Occupy Church Ministries Glory Assembly Bida O.C.M

06/05/2026

*PRINCIPLES OF ENGAGEMENT IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE*
_May 6th, 2026_

*THE WAITING ROOM OF GOD*
_But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint_
*Isaiah 40:31*

*Devotional*
When every door around you is shut, it may feel like you’ve been placed in a holding pattern. No clarity, no movement, no answers – just stillness. This is God’s waiting room, and though it feels passive, it’s profoundly active in the spirit. In the waiting room, God builds endurance; He reshapes desires; He corrects priorities and strengthens faith. It's not just about delay, it's about development. Eagles don’t soar overnight. Strength is renewed, not instantly granted.
The temptation is to try and force your way out: to bang on doors, pick locks, or demand answers. But God’s timing is perfect. If you leave the waiting room too soon, you may step into something you're not yet ready to carry. *David* was anointed king as a teenager but spent years running from *Saul* before ascending the throne *(1 Sam. 16 to 2 Sam. 5).* *Joseph* saw dreams in his youth but was confined in Egypt before they came true. These delays weren’t denials – they were divine preparations. Waiting doesn’t mean inactivity; it means resting in trust, listening, worshiping, and growing in obedience while God sets things in place. So, see each waiting season as a workshop, not a prison. Spend time in prayer and Scripture rather than frustration. Ask the Lord what He wants to develop in you during this waiting period.

*Prayer*
_Lord, I admit that waiting is hard; but I surrender to Your timing and trust Your wisdom. Help me not to waste my waiting season with anxiety, but to embrace it as a time of renewal. Strengthen my heart, shape my character, and prepare me for what’s ahead. In Jesus’ name, I’ve prayed!_

*Rev. Dr. Mathias Echioda*

06/05/2026

_*KEY PRINCIPLES of EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP*_

*As effective leaders,* we're to lead by example, not by excuse. Effective leadership is not in our titles, it’s in our service towel. That's why the Lord Jesus didn’t say: _“I’m the Boss”_ and sit down. Instead, He picked up a towel and washed His disciples' feet *(John 13:14-15);* and we're called to imitate Him *(1 Cor. 11:1).*

*© Mathias Echioda*

06/05/2026

*BE ENCOURAGED TODAY*

*Your faithfulness* in secret will certainly build a public testimony. The choir you’re training, the children you’re raising, the prayers you’re sowing, the business you’re building, the service you're rendering -- heaven has record of it.
*So, Declare:*
I am not weary, I am working towards my reaping. My hands will not be slack. What I’ve sown in tears, I will reap in joy. My due season is here, in Jesus’ name. With this, *don't give up!*

*Rev. Dr. Mathias Echioda*

06/05/2026

*MAY 6th, 2026*

04/05/2026

Sunday service for
First Sunday of the month of May
Occupy Church Ministries Glory Assembly Bida O.C.M

04/05/2026

13/04/2026

*PRINCIPLES OF ENGAGEMENT IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE*
_April 13th, 2026_

*THE DEVIL’S DISGUISES*
_And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light_
*2 Cor. 11:14*

*Devotional*
One of the most dangerous tactics of the enemy is not frontal assault, but deception. Satan doesn’t always show up with horns and fire; often, he comes cloaked in light – appearing helpful, appealing, or even _“anointed”._ The serpent in Eden didn’t scare Eve. Instead, he reasoned, questioned, and presented the forbidden tree as good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise *(Gen. 3:6).*
Satan knows that disguise is more effective than direct confrontation. He can disguise temptation as opportunity; compromise as wisdom; false teaching as deeper revelation; carnality as liberty; and worldliness as relevance.
Jesus warned in *Mat. 7:15:* _“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves”._ This verse reveals two things: false prophets exist, and they look like sheep, not wolves.
That means discernment is critical. If we judge by appearances or emotions alone, we may embrace what God condemns. The devil often imitates God’s voice, but only those grounded in Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit can tell the difference.
Are you testing spirits or trusting feelings? Do you weigh every teaching, vision, or _“word”_ against God’s written Word? To guard against spiritual deception: know the Word deeply – truth exposes lies; stay humble – pride makes us gullible; seek wise counsel – spiritual loners are easier targets; and pray for discernment – it is a gift worth asking for.

*Prayer*
_Lord, open my eyes to see through every disguise of the enemy. Make me sensitive to Your Spirit and rooted in Your Word. Keep me from being deceived by what appears good but is not of You. Let truth be my compass in all things. In Jesus’ name I pray._

*Rev. Dr. Mathias Echioda*

13/04/2026

_*KEY PRINCIPLES of EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP*_

*For effective leaders,* character comes before competence! That was how David shepherded Israel with _“integrity of heart and skillful hands”_ *(Psalm 78:72).* Skill gets you to the room, but it is character that keeps you there. So people don’t just follow your gifts; they follow your life. Yes, it is your private life that fuels your public influence.

*© Mathias Echioda*

13/04/2026

*BE ENCOURAGED TODAY*

*God’s faithfulness* is your anchor when the ground feels shaky *(Lam. 3:22-23).* His mercies are new every morning – including this one. When uncertainty screams, answer it with God's track record. He has never failed, and He won’t start with you. Think like Apostle Paul in the storm *(Acts 27:22-25);* chains rattling, ship breaking, but he declared, _“I believe God!”_ Believe, and *don't give up!*

*Rev. Dr. Mathias Echioda*

13/04/2026

*APRIL 13th, 2026*

13/04/2026

The Power Service: Guiding Your Thoughts