Recounting God’s Unspeakable Gifts

28/12/2017-

          Recounting God’s Unspeakable Gifts

2 Corinthians 9.15

God’s gifts to mankind are uncountable and unspeakable. They are too numerous to be counted, for, since the creation, God has always been providing for man His gracious gifts in every area of life. His greatest gift to man is Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, whom He gave for our redemption. That is why every thoughtful individual in all ages have always come to conclude that God is very good to all.

Though the circumstances around us, like the economic, political challenges and family expectations may indicate the contrary, yet the deeds of the Lord speaks volume of His manifold blessings towards mankind. Particularly to believers, we cannot fully quantify God’s supernatural gifts to our lives. No wonder somebody said, “He that is thoughtful will always be thankful”. To be thoughtful is to recount the gracious works of God to our lives, families, businesses, church, and ministry. Recounting God’s unspeakable gifts to us must move us to respond positively towards him in gratitude and towards the fellow man in reaching forth to help others know this faithful father. Saints of old who tread the path of gratitude for God’s unspeakable gifts always rejoice and receive much more abundance from Him but the ingrates and unthankful end up in rejection and unworthiness. Tonight, we must all think through to see all God’s blessings in our lives and appreciate Him for all He has done.

Recounting God’s Supernatural blessings Psalm 103.1-3, Ex. 15.26, Ps. 50.15, 91.15, Ps. 35.9-10, Ps 107. 1-9, 43, 1 Chronicles 16.23-29, Ps 46. 8-9, Ps 145, 1-5, 8-10

King David was a thoughtful leader who knew that he could not  have achieved anything in life without the help of the Almighty. He began to enumerate the benefits and the goodness he received from the Lord. He opened the catalogue with the blessing of pardon from sin (V.3). Sin, which  was the stumbling block against God’s blessings, was removed and all other mercies began to flow into the believer’s life such as (i) Healing from sicknesses and diseases (Ex. 15.26), (ii)Rescue from danger and destruction (Ps. 50.15, 91.15) (iii) Happiness and fulfillment in the midst of worldly worries and woes, (iv) Pleasures and satisfaction when others are in severe needs and troubles, (v) divine promises and assurance when others are in fears of hopelessness and helplessness` (Deut. 31.6,8; Ps. 3.2), (vi) Wisdom and wealth in times of famine and scarcity, (vii) Defense and deliverance in critical moments of fear and troubles (Ps. 34.4, Jonah 2.2). Believers then and now need to be thoughtful of God’s supernatural blessings – to themselves as individuals, to their families, to their churches and to their communities and nations in general. For his peace in the time of wars and commotions all around the world, and for many countless benefits, God is worthy of our praise. Praise the Lord

Our Response towards God’s blessings Ps. 116. 10-14, 16-19, Ps 63. 1-8, Exodus 15. 1-19, Ps 22.25-28

Realizing God’s great blessings to us must make us respond positively towards Him. Particularly, those who had received God’s grace at salvation will always express their appreciation to God through their love, loyalty, lives, and obedience to God. We must yield and submit our hearts and lives to Him totally as people who knew that He owes us, keeps us and sustains us. We must, therefore, be committed to the Almighty God in our thoughts and our actions day by day in response to all He had done for us. Here the inspired writer expressed the appropriative response we must have in our gratitude to God. God’s goodness to us must make us to (i) uphold holiness of life and character, (ii) speak of God’s goodness to everyone by preaching Christ to all people, (iii) pay our vows, tithes, offerings and all financial commitments to God, (iv) be engaged in the building up of the body of Christ, positively contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom, (v) evangelize others to come into God’s goodness as well, and lastly by showing reciprocal goodness to everyone. Our expressions must not just be in the mouth only. It must not be only on Sunday services; neither should it be only when we want to pray, but every time and everywhere. In our utterances, conduct, and character, and in our attitude to other believers and unbelievers alike

Rendering Praises and Thanksgiving for God’s blessings Psalms 103:1-5; 107:1,2,14-15; Acts 16:25-26; Hebrews 13:15; Philippians 4:6, Joshua 6.20, I Sam 2.1-8, Ps 46.1, 8-9

