Saturday 30 June 2012

Living as sojouners and not residents in this life

There is nothing that can arise in this life so great as to compare to the glory that awaits us at Christ’s glorious coming. There is nothing so horrible that can happen in this life that will not be forgotten in an instant of time when we see Jesus Christ face to face. Nothing that goes on in this life, whether good or bad, is worthy to be compared to the eternal weight of glory that constitutes our hope.

I believe the epistles of Paul, Peter, Jude and John present a picture of our hope which not only gives us comfort during difficult times but great strength during times of stress, great encouragement during times of duress and great joy at all times. I believe that if all we have to live for is this life only, we of all people are most to be pitied.

When Paul could not endure any more hardship, God caught him away and showed him what is coming after Christ returns. Whatever Paul saw, provided him with the strength and focus to endure everything that arose the rest of his ministry. Paul lived and breathed not only to share the Gospel now, but with the burning hope that Christ would return any minute.

It is obvious that those who participated in the First Century church, lived each day with the burning realization the trumpet could indeed sound any minute and they would leave this life to spend an eternity with God. It was this firm conviction which allowed men and women to totally commit themselves to serving Christ in this life with no interest in accumulating earthy treasures or so afraid of death they could not live.

So much of our current society is built on either extending life a few extra years or finding that elusive fountain of youth that eliminates the aging process and keeps us looking and feeling like a teenager when we are 85 years old. Most of the products advertised in various media all promise to make one feel or look younger. With all the emphasis on this life and none on the future, of course there will be little emphasis placed on the spiritual side of things.

Solomon spoke extensively of vanity. When the emphasis of life is only what is best for “me”; that is vanity. When all of life’s endeavors are for self gain; that is vanity. When every dream and detail in life revolves around “me”; that is vanity. When there is nothing any greater to live for than this life; that is vanity.

We all really need to look in the mirror and think about WHY we are so hung up on this body of ours. Why do we spend so much time, energy and money trying to transform this flesh into a shining temple? Paul said these bodies we live in are earthly tabernacles that will be discarded when Christ returns. Of course we should seek to take care of ourselves but not because of vanity.

The day is fast approaching when the Lord Jesus will call us home, either through death or His return. In light of this, what is our purpose in living? What is our reason for what we do? What is the great aim of our heart and motive for what we live for? Is our time, energy and money really ours to hoard and spend only on ourselves? Is not all that we have in this life a gift from God to share with others?

I urge us all to spend a little time thinking about how we live and what we live for. It never hurts to make sure we have not fallen into the bottomless pit of vanity and the self serving pursuit of happiness. We have life because God gave it to us and that life is a gift to be shared with others in light of our short stay as sojourners in this life.

Friday 29 June 2012

God Knows best.


A son returned home for a visit, obviously grappling with his faith in God. As they were conversing one day under an old oak tree, the son suddenly blurted out, “Dad , I just can’t believe in God anymore. Why, look at those pumpkins over there on the ground. They are big and heavy, yet have small and tender vines. But,this big oak tree, capable of supporting the weight of the pumpkins,only produces tine acorns. If there was really an really an intelligent God of this universe, He would have placed the pumpkin on this oak tree, and the tiny acorn on the fragile vine.”

Suddenly, an acorn fell from the tree, bouncing lightly off the top of the young mans head.As the truth slowly dawned , he sheepishly spoke, “Dan , thank Go

Saturday 23 June 2012

Remembering the Forgotten.


