LOOKING BACK WITH APPRECIATION AND LOOKING FORWARD WITH ANTICIPATION

DEEPERLIFE  THURSDAY  REVIVAL  MESSAGE

December 27, 2018

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LOOKING BACK WITH APPRECIATION AND LOOKING FORWARD WITH ANTICIPATION

1 Kings 8. 54-58, Psalm 107. 1-9, Exodus 14. 13-15,

Every year end is a time of somber reflection upon the outgoing year and preparations for the coming one. As we move towards the verge of the year, it is expected of every believer to appreciate God for all His loving kindness to us in every area of our lives. As we appreciate God for His wonderful works upon us all, we also must heed His command to move forward into the New year. Our faith in His unfailing promises must propel us to making plans and preparations for a fruitful and successful year ahead. This was the experience of Solomon at the departure of David, his father. He recounted the past goodness of God and concluded that the Lord is good to Israel. God’s faithfulness must equally demand our submission and loyalty to Him as our Lord and Savior to serve Him throughout the coming year and beyond. It is, therefore, a time we need to seek His presence, protection, and prosperity throughout the year and manifest faith in His promises in every area of our lives.

Appreciating God’s Goodness and provisions in the outgoing year 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 n’t have achieved anything in life without the help of the Almighty. We also must recount God’s blessings we received this outgoing year. We must begin to enumerate the blessings we enjoyed namely: 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

Assurance through God’s unfailing promises for the coming year 2 Peter 1. 3-4, Exo. 33.14, Exo. 13. 20-22, Exo. 15. 23-27, Isa. 43. 2-3, Ps. 91. 1-8, Ps. 23. 1-6, Phil. 4.19.

God’s manifold promises had been given to cover every area of our life and family throughout the year. Understanding these promises gives us assurance that He is with us and will ever live to deliver and to fulfill them for us. His Presence (Joshua 1.5, Isa. 43.2-3), His Provisions (Psalm 34. 9-10), His Protection (Isa. 41.10), His Power over us gives us confidence that He will deliver us from all the challenges of the year

Actualizing our Goals and plans through faith and prayer in the New year Jer. 29.11, Ps. 37.5, Prov. 15.22, Mark 4. 35-36, Psalm 91. 1-16.

He that fails to plan is planning to fail. Everybody have their plans and expectations for the New Year. At the beginning of the year, man makes plans, proposals, resolutions and expectations to be accomplished. However, a believer should realize that his life is in the overall calendar of the Almighty God and so must make his plans according to the will of God. Once the Lord is in your plans no matter what comes during the year, you will surely overcome. The Disciples of Christ were to pass from one side of the sea to the other. They were wise to have brought Christ into their ship. As they sailed on, the storm came and Christ commanded peace upon the sea. As we sail through this year, our boat will not sink in Jesus Name. There are many expectations and needs in people’s life. Provisions, Admissions, Promotion at work, career upliftment, children for the family etc. All we need is to anchor our faith in God and His unfailing promises. He will surely fulfill our heart desires in spite of any opposition in Jesus Name.

LIVING WITH CONVICTION WITHOUT COMPROMISE

18/12/2018

LIVING WITH CONVICTION WITHOUT COMPROMISE

John 8. 31-32, Galatians 5.1, Daniel 1.8, 2 Timothy 2.10-13

Conviction is the strong belief a believer has in his God and His word which guides and controls his lifestyle i.e. conversations, actions and reactions while compromise is the disagreement to God’s instruction settling for a reduction in the expected standard of His will. There is always an impulse of the Spirit of God which checks the heart (conscience) of the Christian whenever he is about to cross the boundary to the opposite of God’s will. The purpose for which Christ saved and redeemed us is for us to be completely separated from this world and its corruptive system. Therefore, having been converted from sin, the believer is called into a life of complete obedience to God and His words. This must be done both in actions and conversations both in secret and in public as this is the only evidence that we belong to Him.  Jesus made it clear to the Jewish disciples of His that “…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8.31).  This was exemplified by Daniel in Babylon, who, despite the fact that he was a slave boy and in a strange land”,… purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself”. Compromising our faith in God and our stand for Him is to know God’s will but avoid it or not to do His will with a perfect heart. This is punishable by God and will cost the believer untold hardship at the long run.

Caution against of Compromise among Christians Jeremiah 10.2-3, Leviticus 20.23, Matthew 24:1-13; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; Proverbs 22:28; Proverbs 23:10; 24:21-22; Exodus 23:2

The Lord strictly warns us against every form of compromise in the Land. There are various ways by which the system of this world will want to appeal to the believer, but every one of them have damnable consequences from the Lord.  As true children of God, the Lord wants a total separation from the world and all the things that are anti-God and anti-righteousness in it. Deception is number one thing that the devil uses to lure many unsuspecting believers into compromise. Worldliness is a common source of temptation to modern day believer as there are many things in the world that try to call the attention of the believer to distract him from going through with the Lord as the Scriptures affirms that “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). An attempt to be like other nations like Israel of old (1 Samuel 8:4-6) will not make God happy with us. Fashion of the world is another area where you need to be watchful. Don’t forget that not all things that glister is gold as “...the fashion of this world passeth away” (1 Corinthians 7:31). Unholy ambition is rampant in the world as people are into the rat race of seeking for position, fame, wealth etc. As believers, we need to be wary of these things that can becloud our vision of living with God eternally in the city of life.