Praises and Thanksgiving is the only celebration we can offer to the Almighty God. We have many reasons for our thanksgiving to Him. The following are some of the reasons for which we must praise the Lord. God’s creation and redemption, Salvation – Psalm 103:3, Healing and deliverances - Psalm 103:3, Divine provision - Psalm 103:5; 36:25, Divine protection and preservation – Psalms 91:1-16, Power to lead the Christian live - 2 Corinthians 2:14, The hope of living eternally with our Savior – John 3:16, Answers to prayer – Psalms 65:1-2, Divine guidance - Psalms 73:24. Our praises could be rendered in many ways and many manners. By Singing praises to God, we are showing Him that we submit and surrender to His Majesty and that  He should continue to rule and reign in our lives and affairs. This always moves God to do more for us and to bring enlargements and supernatural miracles to us in return. All through the scriptures, we discovered that everyone who appreciates God always increases with breakthroughs and divine multiplications. Hannah praised God and paid her vows, then God added more children to her in return. Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises in the prison, God opened the prison doors through an earthquake, Israel praised God with a shout and trumpets and the thick Jericho walls fell down flat. Hezekiah and the people of Judah simply praised God with thanksgiving and they received abundance of victory and the supernatural defeat of their enemies. This night shall be a night of Victory through our praises and overwhelming thanksgiving to our Awesome God who keeps us, supports us and sustains us.

Asking, Seeking and Knocking for Great Outpouring

TRETS 14/12/2017  - Asking, Seeking and Knocking for Great Outpouring

Matt. 7. 7-11, Acts 1. 4-5, Luke 24.49,

The great outpouring of God’s blessings is always preceded by great expectations, preparations and prayers. This always brings mighty and sustainable revival of soul, spirit and body upon God’s people. Before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Our Lord and Saviour emphasized the need for a sincere expectation and (tarrying) waiting for this unprecedented experience that will eventually change the entire world through its ensued revival. In the same way, He require that believers then and now must realize and employ the importance of sincere and passionate prayer and preparation so as to receive their needed life changing miracles in their lives. God promised a change in life and Character to Israel through prophet Ezekiel, yet He demanded that they Ask passionately and enquire of Him before they will receive the revival. Today, God had given us great and precious life transforming promises, yet He expects us to pray fervently to receive them through tthis December retreat, an it shall be the beginning of a new dawn to everyone who keys into this great God’s plan for humanity.

The promise of the great Outpouring Joel 2. 28-32, Acts 1.8, Isaiah 43. 16-18, Ezekiel 37.1-12

The Great outpouring of God’s supernatural blessing had been promised to His people from the time of old. God’s seasons and periods of revival always come after his undeniable promise had been given to His people, He said, He will do a new thing and he did it. To The children of Israel in the time of Ezekiel, it was a time great despondency, famine and despair. Yet God gave the promise to Ezekiel and a great outpouring of revical came upon the land. What brings revival to people vary from person to person. To Hannah, she needs a Samuel, to Jabez a turn-around breakthrough, to Elisha, he needs a double portion of Elijah’s power and to Jacob a complete victory over a long standing ark enemy and rival. Whatever your desire and challenges may be, God has promised great outpouring of His blessings upon us in this retreat and it promises tpo be a dawn of new beginning of great things in our lives.

PII. Preparation for the Great Outpouring Isaiah 58.6-11, Mark 6.31, John 11.39,

There is need for adequate preparation before we can receive great things from God. Our passion for the great outpouring will show through our preparations. The Lord told the disciples that they need to tarry in the city of Jerusalem. This is to prepare them in holiness and oneness in prayer before the Lord for the Spirit’s baptism. We need Spiritual and physical preparations before this unprecetendent outpouring can come. Spiritual requires checking up our lives and making sure we do not allow any sinful interest to be in us. Taking away every stone of unbelief and doubt is another preparation for us. Moreover, we need to be physically separated from all the distractions of the business so as to fully concentrate in the presence of the Lord. Also Everything needed for full concentration must be provided.

Praying for the great Outpouring Hosea 10.12, Luke 22.44, Acts 1.14, Genesis 32. 24-26, Matthew 7.7-11

Prayer is very critical before any remarkable change in life and spirit can be obtained. The Disciples waited in the upper room to pray before the Spirits baptism came, Hannah waited upon the Lord at Shiloh before she received the needed Samuel, Jabez and Jacob needed to set time apart to pray effectively before their lives and characters were transformed. We do not have any shortcut to God’s supernatural blessings except through fervently prayer.

There is an assurance that everyone who prays receives. Therefore we can be assured that as we pray over our problems and challenges at this year’s retreat, God is going to pour out His blessings upon us in Jesus name

The Believers Unfailing Weapons

The Believers Unfailing Weapons

Text:    2 Cor. 10. 3-5, Ephesians 6. 10-17

The Christian race is full of battles and warfare. This is not limited to the normal secular challenges of life but sometimes spiritual. The scriptures confirm that though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. Meaning, though we are human and in the flesh, yet our challenges and battles are not limited to the flesh, our oppositions and enemies are not mere humans, but spiritual beings of wicked forces.  Our warfare are both internal and external. We must earnestly contend against our own fleshly lust, passions and desires (internal); and we also confront wicked forces in high places (external). Wrong targets in warfare results into great loss;  and wrong choice of weapons brings disappointments and defeat. The major enemy of the believer is Satan, the Devil. He is not human but spiritual, yet he uses human elements to attack, oppose and war against believer. He has his cohorts and lieutenants in high wicked places supporting his mission against Christians in all ages and every nation.  To overcome Satan, you must make sure you are born again, and be renewed from this prevailing negative practices in the world. Sin must have been conquered, Self must have been crushed and himself must have been crucified to the Lord. Its only then we can overcome the devil and his agents by deploying the believer's unfailing weapons appropriately.

