Word of God: 2012

Wednesday 19 December 2012

HOW TO CULTIVATE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (FULL VERSION )

Amos 3:3 – can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

The lives of many believers can be compared to a man who owns a small farm. He works on the farm year in year out and gets just enough to live off this farm. Unknowingly to him or knowingly, underneath his farm is oil and if only he would dig deeper, he would become very rich and will be able to afford the good things of life but he prefers to just farm at the surface. The man represents many Christians today and the field represents the Holy Ghost. The oil represents the riches in Christ. If only we will dig deep we will have oil. Instead of been Christians in poverty we will be Christians with the riches of God.

Who is the Holy Ghost? Holy Ghost is the same as the Holy Spirit. The scriptures refer to the Holy Spirit as God, stating in Acts that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God, Acts 5:3-4 , and Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16 that the temple of God is the temple of the Holy Spirit. He is coupled in equality with names of God in Christ, as Matthew writes, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19-20). He is omnipotent, Luke 1:35. He is omniscient which Paul tells us saying, “The Spirit knowing all things, searching, even the deep things of God.” (I Corinthians 2:10-11). In Psalms 139:7- 10, David spoke of the Holy Ghost as been omnipresent because everywhere he went the Spirit was there. The Holy Ghost was part of creation. Genesis 1:2 says and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Job said “the Spirit of God has made me”. (Job 33:4). Holy Spirit is responsible for Regeneration (John 3:5-8); Resurrection (Romans 8:11) and the distribution of spiritual gifts according to his will, 1 Corinthians 12: 4,7,11. The Holy Spirit is eternal, always existing as Hebrews 9:14 calls Him the eternal Spirit. (E.g. Genesis 1:2; Revelations 22:17).
The Holy Spirit is a personality, not a ‘power ‘or a ‘force’ like electricity. We say someone has personality when he/she speaks and hears; thinks and reasons; feel and has emotions; and decides, has a will, and self determination. In John 16:13, we read that He both hears and speaks. (E.g. Revelations 2:7; Acts 10:19, 20; Matthew 10:20) His actions include helping us, interceding for us with a mind and will (Romans 8:26-27); leading us and giving us commands (Matthew 4:1; Romans 8:14 ; Acts 8:29); guiding and comforting us (John 16:12-13 ; Acts 9:31) ; appoints people for God’s work (Acts 13:2, 4, 20:28); testifies of Jesus (John 15:26; Acts 5:32; Hebrews 2:4, 10:15; Romans 8:16, 9:1; 1 John. 5:6-8); teaches believers and reveals things to them (John 14:26; Luke 12:12) ; being insulted or blasphemed (Matthew 12:31-32; Hebrew 10:29); being lied to, tempted, and resisted (Acts 5:3-4, 9, 7:51); and giving power (Acts 1:8; Luke. 4:14; Matthew 12:28).

The Holy Spirit also has emotions, He can be grieved or vexed (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30) or pleased (Acts 15:28).

Why does the believer need the Holy Spirit today? The Holy Spirit gives the believer supernatural ability. The list of the supernatural ability that the Holy Spirit gives to the believer are:
1. He gives supernatural power to be a witness for Jesus ( Acts 1:8; Luke 24:48; Romans 15:13-19)
2. He gives supernatural ability to pray ( Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 ;Ephesians 6:18 ;Jude 20)

3. He pours natural love unto our hearts (Romans 5:5,15:30)

4. He gives supernatural anointing to recognize truth 1 John 2:20,27; 2 Corinthians 1:21)

5. He is the supernatural sealing for eternal life, Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 4:30)

6. He gives supernatural ability to cope with life , and endurance in trial and persecution ( Matthew 10:20;John 13:12-13 ; Acts 4:8,31;7:55-60)

7. He is the gateway to the supernatural (Charismatic gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Hebrews 6:4 and Revelations 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

8. He is the supernatural Teacher and “remembrance” of all things ( Luke 12:12 ; John 14:26 , 1 Corinthians 2:13)

9. He is the supernatural comforter (translated –helper, intercessor, stand-by advocate, counselor, instructor, patron, John 14:16-17 ;Acts 9:31)

10. He is God’s supernatural pledge , earnest, guarantee until we receive our heavenly possession, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14)

11. He gives supernatural leadership, supernatural guidance ( Luke 4:1;Romans 8:14,16,9:1;Acts 16:6-10)

12. He gives supernatural (physical ) health ( Romans 8:11)

13. He gives supernatural sanctification i.e. making us holy , (Romans 15:16 ; 1 Corinthians 6:11,19;3:16 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13 )

14. He gives supernatural boldness and power of God in our lives ( John 16:14 ;7:39;15:26;Acts 2:32-35)

15. He is the constant abiding presence and power of God in our lives, John 14:16-17 ; 1 John 2:27; Luke 12:12)

16. He gives supernatural power of preaching – 1 Peter 1:12 and demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

17. He gives supernatural insight and interpretation of scriptures – 2 Peter 1:20-21 and spirit of prophecy – Revelations 19:10

18. He Is instrumental in conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment ( John 16:7-10)

This is by no means an exhaustive list. The Holy Spirit does much more than all these today in the life of the believer, the local church and the world.

Why do we need to cultivate a relationship with Him? First of all a relationship with Him can be cultivated because He is a personality. An experience of been filled with Holy Spirit is not sufficient enough to know Him. We can know Him better every day of our lives.

How does one cultivate a relationship with Him? Amos 3:3 says can two walk together except they agree? No. For two to walk together they need to do some agreeing . Firstly they need to agree on direction, if a man is going north and the other is going south they cannot walk together. They need to agree on destination and route. To walk with the Holy Ghost, there needs to be agreement on the direction, destination and route. It is either we want to go in His direction, to His destination following His route or not. The Spirit filled way is a holy way. He will never dwell in an unholy life. He does not require a Holy place to come in but He requires you be willing that the place should made holy after He comes in. The Holy Spirit does not come to a man to make him famous or make a celebrity out of him or reputation. He comes to make a man holy and make him gifted and enable him to witness, Acts 1:8. You can only be filled the Holy Spirit if you are willing to be meek, docile, and humble. The very desire to be a celebrity or publicity or to be known abroad cancels the work of God on man to destroy flesh and to make him whole. The greatest gift of the Holy Spirit is a meek and a docile heart. The Holy Spirit wants to educate, domesticate and meek you.
To walk with the Holy Spirit there should be oneness between us and the Spirit of God. One in outlook, hope and thought. Fellowship is oneness with the Holy Spirit. To cultivate a relationship with the Holy Ghost, you need to be one with Him (understand and surrender to Him).
How to cultivate a daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit?
1. Develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The dove (representing the Holy Spirit) from heaven is so gentle and sensitive, he will never force himself on you. Moses’ face shone and he did not know it (Exodus 34:29); the Lord left Samson and he did not know it, Judges. 16:20. In the same way, the Spirit comes as a dove to rest upon us and we need to spend time in his presence to detect what grieves or pleases him. He soothes, He comforts, calls us by name and can even give you a pet name. Daily times of devotion, silence and solitude are indispensable, Psalm 46:10. Practice living in God’s presence moment by moment.
2. Cultivate fellowship with the Spirit through conversation. Greet the Holy Spirit each morning. Ask him questions. Invite him to help you constantly as you face your challenges. Freely share your joys and sorrows with him. Build a habit of referring decisions to him. At first it may look awkward as you seem to hear no reply. Understandably, it will be slower for you to make decisions, but it is just because you have not yet learnt to identify his language and symbols. He communicates all the same, and you grow gradually into understanding what he is saying.
3. Grow in daily fellowship with the Spirit as you read and react to the scriptures. Invite him to open your understanding whenever you turn to the scripture. (Ephesians 1:17) Discipline yourself to have a daily quiet time of meditating on the scriptures. Satan blinds our understanding. (2 Corinthians 4:4) The Holy Spirit opens it. He gives deeper insight and conviction. Invite him to empower you to obey the scriptures.
4. Build intimacy with the Holy Spirit through prayer. Invite him to help your weakness during times of prayer. He knows and prays according to the will of God. Ask for his anointing to make two-way praying possible. He helps to intensify your prayer. Pray in the Spirit. (Jude 20, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 13-15)
5. Increase your friendship with the Holy Spirit through passion for him. Love God’s Spirit for Himself. Be more interested in the Spirit than in his gifts and what you can get out of him. Tell him you love him. Sing songs to him as you would to a friend. Enjoy his company. Get interested in His interests and avoid grieving and quenching him. Commit yourself to cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Do not love the world.
6. Partner with the Holy Spirit in ministry. Invite him to minister with you as you preach, teach, witness, or lead the people of God. Ask for his anointing and words taught by the Spirit. (1 Cor. 2:3-5, 13) Co-operate with him concerning your fields of ministry. (Acts 16:6, 7; 8:29) Invite him to chair your meetings. (Acts 15:28) Spend time in the company of those filled with the Spirit. Let spiritual songs be around you and in your heart.
Cultivating daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit is an exciting adventure that takes time and effort but is worth it.