Psalm 115 vs 12 says The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel ; He will bless the house of Aaron.
It is a terrible thing to be forgotten. Proverbs 13 vs 12 says when hope is deferred the heart becomes sick .To be forgotten is like hope been deferred . When a man or woman is forgotten his or her destiny is put on hold. Jeremiah 29 vs 11 says for I know the plans that I have for you , says the Lord. “plans to prosper you and not to harm you ,plans to give you hope and a future. When an individual is forgotten every plans and agenda is suspended. For example God had big plans for Solomon .Before the birth of Solomon , God  sent Nathan to inform David of His plan to make Solomon king and establish his throne forever - 2 Samuel 7 vs 5-16. When the time came for David to choose his successor , He forgot all the prophet said about Solomon. Meanwhile Adonijah was making preparations to make himself king and this was brought to David's attention , instead of rebuking him , he kept quiet because the young man was good looking -1 Kings 1 vs 5-6 .Although the king kept quiet, the Lord did not . He inspired Nathan to speak to Bathsheba. By the time we get to 1 Kings 1 vs 28-40 , David had remembered Solomon and made him king.
In Mark 5 vs 1-20 is the story of the demoniac in Gadara . He was born to be a great evangelist but unclean spirits possessed him and put his destiny on hold. This demons made sure he lived among the dead (in the tomb). Proverbs 14 vs 20 says the poor is hated by his neighbor but the rich has many friends. If the poor is hated by his neighbor how much more a mad man who resides in the tomb. Proverbs 19 vs 4 says wealth brings many friends , but a poor man's friend deserts him. If the friends of the poor desert and forget about him , how much more a demonic man who cuts himself and cry day and night . The man was totally forgotten but the Most High remembered him and paid him a visit. All demons disturbing were sent out and this man started witnessing for Jesus. By the time we get to Mark 5 vs 20-21 , he had already won a whole nation for Jesus.
When a man is forgotten , his blessings and breakthrough are withheld . In 2 Samuel 9 vs 1-9, Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan,grand son of King Saul was stripped of all his belonging and Saul's estate. Mephibosheth was a prince and the only place you find princes are in palaces not a small house in Lo Debar. A prince sits at the King's table to eat with the king and other princes but Mephibosheth was eating lone in small hut . Whether a prince is lame or fit , when he wants to travel he uses royal chariots but people had to carry this prince .The Lord remembered this young prince and nudged the heart of the king. David suddenly felt a need to show kindness to the house of Saul and began to inquire if any one was left so that he could show kindness to him or her. As the Lord will have it , Mephibosheth was the only one left and David restored all that belonged to him .He began to sit and dine with the king of Israel .
The Lord told Abram that He was going to give his descendant the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession in Genesis 17 vs 1. This promise did not materialize until the Lord remembered the great grand children of Abraham in Exodus 2 vs 24 . The children of Israel were stuck in Egypt for four hundred and thirty years because they were forgotten . The Most High remembered them and He raised up Moses who led them out of Egypt and Joshua who took them to Canaan -the land flowing with milk and honey.
When a man is forgotten , he experiences stagnancy in all areas of his life. After Joseph had interpreted the dreams of the king's butler and baker in Genesis 40 vs 1-23 , he expected the butler to put a word for him in the presence of the King as agreed but the man forgot . Because the man forgot , Joseph remained in the prison for another two years . Throughout the two years , he did not make any progress ,even the bible had nothing to record about him because all he achieved in those years was zero . The Lord remembered him and caused Pharaoh to have a dream in Genesis 41 vs 1-40 . Pharaoh told his dreams to the palace officials and the butler remembered Joseph . The butler told the King about Joseph and he was asked to come and interpret the king's dream.  He interpreted the dream and from that day , Joseph never returned to the prison again.
When a man or woman is forgotten , if care is not taken he or she might miss the day of his or her breakthrough. The Lord told Prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 16 vs 1-13 to fill his horn with oil and go to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons . When he got there , he asked to see the sons of Jesse and Jesse brought out his sons but forgot  David who was busy with the sheep in the field. It was until the Lord told Samuel that He had not chosen any of the seven that Samuel asked if there were other children before Jesse remembered his last born in the field . Imagine David missing the day he was meant to be made the number one citizen in the land of Israel. I pray that you will not miss the day of your breakthrough in the name of Jesus.
It is almost impossible for one who is forgotten to become fruitful . The Lord expects his children to be fruitful . The first blessing He gave man in the garden of Eden is to be fruitful and multiply – Genesis 1 vs 18 . The Second promised he gave to Abram in Genesis 12 vs 2 was to make him a great nation – make him fruitful. An individual who is forgotten might find it hard or impossible to be fruitful . Genesis 29 vs 31 says when the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren . While everyone around Rachel were becoming fruitful , Rachel was barren . The Lord remembered Rachel in Genesis 30 vs 32 and she became fruitful and gave birth to Joseph. Hannah saw hell in the hands of her rival – Peninnah because the Lord had forgotten her . In 1 Samuel 1 vs 6 , Peninnah took it upon herself to torment Hannah because she was barren but by the time the Lord remembered her , she became a mother of six – four boys and two girls , 1 Samuel 2 vs 21 .