PI.       DIVERSE BATTLES AGAINST CHRIST’S WORKMEN 2 Cor. 2.11, Eph. 6.12, Esther 3.6,8-9, 1 Kings 13.18, 1 Chronicles 21.1, Matt 4.1-10,

The word device represents crafty plots of the enemy against an individual who gives his/her life to Christ. Note that we wrestle not against flesh and blood though he may appear in human strategy (Eph. 6.12). Their focus is not against your person, but because you had decided for the Lord. The moment you repent of your sins and profess Christ as your Lord and savior, giving your life to him, the battles and challenges becomes different. But the bible says "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Prov. 19.21). As we go through the scriptures, we can see some of their plots against the army of Christ as learn from their examples. This will help us prepare and stand against their wicked tricks and strategies. Note that the devil and his agents are crafty, they will not always come in the same way, but God is assuring us that whichever way they come, they will fail in Jesus name. For instance to the Jews in Shushan, he plotted extermination against Modecai and the Jews riding upon the non readiness of Modecai to reverence him (Esther 3.6,8-9). Deception was devised against the young prophet of Judah (I Kings 13.18). He plotted provocation against David for Israel’s destruction through pride and adamant census (I Chron. 21.1). To Jesus Christ he brought temptations, appealing to his hunger and glory (Matt. 4. 1-10). To Peter, he brought intimidation to deny His master and to later conclude “I go-a-fishing” (Mark 14.68-72). For Paul the Apostle, it was severe beating and excommunication and for the apostles it was persecution to scatter them (Acts 8.1). However, in view of all the crafty nature of our enemy, we must always be endued with the weapons of God for it is only these that can make us unconquerable and invincible to the enemy.

P.II. DESCRIPTIONS OF THE BELIEVER’S WEAPONS Eph. 6. 10-18, 2 Cor. 10.4-6, 1 John 5. 4-5,

The Christian weapons is called in scripture by many names. The weapons of righteousness (2 Cor. 6.7), weapons of light (Rom 13.12), and the weapons of our warfare in our text. These weapons could be categorized into two. There are the defensive weapons used to defend, shield and protect ourselves from the arrows of the enemy. These are helmet of salvation, girdle of truth, breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit i.e the Word of God. The second class is the offensive weapons used to attack the enemy and conquer in battle. In warfare, we are not only to protect ourselves from their attacks, we are also called to demolish all their strongholds and demonstrate ability to stand firmly in the days of adversity. These two classes of Christian weapons are integrated together and complement each other. A true Christian reads, believes and obey Gods word, and he is automatically preserved by God from dangers. Yet he claims those promises and speaks the Word at the devil, and the plots of the enemy literarily crumbles.  These weapons are powerful because they are spiritual. The church becomes strong when we live righteously and demonstrate power over sin, Satan and the flesh. We must practically resist the devil through our obedience to God’s word (James 4.7). We must subject our thoughts and actions to the obedience of Christ and His will, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him (Titus 2.12). We must also watch our intentions and guide our eyes from every evil appearances that may corrupt us and make us defiled hence becoming vulnerable to Satan (I Thess. 5.22). And lastly avoid every corrupt associations and friendship but separate yourself holy unto the Lord as your master. Then we would be able to declare “the prince of this word cometh and find nothing in me” (John 14.30). However, watchfulness and prayer is the key offensive weapon against the enemy. A true Christian must be ready to pray earnestly to overcome the enemy claiming the words of God and throwing them at the devil as missiles. He must also be in readiness to avenge the devil and exercise authority through the Name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, the undefeatable power of God, and through the confidence in God’s presence.  Examples in scriptures of such missiles are Isa. 54.14-17 promise of protection from the enemy, Isa 41.11-14 preservation against the gathering of evil forces, Ps 119.165- Prayer for peace in the midst of troubles, Ps. 32.8 Prayer for guidance and direction in time of confusion, Numbers 23.23 Prayer to cancel the devices of Satan, 2 Sam. 15.31 Prayer in time of conspiracy. Prov.18.10- Power through His name, Isa. 43.2-Divine presence, the blood of the lamb Rev.12-11, His delegated authority over demons Luke 10.19.Deliverance from every curse Gal. 3.13. Remember, righteousness of life brings boldness in prayer. Christians in warfare must be ready to pray all forms of prayers – of praises, intercession, authority, power, and all form of prayers should be utilized to completely demolish the strong holds of the devil. The weapon of prayer is further enhanced with fasting. But we must ensure we have total faith in God for it is God the answers and not by power nor by might. (Mark 11.23, James 5.13-15)

