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.