Always remember that there are many SHIPS that can take the careless soul to unfriendly and unexpected destination. This include (i) FRIENDSHIP – James 4:4. (ii) PARTNERSHIP - 1 Kings 22:1-4,31-33; 2 Chronicles 20:36-37. (iii) COURTSHIP - Deuteronomy 7:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. (iv) FELLOWSHIP - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

CONSEQUENCES AND CALAMITY OF COMPROMISE  Matthew 24.11-12, Luke 21:34-36; 17:32; Genesis 19:26, 1 Kings 13. 18-21, 2 Tim. 4.10, Acts 1. 16-20.

There is need for strict watchfulness as we await the coming of the Lord. In warning His audience against compromise, the Lord Jesus Christ told them to “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Lots wife was warned by the angels, yet she looked back and faced severe eternal consequence. The Young prophet in 1 Kings 13 was told not to eat in the place he was sent to; he was persuaded otherwise by an old prophet in the city. He disobeyed the Lord and perished. Balaam was a charismatic prophet who was recognized to carry an unusual anointing by the people around, he refused God’s perfect will and settled for His permissive will. He died like a rebel on the battle field. Christian beware! Judas allowed the love of money to push him into betraying the Lord; he couldn’t spend a dime from the 30 pieces of silver he collected before he committed suicide. Demas, an associate of Paul the apostle, forsook the people of God and went to the city of Thessalonica not to seek for the lost souls but because he fell in love with this present evil world; he never came back before death struck and he leaped into a hopeless eternity because of mundane things of this world. Don’t forget the 10 virgins; the foolish ones didn’t know they were foolish until they missed the glorious opportunity to enter in with the groom.

Conviction and Consecration of the Conquerors Matthew 24. 13,  Titus 1. 7-9, Daniel 1.8, Daniel 3. 16-28, 1 Kings 22. 12-14, Jeremiah 17., 7-8,

In spite of the growing trend of compromise around the world, the grace of God is very much available to us as believers if we maintain our conviction on God’s word and maintain His standard. Daniel in Babylon maintained his stand and he didn’t defile himself. He stood upon His conviction in godliness, holiness and in prayer and God made him to conquer. The same was the three Hebrew children in Babylon. Micaiah also, was confronted with the compromise to change God’s word of judgement against Ahab, yet he stood upon his conviction and declared Gods word appropriately.  To maintain our conviction, we must be sure we are truly converted and consecrated to the Lord. We must also

v  Be on your guard not to allow temptation to fall you – 1 Peter 5:8; Mark 14:38

v  Maintain your regular quiet time – Mark 1:35

v  Weigh every option before you with God’s unchanging word – Psalms 119:11

v  Make the best use of available spiritual resources – Hebrews 10:25

v  Maintain clean hands and a pure heart – Psalm 24:3,4

v  Maintain a life of holiness everywhere – 1 Peter 1:14-16

v  Practice constant abiding presence of God – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Hebrews 4:13

v  Be conscious of heaven all the time – John 14:1-3

v  Be watchful and spiritually alert – Luke 21:36 and Be Prayerful -  Luke 21:36

We all know that we are living in the last days when compromise and backsliding are very rampant, We must maintain strong conviction over sin, Satan and the world so as nore to be entices away from God. The Lord has assured us of abundant reward of His presence and profits in this world and in heaven at the end “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” Revelation 21.7.

The Challenge from Andrew

The Challenge from Andrew 

Text:    Matt.4. 17-22, John.1.35-42

Andrew was among the first disciples to be called by Christ. He was initially a disciple of John the Baptist but when he saw Jesus and heard Johns comment of Him, He left his master John and followed the Saviour. However, having come to Christ, he went after his own brother Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus. This act gave the church Peter, who eventually became a pillar of the Christian faith until today. The life of Apostle Andrew is full of many challenges. Everywhere he was mentioned in scriptures was about bringing someone to Jesus. He was passionate about soul winning, fervently, faithfully and fruitfully winning souls for the Lord. Believers today must emulate these good qualities in Andrew and bring many more people to the retreat so they could be saved.

The Challenge from Fervent Disciples. Jn. 1. 35-42, John 4. 28-30,

Andrew was a fervent disciple of Christ and was in the forefront of leading others to the Lord. He was never satisfied with his personal salvation and knowledge of the Savior but always seek to bring others to Christ. Fervency in service demands that we utilize every opportunity at our disposal to speak for Christ everywhere. It also requires our boldness to penetrate and break every obstacles so as to make the gospel of Christ known to all. This same zeal was seen in the woman of Samaria at the well who left her water pot to bring others to Christ (John 4. 28-30). Knowing Andrew for this cause, Phillip had to consult him to bring the Greek worshippers to Christ as well. He wasn’t a shy and timid fellow who sits down idle, but was bold and courageous always ready to make Christ known. However, He also knew the invitees and new converts so much that he knew the possession of the lad with five loaves and two fishes. We must identify with our invitees and get very close to them so as to discover their potentials and encourage them to use same for the kingdom service. Following up our converts after the retreat will bring intimate fellowship with them and make us dependable representatives of Christ and of the church to them.  