P.III.   DOMINION THROUGH BELIEVER’S UNFAILING WEAPONS  Gen.39.12, Daniel 1.8, 6:10, 2 Kings 6. 18-20, Esther 4.16, Acts 13.8-11, Acts 12.5

God always deliver His people from all the onslaughts of the enemy as long as they utilize their weapons appropriately at the right time. As Christ’s ambassadors, Christian soldiers are not supposed to rest on the battle field. Its only the watchful and fully armed soldier that will always conquer the opponent in battle. Sleeping soldiers may fail for the enemy may come while he was unaware. But once we are steadfast, disciplined and watchful in righteousness and holiness, our victory is sure in Jesus Name. Young Joseph was confronted with challenge of immorality, yet he used the helmet of salvation. He fled and had dominion over the flesh. Daniel also in Babylon through prayer and determination avoided the drunkenness and defilement in Babylon to become the well beloved ambassador of God. He had dominion over human satanic conspirators and even the lions. Esther, Mordecai and the Jews through prayer and fasting, overturned the plot of Haman to have dominion over death sentence (Esther 4.16). Elisha through faith in God’s presence and power prayed “God smite this people with blindness, and he captured the host (2 Kings 6.18), Paul the apostle brought judgment to Elymas with word of authority for perverting his convert (Acts 13.8-11). The early church united together in prayer and loose Peter from the chain of death (Acts 12.5), Paul and Silas through prayer of praise got delivered from the prison and from death (Acts 16.26). How about you today. What battles are confronting you, as you learnt about the Christian weapons today, Rise up to the challenge and claim your victory.

THE BLESSINGS OF BROKENNESS

TRETS 23-11-2017

THE BLESSINGS OF BROKENNESS

Psalms 34:18; 51:17; Isaiah 57:15

David was a man who knew how to walk with God despite all the challenges he had in his life. His problem started as a result of early success in life as a teenager-warrior who conquered the enemy of Israel at a very tender age because of the envy of King Saul. He went into self-imposed exile when he discovered that his life was in danger. His life in the land of the Philistines was filled with a lot of ups and downs. Something endeared David to God; and that is tenderness of heart also known as brokenness of heart. See him when he cut part of Saul’s skirt, his heart smote him. When he was rebuked for immorality and murder, he confessed, I have sinned. If you compare David with Saul, you’ll see a wide gap between them. When Samuel rebuked him for not being patient enough to wait for him before offering sacrifice, he was concerned about honour before his citizens. When he was also reprimanded for not carrying out God’s instruction to the letter in dealing with the Amalekites, instead of repenting, he was rationalizing his actions by shifting the blames to the soldiers that went to the battle with him. No wonder later David made this submission: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalms 51:17).

1.   The Peril of Hardness of Heart aob 9:4; Exodus 5:1,2; Daniel 4:28-33; 5:1-30; Acts 12:21-23; Jeremiah 19:15; 44:16 

Job asked a probing question in Job 9:4 that, “He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?” God cherishes brokenness of spirit from man. Some people that hardened themselves against God in the Bible days had to pay dearly for their disobedience. Pharaoh challenged the Almighty and refused to recognize Him. God dealt with him with a lot of calamities, at the end, he forcefully released the children of Israel and perished with his host in the Red Sea. King Nebuchadnezzar heard about a judgement that was coming upon him, he didn’t amend his ways according to Daniel’s recommendation, eventually he had 7 years discipline with a change of heart before he realized that “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:25). Unfortunately what has been the bane of humanity since creation is man’s failure to always learn from history. His son, Belshazzar knew all that happened to his father, yet chose to tread the same path of rebellion against the God of Heaven (Daniel 5:22). He died in the prime of his life because of his recalcitrant behaviour. Herod thought he was all in all, worms ate him alive (Acts 12:21-23). In the days of Jeremiah, the Israelites walked themselves to the point of no return in their rebellion against the God of their fathers and God determined to bring irreversible evil upon them. They were so audacious enough to confront the prophet and told him in Jeremiah 44:16 that, “As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.” You also know the end of their rebellion, 70 years in captivity for the nation, many of them, including their king couldn’t see their native land again as they died in the foreign land. Is there any area of your life where God has been warning you to amend your ways and you have refused to listen to Him? Repent today before it is too late.   