When a man is forgotten , he will continue to face the same challenge again and again. This was the case of the man at the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years – John 5 vs 1-16 . The man's biggest problem was getting someone to put him into the pool when the water is stirred up by an angel. This man remained sick and in the same state for several years because there was no one to put him in the pool but the Lord remembered him and visited him. Before Jesus left the pool of Bethesda , his challenge was dealt with once and for all . The man never had the need to lie by the pool again.
When a man is forgotten , mercy is withdrawn from him. Lamentations 3 vs 22 says through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because of his compassions fail not. Jesus was approaching Jericho in Luke 18 vs 35 -43 when a blind man began to shout “ Son of David , have mercy on me !” . This man's life was devoid of mercy . While he was crying to Jesus , people began to tell him to be quiet . The people that were meant to help started telling him to shut up and keep quiet . No one around him was willing to show him mercy . Jesus remembered him and asked him to be brought over. Jesus spoke the word and he began to see .
Many are going through a challenge or two and are wondering if the Lord has forgotten us. We have prayed and fasted , sown seeds , attended night vigils and nothing seems to happen. Some of us are now at the stage when we begin to ask if the Lord actually cares The Lord has not forgotten you. Isaiah 49 vs 15-16 says can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget , yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before me. Deuteronomy 7 vs 9 says therefore know that the Lord your God , He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Job 23 vs 13 says but He is unique , and who can make Him change ? And whatever His soul desires , that He does . Job 36 vs 7 says He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous. The Lord has not forgotten you .
The reason why we are yet to break through or get our blessings could be the timing. God has a time and schedule for everything. Ecclesiastes 3 vs 1 says to everything there is a season . There is an appointed time for your blessings . Habakkuk 2 vs 3 says for the vision is yet for an appointed time , but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry , wait for it, because it will sure come, it will not tarry. In John 9 vs 1-12 , we see the disciples of Jesus asking Him whose sin it was that caused a man to be born blind and Jesus replied them that neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. There was an appointed time for this man's miracle. When the time came , Jesus walked by and he got his sight .
Another reason for unanswered prayers could be because we have stopped crying to God . Some of us are now fed up of crying to God , we have now accepted fate . We are  now comfortable with the challenges that we no longer cry to God for help . Although the children of Israel had over stayed their visit in Egypt the Lord did not fight on their behalf until they started to cry out for help . Whilst they were quiet the Lord held His peace but immediately they began to cry He remembered them- Exodus 2 vs 24 . If they had not cried , they probably will be there for another two hundred years. Are you now so comfortable in your place of work or ministry that you no longer cry to God for help ? Sir /Ma it is very dangerous.
Another reason could be the Lord has decided to forget about us . There are many who the Lord has purposely forgotten because they have forgotten to redeem their pledges , vows,e.t.c. Many have made promises to Him and forgotten . We told him that if only if He will deal with a particular challenge , we will give an offering , we will buy something for the church ,some said they will join the choir,others promised to serve Him for the rest of  their life , some even promised to live a life holiness but after He did it we forgot about the promises and pledges . Psalm 18 vs 24 says therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight. Psalm 18 vs 25-26 says with the merciful , He shew Himself merciful , with the blameless ,He shew Himself blameless , with the Pure, He shew Himself pure and with the devious , He shew Himself shrewd. If the Lord shows himself shrewd, with the devious what of those who have forgotten Him or their promises to Him ?
Proverbs 8 vs 17 says I love those who love Me , the Lord said in 1 Samuel 2 vs 30 , those who honor Me will I honor. Some have forgotten about our first love . We no longer yearn for the presence of God . Heaven and hell are no longer preached .The Lord wants us to know about heaven and hell . Many of us have forgotten to be grateful to Him , we complain about what He is yet to do and we forget about His mercies and what He has already done . One thing we all forget is that only the living has challenges , the dead In the grave has no challenges . If you having challenges just thank Him for the gift of life. Only the living fails an exam , the dead do not write exams .
Sin is leads to a shut heaven . At times things do not work out because of our disobedience to the Most High God. Psalm 66 vs 18 says if I regard iniquity in my heart , the Lord will not hear me . Romans 6 vs 1 says what shall we say then? Shall we continue In sin that grace may abound ?
The bible said in Romans 3 vs 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 vs 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 save ? 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 vs 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 vs 32 which says whoever confesses me before me , him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

