OUT THE SCATTERER — Part 1
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Scripture: Zechariah 1:17–21
   God does not prosper His Church merely for material comfort; He prospers His people so that righteousness, holiness, and the advancement of His kingdom may flourish. In Zechariah 1:17–21, God reveals the work of the “four craftsmen” against the powers that scattered Judah. The scatterers represent evil forces that disrupt, oppress, weaken, and disperse God's people. Bad governance opens doors for these agents of satan .
   One of the greatest weapons of scattering is poverty. Isaiah 5:13–14 describes God's people going into captivity because of lack of knowledge, while spiritual hunger and deprivation become instruments of bondage. When God's servants are continually frustrated by financial lack, the preaching, teaching, missions, discipleship, and charitable work of the Church can suffer. This can leave people vulnerable to exploitation, false teaching, and sinful alternatives.
   God's purpose is liberation. Hosea 12:13 declares that by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt and preserved them. Isaiah 61:1 declares that God's anointed servant is sent to proclaim good news to the poor and liberty to captives. Jesus applied this mission to Himself in Luke 4:18.
   Therefore, we must resist every power that scatters God's people from righteousness, fellowship, purpose, and provision. Psalm 68:10 says, “You, God, provided for the needy.”
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. Father, in Jesus' name, arise against every scatterer attacking Your Church. Break every power of poverty, oppression, confusion, and bondage. Prosper Your Church so that righteousness and holiness may advance. Strengthen gospel ministers, provide for Your servants, and release Your people from every form of captivity. Let every satanic structure scattering Your people be overturned, and let Your kingdom flourish. Amen.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.

IF YOUR PRESENCE DOES NOT GO WITH US. ( Part 2)

 

You shall continue to make great progress in the face of adversity because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional:  IF YOUR PRESENCE DOES NOT GO WITH US. ( Part 2)

-Led By The Spirit-
Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Scripture: Exodus 33:15
  Moses understood that Israel's distinction was not their numbers, wealth, military strength, or possession of the Promised Land. What distinguished them from other nations was God's presence among them (Exodus 33:16).
   This truth continues in the New Testament. God's people are not called merely to pursue good opportunities; we are called to be led by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:14 declares, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Divine guidance therefore involves surrendering our plans to God's greater purpose daily.
  Paul experienced this principle in Acts 16. He and his companions attempted to enter certain regions, but the Holy Spirit prevented them from going where they intended. Eventually, God directed Paul toward Macedonia. Later, God established a powerful ministry in Ephesus, where Paul taught for two years and “all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). What appeared to be a closed door in Acts 16 was actually part of God's strategy for reaching Asia.
Sometimes God's “no” is preparing a greater “yes.”
   Jesus Himself said, “I can do nothing on My own initiative” (John 5:30). He also taught His disciples to follow Him (John 10:27). Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”
Therefore, before beginning a journey, accepting an opportunity, making a major decision, or pursuing a dream, ask: “Is God leading me?”
   Prayer is not merely asking God to bless our plans; it is allowing Him to shape our plans.
Moses said, in effect, “If You are not directing us, we will not move.”
  May that become our conviction: “Lord, I would rather remain where Your will is than arrive where Your presence has not directed me.”
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 for purposeful living .
Father, lead me by Your Spirit. Close every door that is outside Your purpose and open every door You have ordained. Give me patience to wait for Your direction and courage to follow it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.

IF YOUR PRESENCE DOES NOT GO WITH US (Part One) THE PRESENCE WE MUST NOT TRADE

 

You are immune to witchcraft attacks because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional : IF YOUR PRESENCE DOES NOT GO WITH US
(Part One)
THE PRESENCE WE MUST NOT TRADE

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Scripture: Exodus 33:15
   Moses made a remarkable declaration to God: “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Israel had sinned by worshipping the golden calf. God told Moses that an angel could lead them into the Promised Land, but He would not personally go with them lest His holiness consume them because of their rebellion. Moses, however, understood something greater than possessing a destination: the presence and approval of God were more important than the destination itself.
   God is omnipresent; He fills heaven and earth (Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 139:7-10). Therefore, Moses was not suggesting that God physically move from one geographical location to another. The Hebrew idea of God “going” with them carries the sense of accompanying, directing, and leading them.
   Moses was essentially saying, “We do not want to move unless You are directing us.”
   This principle is crucial for believers. A door being open does not necessarily mean God opened it. An opportunity can exist without divine approval. Israel learned this painfully in Numbers 14:40-45. After rebelling against God, they attempted to enter the Promised Land on their own terms. Moses and the Ark of the Covenant did not go with them, and they were defeated.
   Their problem was not merely where they went, but when and under whose authority they went.
Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to acknowledge God in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.
   Never allow impatience to make you run ahead of divine direction. The right destination without God's direction can become the wrong journey.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I hope him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to submit to divine authority
Lord, teach me never to move ahead of You. Let Your presence guide my decisions, establish my steps, and keep me within Your will. Amen.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays.

BY STRENGTH SHALL NO MAN PREVAIL

 

The strong man fighting against your prosperity shall fall and never rise again because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional: BY STRENGTH SHALL NO MAN PREVAIL

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:9
  “By strength shall no man prevail.” This declaration reminds us that human ability, physical strength, intelligence, connections, wealth, or influence cannot guarantee victory. There are battles in life that our natural strength cannot win. Ultimately, our success and preservation depend upon God.
     The Lord says in Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit.” When God’s Spirit is at work, limitations become opportunities for His power to be displayed.
     Consider David and Goliath. Physically, David was no match for the giant. Goliath had superior size, experience, weapons, and military strength. Yet David prevailed because he did not depend upon human strength. He declared, “The battle is the LORD’S” (1 Samuel 17:47). David’s confidence was in God, and the giant fell.
     Jehoshaphat also learned that victory does not always come through military strength. God told Judah, “The battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). Paul likewise testified, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10), because God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
    Therefore, do not measure your future by your present strength. Do not conclude that you cannot prevail simply because your resources appear insufficient. Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.”
    Prepare faithfully, work diligently, pray fervently, and trust completely in God. Your strength may fail, but God never fails. What you cannot accomplish by human power, God can accomplish by His 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 overcome oppression. Lord, help me never to trust in my own strength. Let Your Spirit empower me, guide me, and give me victory in every battle, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Listen to Good-Life with Rev Michael on internet radio download Radio Nigeria app and search for Port Harcourt Garden city radio 89.9 FM  by 5:45 pm 1+GMT on Tuesdays