2.   The Practical Disposition That Leads to Brokenness of Heart  1 Kings 21:17-24,27-29; Jonah 3:1-10; 1 Samuel 24:4,5

As wicked As Ahab was, when he heard about God’s judgement that was coming upon his house, he showed a remorse and went softly, as a result of that, God decided to postpone the evil days He spoke about. The people of Nineveh didn’t take God or His messenger for granted, they repented and turned away from their sins immediately they learnt about the looming judgement on the city. David’s heart smote him for cutting the skirt of Saul. His disposition really showed a man that is broken before God. No wonder, God saw him through all his predicaments and he was about to get to the throne.

3.   The Profits And Blessings of Brokenness Isaiah 57:15; James 4:6,7,10; Job 22:29; Proverbs 29:23; Matthew 23:12; 1 Peter 5:6; Psalms 34:18; 51:17

To be broken is to be humble and totally depend on God with simple trust in His sovereignty and ability to rule over one’s life without a rival. Those who are broken before God are also referred to as the humble ones. There are a lot of blessings in being broken and humble before the Lord.

v The broken heart will always enjoy constant touch from God - Isaiah 57:15

v The broken heart will receive more grace from God - James 4:6,7,10

v Divine elevation from God - Job 22:29; Matthew 23:12

v Divine honour - Proverbs 29:23

v Divine intervention in his hour of need - Psalms 34:18

v The broken heart will always enjoy divine attention - Psalms 51:17

v The broken heart will always enjoy fellowship with God - Isaiah 57:15

Pfa

THE POWER OF INTERCESSION

THE POWER OF INTERCESSION

Prayer is the greatest potential the church has today. It has accomplished the supernatural in time past and still highly potent today. However, much more lies in the power of Intercession where a believer, filled with passion and burden for others, brings their needs to the Almighty. He intercedes to God on behalf of fellow man. He stands in the gap between his heavenly father and earthly man. He pours out the need of the man, may be near or far away, to the feet of the all-seeing, and all-capable God, who is also ever ready to answer. He turns the hand that holds the universe in the favour and in direction of the needy, making him a beneficiary of an unprecedented intervention of God's favor in the crucial situation. God needs such men today, who would stand in the Gap to deliver men and women from the bonds of Satan, sin, and sicknesses and to pray them fruitfully in the kingdom of the Almighty. May He find you like He finds Moses, discover you as He did Abraham and conquer your will as he did for Paul the Apostle. Powerful intercessors are men and women of new birth experience, the holiness of life and character, obedience to God's words, and listeners to the voice of the Spirit, strong faith in God’s promises. They are selfless, disciplined; caring for other's needs and always ready to convert their burden for others into the passion to have problems solved. Their lives are filled with power to do exploit because they do know their Gods. I pray you will be part of this list of the army in this end-time in Jesus name.

1.     PREREQUISITES OF EFFECTIVE PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

Proverbs 28:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 24:1-4, Hebrews 11:6

 To be effective in prayer of intercession, we must (i) Repent from sin and surrender our lives to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), (ii) Be obedient to the word of God (Deuteronomy 28:1), (iii) Maintain a clean hand and a pure heart before the Lord and before men (Psalm 24:1-4), (iv) Exercise unwavering faith in God’s promises (Hebrews 11:6), (v) There must be a band of unity, love and cooperation among church members and families who pry together (Amos 3:3, Mathew 18:19), (vi) We must be importunate in our prayers (Luke 18:1)

     

2.      POWER OF PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

Isaiah 40:28-31, Gen 18, 23-32, 1 Kings 18. 41-45

         

Effective Christian service and victory in Christian living come through the power of prayer of intercession. Abraham’s intercession for Sodom delivered Lot and his family from the burning city, Elijah’s intercession for Israel brought a mighty rain in times of famine. Power of Intercession turns the hand of God into the present situation of the needy irrespective of distance or time and it does the miraculous such as: 

i.  Solves life’s problems.

ii.                 Lifts up great burdens

iii.              Makes difficult tasks simple

iv.               Makes our fears to vanish away

v. Makes Satan and his host to become paralyzed and harmless.

vi .               Breaks natural laws and makes God to do the impossible for us.

Intercession brings Salvation of souls and revival of the believers.

3.     PROMISE OF ANSWER TO OUR PRAYER OF INTERCESSION (Ps. 50.15, Jeremiah 29.12,              

         

God answers prayers. Examples of people who received answer to their prayers in the Bible includes; Abraham, Moses, (Exodus 15:24, 25), Joshua, Gideon, Hannah, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Paul, Peter, James etc.

Gods promises cuts across our Spiritual and Physical needs.

