TODAY'S SERMON, SUNDAY11THE ILLUSION OF FREEDOM FROM CONTROL/AUTHORITY

 DATE: 11 OCTOBER, 2026

TOPIC: THE POWER OF GOD AS IN THE DAYS OF OLD (4)

THE ILLUSION OF FREEDOM FROM CONTROL/AUTHORITY

- Any person who doesn’t like being under rules and regs should 

- That’s what is happening in Nigeria; politics without referees. This leads to a dead society. INEC does not know how important it is until there is a civil war.

- If we don’t get it right next year, Nigeria will go the way of Sudan, and no one will help you. No one is interested in a system without control. The world is more interested in keeping itself together than aiding you. What keeps a country together is rules, and if they fail, it WILL collapse.

- If nothing is working in a place, the first thing you must do must be to restore order. Who is in charge? If the person is not in charge, then tell them to take charge before you try to help. 

- God is not interested in anything until someone is in charge. He will not bless any family or business or company or ministry that has no order. That doesn’t mean things will not happen, but they will be busy doing a lot of nothing. You may be famous, but it will still die.

- Another word for order is righteousness; God’s way of doing things, the wisdom of God.

- Once you are under divine order, prosperity automatically follows.

- God gave us the Holy Spirit to teach us his order.

AGAINST FAME

- God hates fame. If you love fame, God cannot use you.

- People with high self-esteem yearn to be relevant, not famous. Fame is for people with low self-esteem.

- Now note that you can be famous for all the wrong reasons.

- Fame comes with disorderliness. Have you seen a famous person pass through a classroom or business place? The whole place will

- As a pastor, if you want to be famous, you will become a tool of Satan.

- Now it’s not that miracles will not happen. It’s the integrity of God’s word that makes them happen; Christ said that “Your faith will make you whole.” He did not say that it was the power of the preacher. That is why your ministry must be based on the knowledge of His word and a personal relationship with Him, if not you will be misled.

- If you do ministry because of fame, you will end up getting destroyed. It says in Luke 16:15 that "what is highly esteemed [or exalted] among men is an abomination in the sight of God." Check Micheal Jackson, Whitney Houston, all those people that left church to be famous outside it, their endings are all tragic.

- The only way to honor God is through christian character.

JOHN 5:41

Joh 5:41  I receive not honour from men. 

The word for honour here = Praise-Worship = Celebrity Status. He wants christian character. He is not interested in “100 days of praise-worship” or “60 hours of praise”. Know that “When the praises go up the blessings go down” is a total lie. You did it last year, you are still poor. The only people getting rich are the musicians and their pastor associates. You become rich through good governance.

FAITH

There are so many things that cannot be seen but are still believed.

Do you have a mind? Yes. Can you show it to me? No.

What is the time now? Can you prove it to me without a clock? No.

Is tomorrow possible? Yes. Can you prove it to me scientifically? No.

We live by faith; the substance of that hoped for, the evidence of that not seen. This means there are unseen realities.

- A man is sustained by the words of his mouth. This means your world is determined by what you are saying just now. That is why it is said in the bible that those who talk too much will save themselves from trouble 

PSALM 141

Psa 141:1  A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. 

Psa 141:2  Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 

Psa 141:3  Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. 

Psa 141:4  Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. 

This means some people’s prayers stink. If Heaven had physical windows they would shut them. That is why the prayer of unbelievers is an abomination to God, because it stinks.

The watch requested is because it is your mouth that is putting me into trouble. It is the Holy Ghost that controls the way you speak, because there are some things you do not stay. If you say the evil things they will come to pass. Once you say the evil things, you will begin to do them.

FOOD

When you become filled with the holy ghost, there are places that you will no longer eat in. If you eat a person’s food, you will begin to behave like them. If your child is misbehaving, they are eating from a place that they shouldn’t. You don’t eat anyhow. Married women must feed their husband physically and sexually before he goes on any journey so you do not lose the man. Do you think it’s false? Then buy groundnuts and throw them to chickens. The next day you will see them at that place, and when they see you they will follow you. A lot of people’s destinies have been destroyed due to longer-throat.