The Characteristics of Faithful Disciples Matt.28.18-20, Matt. 4.19, John 15. 1-3, John 8. 31-32, Acts. 4.13,

True Disciples of Christ are easy to identify. They strive to be like their master and always do His will. The following are some of the characteristics of a faithful disciple.  (i)  Commitment to the work of God (John 4: 34), (ii)  willingness to do the will of God (John 5:30), (iii) Always follow the Lord and abide in His teaching (John 8:31), (iv)  patterns his life after the master (Matthew 10:24; 1 Peter 2:21), (v) always do things that please God (John 8:29), (vi) A disciple believes the sound teaching of the word and allows it to control his life and (vii) A true disciple continues in the word of God and a (John 8:31), (iv) We also need to mentor them by showing them examples of Christian discipleship by our lifestyle. This could be achieved through teaching and practice through our familiarity with them. Christ taught his disciples how to live as Christians and also showed them how to exercise Christian faith. Paul the Apostle also discipled the Thessalonians believers in this same manner. (1 Thess 1. 7-10). We must charge these new disciples to continue in faith, taking up their cross daily and following Christ. We must also teach and demonstrate to them total trust in God for daily provisions and to set their affections on things above and not on things of the earth and not conforming to the worldly pursuits (Col. 3. 1-3, Rom. 12-1-2). We can only achieve this by fully identifying with them individually and being friendly with them. We must encourage them to study God’s word personally and teach them to meditate on it and to grow in the grace of God and in Christian experiences through constant personal prayer. Finally, it is our responsibility to empower them by enlisting them and giving them opportunities to preach to others and to give generously for the evangelization of others (within and beyond), beginning from the House caring Fellowship.

Considerations of Fruitful Disciples John. 4. 34-37, Isa. 6.1-8, Luke 24.46-48, Luke 11.23, John 4.36, Mark 16.20,

Faithful and fruitful disciples (both new and old) always consecrate their lifetime to the fulfillment of the purpose of Christ. Their daily consideration is to work the work of Christ and to gather with Christ to receive bountiful harvest.

The Lepers of old realized and lamented “We do not well..”(2Kings 7.9), Isaiah caught the vision and exclaimed “Here am I, send me”(Isa 6.8), Paul the Apostle caught it and proclaimed, “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel”,(1Cor 9.16) Jesus declared the servant that knows his masters will and do it not shall be beaten with many stripes (Luke 12.47). What will you declare to your Lord who died for the salvation of the world? Nevertheless, those who obeyed and do the will of the Master will always receive the reward of their obedience (John 4.36), His abiding presence is certain upon all reliable disciples who go forth and preaching the gospel. Their prayers shall be answered, they shall shine like the brightness and stars forever, and whatsoever they do shall prosper. Signs and wonders shall equally follow them and they shall reign with God eternally

GAINING THROUGH GIVING

TRETS 29-11-2018

GAINING THROUGH GIVING

Luke 6:38; Proverbs 11:24-25; 28:27

The world will be a better place to live in if the children of God can discover the secrets of blessings that are inherent in the act of giving. Giving is a virtue that has its root in God. God gave His Son; the Son gave His life for humanity; the Spirit gives us the grace and strength to make the Christian life easy. God wants us to cultivate the attitudes of giving in our lives. The Lord Himself emphasised the importance of giving when he said that: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). Paul the apostle re-presented the message of the Lord in Acts 20:35; “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

1.   THE POWER OF GIVING Acts 20:35; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 4:15-19; Proverbs 19:17

Giving opens the treasure house of Heaven to the giver. God honours giver with divine provision as He says that “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (Proverbs 11:25). Paul exhorted the believers in Ephesus to “remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). In recognising the liberality (giving) of the Philippian believers, Paul the apostle has this to say: “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:18-19). There is a saying that says “Givers Never Lack”; part of the blessings accrued to the giver is the fact that he can never lack because God will always meet his needs. Divine favour will always be upon him and his children too are blessed wherever they go. Some calamities that ought to befall him are divinely taken away by divine providence. The list of the blessings for the giver is unlimited.

2.   THE PRINCIPLES FOR GIVING Malachi 3:10-12 Corinthians 8:1-5; Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:15; Proverbs 11:24-25; 28:27; Genesis 25:27; 1 Samuel 25:4-11

The basic thing God expects from you regularly is your tithes and and offerings as stated in Malachi 3. After giving your tithes, there are other needs that may arise in the church and you need to give to support the kingdom service, like mission outreaches, construction works in the local church or central church etc. Apart from giving for the kingdom works, we have needy brethren in the church that we need to care for; it is our responsibilities to assist those that are in need among us and those that are doing one ceremony or the other, like marriage for themselves or their children, naming, burial etc. Giving should not be taken for laziness, as the Scriptures says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 that, “...if any would not work, neither should he eat.” We need to however warn ourselves of the attitudes of people like Jacob who tempted his brother to sell his birth right to him at his crucial hour of need and that of Nabal who insulted the servants of David that came to him for assistance. 