1.     On Salvation, God promised to save us from sin (Mathew 1:21) and to forgive us when we repent (1 John 1:9)

2.     On Healing; the Lord promised not only to keep us Healthy but also to heal us (Exodus 15:26).

3.     On Promotion, he promised to make us the Head and not the Tail (Deuteronomy 28:13)

4.     On Sanctification, God promised to sanctify us wholly (1 Thessalonians 5:23) and give the Holy Ghost baptism to those that thirst (John 7:37-39). Other promises are his divine protection and our inheriting Heaven and reigning with Christ forever and ever.

DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH

DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH

Psalms 91:1-16

Sicknesses and Diseases, economic and political unrest, failure of governments to address some basic infrastructures and wars of different kinds have taken their tolls on mankind and there seems to be no remedy for man's ills.  Mankind's problems stem from their lack of trust in the One who created them and because of their unbelief, they have trusted that which cannot satisfy their needs and have turned away from their heavenly Father who cares deeply for their welfare. To escape the storms of life, there is only one place that man can find refuge and that is under the shadow of God's protection. We are living in the midst of some very trying and sometimes fearful times. Everything that man has put his trust in is being shaken to the very core. The truth of the matter is this, there is nothing that you can put your trust in and no one you can turn to but One, and that is, God!

1.   Uncertainties In The World Isaiah 24:4; Matthew 16:26; Mark 4:19; Luke 12:15-21; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 Timothy 6:7,17; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17

The world is filled with uncertainties in every facets of life. The Bible says through prophet Jeremiah “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:5). There is nothing that is certain in the world and that is why the word of God tells us that “for the fashion of this world passeth away” (1 Corinthians 7:31). Giving oneself to the world will turn one to God’s enemy. The word of God also confirms the vanity and uncertainty in the world in 1 Timothy 6:7 that “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” Since it is certain that we brought nothing into the world and that we can carry nothing out, then it shows that we shouldn’t put our trust and confidence in shadow of this world, both the shadow and substance of the world are not trustworthy. Its however unfortunate that some people join the cults and consult herbalist and false prophets seeking for security and protection. All they promise and do for them is just a ploy by the devils and his agents to put the gullible in perpetual bondage.

2.   Uncommon Provision In The Word Psalms 91:1-8; 23:1-6; Eph. 3:20; 1 Timothy 6:17(b)    

The word of God is filled with a lot of blessings that are mainly for the true believers to enjoy. Deliverance and salvation are synonymous, they cannot be separated. God is our deliverer and Jesus is our Savior, we have been set free from sin and delivered from the powers of darkness. The devil has been defeated and rendered powerless and we have been given all authority over all of his works. The secret place provides protection from the enemy and the word of God builds our faith that literally becomes a shield that deflects all the attacks of the devil. Knowing who we are and to whom we belong will greatly aid us in our quest to defeat all of Satan's schemes. When I was a child standing in the shadow of my earthly father I knew and had faith that no matter what, he would protect me from anything that would try to harm me. John 15 says that we are the branches and Jesus is the vine, this analogy illustrates the close relationship that we are to have with Him by always abiding in His presence. In the shelter of the vine and the divine spiritual nourishment that it provides we can remain at rest and peace knowing that God is in total control of our lives.

3.   Unequal Preservation For True Worshippers Psalms 91:9-16;

To enter the "Secret Place" one must lay down all of his trust and belief in the world and in his own ability to provide for himself and relinquish all of his gifts and talents and surrender to the Most High. To come under His care and provision one must submit himself totally to the Father's will for his life. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6).

All about us destruction and death lurk in the shadows seeking some unsuspecting souls out from under the protection of God's mighty hand. Sickness, drug and alcohol addiction, murder, suicide and terror of all kinds are consuming people by the millions, not to mention acts of nature such as storms, earthquakes and fires that are an everyday occurrence. The news is always focused on some catastrophic accidents or some other fear-provoking situation that brings about depression and anxiety to those that have no hope.

Fear is the opposite of faith and God has not given us a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind. The promises of God in His word are to be an encouragement for our souls in times of distress and we are to literally take Him at His word that He will protect us and keep us safe even today in these perilous times. Fear dominates the world and men's hearts are truly failing because of all the events that are taking place right before their very eyes, but we can confess like the Psalmist that “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalms 27:1).

It seems that everywhere we look evil is prevalent and disease of all kinds is spreading across the world. Bird flu, swine flu, cancer, diabetes, Ebola, Monkey-pox, Cow-pox, AIDS and new and mysterious strains of air-borne bacteria are stifling medical science. Billions are spent every year to try and cure diseases and yet the end is not even remotely in sight.

The Christian has a benefit plan written in the blood of Jesus 2000 years ago with promises of healing and deliverance from all diseases. We have been given total freedom from the maladies of the world if we will only trust in our loving Father to fulfill His word and believe. The world has nothing to offer the believer in regards to health care, finances and welfare because we belong to a heavenly realm that promises to provide all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).