MAINTAINING THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

 

The anointing of God's favour is restoring all that was lost in sevenfold.
Good-Life Devotional; : MAINTAINING THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Text: Colossians 3:1–17; Philippians 3:13–14
Memory Verse: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above.” — Colossians 3:1 (KJV)
  The Christian life is not a one-time experience but a continuous journey of spiritual growth, holiness, and maturity. When we receive Jesus Christ, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, we must continually renew our minds, obey God's Word, and yield to the Holy Spirit to maintain our new life in Christ.
   First, set your affection on heavenly pursuits. Colossians 3:2 commands us to set our minds on things above, not earthly things. This means prioritising God's will over worldly desires. Our decisions, relationships, ambitions, and daily activities must reflect our commitment to Christ.
   Second, put off the old man daily. Colossians 3:8–10 instructs believers to put away anger, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication, and dishonesty. We must reject sinful habits, bitterness, unforgiveness, and uncontrolled anger. Instead, we should demonstrate kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31–32).
   Third, press towards spiritual maturity. Paul declared in Philippians 3:13–14 that he pressed towards the mark for the prize of God's heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. Spiritual growth requires discipline, perseverance, prayer, fellowship, and consistent meditation on God's Word. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and continue growing in grace and knowledge (Hebrews 12:1–2; 2 Peter 3:18).
   Maintaining the new life requires daily obedience, not occasional religious enthusiasm. As we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit becomes increasingly evident in our character (Galatians 5:22–23).
REFLECTION
Examine your daily choices, attitudes, and habits. Identify any old behaviour that contradicts your new life in Christ, and take practical steps to abandon it. Commit yourself afresh to walking in obedience to God's Word.
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 live in righteousness .
Heavenly Father, help me maintain my new life in Christ. Renew my mind, remove every sinful habit, and empower me by Your Holy Spirit to grow in holiness and spiritual maturity. In Jesus' name, Amen.
PRACTICAL FAITH APPLICATION: Today, deliberately reject one sinful habit, forgive someone who has offended you, and spend time praying and meditating on God's Word.
  In conclusion, .maintain your new life in Christ by setting your heart on heavenly things, putting off the old man, and pressing forward towards spiritual maturity.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

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

Good -Life Devotional : WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

Bible Text: Galatians 5:16–25; Romans 8:12–14:
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (KJV)
     Walking in the Spirit means living daily under the leadership, influence, and direction of the Holy Spirit. The flesh represents our sinful desires that oppose God's will. We cannot overcome these desires through human strength alone; we need the Holy Spirit's empowerment.
1. THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS GOD'S CHILDREN
  Romans 8:14 declares that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth (John 16:13), convicts us of sin, and empowers us to obey God's Word. Therefore, we must learn to surrender our decisions, attitudes, and desires to His leadership.
2. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22–23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These qualities demonstrate the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our character. Spiritual maturity is not measured merely by gifts or outward religious activities but also by a Christlike character.
3. HOW TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT
  We cultivate a Spirit-led life through prayer (Jude 20), studying and meditating on God's Word (Psalm 119:11), and obeying Christ's commandments (John 14:21). We must also reject sinful desires and submit to godly instruction. Daily fellowship with God strengthens us to overcome temptation.
PRACTICAL FAITH APPLICATIONS
+Pray daily for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
+Meditate on Scripture and practise what it teaches.
+Examine your character and allow God to develop His fruit in you.
REFLECTION: Am I making efforts at overcoming sin by my strength or by the help of the Holy Spirit.
Which fruit of the Spirit needs greater development in my  life?
Victory over the flesh comes through daily dependence on the Holy Spirit, not human effort alone.
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 a victorious life .
Heavenly Father, I commit myself to being led by Your Holy Spirit through constant prayer, obedience to Your Word and godly spiritual leadership, and the study and meditation of the Holy Scriptures. Help me overcome the desires of the flesh and manifest the fruit of the Spirit in my daily life. 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

NOT WALKING AFTER THE FLESH

 

The plans of the wicked against you shall backfire upon them because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional: NOT WALKING AFTER THE FLESH

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
   Romans 8:6 declares that to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Walking after the flesh gradually weakens our fellowship with God and hinders us from fulfilling His purposes.    Galatians 6:7–8 warns that whatever a person sows, that person will reap.    Sowing to the flesh produces corruption, while sowing to the Spirit produces everlasting life.
   How, then, can we overcome the flesh? We must renew our minds through God's Word, maintain a consistent prayer life, obey the Holy Spirit, and fellowship with believers who encourage righteous living. We cannot please God while deliberately allowing sinful desires to rule us, because the carnal mind is hostile to Him (Romans 8:7–8).
PRACTICAL FAITH APPLICATIONS
+Examine your attitudes and reject every sinful desire.
+Submit your decisions to God's Word and the Holy Spirit.
+Practise forgiveness, humility, holiness, and self-control.
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 resist evil . Heavenly Father, help me to overcome fleshly desires. Renew my mind through Your Word and empower me by Your Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness and fulfil Your perfect will, 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

