by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 18, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Do you still remember what your laugh sound like? It is not impossible you have forgotten how it feels when you laugh because you have thought, or possibly concluded that there is no use for laughter, as such you have placed your laughter on suspension mode. You may have also wondered, ‘Why should I be happy when there is nothing exciting happening around me? Although our airwaves may be saturated with bad news: news of inflation, poverty, joblessness, terrorism, political turmoil, economic recession, uncertainties, and death. Yet, if we always remember that it could have been worst, we would be grateful, and see plenty more reasons to be cheerful.
The fact that you are surrounded with hardship does not mean there are no good things happening around you. It is a fact that our thinking is driven by what we choose to think about and how we choose to view our life. There will always be hard times, but in the midst of all our difficulties, there abounds myriads of opportunities. The question is, what do you see? What you see or think about can affect your view about life, and consequently determine your happiness.
On the other hand, your reason for sadness may be because you are so busy being angry at people, situation, or your circumstances that you forget that a cheerful heart is a good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Sure, you can be healthier when you chose to be happy in spite of the unpalatable happenings around you. Some people are so religious that they consider been cheerful as being unserious, forgetting that God is full of joy, and he wants us to be strengthened by his joy. Nehemiah admonished the people saying, “…Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!…The Levites calmed the people, “Quiet now. This is a Holy day. Don’t be upset.” Nehemiah 8:10-11.
Oscar Wilde noted, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Indeed, we all go through challenges, and at various degrees too. But while some gets better by pains, and are poised to succeed; others get plunged into doubts, defeats, desperation and hopelessness, and remain in the downside of life. So, instead of crying over the scars, or be mad over the situation around you, set your gaze upon the unfailing and all-sufficient God. Your help comes from Him (Psalm 124). He will give you strength for the journey. My friend, get over the hurtful feelings, and praise God because it could have been worst! You look good when you smile. Raise the roof, celebrate your beautiful life, and be thankful in all things. God is working in you, so smile! You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 17, 2017 | Uncategorized |
In part 1 & 2 of this article, we understood that Israel began the journey to capture the promised land of Canaan, but they had a serious obstacle in Jericho. Both Jericho, which controlled the way of ascent into these mountains, and Ai, another fortress, which stood at the end of the ascent must fall before they can crossover to the other side! This was indeed a difficult situation for them, seeing the fortified mountains of Jericho, the fortress of Ai, and the limitation of their own military prowess. However, God’s assurance of Victory was enough motivation for the Israelite, who needed to follow divine instructions in other to conquer the land of promise. 
In this same way, through the sacrifice of Christ, God has given us victory over all of life’s battles. He only commands us to obey him and follow the divine strategies He has outlined in His word for us to have victories. And so Jesus said, “”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Thus, assurance of Victory makes the difference.
Before the Lord outlined His plan, He graciously assured Joshua of victory. “And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour” (Joshua 6:2). Note the emphasis, “See, I have given.” Joshua was commanded to see, understand, and so reflect on the fact, as a matter of confidence, that Yahweh had already given them victory. Victory is always by the Lord’s hand, and since victory is by God’s power, we should expect it to be something that bypasses dependence on man and his own strength or abilities. So with the word “see” Joshua is called to see with eyes of faith and to envision Jericho as destroyed. Likewise over and over again in the New Testament, we are assured of our triumph over sin and satan. Apostle Paul Enthused, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place” (2 Cor. 2:14). Indeed, we have been made more than conquerors through Christ our Lord (Romans 8:31-39).
Furthermore, the words, “I have given” represent a prophetic perfect tense which describes a future event or action as having already been accomplished. Victory was assured by the promise of an omnipotent, faithful, and immutable God. The ordinary method and weapons of warfare does not guaranty victory! God does! So, do not fuss over your battles, if God is involved, then victory is certain! Therefore, be still, God knows your way, and He will sure guide you to victory.
Jo
shua, God’s servant understood that the God who has promised and assured of Victory is certainly the one who knows the strategies to win the battle, hence, His instruction must be followed in order to have absolute victory. Wherefore, Joshua and his men were careful to employ God’s plan of victory as outlined in verses 3-7. “And ye shall compass the
city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.” Each day they were to march silently around the city with the priests, and follow God’s instructions in details.