3.   THE PRACTICE OF GIVING 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Luke 6:38; Proverbs 11:24-25; 28:27; Philippians 4:15-19; Deuteronomy 15:11

Giving should be part of our lifestyle. We shouldn’t attach any condition to giving, of course once in a while you may decide that if a miracle happens you will give something tangible to the Lord, you don’t use the gift to bribe God but you want to use it to appreciate God’s goodness in your life. Some people are very faithful in paying their tithes and offerings, but when it comes to extra giving for needs in the church or to the needy brethren, they shut their hearts and hands; this is not fair, we should make giving part of our Christian service and a way of life. You should cultivate giving habit and always think of doing good to someone every time. Put a smile on someone’s face today by letting God use you to meet his or her needs and watch God surprising you with bountiful blessings in return.

Walking on the waters by faith

DEEPERLIFE  THURSDAY  REVIVAL  MESSAGE

November 8, 2018

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Walking on the waters by faith

Matthew 14. 22-33.

Our text today is applicable to everyone as much as it was to the disciples. A spectacular miracle had just taken place in the feeding of five thousand people miraculously. However, as Jesus commanded the disciples to go ahead on the ship, Satan struck on the journey and there was a great storm of wind. Compounding their problem was the sight of a spirit-being on the sea walking towards them. Like every human, they were afraid without measures, but the Lord doused their fears saying “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid”. Peter, in his quest, asked for permission to walk on waters to Jesus. He did the impossible and walked on water against the natural force of gravity but as he saw the wind around, he began to sink. The world is a place of warfare and the battles of life keep on raging vehemently on daily basis like the storm. Satan and his agents are always fighting the children of God. In order to win and conquer in the challenges and storms of life, the saints will need to manifest unwavering faith in the ever powerful and unfailing ability of God who says in His word “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). There is therefore the need to develop a personal faith in the Lord and trust Him more in the times of trouble and trials. He will never fail us in Jesus name.

1.   THE DANGER AND PERILS OF FEAR AND DOUBT DURING THE STORM Matthew 14. 24-26, 30, Numbers 13:26-33; 14:1-3, 20-23; 2 Kings 7:1-2, 16-20; Luke 1:18-20

Fear, faithlessness, doubt or unbelief is a dangerous cankerworm that can totally destroy a man who yields himself to its power. Just like the disciples of Christ, there will always be challenges of life that bring contrary situations as we can see in our text. These will naturally bring troubles to us as humans, but when we fail to trust God assuredly for victory, hen fear comes. Concentrating on the problems makes us to exaggerate it more than it is. The ten spies that went to spy out the land of promise saw the land the way God described it to them; that alone was enough to convince them that whatsoever God says is always true. They confirmed that “We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.” (Numbers 13:27). But instead of focusing on God’s past goodness and unfailing promises, they focused on the negative aspects of their findings and instigated the whole congregation to murmur against God and to doubt His ability to take them to the land of promise. Since they confessed with their mouths that “...We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” (Numbers 13:31), God punished them for this. They exaggerated the power of the enemy and underrated the unfailing power of the Almighty God. So God confirmed their confession and told them they would not get there. The lord of the King in the days of Elisha doubted God’s power in Elisha’s prophecy and didn’t believe in any supernatural act. He spoke against the power of God in unbelief; he saw the miracle but didn’t partake in it. Zechariah doubted the validity of the angel’s message and became dumd. Unbelief is dangerous, beloved, steer clear of it!

  

DEVELOPING PERSONAL FAITH TO WALK OVER THE STORM Matthew 14.28; Mark 9:24; 11:24; Luke 18:1-8; Hebrews 11:1,6; James 1:7-8; Joshua 10:12-14

The challenge for spiritual growth in the lives of the disciples of the lord Jesus Christ made them to call upon the Lord in prayer “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). Faced with the challenge of barrenness, Hannah took her case to God in prayer, her faith developed as a result of serious prayer to God for a divine intervention in her situation; she was not disappointed, her miracle Samuel came. How about Jabez? He called on the name of the God of Israel and the Lord answered his prayer and changed his condition for better. The unfortunate widow woman in the Lord’s parable on prayer persisted in her request for justice against her enemy till her request was granted.

In order to develop our faith and to always be on the mountain top all the time, there is need for each and every one of us to avoid unbelief like poison. Unbelief is a spiritual poison to faith and wherever it is found, it will destroy our Christian life and conviction. The Israelites who left Egypt with enthusiasm of making it to the Land of Promise couldn’t get to the land of Canaan because of unbelief (Numbers 13:31-33). In our Christian journey, we need to do all we can never to allow any iota of unbelief in our lives because it will make us loose God’s presence and best for our lives.

DEFINITE PRAYER OF FAITH DURING STORMS OF LIFE.  Matthew 14. 27-31, Mark 11:22-24; Luke 1:45; 2 Kings 4:18-26, 35-37; Luke 8:43-44; Matthew 15:21-28

    

Faith is very powerful and there is no impossibility that can withstand it.  Peter saw the Lord walking on the sea and asked for His command to do the same. He began to walk on water until he shifted his focus to the wind. But when He called on the Lord for help, The Lord rescued him. Prayer to God must be definite and precise. We must identify our need and make our request accordingly. The woman in Shunem believed all is well and it was so for her. The perplexed woman with the issue of blood believed in touching the Lord for her miracle and she got it. What about the Canaanitish woman? She received a wonderful miracle for her daughter through her faith. We are told in Hebrews 11:32-35 “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:  Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection” all these exploits were made possible by God’s power through faith in Him and His unchanging word.