The first step into cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit is giving your life to Christ.

The bible said in Romans 3:23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 :23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3:16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10: 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.

Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church

Samuel Oluwatoki

Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10:32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

Sunday 2 December 2012

THE LORD THAT HEALETH THEE

Exodus 15:26 – And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
The word healing suggests the presence of sickness. Sickness by definition is a state of being diseased. Disease means to be at dis –ease. There are various forms of sicknesses, we have:

Sickness physically - Examples include the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years (Mark 5:22-34); the woman who was bent over for eighteen years (Luke 13:11-13) and the man who was sick with an infirmity for thirty – eight years (John 5:1-16).

Sickness financially - Examples include the wife of the sons of the prophet who her creditors decided to take her sons as slaves to cater for debt ( 2 Kings 1-7) ; the widow of Zarapheth who had only a meal to eat and die with her son ( 1 Kings 17:7-16) and the case of national poverty in Samaria that resolved in mothers eating their children ( 2 Kings 6:13 -2 Kings 7:19)

Sickness Emotionally- Proverbs 13:12 talks of a heart been sick as a result of delayed hope ; Hannah suffered from bitterness of heart because she was barren and Peninah her rival made life difficult for her ( 1 Samuel 1:10) ; the aged widow of Nain was in great emotional pain and could not be comforted as her only son –her joy was dead and about to be buried ( Luke 7:12-15)

Sickness in Relationship - while everyone was getting married Isaac was still single at the age of forty (Genesis 25:20) ; the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years was single and lonely because her illness made her unclean – no one was permitted around her ( Mark 5:22-34) and we do not need to reminded that the mad man of Gadara was a bachelor , who in her right senses will live with a man who resides in tombs ( Mark 5:1-19) ?

Sickness in the area fruitfulness - Sarah was married for over thirty years and at the age eighty –nine she was still barren (Genesis 18); the great Shunamite woman was physically fit but she had no child (2 Kings 4:8-17).

Sickness spiritually – the presence of demons in a life causes sickness spiritually. The man with one demon was sick (Luke 11:14); Mary Magdalene who had seven demons (Luke 8:2) was more sick and the mad man of Gadara had a legion demon was completely sick (Mark 5:1-19).

Sickness in business or profession – Peter (a professional fisherman) knew failure like the back of his hands. He failed repeatedly; every time he cast his net all he found was zero (Luke 5:1-7).

Sickness Intellectually – Solomon knew absolutely nothing. The man even agreed that the brains were not just there ,no wonder when the opportunity came to make a request he asked for knowledge (2 Chronicles 1:6-10) ; David his father even agreed that his son was wet behind ears ( 1 Chronicles 22:5).

There are other forms of sickness for example in 2 Kings 2:19-22 we see sick water. It is also possible for an individual to be sick In more than one area of life .The woman with the flow of blood was physically sick; financially sick as she had spent all her money and yet she was still sick; emotionally sick as she was lonely and sick in relationship because no one could come near her as she was unclean. The mad man of Gadara was sick at a different level. Physically he was sick, financially he was sick, emotionally he was sick, relationship wise he was sick, spiritually he was sick, he had no profession, no children and intellectually he was zero. This man had the whole package of sickness.

Where does sickness come from? Sickness is from the devil. John 10:10 says the devil kills, steals and destroy. Whatever that kills, steals or destroys is not from God but the devil and we know this is what sickness does. James 1:17 says every good and perfect gift comes from God. Healing is a good and perfect gift .According to 1 John 3:8 Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil. God does not use sickness to teach. God uses the Holy Spirit to teach people – John 14:26. Sickness and death are the enemies of God – Hosea 13:14.
Is God willing to heal? It is the will of God to heal us.

When Jesus said the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-10, he said ‘our Father In heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ The will of God in heaven is good health and abundance. Jesus prayed that the will of God in heaven be done on earth. When the Leper cried to Jesus saying ' if You are willing , please heal me -Matthew 8:1-3 . Jesus moved with compassion stretched out His hands and said ‘I am willing.’

Acts 10:38 says how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power that He went about doing good and healing all who were sick. If God is not willing to heal, he would not have anointed Jesus with power and Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 53:4 says surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 1 Peter 2:24 says by His stripes we are healed. Why will God put Jesus through all He went through if He is not willing to heal you? Why would Jesus go through all that and with hold healing from you? It is His will to heal you.

See how much how much God has to say about healing us - 3 John 2 says He wants us to prosper in all things and be in health ; 1 John 1:14 says if we ask anything according to His will (remember it is His will to heal you) , He will hear us ; Hebrew 12:12-13 says therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed ; Romans 8:32 says He who did not spare His own Son , but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things and Romans 8:31 says if God is for us, who can be against us . If God is saying all these then obviously He wants to heal you.

The God that was willing to heal in the Old Testament is still willing to heal you today. Malachi 3:6 says He does not change. Jesus Christ who was willing to heal in the New Testament is still willing to heal. Hebrew 13:8 says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Deuteronomy 7:15 says the Lord will take away all sickness and Jeremiah 30:17 says He will restore health to you, and heal your wounds. God has not only promised you health and healing but long life and peace to enjoy it. Jeremiah 33:6 says behold I will bring it health and healing; reveal to them abundance of peace and truth; According to Leviticus 26:3-7, He has promised to give you good life and Isaiah 58:8 says your light will break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, your righteousness shall go before you and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
How can I get my healing?
1.      Healing comes by having faith in the name of Jesus. In Acts 3:16 Peter told the crowd that gathered after the healing of the lame man at the beautiful gate that “through faith in the name of Jesus, the man was healed. How does one get faith? Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. This is why Mark 4:24 admonishes us to take heed what we hear. We need to guide against what could pollute our soul or news that could destroy our faith. When you pray to God have faith in Him. Mark 11:23 says whoever says to this mountain ,’be removed and cast into the sea’, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
2.      The word of God has medicinal value. Proverbs 4:20 & 22 says my son, give attention to my words and incline your ear to my sayings for they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh. The word of God is a medicine and healing to all your flesh. It is also a medicine to your soul. Psalm 107:20 says He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
3.      We can also receive healing through positive confessions. Numbers 14:28 says ‘as I live’, says the Lord, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you. Joel 3:10 says Let the weak say ‘I am strong’. Confess healing scriptures like Psalm 118:17 which say I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Isaiah 65:22 says you shall not build for another to inhabit, you shall not plant for another to eat, as the days of the trees so shall your days be and you long enjoy the work of your hands. Begin to confess positive things.
We are also responsible for our health. We need to live a healthy life and eat good food.
When we study the scriptures, we see that almost everyone who got healing came to Jesus and they came with their faith. The first step to your healing is coming to Jesus. Let Him forgive your sins because one of the causes of sickness is sin. The presence of sin causes a barrier between us and God. Isaiah 59:1-2 says behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot saved nor heavy that it cannot hear but you iniquities have  separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you.
The bible said in Romans 3 v 23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 s 23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3 v 16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10vs 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10 v 10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.

Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church
Samuel Oluwatoki
Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10 v 32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

LET THE WIND BLOW

Exodus 14:21 – Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea in dry land, and the waters divided.
BIBLE READING – Exodus 14:21 -28
What is the wind? The Wind is the Holy Spirit. The working of the Holy Spirit is compared to that of the wind. According to John 3:8, the wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it but cannot tell from where it comes and where it goes; So is everyone who is born of the Spirit. The way the Holy Spirit works is compared to that of the wind. Just as the wind is invisible to physical eye but its impact is visible on whatever it touches or goes near, so also is the Holy Spirit. He can not been seen but His impact is visible to the physical eye. What happens when the wind of the Holy Spirit blows?

1. Life is restored – Ezekiel 37:1-10. The wind that parted the Red Sea came from the nostrils of the Most High God – Exodus 15:8. After the Lord had formed man out of clay in Genesis 2:7, He sent the wind and the wind entered the nostril of Adam and he came alive. In Ezekiel 37:1 Ezekiel found himself in the valley of dry bones. Everything in that valley was considered very dead .In Ezekiel 37:9, the wind began to blow and by the time we get to Ezekiel 37:10 the dry bones had become a great army.
2. A way is created where there has never been a way – Exodus 14:21. Behind the children of Israel was the host of the Egyptians, to the sides were mountains and in front was the Red Sea. The wind blew and from nowhere, road surfaced inside the ocean. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, the creditors approached one of the wives of the son of the prophets to pay her debts. As there was no way of paying up, they told her they were going to take her children as slaves. She ran to the man of God and the wind blew. She did not only pay her debt but what was left was enough to feed her and her sons till she died. I remembered several years ago when I desired as a young man to come and study abroad. My father did not have any resources to make this happened so I went to the Lord in prayers. At that time there were some building works going on at our church so I joined as a laborer. From nowhere the wind blew and before I know it, I was on the aeroplane to study abroad.
3. The impossible becomes possible. Prior to Exodus 14, it was considered impossible for a Sea to part in two but that night it parted. It was impossible for a virgin to conceive without a man but in Luke 1:31-37, the One who with nothing is impossible made the impossible possible – Mary became pregnant without knowing a man.
4. Hope arises in hopeless situations – 1 Kings 18:30-46. The children of Israel found themselves in a hopeless situation. For three years it had not rained, the rivers and brooks began to dry up. Elijah the man of God prayed and the wind blew and then it rained. The Israelites were also in a hopeless situation been sandwiched in problems- behind was Pharaoh, to the sides were mountain and to the front was Red Sea. I am sure you will appreciate how hopeless the situation was and then the wind blew.
5. Enemies are uprooted permanently –Exodus 14:27-29. The enemies of Israel were drowned in the Red Sea when the wind blew. Because you belong to God , your enemies automatically become the enemies of God. According to Jeremiah 23:19, the Lord sends the wind on the head of the wicked –His enemies. Jeremiah 22:22 says the Lord will use the wind to eat up the heads or rulers of His enemies.
6. Secrets were released –Exodus 14:21. Prior to that day, no one knew what lie beneath the Red Sea. Immediately the wind blew, the mysteries that lie beneath the Red Sea were exposed. After Peter had spent time In the presence of Jesus in Luke 5:1-7, the wind blew and the secret of were his breakthrough lie was released to him.
7. Complete deliverance – Exodus 14:29-30. After the Lord had dealt with Pharaoh, He unwillingly permitted the Israelites to leave. The Israelites were delivered but not completely delivered because Pharaoh was still alive .After the wind blew, the head of their enemy – Pharaoh and his hosts were drowned. In Mark 5:1-19, the mad man of Gadara saw Jesus and He ran to Him. As this man stood in the presence of Jesus, the wind blew and he received total deliverance from a legion demon. He became so free that he was now able to evangelize.
8. Needs are met – Numbers 11:31 .The children of Israel had been eating manna for a while but they wanted meat. Immediately the wind blew, from nowhere came abundance of quails. The quails were so much it took them 36 hours to gather! In Matthew 14:13-21, a young boy gave five bread and two fishes and Jesus directed the wind towards him. After 5000 people had been fed, he went home with twelve baskets of breads and fishes. Sometimes back late evening I felt like soaking garri (garri is made from cassava) with honey and cashew nuts but I did not have the resources on me. So I casually mentioned it to a man that was around me and we both laughed. The next afternoon I was chatting with a man and he suddenly suggested we go to the local supermarket. I declined but He literally forced me to go so I went. When we got there, guess what I ordered? Honey and cashew nut … you got it right! The shocking thing was I have been working with this man for over three years and he had never suggested such before or bought me anything.
9. Problems are solved – Genesis 8:1. After the Lord destroyed the world with water, He made the wind to pass over the earth and the waters subsided. Due to the stubbornness of Pharaoh’s heart, the Lord made Locust to go over the land and eat up every herb and fruit of the land. Pharaoh humbled himself before God and He caused the wind to blow and this wind took the Locust to the Red sea – Exodus 10:19.

We have talked about what happens when the blows. Let’s briefly look at what happens after the wind blows.
1.      Total freedom. After the wind blew in Exodus 14:1-31, the Israelites went from been slaves to been free men and women. In the case of the widow of the sons of prophet in 2 Kings 4:1-7, she became debt free. After the wind blew in Genesis 8:1, Noah who had been hiding in an ark could now walk about.
2.      One begins to sing a song of victory. The first thing the Israelites did when they got their victory was compose a new song. A country who had been singing - Lord deliver me, Lord deliver me , suddenly began to shout- He has given me victory , I will lift Him higher, Jehovah , I will lift Him Higher.
When you read through the scriptures, you will notice that before the wind blows, there is always a cry to heaven. Almost every time, a cry precedes the wind. A cry goes to heaven and God sends the wind. The Israelites cried in Exodus 14 and the wind followed. They cried again in Numbers 11 and the wind blew. Noah must have been crying to God in Genesis 7 before the wind blew. I do not believe He sat down in the ark doing nothing for 40 days. Today your cry must first ascend to heaven before the wind follows. I can assure you that as you cry to Him today, He will send the wind. Once the wind begins to blow everything against God will be uprooted and that is certain. If one is not a friend of God, am afraid the wind might uproot them once it begins to blow. Who are the friends of God? They are those who obey Him – John 15:14. If an individual is against God, the wind might not be favorable to them. How do you know those that love God? They obey Him – John 14:15. Luke 11:23 says He that is not with Me is against Me: and He that gathereth and not with Me scattereth. I remember several years ago after I had just given a big offering – big according to my standard then, maybe small to you .I began to pray that the Lord should send His wind and the Holy Spirit and said if the wind should be blow you will be the first to fall. Honestly back then, there were one or two people I had not forgiven and was not evangelizing. Now I am wiser.
If the wind should blow and you are still living in sin it can be disastrous.  If there is anyone reading this newsletter and is yet to give his or her life to Jesus or was once born again but has backslidded, Please come back to Christ today. He is faithful and just to forgive. Ezekiel 18:32 says “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God “therefore repent and live!”
The bible said in Romans 3 v 23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 s 23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3 v 16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10vs 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10 v 10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.

Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church
Samuel Oluwatoki
Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10 v 32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

Friday 9 November 2012

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

Isaiah 61:3 says to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes , the oil of joy for mourning , the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness , the planting of the Lord , that He may be glorified.

Ashes represent a lot of things .In 2 Samuel 13:6-19, it stands for shame, humiliation, disgrace and disappointment. After Tamar - the young virgin princess was raped by her step brother she sprinkled ashes on her head to mark her shame, disgrace, disappointment and embarrassment. Ashes can also mean a sad end or destruction. Most likely an end caused by fire. Malachi 4:3 says you shall trample the wicked for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet. Ashes at times indicate the presence of terrible sicknesses. After satan struck Job with painful boils in Job 2:7-8, he sat in ashes. Ashes can be used to define a man of no status or worth. Abraham compared himself to ashes and dust in Genesis 18:26-27, when he was appealing to God to have mercy on the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. Job also echoed the same words in Job 30:19, he said “He has cast me into the mire, and I have become like a dust and ashes. Ashes during fasting and prayers can signify a desperate cry for help. The appointed time for the liberation of Jerusalem had come and gone but nothing happened. In Daniel 9:3, Daniel covered himself in ashes and began to seek the face of God over the liberation of Jerusalem. A synonym for ashes is mourning.

In Isaiah 63:1 God promised that He will console those who mourn and will give them beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness that He may be glorified. God is not gloried in your predicaments. He is not glorified in your failure or sickness. He is not glorified when things are not going well for you.  He wants to help you and will help you in Jesus name, Amen.
Who is this God that promised to give beauty for ashes? How powerful is He? What are His limits? This God is known as the Most High, Psalm 99:2 .Psalms 97:9 says He is higher than the Highest. Luke 1:37 confirms that with Him nothing is impossible. According to 99:1, when He reigns the earth has no choice than to tremble. Psalm 97:5 says mountains melt like wax before Him. Matthew 3:9 says He is so powerful he can even bring children out of stones. Psalms 62:11 says power belongs to Him.  Isaiah 13:13 says  He is able to shake the heavens and the earth will move out of her place. Job 9:6 says He shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble.

This God is able to comfort in mourning. According to John 14:26, He is the comforter. Isaiah 66:13 says He is able to comfort like a mother .2 Corinthians 1:4 says He comforts in all troubles. The psalmist says His comfort delights souls, Psalm 94:19. Asides comforting people, He is able to turn situations around. Psalms 30:11 says He turns mourning into dancing and exchanges sackcloth with garment of gladness. Isaiah 61:3 says He is able to exchange mourning for oil of joy. Immediately Jesus raised the son of the widow in Luke 7:11-17, she went from mourning into dancing. In 2 Kings 4:18-37 is the popular story of great Shunamite woman. After her son died, she ran to the man of God and began to cry, she started rolling on the floor, begging the prophet to do something. She forgot she was highly respectable in the society , she just cried and cried and the Lord touched her son . Immediately the Lord brought the dead boy back to life and tears dried up and began to smile again. I pray that the Lord will touch your situation and turn it around in Jesus name.
Aside from turning mourning into dancing, He is able to turn sickness into health. Exodus 15:26 calls Him the great healer. Jeremiah 30:17 says He is able to restore health and heal wounds. According to Psalms 147:3, He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 103:3 says He heals all disease. In Luke 5:12-13, a man covered with leprosy fell before Jesus and began to implore him to have mercy and heal him. Jesus touched him and immediately his skin became like that of a new born baby soft, tender and began to shine. Also in Luke 13:10-17 is the story of a woman who had not stood straight for eighteen years. She had a problem with her spine and for eighteen years she remained bent. The woman went through great pains for eighteen years but immediately the great healer – Jesus laid His healing hands on her, right on the spot she was made straight. In John 5:1-16 is the story of a man who had been sick for thirty eight years. For thirty eight years his life was at a standstill. Jesus told him to take up his bed and walk. The man stood up as if nothing had happened to him. He did not stagger or anything. He just began to walk normally.

He can also turn death to life .Only the living can resurrect the living. It is impossible for dead to raise the dead. Revelations 1:18 says Jesus is alive forever. According to John 11:25, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. John 14:6 says He is the way, the truth and life. John 1:4 says in Him was life. John 5:21 says He is able to give life. In Mark 2:1-12, a man whose body was dead was brought to Jesus. The only part of his body that was alive was his head, the other part was dead that was he was so heavy that four men were required to carry him around. Immediately Jesus prayed for him, life was restored to his entire body.The man that was carried in with four men suddenly stood up and began to walk. In John 11:1-45 is the story of Lazarus who was not only dead but brain dead. Immediately Jesus called his name, death let go of him and he came back to life.
God is also able to restore victories to those who have been beaten down by life situation. He is able to help those that are burnt by life. Those that life has treated unfairly; victims of circumstances. He is also able to make a man victorious. Exodus 15:3 calls Him a Man of war. Isaiah 42:13 describes His moves like that of a mighty man. Psalms 24:8 calls Him the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. According to Psalm 46:7, He is the Lord of Host .Isaiah 59:19 says when the enemy comes in like a flood; the spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Jabez was a man who life had been unfair to. Because of his name , life battered him daily but one day he cried to God in 1  Chronicles 4:9-10 and God came to his rescue. He changed his name and everything started moving on fine.
Asides all this, God is able to give new beginning and turn situations around. To those who see themselves as worthless, to those who the world sees as nobody, to those who have no voice in the family, to those who are invisible despite been amidst a crowd, God is able to turn situations around. He is able to make the one who the world ignores to become the one people will sit and listen to. He is able give you beauty for ashes. According Ecclesiastes 3:11, He is able to make a thing beautiful. The lame man at the beautiful gate was invisible all his life. No one really noticed him, because he was a nobody, sick and very very poor. One day in Acts 3:1-12, two servants of God walked to him, grabbed him by the hands and from that day onward people began to run to hear his story of victory. Why? Because the Most High had given  him beauty for his ashes.
Before the Lord promised to give a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, oil of joy for mourning, ashes to beauty, He first addressed the cause of ashes. He addressed the reason for spirit of heaviness and mourning. Isaiah 59:1 says behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear. Isaiah 59:2 says but your iniquities have separated you from your God and your sins have hidden His face from you. Brethren, God is closer to us than the clothes we wear .It is sin that makes it look like He is miles away. It is sin that makes us cry for help and get no response.  Isaiah 30:19 says God will be gracious when we cry for help. As soon as He hears us, He will answer. Isaiah 65:24 says before they call, I will answer and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Sin blocks Him from hearing us. As we have read in Isaiah 59:2b it is sins that makes it look like He has hidden His face from His people. From time to time, Jesus will tell people go and sin no more, why? Because sin brings problems and disappointment.
If there is anyone reading this newsletter and is yet to give his or her life to Jesus or was once born again but has backslidded, Please come back to Christ today. He is faithful and just to forgive. Ezekiel 18:32 says “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God “therefore repent and live!”
The bible said in Romans 3 v 23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 s 23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3 v 16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10vs 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10 v 10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.

Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church
Samuel Oluwatoki
Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10 v 32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

Sunday 7 October 2012

Controller of Season

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says to everything there is season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

According to Ecclesiastes 3:2-9 , there are different types of seasons for example a time be born and a time to die ,a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance to mention a few. One major difference between heaven and earth is that in heaven there is only one season. Why? Because the Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2) resides in heaven. Also the Bright and Morning star (Revelations 22:16) resides there. Psalm 16:11 says in the presence of God is fullness of joy.

According to Daniel 2:21, the Controller of Season is God. There are few things we need to know about the Controller of Season. He is very powerful. Psalms 62:11 says power belongs to Him. He is so powerful He can shake the heavens and the earth will move out of its place – Isaiah 13:13.Luke 1:37 says with Him there is no impossibility. When He says yes no one can say no- Psalms 33:9.

His presence alone can change seasons. Psalm 16:11 says in the presence of God is the fullness of joy. Psalm 21:6 says in His presence is exceeding gladness. His presence can put an end to a season of fruitless effort. In Luke 5:1-7, Peter fished all night and caught nothing but immediately Jesus jumped on his boat he cast his net and caught so much fish to the extent two boats began to sink. His presence puts an end to a season of death. In 2 Kings 2:19-22, the presence of Elisha (man of God) cured water that was synonymous with death. Also His presence puts an end to a season of lack. The widow in 1 Kings 17:7-16, had only a meal left to eat and die during famine. Immediately Elijah stepped into her house, she was not only able to feed her herself and her son but to feed an extra mouth through the period of famine.

His words can change seasons. Psalms 33:9 says once He speaks it is done. In Genesis 1:3, He said let there be light and there was light. His word can heal. Psalm 107:20 says He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. In John 5:1-16, Jesus told a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years to rise up and walk and the man did immediately. His word can deliver. In Mark 5:1-20 is the story of the terror of Gadara. A man who was so possessed that he could break chains .Jesus simply issue the word and all the demons in Him left.

Also His touch can change seasons. Malachi 4:2 says present in His wings are healing virtue. Anyone who touches Him or anyone He touches is made whole immediately. In Mark 5:25-34 a woman who had hemorrhage touched the hem of his garment and she was healed on the spot. His touch can bring multiplication In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus touched five loaves of bread and two fishes and multiplication began. After 5000 men had been fed not counting the women and children, there were twelve baskets left.

There are several ways He can change our seasons. He can inspire us to do something specific that will lead to our breakthrough. He inspired Solomon to give a thousand burnt offering in 2 Chronicles 1:6,Solomon obeyed and He moved from been an ordinary king to become the richest king that ever lived. He inspired the great Shunamite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-17 to begin to feed a man of God, she obeyed and her seasons changed. She went from been a barren woman to a mother of a baby boy.

By showing us mercy our seasons automatically changes .Psalm 103:11 says as the heavens are high above the earth so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. Jeremiah 42:12 says when He shows a man mercy, the whole world will begin to show such a man mercy. He can use fire to change season. In 1 king 18:1-46, God used fire to change the season in Samaria. Because they disobeyed God the heaven was shut, for three years there was no rain. After Elijah called down fire on Mount Carmel, the next thing that followed was rain.

He can use wind to change seasons. In Exodus 14:21, He used a strong east wind to part the red sea for the Israelites. Immediately the Israelites crossed to the other side a new season of freedom began. In Numbers 11; 31, God used wind to bring quails for the children of Israel when they requested for meat. Asides wind He can use earthquake to change seasons. The early church after the day of Pentecost went through a season of fear. The lack boldness but when they gathered in Acts 4:31 to request for boldness, there was an earthquake and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and the spoke the word of God with boldness. Paul and Silas found themselves in a season of bondage in Acts 16:25. The Most High sent an earthquake and their chains were broken in immediately.

There are factors that affect the seasons in our life. One of them is our mentality. Romans 12:2 says be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Gideon saw himself as a nobody. He remained in the season of been a nobody until the angel of the Lord told Him he was somebody in Judges 6:11-15. So also Saul, he saw himself as a tall farm boy .He did not walk into his season of kinship until Samuel told him there was more to him than just been a tall guy.

Another factor is laziness. It does not matter how prayerful a man is, if he is lazy things will not change. Proverbs 10:4 says lazy hands makes a man poor. Proverbs 22:29 says a man who see is diligent will stand before king. Jeroboam was born as a common man but because he was hardworking, Solomon promoted in 1 kings 11:28 to the officer in charge of the all the labor force of the house of Joseph. By the time we get to 1 Kings 12:20, the whole nation of Israel gathered and made him king.

One major factor is sin. Sin is terrible Jeremiah 5:25 say sin withholds good from us. David went from the palace to living in caves all because of adultery. Uzziah went from the palace to leper’s colony all because of pride – 2 Chronicles 26:20-21.

The Controller of seasons is alive. Luke 20:38 calls Him the God of the living and all the living live to Him. Revelations 22:13 calls Him the First and the Last, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending.

Another thing to note is that the Controller of Seasons wants to help you. Jeremiah 29:11 describes His thoughts towards us as thoughts of peace and to give us an expected end. Psalms 40:5 says His plans for us are too many to count. One thing that hinders God is sin. Isaiah 59:1-2 says Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you.

The first step to deal with sin is by giving our life to Christ so that He can wash us clean from our sins and put in us the spirit of God. If you have not given your life to Christ or you have before in times past but you have back slidded, please return to Him today.

The bible said in Romans 3 v 23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 s 23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3 v 16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10vs 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10 v 10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth that you confess and are saved.

Pray this prayer from your heart today!

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.

Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church.

Samuel Oluwatoki

Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10 v 32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Do you love me

Do you love me?

Songs of Solomon 3:4 says Scarcely had I passed by them, when I found the one I love, I held him and would not let him go , until I had brought him to the house of my mother, and into the chamber of her who conceived me.

When we mention the word love, a lot of things come to mind for example giving. The bible says in John 3:16 that for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. Love is not only about giving but it is about giving one’s best. That was what the Lord gave, His son – His best, it’s really not about giving one’s best but it is about giving all. The bible says He gave His only begotten son. The only Son He had He gave. No wonder the bible says He loves us with great love in Ephesians 2:4

Another thing that comes to mind when we talk of love is forgiveness.1 Peter 4:8 says love will cover a multitude of sins. Proverbs 10:12 says love covers all sins. Love does not only forgive but it forgets. Proverbs 17:9 says He who covers transgressions seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friend.

Also love is kind and patient. Colossians 3:12 says therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. Ephesians 4:32 says and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave. There is a lot to learn from love. According to 1 Peter 1:22 love is from the heart. 1 Peter 4:8 says love is fervent. 1 Timothy 1:5 says love is from a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith.

There are different grades of love .One of the grades is found in Mark 12:31 which says love your neighbor as yourself. What you want for yourself is what you want for your neighbor. Many of us do not take alcohol because we are Christians but we do not mind buying it for people or entertain our guest with them. That is the highest level of hypocrisy and wickedness. If Salvation is good for us, it should be good for our neighbors, friends and families, how come we are reluctant to share Christ with our friends and family. Remember, we can only claim to know God when we show love to our neighbors 1 John 4:8

Another grade is the one between couples .Ephesians 5:24 says just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. The submission of the church to Christ is total. This is the standard God expects from a Christian wife. Ephesians 5:25 says husbands, love your wives just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for her. Jesus did not only give Himself for the church, He sacrificed Himself for the church. A man that demonstrated this was Jacob in Genesis 29:18-20.Out of love for Rachel, he served Laban for seven years and the bible records that the seven years looked like days. This is the standard God expects from husbands .