The Bible is God’s instruction to the world. Though written by men who were inspired by God, it contains all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:4). “There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17 MSG)
As you march forward in the new year, “see” with eyes of faith and envision Jericho, which represents barriers, persecutions, problems, sicknesses, oppositions, and all manner of afflictions as destroyed. Be positive in your disposition. “Faith words are not just mere positive affirmations, they open your life up to the supernatural power of God.” -Bo Sanchez. Therefore, speak the word of faith and not failure; live the life of faith because you have been made a winner! You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 15, 2017 | Uncategorized |
How dark and lonely is your path? Do you feel like a lowly worm or like a fragile insect? The Choices you have to make has put you in a state of dilemma and depression? Or has the escalation of your expectations plunged you into a state of tyranny? Whatever it is, I urge you to to take courage in the assuring words of the Invincible God, He says, “…I will help you. I, God want to reassure you.. I’m transforming you from worm to harrow, from insect to iron.” In spite of what may lie ahead of you, He has made provisions for your sustenance! He further reassures,
“Do not fear, as a sharp-toothed harrow you will smooth out the mountains…you will be confident, exuberant, and expansive.” Isaiah 41:14-16.
So, you can confidently declare that, “Though dark be my way, since He is my guide! It is mine to obey, It is His to provide: though cisterns be broken and creatures fail, the word He has spoken will surely prevail… For my relief will soon appear; with Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm”. In his album, the Mercy Seat, Don Moen sang, “He said that I could come into His presence without fear, Into the holy place where His mercy hovers near. Where Jesus is calling. Come running to the mercy seat. Run now, keep running to the mercy seat where His grace will be your covering. His blood will flow freely, It will provide your healing. C’mon, start running, you are winning! Yes, we are winning!
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by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 11, 2017 | Uncategorized |
“Encouragement from any source is like a drop of rain upon a parched desert.” In today’s busy world, and with its challenging times and seasons, it is easy to quickly get demoralized by the stress and strain of our every day activities. Therefore, we need words of hope to constantly refresh our spirits and souls, so that we do not become drab and devastated.
What a blessing it would be to pass on the inspirations you get from reading our articles. Besides, you may have functioned as an encourager with another, and never realized it. You can read our post, tell us your own stories, leave comments, and share to your friends on social media, so that we all being instruments of consolation and peace, can win together. Indeed, ‘We rise by lifting others.’ Yes, we are winning! #beanencourager
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by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 11, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Can you figure out your fears? The enemy wants you to become so afraid that you won’t be able to figure out what you fear. One of the ways he does this is to chain us to the circumstances of the past, thereby keeping us from reaching our potential.
The enemy can chain you to the hurts or heartbreaks of the past, by a spirit of unforgiveness, thus keeping you from moving forward. He might also chain you to the failures or disappointments of the past, thus keeping you locked out of the opportunity of trying again. If indeed we want to make progress in this new year, we must be willing to give up yesterday and go on toward tomorrow.
Job testified saying, “For a tree there is always hope. Chop it down and it still has a chance -its roots can push out fresh sprouts…at the first whiff of water it comes to life (Job 14:7-9). God wants you to know that you have nothing to fear if you can put your absolute trust in Him. King David declared, “Yea,though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…”-Ps23:4. You too can take courage from the word of God, and declare that in spite of the surrounding challenges, you have been made a conqueror, and so you’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 10, 2017 | Uncategorized |
When you’re divinely favored to see a new day, you should undervalue your defeats, and celebrate your victories. Even if you are not where you want to be, you should be thankful to God that you are not where you used to be. Therefore, magnify the great qualities you have, and not the negative things people say or you feel they think about you. You too, don’t feel or think like a grasshopper because you’re not! 
You’ve got something to offer the world. You’ve been kept alive for such a time as this.
You’re a plus, ur not a waste! So, when next you look at the mirror, say aloud to yourself, ‘I am amazing!’ ‘I am unique!’ ‘I am talented!’ ‘I am happy!’ ‘I am original!’ ‘I am worthy!’ ‘I am God’s masterpiece!’ ‘I am a success!’ ‘I am blessed!, I am grateful!’ ‘I am winning!’ Yes, you are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
Oscar Wilde noted, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Indeed, we all go through challenges, and at various degrees too. But while some gets better by pains, and are poised to succeed; others get plunged into doubts, defeats, desperation and hopelessness, and remain in the downside of life. So, instead of crying over the scars, or be mad over the situation around you, set your gaze upon the unfailing and all-sufficient God. Your help comes from Him (Psalm 124). He will give you strength for the journey. My friend, get over the hurtful feelings, and praise God because it could have been worst! You look good when you smile. Raise the roof, celebrate your beautiful life, and be thankful in all things. God is working in you, so smile! You are winning! Yes, we are winning!