GIVING GOD THE PRIORITY IN ALL YOU DO

SWS 21Oct2018  GIVING GOD THE PRIORITY IN ALL YOU DO

Matthew 6.33, 1 Tim. 4.8, Romand 12. 1

Every believer belongs to God. His possessions, passions and desires must also therefore be unto the Lord. To give God the priority in life is simply to consider the effects of your actions, reactions and decisions firstly as it pleases or affects God before any other thing. It is to fill our desires with what pleases God and conforms to His glory, to make His character our pattern of life and to serve and obey Him in all things at the expense of others. Truly in this world, many things are demanding our attention such as family, job seeking, work and duties, people pleasing and pleasure seeking, yet the true Christian must understand his position with God and give Him the first priority in all things. Giving God the first place in our lives is demanded by God and must be surrendered to Him. This is the only proof that we are truly converted to Him and consecrated to his will, and this is the only lifestyle that bring divine success and enduring prosperity in this life and a guarantee of joy and happiness in eternity.

The Perils and fruitlessness of worldly priorities. Luke 12. 15-21, James 5. 1-6, Proverbs 28.11, Matt. 8. 19-22, Lu 9:59-60-62, 1Ki 19:20, Judges 14. 1-3, 2 Tim. 4.10

The world is filled with its many challenges and passion that will always pool the individual towards its pursuit. The unregenerate man easily give in to the rat race of making ends meet and loosing focus of the heavenly purpose and shifting his priorities to the world and its attainments. Unfortunately, giving priorities to the worldly pursuit draws man’s attention solely to the perishing attainments and his hearts against the Lord which brings perils and disaster. This was the story of this “rich but foolish man”. There are many people who forsake the service and the worship of God for the mundane things of this world. They easily sell of the time for money as overtime in their workplaces. These actions prove that they had sold their priority to mammon at the expense of the Lord. Others give many complaints why they cannot serve or please God now. They give excuses at the call of the Lord forgetting that God can come any time.  Elisha quickly realized this and came back to his master. No wonder he eventually received a double portion of his Spirit. This is a call for everyone to check us his priority and loyalty today whether its still with the Lord or it had gone for the worldly pursuit. Demas forsook Paul when persecution came, Samson lusted after the Philistine when the time of marriage came, Abraham did not give God priority in the decision to go in unto Hagai for a child, Saul also failed to give God the priority at the call for battle, he never sought after God nor set aside time to worship Him, he instead sought for the witch at Endor.

The pursuit and foresight of Godly priorities. 1 Tim. 4. 8, Luke 12. 22-40, Deut. 13. 4, Romans 12. 1-2, 1Ch 11:18,

To give topmost priority to the things that please God is wisdom and foresight. God commands everyone to surrender and consecrate himself totally unto Him. However, this begins by giving one’s life unto the Lord. He is the creator; He must be the Lord and Savior. He owns us by creation and we must surrender everything to Him as our Lord. Foresight comes when the believer remembers always that “He that has the power to give equally has the power to withhold”. Therefore releasing our plans, pursuit and priorities to please Him is simply in recognition of His ownership and ability to give us more. However, we must give God the priority in all we do as we can see in the following examples. (i) In seeking solution to personal problems and challenges of life (Psalm 37. 3-6), (ii) In taking decisions in life such as marriage, job, business etc (Psalm 32. 8-9) , (iii) in preaching the gospel during persecution and opposition (Acts 5.29), (iv) in partnership for work and work ethics, (v) in taking risks and standing as sureties for people (Prov. 11.5-6), (vi) in managing people’s problems and settling matters among them (Gen 13. 7-9), (vii) in helping people and giving to the poor and the needy (Heb. 13.16), in time of danger, perils and defense of the gospel (Dan. 3.16-18)

The profiting and flourishing through Godly priorities. 1 Chron. 13.1-5, Ex 23:25, 1Th 4:1, Proverbs 3.9-10, Genesis 18. 1-10, 1 Kings 17. 8-16, 2 Cor. 8. 1-5

Everyone who give God the first place in his life always enjoy tremendous blessings and fulfillment of His wonderful blessings. As soon as David became king in Israel, his first priority was to bring back the ark of God to Israel. he made plans for it, he motivated all his subordinates towards it, and he committed himself to achieve this divine project and he didn’t relent until the ark was brought to Jerusalem. His reason wasn’t for self-glory but for to always enquired at the Lord through the ark, the representation of God’s presence. Obviously God was pleased with him and established his kingdom according to His promise. If we also give adequate priority to God’s work and his glory, we can be sure of His unspeakable blessings in our lives and families. God deserves the first place in our time, talent and possessions. Giving God a tenth of our profits is commanded by God, but giving Him first before any other attention brings more of His supernatural breakthroughs to our lives (Proverbs 3.9-10). Other people who gave God first priorities in scriptures includes (i) Abraham gave God priorities by forsaking all his other duties to entertaining the angelic strangers – he eventually got the confirmation of his son Isaac (Genesis 18. 1-10), (ii) The Zarephath widow gave Elijah first of the provisions of cake and she was sustained throughout the famine and her house (1 Kings 17. 8-16), (iii) Also the Macedonian believers gave their substances and were tremendously blessed (2 Cor. 8. 1-5). As we see these examples, we must understand that giving God the first place in our lives is a proof of our love for God. It also shows our faith in Him. If you are still struggling from giving Him the first priority then you can go back to calvary and leave all on the altar of sacrifice that God will take your life and make it entirely consecrated ti Himself. Pray today and He will revive you in Jesus name.     