God's promise of protection is His angelic messengers sent to render aid to those that have been purchased with the blood of His Son. Angels are on duty 24/7 guarding us and protecting us through every circumstance of life even though for the most part they are invisible. Throughout the word of God angels intervened in the lives of countless saints warring against the enemy and pushing back the powers of darkness (Psalms 34:7). God has given the believer authority and power to defeat the schemes of the devil and has given us the mandate to put the enemy under our feet just as Jesus did. The army of the living God has been given dominion over sicknesses, death, and poverty and has every right to run the powers of darkness out of their lives and families. We have been given the weapons of war and the armor of God to destroy the works of the devil “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19).

All of mankind is invited into the secret place of God's presence to spend eternity with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven, but sadly only a few choose to relinquish their life in exchange for His. The gift is free, but the cost is great, only the one willing to give up his own life for Him will receive the rights and benefits of His kingdom and an eternity of heavenly splendor

DISCOURAGEMENT: CAUSES AND CURE

TRETS 12/10/2017

DISCOURAGEMENT:        CAUSES AND CURE

Text: Numbers 11. 4-15, 1 Kings 19. 1-4.

Discouragement is a state of total loss of courage in man. It is called by many names such as distress, depression and hopelessness. It makes the individual to lose interest in everything around and sometimes becomes so hopeless to live. It can come to anybody irrespective of class or status. In scriptures, we can see David, Moses, Elijah, Jonah, The Apostles and many other men of God been depressed and discouraged at one time or the other. In our text, Moses and Elijah, having done great things for the Lord came to discouragement. The lessons in this for today’s believers is that whenever you find yourself in positions of discouragement and distress, always remember that some heroes of faith had experienced such condition before and they overcame by the mercy of God. This same God is still alive and much able to deliver everyone who calls upon His name today.

Common Causes of Discouragement. 1 Kings 19.10, Num. 32. 6-7, Jonah 4. 1-3, Proverbs 13.12, Gen. 21. 15-16, Num. 21.4

Always remember that the Devil is happy when discouragement comes to God’s people. No matter how fervent a believer is, he looks at the lowest point in his spiritual life to sow the seed of discouragement. Discouragement could be diagnosed through the expressions of an individual both in speech, in facial appearance and also in actions. These indices are actually the expression of a depressed heart showing loss of hope, loss of ability and loss of confidence to face the challenge of the present time and future or simple loss of appetite to live. This is often caused by some of the following factors: (i) Loss of fellowship with God and His immediate plans for the hour. When secular work and endeavors make a Christian to lose his quiet time and consistent prayer with God, the believer loses touch with God momentarily, it may seem as if God was far away (Songs 5.6), (ii) Isolation and loneliness from fellow believers. Elijah was so far from other prophets that he didn’t know there are others preserved by God (1 Kings 19.10, Num. 32. 6-7), (iii) Deviation from God’s divine plan or God’s will (Jonah 4. 1-3), (iv) Delay in answer to prayers, disappointments or past failures (Proverbs 13.12) (v) Fatigue, over-work, or seemingly difficult task ahead (Neh. 4. 10-11), (vi) Walking by sight and not by faith (Num 32.9, Num. 21.4), (vii) Fear of the unknown (Gen. 21. 15-16)

Complete Cure from Discouragement. 1 Kings 19. 5-8, Num. 11. 15-16,

God always come to the rescue of his discouraged children particularly when they call upon Him. God loves us, and care for us even more than we think we do for ourselves. Therefore, He sent an angel to Elijah to feed him and to succor him. To Moses, God Himself empowered people and raised supports for his ministry. To David, he gave an assurance of total recovery. However, the following are steps to be taken to recover fully from discouragements. (i) Always maintain your regular fellowship with the Lord, through quiet time and personal prayers. (ii) Grow in your relationship with God seeking God’s voice and communications, (iii) understand that you belong to God and nothing evil can happen to you except God permits it, and He cannot allow it because He loves you (iv) Walk by faith and always in obedience to His will and His word (v) Maintain only faithful and courageous companions who can lift you up when you are spiritually down (Prov. 27.17), (vi) spend quality time to read, meditate upon God’s words and select His promises for the discouraged, (vii) Allow God to direct your ways, and surrender to His ultimate plans for your life (Jeremiah 29.11).

