by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 3, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Whilst evil prevailed in the land, occasioned by the godless King Ahab, and his wicked wife, Jezebel. Elijah, as God’s representative, was instructed to confront Ahab with advance notice that judgment was on its way. There were no “ifs” and “buts” about it; the sentence had been passed. The prophet told the king, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word” (17:1). This judgment was to prove to King Ahab and his Baal gods, who is believed to be the lord of heaven, that Yahweh is the Sovereign God, who has preeminence over all things.
One may wonder how Elijah intended to feed himself when he declared famine on the land. But because God was involved, He made provisions for Elijah, such that through out the period of famine, he would be sustained. “GOD then told Elijah, “Get out of here, and fast. Head east 
and hide out at the Kerith Ravine on the other side of the Jordan River. You can drink fresh water from the brook; I’ve ordered the ravens to feed you.” Elijah obeyed GOD ’s orders. He went and camped in the Kerith canyon on the other side of the Jordan. And sure enough, ravens brought him his meals, both breakfast and supper, and he drank from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:2-6 MSG.
It’s a new year but from the very first minute there has been renewed apprehensions about the severe hardship, tribulations, political earthquakes, terrorism, and uncertainties that will continue to plague the earth and its inhabitants. However, before you get agitated, I have got an assuring word from the Almighty God.
He says to those who love and trust Him steadily, “These are the ones who will dwell on high. The rocks of the mountains will be their fortress. Food will be supplied to them, and they will have water in abundance. (Isaiah 33:16).
Even though evil prevails, and men are suffering from the consequences of godlessness, yet some are selected to survive these calamities and stand victorious. ““…The sinners in Zion are rightly terrified; the godless are a
t their wit’s end: ‘Who among us can survive this firestorm? Who of us can get out of this purge with our lives?’”
Who are the survivors? The answer’s simple: those who: Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, avoid evil amusements. This is how you raise your standard of living! A safe and stable way to live. A nourishing, satisfying way to live. Isaiah 33:13-16.
For those who would move to the righteous side with God, before their need arises, their supplies shall be waiting for them. God will raise their standard of living! Yes, they will lack no good thing, for God has made provisions for them. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 2, 2017 | Uncategorized |
If the Israelites were to capture the hills country of Canaan, Jericho, which controlled the way of ascent into these mountains, and Ai, another fortress, which stood at the end of the ascent, must fall! But knowing this, “Now Jericho was tightly shut because of the sons of Israel…” Thus, Jericho stood between the Israelites and their promised land, Canaan. 
The surrounding nations, including Jericho, was aware of God’s miraculous hand upon Israel. notable among the many miracles was the drying of the River Jordan in the time of its flooded state.
This spectacular demonstration of God’s power made Israel’s neighbors realize that God was on the side of Israel and He could do all things. It made them to lose heart and courage to fight. This fear, i believe was the reason Jericho locked up their gates against Israel. They know the only option they had was to surrender to Israel, and rather than do this, they chose to become a stumbling block to their passage to the land of promise.
Oftentimes, the challenges that confronts us in the face are only a mirage, a False Expectation Appearing Real (FEAR). 
For such, God has already given us victory, and only obedience to Him would bring our victory to reality. in the same vein, just as Jericho stood in the way of Israel, an obstacle might have been placed in your way of achieving God’s promises; or you night have had stiff oppositions achieving your desired goals in 2016, and now the fear of failing again confronts you in the face.
Perhaps, you need to change your strategies, and rather than rely on your skills and experience, you can follow God’s instruction. He is the master strategist, the invincible might man in battle, who knows the end from the beginning. Like Joshua, you can move forward on God’s instructions: “And the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand… and you shall march round…”-Josh 6:2. In essence, God was saying to Joshua that his victory is assured only if he follows His instructions.
A similar incidence was at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus was a guest. While the celebration was on, the wine got exhausted, and Mary the mother of Jesus cried out to him for help. Hence, Jesus instructed the servants saying, “Fill the waterpots with water…draw some out…”(John 2:7). This miracle at Cana, like the conquest of Jericho was premised on obedience to divine instructions. Those that expects Christ’s favours, must observe his orders with ready obedience, because the way of duty is the way to mercy.
God improves creatures comforts to all who truly trust Him. Recall that it was in the wilderness that God provided water for the famished Israelites. So, no matter how hard the economy is, or how hopeless your situation looks, God will provide for you all the wherewithal to achieve your goals, and surpass your expectations. Just follow his instructions, fill the water pots! You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 2, 2017 | Uncategorized |
“The pattern of divine strategy for the conquest of Canaan was based on geographic factors: Jericho needed to fall before the Israelites could move forward. In spite of it being a well thought-out military plan, it would have failed had God not stepped in.’ -Campbell. The scriptures has it that, “Jericho was shut up tight as a drum because of the People of Israel: no one going in, no one coming out.” So, Israel had a problem: Jericho was tightly shut up, outer wall was about 6ft thick and 20ft high, inner wall was 12ft thick and 30ft high, and between the walls was a 15ft guarded walkway. But Jericho had to fall before Canaan can be captured. What are the strategies needed to achieve this great feat, seeing that Jericho is a fortified city, and Ai is a fortress?
God never leaves His people to their own strategies. He comes to their aid with His own divinely-provided plan. “Then he said to the people, “Go forward, and march around the city, and let the armed men go on before the ark of the LORD.”-Josh 6:7. Foolish as it may seem, that was the right strategy for the conquest. If God be involved in your plans and strategies for the new year, you are sure to win over life challenges and oppositions.