THE INFALLIBILITY OF DIVINE PRONOUNCEMENTS

THE INFALLIBILITY OF DIVINE PRONOUNCEMENTS

Hebrews 6:18; Isaiah 55:9-11; 2 Timothy 3:16

One attribute of God that makes Him unique in all ramifications is the fact that He doesn’t change and He is not prone to error as it is the case with humans. God is perfect in all His ways and pure in all His dealings. The Scriptures says in Psalms 119:89 that, “Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” All the words from God are infallible, there is no error of any kind in His word. There are various pronouncements in the Scriptures that came to pass just as they were said. Starting from Genesis, when God told the man not to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree, He equally told the man what would be the aftermath effect of disobedience to the divine injunction. When man disobeyed God, a pronouncement of judgment came and since then things never remained the same for humanity. The power of His word has not diminished, it is still efficacious and powerful and has the power to accomplish whatsoever He wishes. There is no error in God’s pronouncements. Solomon made this submission when he was dedicating the temple “Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant” (1 Kings 8:56). All His pronouncements in the time past came to pass so are all His pronouncements concerning your life will come to pass in Jesus name.  

COMPREHENSIVE PERSPECTIVES OF DIVINE PRONOUNCEMENTS

Isaiah 55:9-11; Psalms 89:34-36; 1 Samuel 16:13; Psalms 89:20; Acts 13:22

There are many divine pronouncements in the Scriptures. We will consider some of them and see their infallibilities.

·        Warning about the tree of knowledge of good and evil - Genesis 2:15-17. The results of disobedience to it - Genesis 3:17-19

·        The promise of the Messiah - Genesis 3:15. Fulfillment – Matthew 1:21

·    Pronouncement on the coming destruction of the world of the antediluvian Genesis 6:7. The destruction came - Genesis 7:11,21,22

·        Promise of a child of promise to Abraham - Genesis 15:4. It's fulfillment - Genesis 21:1

·        Promise of the deliverance of Israel from the land of Egypt - Exodus 3:7. It's fulfillment - Exodus 12:51

·        The promise of the Prophet - Deuteronomy 18:18,19. See Acts 7:37,38

·        God’s pronouncement about David - Psalms 89:20, compare Acts 13:22

·        Elisha’s pronouncement of plenty in Samaria - 2 Kings 7:1. Fulfillment - 2 Kings 7:16

·        God’s verdict on sinning soul - Ezekiel 18:4, compare Psalms 9:17 and Romans 3;23

·        Pronouncement about the coming Saviour - Isaiah 9:6,7. Fulfillment – Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10

·        Paul’s and company’s safety pronounced by the Lord - Acts 27:22. Fulfillment - Acts 27:44.

Anything pronounced by God will definitely come to pass. God said that David was going to lead His people, despite the hostility from King Saul to kill him, God brought him to the throne and he fulfilled God’s purpose and plan for his life.

CONCRETE PROOFS OF THE INFALLIBILITY OF GOD’S PRONOUNCEMENTS

1 Kings 8:56; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 6:18; Matthew 24:35; Job 5:27; 2 Corinthians 1:20.    

King Solomon made this observation when he saw the reality of the fulfillment of God’s promises and the infallibility of His word: “Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant” (1 Kings 8:56). There are a lot of passages in the Scriptures that confirm the infallibility of God’s pronouncements as we have seen above. Whatsoever God says in His word has no error and is bound to come to fulfillment. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). Even a Balaam who wanted to curse the people of God who was hired by a king of Moab had no option than to proclaim the infallibility of God’s word in Numbers 23:19, where he said “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” we need to be rest assured that whatsoever He says has no error and will definitely come to pass as “…all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

OUR COMMITMENTS TO PROFIT FROM GOD’S INFALLIBLE PRONOUNCEMENTS

Psalms 119:60; James 1:22-24; Proverbs 30:5,6; Job 5:27; Lamentations 3:22-24 

God has a lot of packages for us His children in His word, all we need to do to profit from His word is to live according to His word and obey His divine injunctions. James is admonishing us: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). The Psalmist says in Psalms 119:60 that “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.”

Sinners must repent and accept His free offer of salvation; backsliders should repent and restitutes their ways so as to partake in the blessings in His word. Believers need to know that doing the word brings blessings than mere hearing and not putting the word into practice. In order to get the best from God’s word, we should approach His word with learning spirit and humility of heart. Here is Job’s conclusion to the infallibility of God’s pronouncements: “Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good” (Job 5:27).