The highest grade of love is found in Matthew 22:38-39, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with your entire mind. This is not only a grade of love but it is a commandment. Paul demonstrated this in Acts 21:1-13. While everyone was telling Paul not to go to Jerusalem or else he will be arrested. Paul told them he is not only ready to be arrested but to die for Jesus.

In what way can we express our love to Him? Through our obedience to His commandments. Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep My commandments”. John 15:10 says if you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I kept My father’s love and abide in His love. Our love is measured by our obedience to His words. We cannot say we love Jesus and refuse to evangelize. Luke 11:23 says he who is not with Him is against Him, he who does not gather with Him scatters. Jesus says in John 14:21 “he who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he, who loves Me, and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father and I will love him and manifest myself to him”.

To proof our love for Him, we must walk according to His commandments. 2 John 1:6 says this is love that we walk according to His commandment. If we say we love Him, what are willing to do to please Him? Our love for Him is measured by what we are willing to go through for Him. What are we willing to suffer for Him?

Our love for Him is measured by what we are willing to sacrifice for Him? Paul sacrificed his status – a prestigious Pharisee to follow Christ, Peter gave up his fishing profession to follow Christ, and Elisha gave up his father’s farm to follow Elijah. Our love is measured by the level of insult we are willing to take for His sake. Also our love is measured by what we are willing to give to Him, Abraham gave Him Isaac in Genesis 22:1-19, Jesus gave His life to Him.

Our love is measured by what we are willing to give up for Him, I know of a brother who gave up a job that pays around 1400 pounds for a job that pays around 600 pounds just to have time for church, help in opening and closing the Church. Our love is measured by the price we are willing to pay to be with Him, what we are willing to do support His projects. Jesus told Peter if you love me , feed my sheep , John 21:17 .How many of his sheep have we fed ?I know of people who have sold their cars to support Kingdom projects. Sometimes back in other to show our gratitude to Him and express our love to Him, in a single day we shared tracts from house to house (telling the world about his faithfulness) for over ten hours with no break or rest.

Someone might ask, what is in it for the individual who is prepared to love the Lord? Proverbs 8: 17 say He loves those who love Him. What happens when He loves a man? Well an example could be found in 1 Kings 3:4-12. He told Solomon to ask, after he asked, He gave him his request and what he did not ask for. If you love Him, He will tell you to make a request , out of His generosity He will grant your request and also give to you what you did not even ask for

The first step to love Him is by giving one’s life to Christ. If you have not given your life to Christ or you have before in times past but you have back slidded, please return to Him today.

Thursday 6 September 2012

TRADING IT TO SIT WITH JESUS

Psalm 16:11 says You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right are pleasures for evermore.

Anyone in search of fullness of joy should do everything possible to earn a place at the side of Jesus. One of the things we all wish for is an opportunity to meet or sit with the queen of England or the king of Spain or meet the president of our nation or the U.S president. Jesus is more than a king, according to Revelations 19:16, He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

He owns everything. John 3:35 says the Father loves the son and has given all things into His hands. He says in Matthew 28:18, “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth”. No one can do anything without Jesus; Proverbs 8:15 says by Me kings reign and rulers decree justice, why? Because Jesus is the wisdom from God, 1 Corinthians 1:30.According to John 13:3, God had given all things in His hands.

To really know what it is, to sit with Jesus, we have to study the lives of those who sat with Him in the bible. To better under gist, we will look at the lives of the twelve disciples. One thing we will notice is there was no record of sickness among the twelve disciples. Why? According to John 15:5, He is the vine and any branch connected to Him will receive health from His body. If a vine withers automatically the branch will wither but because Jesus remained in perfect health everyone connected to him remained in perfect health. Do you know that because Jesus never failed, if you are connected to him you will never fail? Because Jesus conquered the world and death and was victorious, you will emerge a victor in life? You will in Jesus name. According to Exodus 15:26 He is the great healer, and Malachi 4:2 says healing is present in His wings. You cannot sit with Jesus and not receive a touch from Him.

There was no record of lack among those who sat with Jesus, they lived in abundance. Studying Matthew 14:13-21, you will agree with me that a man living in lack cannot feed 5000 men not counting women and children and still had 12 baskets left. Where did you think Judas was stealing from? From the money box –John 13:29, although the money box was used to buy gifts for the poor according to John 13:29.Even when He had no physical cash on Him, He was able to tell Peter to go to the sea and catch a fish, inside the fish was a gold coin-Matthew 17:24-27.This He did when He was asked to pay for temple tax.There is a gold coin in the mouth of every every fish you catch for Jesus, fishing for Jesus is evangelizing.

Also those that sat with Jesus enjoyed maximum protection. Most of the time we trust the police or legal system to protect us but we fail to remember that the police officer coming to protect you has wives and kids at home, he is scared of dying just as you are scared. So also the armies, they do not go to war to die? They go to live that is why they undergo several training on how to stay alive at boot camp. Is there any man on earth who can save you from having nightmares? Any that can rescue you when a dog is chasing you or someone is beating you up in the dream? No one can save from sickness or failure except Jesus. Jesus told David in Psalm 110:1 “sit at My right hand until I make your enemies a foot stool”.

The disciples enjoyed round the clock protection from the host of heaven while they sat with Jesus. Jesus at the point of His arrest could have easily called for backup from heaven, the bible says in Matthew 26:53, that a back up means sending up to 12 legions of angels to defend Jesus. If a legion is over 10,000, 12 legions will be around 123,000 of angels. According to the bible an angel is able to take care of 185,000 armies not civilians –Isaiah 37:36. If one out of the 123,000 angels could handle 185,000 soldiers can you guess what 123,000 of those will be able to do? Thank God He didn’t because if He had done that there will not be salvation for men. Elisha saw a glimpse of the host of the angels standing on guard in 2 Kings 6:8-18.

Also amidst the twelve, there was no record of failure instead there was little effort producing massive results. In Luke 5:1-7, Peter cast his net once, and he caught a great number of fish to the extent two boats began to sink. Before the arrival of Jesus, he casted his nets all night and caught absolutely nothing. Also the same peter preached a message and 3000 souls were won In Acts 2:41.With Jesus, little effort brings maximum results. Hannah had been trying all her life and there was nothing to show for it. Immediately God got involved, every effort yielded result no wonder between 1 Samuel 1 and 1 Samuel 2, Hannah went from been barren woman to become a mother of six. Do you know that as you sit with Jesus a little effort will bring great results?

Also those who sat with Jesus received life. Everything dead thing in their life came back to life. Why? Because they sat with Jesus and heard His words. According to John 6:63, the words that come out of the mouth of Jesus are spirit and life. The word is also a hammer and fire according to Jeremiah 23:29. We know that fire consumes and hammer breaks rocks. Anything preventing the glory of God in your will be broken as you sit with Jesus hearing His words.

According to John 8:12, Jesus is the light of the world. When light shines, darkness disappears. Every darkness in the life of those who sat with Jesus disappeared because His light radiated into their life. The mad man of Gadara mentioned in Mark 5:1-14, was filled with darkness .Inside him was a legion demons but immediately he came near Jesus those demon ran away. Mary Magdalene was one of those who sat with Jesus. Before sitting with Jesus, she had 7 demons in her life- Luke 8:2. Light came in and the darkness in her life vanished. As you sit with Jesus, those dark forces will disappear.