The scriptures repeatedly warns us against leaning on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). No matter how lofty your dreams are, they can never be better than God’s plan and purpose for your life. So, let God lead the way! Don’t try to figure out everything on your own. The wise king councils, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Prov. 19:21. Therefore, you must listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.
We each have our Jericho or Ai that stands in the way of our ability to possess our possessions in Christ; virtual strongholds that impede our spiritual progress. It may be a weakness in our character, a physical infirmity, it may be indifference to spiritual things in general or to a specific area we are neglecting. It could be materialism or some life-dominating pattern. It may be a difficulty at one’s place of work, in the home, with a particular personality, or it may be a financial burden. Regardless of the nature of our Jericho, we must realize victory always comes through God’s plan of deliverance—never ours! You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jan 1, 2017 | Uncategorized |
“In spite of the pain & distaste of adversity, it is impossible not to notice that each adverse event leaves sweet nectar behind, which, in turn, can produce it’s own rich honey in d character of the survivor. It is this bittersweet honey that allows us to enrich the lives of others through our experiences & testimonies. It is burial that separates the survivor from the deceased
Therefore, You’re a survivor! You have crossed over to 2017, a year of fruitfulness, restoration, unstoppable joy…! live on! you’re win.ning! Yes, we are winning! 1Sam16:1
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Dec 31, 2016 | Uncategorized |
“And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.” Exodus 14:21-22
Also in Joshua 3:17 we read the following: 
“And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.”
The above passages refer to two “crossing overs”. The first was that of Moses at the Red Sea while the other was with Joshua at the River Jordan. Every believer needs to experience both “crossovers” and you will in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Prayers for the Crossover night:
- As I enter into year 2017, let the strong east wind from the Lord hold off anything that would hinder my progress and prosperity! Amen.
- I decree and declare that every stumbling blocks that have held me down in 2016 will henceforth become a stepping stone to my advancement in year 2017.
- I decree that the challenges that have defeated me in 2016 shall become a passage to my success in 2017.
- Rather then become a liability, I declare that I will become a channel of blessing, a solution provider, a bridge, a giver, the head and not the tail in the year 2017.
- As I enter into year 2017, I receive abundant grace to passover problems, i receive favor to travel through it successfully. I receive divine wisdom to extend my territory. I receive anointing to surmount every problems in Jesus’ name.
- The Red Sea crossover is a “crossover” from a place of slavery to a place of liberty. As I crossover into 2017, I command every seen and unseen chains to break off from my life in Jesus Mighty name.
- Let every Chains that is fashioned to make me remain a slave to people, systems, etc be destroyed in Jesus Mighty name, Amen.
- I decree that my crossover into 2017 is a crossover from a place of hard labor to a place of divine provision in Jesus Mighty Name.
- Joshua’s crossover was not one from slavery to liberty but it was a crossover from a wilderness state to a place of inheritance. In the wilderness one rotates in circles and does not move forward. There is no progress. The Joshua “crossover” is a crossover from no man’s land to the land of promise. Today, I break free from stagnation, and delays. I destroy the yoke of familiar afflictions over my life in Jesus’ name! Today, I move into my land of inheritance. I decree that In 2017, all of Gods promises shall be fulfilled in my life.
- I decree that I am crossing over into my destiny, my glorious future, my promised land in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
- Joshua said “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” (Joshua 23:14). David too said “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, neither their seed beg for bread.” (Psalm 37:25). God has never forsaken anyone and He will not forsake you. The same God of old who kept promises will bring your promises to fulfillment in Jesus Faithful Name, Amen. Every prayer and every prophetic utterance over your life – I call them all to come to fulfillment in Jesus Mighty.
- I decree and declare that no devil, no force, no divination, no sorcery can stop my “crossover” in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
- Pharaoh and all the horses and chariots drowned while pursuing the children of Israel. The forces of darkness against my“crossover” will be rendered powerless in Jesus Great Name. Amen.
- The Red Sea and River Jordan all had to obey and submit to the time of “crossover” for the children of Israel. Today, I call forth everything necessary for you to step into your “crossover” time in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
- I declare that this “Crossover Time”, will usher me into endless joy, advancement and divine favor in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
Be blessed as you crossover,
Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Dec 31, 2016 | Uncategorized |
The same River that Peter toiled the entire night without catching any fish, is the same River where they caught thousands of fish in the morning, so much so that their net broke! Jesus’ visit in the morning brought about the great catch. Jesus asked, ‘Do you have any fish?’ Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5. And straightaway, He instructed, ‘”Push out into the deep water and let your nets out for a catch.” Luke 5:4.
Jesus did not advise them to change the River, instead He advised them to cast the nets deeper.
Perhaps, you tried so hard to fish the whole of 2016 but you caught nothing. No job, no marriage, no finances, no education, no stable income, no kids, no peace, no success. You may have been greatly hit by the prevailing recession, and the uncertainty of a future may have beclouded your hope. Dear friend, may I tell you that sometimes when life is going the opposite direction, the solution may not necessarily be found in a change of job, a change of church, change of your husband or wife, or even relocation. Neither is it found in giving up, or committing suicide.
And Simon Peter said, ‘…But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ Yes, Its all about plunging your faith deeper into God, draw closer in fellowship with Jesus, and increase your faith to believe that in spite of the hardships, God will provide, heal, restore, uplift, deliver, revive, and bring blessings and favour along your way.
Therefore, don’t quit. You are already in pain. You are already hurt. Hold on and get a reward from it! You may have toiled so hard in 2016, but your obedience to the word of God will sure bring a total restoration and would make 2017 a rewarding year for you. It is about 9 hours to the year 2017, don’t throw away your confidence! Cast your net into the deep! Year 2017 will be more rewarding. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