Apart from these, we must lead a holy life according to God’s word, we must also be ready to heed His warnings, also claim His promises and rely fully and firmly on them. There is always a promise for every situation of man. But searching the scriptures daily and regularly unveils these infallible pronouncements of the Almighty. Prayer is very critical and crucial for every child of God in claiming His promises. As you pray today, He will answer you in Jesus Name.

THE HIGHER CALLING OF BLOOD-WASHED SAINTS

06/08/2017

THE HIGHER CALLING OF BLOOD-WASHED SAINTS

Philippians 3.7-15, 2 Timothy 1.8-10, Heb. 3.1, Heb. 12.1

Our call to salvation and to the kingdom of God is with the precious blood of the very Son of God. Every born again child of God is washed and cleansed with the blood of Jesus (1 Cor. 6.11). And he bears the holy seed of the calling of the Lord upon himself. To be born again, the sinner must have repented of his sins and had accepted Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour. Thereafter, he takes upon him his cross and follows the Lord everywhere. Paul the Apostle emphasize here that though he was converted, yet he would still “… press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” In the same way, the believer today must endeavor to understand the depth, the scope and the benefits of his calling in Christ. This will enable him to appreciate its peculiarities, purpose, and profits of God’s calling to himself. The scriptures confirm that we, as believers have a High calling, being called by the most High God Himself. We also have the heavenly calling, i.e our calling is from the heavenly father and the goal of every believer must be to live with Him in heaven forever. It is also a holy calling being called by the Holy God into the Holy covenant through the holy blood of Jesus. Therefore, the Christian must remain holy in character and conduct, he must be heavenly minded and he must also live with a higher consecration to the Lord. Appreciating our calling in this manner makes God continue His everlasting benefits upon us as believers.

THE CALL TO SALVATION AND HOLINESS OF LIFE Leviticus 19.1,2, Gen.12.1, Gen. 17.1, 1 Peter 1. 15-16, 1 Peter 2.9, Titus 2. 11-13,

Like the children of Israel, God brought believers out of the slavery and captivity of sin, the world and corrupt religious practices by the power of His word and His blood. He called Abraham to “walk before me and be thou perfect” and he obeyed following God in holiness. In the same way, having called us and washed us by His blood, he gives a command to all His children today: Ye shall be Holy. This command covers every area of our lives as believers to fulfil His purpose. God’s purpose in redemption was to redeem for Himself a peculiar people, separated from sin, from the fleshly lust and from the worldly pollutions. He wants to build a relationship with those that are called by His name. Therefore, we are (i) called out of sin (1 Cor. 15.34), (ii) called out of the world (2 Cor. 6.17), (iii) called out of all fleshly lust and (1 John 2.15-17), (iv) Called out of spiritism and occultism (Deut. 18.9-12), (v) We are called to holiness (Rom. 6. 18-19), we are called unto entire sanctification and holiness (1 Thess 4. 3-4), (vii) we are called to godliness and humility (Titus 2. 11-12)   

OUR CALL TO CONSECRATION AND SUBMISSION TO HIS LORDSHIP Gen. 22. 1-10, Romans 12. 1-2, Luke 9.23, John 4.34, Acts 24.16, 1 Thess. 4.4,

The higher calling of God to His children is to enter into a higher relationship with Him. Just as the saints of old submitted themselves to the Lord in total obedience, consecration, and honor, so also does he demands from believers today. As Abraham obeyed God even in yielding and submitting his Isaac to God, so also God expects every believer to do with our lives. Our greatest desire should be to live lives of holy worship and devotion to God. We are to offer our bodies and belongings as a consecrated vessel to God and for His holy service. Self-denial and cross-bearing must characterize our lifestyle and we must be totally yielded to the Lord’s commands. Doing the will of God must also be our topmost priority (John 4.34). Our consciences must be free from every sinful trait against anyone as we follow peace with all men. Having this as our watchword, we must jealously guide our salvation and be sure that as we walk in this world of sin, we remain purified from the pollution of this world and its allurements. Lastly, we must cultivate the habit of regular prayer and supplication to the Lord, and be interceding for the lost so they also could be delivered from the chains of the devil.

CALL TO COMPASSIONATE SOULWINNING TOWARDS THE LOST Isaiah 6. 1-6, Matthew 28. 18-20, Isaiah 62. 6-7, Ezekiel 3. 17-21, 2 Tim. 4.1-2, Acts 26. 13-19, Matthew 25. 34-40,  Ezekiel 22.30

After we had received the cleansing and the calling from the Lord, our duty and responsibility are to respond positively to the command of the Lord and the cry of the lost. Like Christ, we must be compassionate as His children and understand that this is the heavenly vision given to us. If this command grips our hearts, then we should also be able to say “here am I, send me!” Isaiah rose up promptly and positively, Ezekiel also answered immediately. Paul the Apostle said, “I am not disobedient to the heavenly vision”. As blood washed saints, we are to preach the word purposefully, painstakingly, persistently, patiently, perseveringly, and prayerfully. Our message should be to point them to their guilty and sinful lifestyle, and their depravity. We are also to prayerfully preach to open their spiritual eyes, and to turn their understanding to the Lord. We are to preach Christ the crucified as the only way to Salvation (Acts 4.12), We are also to lead them to sustained Christian living through adequate follow-up and discipleship. Carrying out these responsibilities makes the believer fulfilled in the love of God and to attract His tremendous blessings of protection, preservation, provisions and eternal inheritance in heaven.                               