One thing with those who sit with Jesus was they became like Jesus. Acts 4:13 says when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled and they realize they had been with Jesus. Because they sat with Jesus, the glory of God was visible in their lives. Those who sat with Jesus were called Christians- Acts 11:26 .Christian means Christ like or like Christ.

What God did through Jesus, He did through them. Jesus told those that sat with Him in John 14:12 that they would do greater things than He had done. The evidence is found in Acts 19:11-12 where God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. We know that the shadow of Peter was healing the sick in Acts 5:15.

Those who sat with Jesus got new names, Saul became Paul, Samuel Fatoki became Samuel Oluwatoki .Fatoki means Ifa (Yoruba god) is worthy to be adored and Oluwatoki means The Most High God is worthy to be adored. Let somebody shout Hallelujah. Evil spirits were subject to those who sat with Jesus; those who sat with Jesus moved from people no one recognized to people the whole world knew-nobody becoming somebody.

Their names were written in heaven, Jesus says in Luke 10:20 nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Those that sit with Jesus will get a crown of life- Revelations 2:10.Those who sat with Jesus also had unusual wisdom; we know that Jesus is the wisdom from God.

To sit with Jesus one must be willing. Secondly one must be prepared. The bible is full of stories of people who were willing but not prepared to sit with Jesus. One of such is the rich man mentioned in Mark10:17-25, He was willing but was not prepared to part away with worldly goods-riches. Anyone who wants to sit with Jesus must be prepared to put Him first. Thirdly the one who wants to sit with Jesus must be committed. The bible is full of this group too, they would walk with Jesus today and tomorrow they were gone. Where were the 5000 men that were fed when Jesus was having the last supper with the twelve? They were not committed. They put pleasure and money before Jesus.

Anyone who wants to sit with Jesus must be committed; you cannot sit with Jesus and still be making dirty jokes. You cannot sit Jesus and still have people you don’t greet, you cannot sit with Jesus and be fighting with your parents, you cannot sit with Jesus and attend service only on Sundays, you cannot sit with Jesus and not be witnessing. The way you dress must change, you cannot continue to give people visa to hell by the way you dress, wearing tight fitting trousers and skirts to show your body shape or worse still wear short skirts or even show cleavage and you say you are a Christian ? Although every man looking will be punished but the one who has caused them to look will not be spared.

Those who sat with Jesus received forgiveness, Judas was forgiven so many times but he did not repent from his sins. Jesus kept on forgiving him but at last his sin caught up with him. To sit with Jesus, the first step is giving your life to Christ.

Monday 3 September 2012

His Words

Psalm 33:8-9 says Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him for He spoke, and it was done; He commanded , and it stood fast

When we talk of God, we talk of His name. According to Philippians 2:9, His name is exalted above every other name. Proverbs 18:10 says the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and is safe. Romans 10:13 says whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. According to Psalm 103:1, His name is Holy, all powers submit to His name –Philippians 2:10.

Talking of God, there is His touch. His touch brings healing; Malachi 4:2 says the Sun of Righteousness shall rise with healing in His wings. In Mark 1:30-31, the mother in law of Peter was down with fever ,Jesus held her hands and immediately fever left her body. His touch can bring about reconstructive surgery. In John 9: 1-12, Jesus performed a reconstructive surgery on a man who was born without eyes. He spat on ground, made clay with it and anointed the man’s eyes. He asked him to go and wash, the man came back with brand new eyes.

His touch can bring the dead back to life and also awaken every dead cells in a body. In Mark 5:38-43, Jesus touched the daughter of Jairus and said “Talitha cumi” which is translated, “little girl, I say to you arise” and she arose. His touch brings about multiplication. Talking of God’s multiplication, according to Isaiah 60:22, one can become a thousand. In Matthew 14:13-21, 5 loaves of bread and two fishes multiplied after Jesus touched it. There were twelve baskets left after 5000 men had fed not counting women and children. That is why those who do not pay their tithes asides robbing God are robbing themselves of God’s multiplication because in the spiritual realm once you pay your tithe God touches the rest. I pray that God will give us understanding in the name of Jesus.

Still talking about God, His presence commands joy. Psalm 16:11 says in His presence there is fullness of Joy. In His presence our enemies to flee, Psalms 68:1 says let God arise and His enemies are scattered. His presence signifies an opportunity for salvation, Revelation 3:20 says behold, I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me. His presence causes increase, Elijah the carrier of God’s presence visited the widow of Zarapheth in 1 Kings 17:10-16. Throughout his stay the bible records that her bin of flour was not used up, nor did jar of oil run dry.

It was the presence of God that parted the red sea. The bible says in Exodus 15:8 that at the blast of His nostrils the waters to gather. His presence at times could signify trouble for the disobedient. Hebrews 10:31 says it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

We have talked about God’s touch, His presence and His name and they are all good things to experience for example we all want God to touch us so that we will be made whole, we want to be in His presence always so as to enjoy fullness of Joy. We want to be able to shout Jesus and every demon or force operating in our vicinity will vanish. There is something more powerful and greater than all these and it is the word of God. Psalms 33:8-9 says the reason why we should fear God is because of His word, once He says it consider it done. According to Psalm 138:2, God places His word before His name. To proof that He holds His word in high esteem, He swore by Himself in Isaiah 45:23 that the word that has gone out of His mouth in righteousness shall not return.

There are few things we want to remind you of about the words of God. When we talk of the words of God, we are referring to His words .John 6:63, the word that comes from the mouth of God are spirit and they are life. The absence of life signifies death, just the way darkness literally means the absence of light. Darkness and light cannot co-exist, so also life and death. One must give room to another; thank God death gives room to life from God. The word of God is life and when it is applied to any situation death takes its leave. A word came out of the mouth of the Most High God to Sarah in Genesis 18:10-15 and the womb that the bible described as stone dead came back to life. Within a year she became a nursing mother at the age of ninety.

According to Hebrew 4:12, the words spoken by God are alive and powerful. Power is the capacity to do things. Present in the word of God is power-the capacity to make the impossible possible. One story that always fascinate me is the story of the widow of Zarapheth in 1Kings 17:10-16, how the Lord fed Elijah, the widow and her son for several months with a handful of flour and a little jar of oil. How the Lord did it that it was not used up I do not know, all I know is the bin of flour was not used, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah-1 Kings 17:16.

The Most High God describes His word as Fire and a Hammer in Jeremiah 23:29. The bible says for our God is a consuming fire, Hebrew 12:29. The word of God contains fire that consumes everything preventing the manifestation of God’s glory in our lives. The presence of fear in the life of Peter prevented the manifestation of God’s glory in his life. Immediately the fire of Holy Ghost fell on him on the day of Pentecost, fear disappeared and through a sermon, 3000 souls were won. According to Jeremiah 23:29 , the duty of the hammer is to break rock into pieces and if there is any rock on your way to success the word of God will break them.

Once the Lord speaks, consider it done. He told Peter in Matthew 16:18 that on this rock(referring to Peter)will I build my church meaning I will promote you far above your pairs, through you I will shake the world, by your hands I will perform wonders; through your ministries millions of souls will come to Christ. The devil heard this and began to wage war against Peter, it got so severe that Peter found himself denying Jesus in Mark 14:66-70. Despite all this, the Lord still fulfill His promise in the life of Peter. Has the Lord promised you a promotion, a child, success in an endeavor or told you about His plans for your life and the enemies are waging war? Do not worry; as far as He has said it consider it done.