Comfort and Confidence for the Discouraged. 1 Sam. 30. 18-19, Phil. 4.6, Ps. 27.1-6, Ps 5.1-3. Ps. 121. 1-6, Ps. 56. 1-4, Rom. 8. 31-39

Total comfort and courage from discouragements can only come from the Almighty God. The Psalmist knew this and prayed to God in his distressed. God didn’t just answer him; He made him to recover everything he had lost. This same God is still alive today. Always remember, If you want to be disgraced, look down, if you want to be discouraged, look forward, if you want to be defeated look backwards, if you want to be disappointed look around, but if you want to be delivered, look up for there is a God in Heaven who never fail, sleep nor slumber. From God comes help and hope, from Him comes supports and strength, from Him comes provisions and providence, and from Him comes protection and preservation. All we need is to trust in His promises and cast our burdens upon Him. Here are some promises for believers encouragement for all times: Blessings in the Journey of Life (Gen 26:24, Nu 21:34, Jg 6:23), Supplies in times of Famine (1Ki 17:13), Protection in Peril (2Ki 6:16), Strength in Weakness (Isa 41:10), Companionship in Trial (Isa 43:1 – 3), Overshadowing Care (Mt 10:30-31), Life Beyond the Grave (Re 1:17-18). He will surely send instant help in times of your troubles in Jesus name.

Doing Everything in Love

TRETS 05-10-2017

Doing Everything in Love

Romans 12. 9-16, 1 Corinthians 16:14; 13:1-13

“Let all your things be done with charity” signifies the whole of our obedience to Christ. It involves our observation and subjection to all his ordinances and commands; this should spring from genuine love to the Lord and that, the whole of our conducts and behaviour towards one another ought to be with charity (love), which bears all things and covers a multitude of sins – “for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (l Peter 4:8). Christ demonstrated the greatest kind of love to us when He surrendered His life on the Cross for humanity. We have a duty to show Christ to the world and equally to one another as brethren to lighting off the burdens of others. Likewise, all our church affairs, our duties to the body of Christ everytime should be done, not with strife and vain glory, but in peace, and with mutual affection, with a concern for the good of each other, and of the whole body, and for the glory of God; because without charity or love, and the exercise of this grace, our service and labour will be of no value and reward at the end of time.

1. CHRIST’S COMMANDS ON LOVE AND COMPASSION TO BELIEVERS

    Luke 19:1-10; John 15:13; Acts 10:38; John 10:13

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Christ came to show love to the hopeless humanity. Sin has been a barrier between God and man, it had separated God and man for quite a long time since man fell from the throne of grace in the Garden of Eden, ever since that fall, God had been looking for a way to bring man back to Himself. In order to accomplish this, the Lord Jesus Christ came to seek and to save those that are lost. Christ devoted His entire life-time to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin; He demonstrated this love for mankind when He went to the cross to give His life as a ransom for the souls of men. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Christ demonstrated the highest form of love by giving His life for His “friends” (believers). If we truly belong to the Lord, we ought to give ourselves to the work of soul-winning to bring sinners out of darkness to the marvellous light of the gospel.

2. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR THE LOST

    Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 10:30-37; Mark 5:19; 1 Corinth. 9:16-17

Before the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He told the disciples to go into the world to declare the message of hope to the lost world. We cannot do this successfully without the love of God radiating our own hearts with a compassionate heart seeking to reconcile the lost with His maker. Christ’s question to Peter after His resurrection “…Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” shows that if we are to carry out Christ’s order of reaching the lost with the gospel, we must have the love of Christ in our lives and this love will extend to the lost with the intent to bring them to the knowledge of the salvation of our God. Without love and compassion, it would have been very difficult for the early disciples to reach their generation for Christ with all the persecutions and challenges that confronted them.

3. CHARACTERISTICS AND ATTRIBUTES OF CHRISTIAN LOVE FOR EACH OTHER

   1 John 3:16; 4:7-12; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; John 13:34,35; 1 Corinth. 16:14; l Peter 1:22; 4:8

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (l Peter 4:8). The distinguishing mark that differentiates the true believer from an ordinary Bible carrying church-goer is the place of genuine love that emanates from genuine heart of the converted believers to each other. Practical Christianity is the one that emphasises real Biblical love that is devoid of hypocrisy and compromise. Love for each other will make the world to know that we belong to Christ indeed. Practical love entails knowing the welfare of your brother and sister. You ought to be your brother and sister’s keeper.

Attributes of Practical Scriptural love:

·     Practical love is demonstrated in meeting your brother’s need – Luke 10:30-37; James 2:14-17

·     Practical love will make you forgive your brother that offends you - Ephesians 4:32; Mark 11:25,26

·     Practical love will make you have compassion on your fellow believer - Matthew 18:23-33

·     Practical love will make you empathise and sympathise with your brother - Romans 12:15

·     Practical love will make you to encourage your brother to higher productivity - Hebrews 10:24

·     The attributes of Longsuffering, Kindness, Rejoicing in the truth etc. in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 are components of practical Christian love that should characterise all our conducts as members of the divine household of faith to one another.