GHS: 2, 19 & 124

LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS

August 2, 2018

LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS 1 Tim. 2.8, Psalm 134

There is an awesome power in the believer’s prayer. When children of God lift up holy hands to their holy father in prayer, heavens give attention to their petitions. Lifting up holy hands simply symbolizes the passionate prayer of true Christians, with holiness of lives and characters without hypocrisy, malice or unbelief, to the heavenly father who can never fail. They had repented from all sins, had prayed for forgiveness and had received assurance that his sins are forgiven. He must have also done all restitutions and obtained a conscience void of offence towards God and towards all men. Furthermore, he must have come into intimate fellowship with God in regular sincere worship and lastly, he is one who obeys all instructions of his master and do his will always in evangelism, tithes and offering, love and charity towards his neighbors, prepared and waiting for his masters return. To such people, the Almighty God is their father and they are his children, so they possess an undeniable boldness to come to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need because their petitions and desires are sweet smelling savor unto their God. They are the people that can lift up holy hands to God in worship, Praises and in prayer.

PRONOUNCED PROMISES TO HEAVEN-BOUND CHRISTIANS Heb. 4.16, Heb. 10. 19, 21-22, Matt. 7.7-9, Matt 21:22; Mark 11:24; Lu 11:9-10; 18:1; John 14:13; John 15:7; John 16:23-24; Jas 1:5-6; 1John 3:22; 1 John 5:14-15

The Lord had pronounced great and precious promises to Christians through the scriptures to assure us of answer to our prayers. These promises are the foundation upon which believers prayers are anchored. As God is immutable and His words are dependable, a true believer trusts the promises firmly knowing that heaven and earth may pass away, the Lord’s word will never fail. Some of these promises includes – Matt. 7.7-9, Matt 21:22; Mark 11:24; Lu 11:9-10; 18:1; John 14:13; John 15:7; John 16:23-24; Jas 1:5-6; 1John 3:22; 1 John 5:14-15. Apart from blanket prayer of answer to prayers, God also gave promises on specific areas of our lives such as healing, deliverance, provision, protection etc. which believers could claim. These and many other promises give a true believer the confidence that our prayers will definitely be answered when we pray. To adequately claim these promises, a Christian must have a conscience void of offense towards God and man, pray in Jesus Name, ensure that his request is according to God’s will and His laid down principles.

PRINCIPLES AND PATTERN OF PRAYER THAT CANNOT BE DENIED. Luke 18.1-8, Luke 11. 2-5,

Although God has given us these unfailing promises, yet for our prayers to be answered, it must be in accordance with scriptural pattern  (i) Must be according to the will of God (1 Jn. 5.14), (ii) Must be asked in faith with total trust in God that He can solve the problem (Matt. 9.28, Rom. 4.19), (iii) Must be persistent. Not relenting but constantly asking till you gets the result (Luke 18.1), (iv) Must also be fervent. Cold and lukewarm prayers don’t show the passion of a true seeker (Gen 32.26, Matt. 11.12), (v) Must sometimes be with fasting (Matt. 17.21), (vi) Such prayer must be purposeful. A seeker must know what he needs and we must direct our prayer to the point (James 4.2-3). However, there is the biblical pattern of prayer which will always bring results when we lift up holy hands to the Lord in prayer. (a) We must begin with Praises, Thanksgiving and Worship to the Lord (Ps. 100.4), (b)Then we must make confession of our shortcomings and failures in service, ministry or even in our families before Him and express our need for more grace. (c) Prayer of Consecration and submission is very necessary to surrender everything to His will and His word, also to consecrate our time to Him (Heb 10.7), (d) Prayer of inquiry. When there is a situation you don’t understand, then this is very crucial to unravel the mystery surrounding a situation (2 Samuel 21.1), (e)) Prayer of binding and loosing (Matt. 18.18, Jere. 40.4), Prayer of agreement (Matt. 18.19), (f) Praying in the Spirit with unknown tongues (Eph. 6.13, 1 Cor. 14.2)   

POWER OF PREVAILING PRAYER WITH HOLY HANDS 1 Jn. 5. 14-15, James 5.2Kings 19.14-16, 19-20, Isa. 38. 1-5,

When a child of God LIFTS UP holy hands to God according to the pronounced promises, there is an express answer. In times of trials, temptations, and troubles, the true believer needs not to fear but to manifest total faith and confidence in the Lord for the needed miracle. Righteousness of life and purity of heart makes a Christian have power and authority in prayer. This was the kind of prayer of Hezekiah when Sennacherib gathered his army to besiege the people of Judah and God gave instantaneous victory (2Kings 19.14-16, 19-20). He also prayed with such power and authority when Isaiah the prophet brought negative prophecy of death. God heard him and reversed the death sentence (Isa. 38. 1-5),. When Elijah also came at Mount Carmel against the prophets of Baal, He, through such prayer of authority God answered by fire (1 Kings 18. 36-39). Other people that prayed with such power and authority include Moses, Daniel, Hannah, Jacob and many more.  You can also add yourself to the catalog today if you learn to pray with holy hands without doubting. He will answer you in Jesus Name.