The word of God has its foundations in heaven, that it is why it is potent and cannot be broken. Psalm 119:89 says forever o Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Every promises God has made to you has its foundation in heaven. That is why I can assure you that every promise He has made to you will surely come to fruition. The foundation of a thing is very important; no wonder the bible says when the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do, Psalm 11:3. If your foundation is rooted in the word of God, I can assure you I will see you in heaven. The reason why the word of God is powerful is because it is settled in heaven where no one can get to and change it.

Do you know that He has promised that whatever comes out of your mouth is what He will say amen to? Numbers 14:28 says say to them, ‘as I live’, says the Lord, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you. If you say you are tired of Life, He will amen, if you say all is well with you, He will say amen! This is the essence of positive confessions.If you say I am the head and not the tail He will say you are the head and not the tail. If you say I am clothed with favor and grace, He will say you are clothed with favor and grace.The bible says life and death are in the power of the tongue, Proverbs 18:21

Brethren you do not have to wait to hear Him speak because He is speaking to you right now and He is saying be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to him.

Founded in heaven is Isaiah 41:10 which say fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. So also founded in heaven is 1 John 4:8 which says He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. Whoever does not love is in danger of hell. Also founded in heaven is John 14:6 which say Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, no one goes to the Father except through Him. We can choose to believe it or not, we can argue against it, we can do all we can but this not change the fact that the only way to God is through Jesus.

If you have not accepted Jesus into your life as your personally Lord and savior please do so because that is the way to Heaven. If you have back-slidded , why not come back to Him today? Founded in heaven is the fact that He is coming back and if He comes back now and finds you in sin, then it will be too late to repent.

How you treat His words will determine the results you get from His words. If we obey His words, we will get the results for example if we honor God with our substance and the first fruit of our increases, He will expand us beyond –Proverbs 3:9-10.He has said in Matthew 11:28 come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and i will give you rest.

Sunday 26 August 2012

WHEN A MAN’S WAY PLEASES GOD…

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22

One thing to take from 1John 3:22 is that there is a reward for pleasing God. Our God loves to give reward. Hebrews 11:6 calls God a Rewarder. Reward is a thing given in recognition of a service, effort or achievement. Jeremiah 17:10 says I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. Jesus says in Revelations 22:12 “and behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give everyone according to his work. For everything we do there is a reward.

According to James 4:8, the reward for drawing near to God is that He will draw near to you. The reward for honoring God is that He will honor you in return - 1 Samuel 2:30.1 John 3:22 say when we please God whatever we ask we receive from Him. When we please God He gives up peace all around. Proverbs 16:7 says when a man’s ways please the Lord; He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

A typical example of what happens when a man’s way pleases God is found in 1 Samuel 27:1-7. Of all places to run to, David ran to Gath when Saul began to seek to kill him. Earlier he had killed Goliath, Gath’s champion – 1 Samuel 17:4.Because David’s way was pleasing to God, Achish the king of Gath allowed David to live with him .David lived In the country of the Philistine for sixteen months and no one raised a finger against him even Goliath’s four giant brothers were at peace with him while he stayed In Gath.

How does God make one’s enemy to be at peace with him?

· He makes the enemy favorable disposed to the individual. He gives them favor in the sight of the enemy. According to Leviticus 26:9-11, God’s favor brings fruitfulness, multiplication, abundance, His presence, signs and wonders. The favour of God brought more than peace to the Israelite. Exodus 12:36 says and the Lord had given favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

· He makes His fear fall on the enemy. Psalms 33:8-9 says let all the earth fear the Lord and the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him, for He spoke and it was done. Psalms 68:1 says let God arise, let His enemies be scattered. It is His fear that causes His enemy to run when He arises. Jehoshaphat lived in peace because the fear of God fell on his enemies. 2 Chronicles 17:10 says and the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.

· He can make the leader or boss of your enemy to order your enemy to look after you. Jeremiah found himself at the mercy of Nebuzaradan in Jeremiah 39:8-14.Nebuzaradan was the captain in charge of the captives from Jerusalem and Jeremiah was not his friend. The Lord made Nebuchadnezzar (king of Babylon) to order Nebuzaradan to take Jeremiah and look after him. He specifically warned him not to harm Jeremiah but do to him just Jeremiah says. Nebuzaradan had no choice than to take care of Jeremiah. I pray that the Lord will make the boss of your enemy to command him to take good care of you in Jesus name.

· He can make your enemy be at peace with you by showing you mercy. Lamentations 3:22 says through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fails not. Psalm 103:11 says for as the heavens are high about the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear him. The Lord’s mercy on a life causes the whole world to show such a life mercy. The Lord told Jeremiah in Jeremiah 42:12 that He would show him mercy so that the king of Babylon will have mercy on him.

· He can also touch the heart of your enemy. Esau hated Jacob with a passion because he stole his blessings. He hated him to the extent he planned to kill Jacob and Rebekah heard of the plan in Genesis 27:41-42.She advised her son and that one ran away. Several years later, Jacob decided to return home. Esau heard of his coming and he took four hundred bodyguards to go and meet Jacob on the road and consume him. On his way the Lord touched the heart of Esau and when he saw his brother he began to cry. Genesis 33:4 says but Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.

· Another way He makes one’s enemy to be at peace with him is by personally warning the enemy. Hebrew 12:29 says our God is a consuming fire. Exodus 15:3 calls Him a man of war. Psalm 97:3 says fire goes before Him and consumes His enemies. Laban did everything in his power to keep Jacob with him because he knew that the Lord blessed him for the sake of Jacob –Genesis 30:27.Because of this, Laban wanted Jacob to be in his house forever and serve him as his slave. Anyway Jacob decided to leave with his children and wives .Laban heard of this and went after Jacob. Because Jacob’s way pleased the Lord, He personally went and warn Laban. Genesis 31:24 says but God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, “be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad”.

The Lord can make one’s enemy to be at peace with him or her in various ways .Isaiah 55:9 says for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. One way the Lord gives peace is by keeping one’s enemy busy. Once your enemy is busy and occupied, you will have peace. That is why Jesus admonishes us to pray for our enemies in Matthew 5:44. An idle enemy is a terrible one to have because he or she will keep himself or herself busy with causing us grief. Every time Saul closed in on David, the Philistines would invade the land and Saul would have to return to war against the Philistines-1 Samuel 23:26-29. The Lord adopted this method to give David peace. Once the Philistine s left he would return to chase David again. I pray that the Lord will keep your enemy permanently busy so you that can peace in the name of Jesus, amen.

This brings us to an important question, how can I please God? How can I make my ways pleasing to him?

1. By working according to the rule of His word. Joshua 1:8 says this book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written it. For you then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

2. By walking after the spirit not after the flesh. Romans 8:5 says those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the spirit. Romans 8:7 say carnal mind is enmity against God. Romans 8:14 says those who are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

3. By walking by faith. Hebrew 11:6 says it is impossible to please God without faith. Romans 1:17 says the just shall live by faith. Genesis 15:6 says Abraham believed in the Lord and the Lord accounted it to him for righteousness .Romans 14:23b says whatever is not from faith is sin.

4. When our actions and ways are directed to the glory of God.

The glory of God should be the motivating factor for our actions. We must do things to glorify God. Jesus says In John 10:17 “therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. The death of Christ was for the glorification of God. Colossians 1:20 says and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. The death of Christ was to bring us to Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19 says God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not inputting their trespasses to them.