WALKING IN THE NEWNESS OF LIFE

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

Good -Life Devotional: WALKING IN THE NEWNESS OF LIFE

Bible Text: Romans 6:1–11; 2 Corinthians 5:17

 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” — Romans 6:4 (KJV)

   Newness of life is one of the greatest evidences of salvation. When a person receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, Christianity is not merely a change of religion, church membership, or religious vocabulary. It is a transformation from the inside out. Paul declares, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Romans 6:4 explains that through baptism, we identify with Christ's death and resurrection. His death represents the end of our old life under the dominion of sin, while His resurrection represents our entrance into a transformed life. Romans 6:6 says that our old man was crucified with Christ so that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

  Therefore, the believer must not continue deliberately living according to the patterns of the former life. Galatians 2:20 declares, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” The new life must increasingly reflect Christ.

   Ephesians 4:22–24 teaches us to put off the former conduct, be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on the new man, created in righteousness and true holiness. Colossians 3:12–14 further calls us to demonstrate compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love.

   Walking in newness of life means allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our thoughts, attitudes, speech, relationships, choices, and conduct. We do not claim perfection by the world's standards, but we must demonstrate spiritual progress and a genuine desire to please God.

REFLECTION: Is your daily conduct reflecting the new life you have received in 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 and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome sin. Lord Jesus, help me to continually put away the old life and walk in the newness of life. Renew my mind and make my character increasingly reflect You. Amen.

PRACTICAL FAITH APPLICATION: Each day, surrender your thoughts, words, and actions to Christ, and deliberately choose righteousness over the patterns of your former life.

+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

PROVING THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD

 You are being brought to a place of greater relevance because of the anointing of God's favour upon you. .

Good -Life Devotional:  PROVING THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

 Text: Romans 12:1–2 (AMP)

    Presenting our bodies to God as a living sacrifice is not a one-time religious activity. It is a daily decision to allow God to govern our thoughts, attitudes, words, relationships and actions. Romans 12:2 teaches that when our minds are renewed, we are able to “prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

   The Greek word latreia, translated “service,” speaks of sacred service or worship rendered to God. True worship therefore extends beyond what happens inside a church building. Our bodies, careers, finances, relationships, conversations and private decisions can all become expressions of our worship.

   Jesus' teaching in Mark 7:21–23 reminds us that outward religion cannot substitute for inward transformation. Evil proceeds from the human heart. Consequently, we must continually expose our minds to God's truth. Meditation on Scripture changes our thinking; prayer keeps us dependent upon God; fasting helps us discipline our desires; and fellowship with God's people encourages us toward love and good works (Hebrews 10:24–25).

   When the mind is renewed, the believer begins to recognize God's will and reject what contradicts His purpose. James 1:22 says we must be doers of the Word, not hearers only.

Your reasonable service is therefore a life surrendered to God's authority—not merely knowing His will, but doing it.

REFLECTION:

  Does my daily lifestyle demonstrate that my body, mind and decisions belong to God?

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.

Father, continually renew my mind through Your Word. Give me grace to reject worldly patterns, overcome sinful desires and obey Your perfect will. Let my entire life become acceptable worship before You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 1:1–3; Joshua 1:8; John 4:23–24; Hebrews 12:1–2; James 1:22; 1 Peter 1:15–16.

+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 

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YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE TO GOD

Your family shall be very far from disaster because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional: YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE TO GOD

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Bible Text: Romans 12:1–2 (AMP)
   Paul appeals to believers to present their bodies to God as “a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.” Our service to God is therefore not merely attending church, singing, preaching, or giving offerings. It begins with surrendering our entire lives to Him.
  The Greek word translated “service” in Romans 12:1 is latreia (λατρεία), meaning service, worship, sacred service, or the performance of duties rendered to God. It describes devoted service offered to God because we belong to Him.
   In Mark 7:20–23, Jesus teaches that what defiles a person comes from within—the heart. He mentions evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, deceit, pride and foolishness. Therefore, presenting our bodies to God requires more than outward religious appearance; our hearts and minds must be transformed.
   Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed and progressively changed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal takes place as we continually meditate on God's Word, pray, fast, and fellowship with God's people.
  A renewed mind produces a surrendered body and an obedient life.
REFLECTION:
What is presently controlling my thoughts, desires and decisions—God's Word or the patterns of this world?
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 live in holiness .
Lord, cleanse my heart and renew my mind through Your Word. Help me present my body, thoughts and desires as a living sacrifice that is pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Additional Scriptures: Psalm 119:11; Philippians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Colossians 3:1–10.
+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