Tuesday 19 June 2012

When He enters


When the Lord enters a life, a situation or a place ,His presence is felt instantly . Psalm 16 vs 11 says You will show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy , at thy right hand there are pleasures forever more . The Most High God needs no introduction when He enters into any life or a challenge, Exodus 15 vs 8 says and with the blast of Your nostrils the waters were gathered together ; the floods stood upright like a heap; The depths congealed in the heart of the sea.
When He enters , a failure becomes a success. It is a good thing to be successful ,Proverbs 13 vs 19 says a desire accomplished is sweet to the soul . If a desire accomplished is sweet to the soul then we know that a desire unaccomplished ( failure) is bitter to the soul .A typical example of a failure was Peter . No matter how hard he tried he had nothing to show for his efforts . He fished all night and caught absolutely nothing in Luke 5 vs 1 -7 . No matter how hard he tried it was as if he was not making any efforts at all, I mean what is the difference between a fisherman who fished all night and caught nothing and a fisherman who slept all night, they both have the same results which is zero fish . The King of Kings entered his boats and there was a complete turn around. Peter who was bitter suddenly began to grin when he let down his net and caught so much fishes that the nets began to break.
Joseph was another man who failed despite his credentials and CV. Joseph had the looks,the charisma and the brain. He was visionary leader with incredible foresight ,at a tender age he began to see what others could not see. He began to see the sun and moon bowing down to him – Genesis 37 vs 5-10 . He had excellent management skills, Potiphar must have noticed some talents in the life of Joseph before making him the overseer of his house -Genesis 39 vs 3-5 .Despite his resume, he ended up in the prison. Failure does not respect qualifications or grammar ,if it enters into a life that individual will go down. Failure had taken permanent residence in the life of Joseph but the Lord of the whole universe came into his situation and his story change. He became a prime minister in Egypt without campaign or election -Genesis 41 vs 14-40 .
When He enters , weakness turns to strength .Psalm 18 vs 2 calls Him our Strength in whom we trust, Psalm 46 vs 1 says God is our refuge and strength , A very present help in trouble. Isaiah 40 vs 31-32 says God renews the strength of those who wait on Him. When there is strength a man can do a lot for example Leviticus 26 vs 8 says five men will chase a hundred and a hundred will put then thousand to flight ,Joshua 23 vs 10 says one man of you shall chase a thousand. The book of Leviticus 26 vs 6 says you will chase your enemies and they shall fall by the sword before you. Only a strong man can chase his enemies . The lame man in Acts 3 vs 1-12 had so many enemies like poverty,lack,shame ,stagnancy, because he was weak in his feet and ankle bones there was nothing he could do about it. He could not get a proper job to deal with poverty in his life so he resulted to begging for alms. On a day like this , the Lord decided to pay Him a visit. Immediately the representative of the Most High God (Peter) grabbed him by the arm, strength came and He began to walk and dance . He could not chase all his enemies.
When He enters chronic illness turns to perfect health. Exodus 15 vs 26 calls Him Jehovah Rapha – The Lord our healer. In Mark 2 vs 1-11 , four men carried their friends to Jesus but could not get to were Jesus was because of the crowd. They decided to uncovered the roof and let down the bed on which the man was lying. Jesus forgave his sins and told him to take up his bed and go home. Immediately this fellow stood and began to walk. John 5 vs 1-16 talks about a man by the pool of Bethesda who had infirmity for thirty-eight years .This man's infirmity defiled medical science that, was why he took residence at the porch waiting for an opportunity to jump into the pool when the angel of the stirs the water. Immediately Jesus enter his health, he was healed instantly .
Lack becomes abundance when He enters. Genesis 20 vs 13-14 calls Him Jehovah Jireh ( the Lord will provide)The people of Samaria lacked in every area or their life because they were besieged by the King of Syria- 2 Kings 6 vs 24. This siege led to a great famine , it was so bad that only the rich could afford bird droppings while the poor had no other choice than to eat their dead children. They cried to the Lord and He answered. Within 24 hours they moved from absolute lack to extreme wealth . The wife of the sons of prophet in Kings 4 vs 1-11 got into debt because of lack . The creditors knew that she could not afford to pay her debts because she was experiencing first class lack so they decided to take her sons and sell them to raise cash. She ran to Elisha the man of God who gave her a simple instruction . She went and borrow vessels and did as she was told. By the time she knew it her house was filled with several vessels of oil. The little jar oil had multiplied in several vessels of oil .
Death becomes life when He enters .According to John 11 vs 25 ,Jesus is the resurrection and the life . Isaiah 42 vs 5 says the Most High gives breath to the people on earth and spirit to those that walk on it. Revelations 1 vs 18 says He holds the key to life and death. Because He holds the keys to life and death ,He decides what dies and what lives .Matthew 3 vs 9 says He could bring children out of stones. The womb of Sarah was dead as a stone. Romans 4 vs 19 says Abraham's body was a good as dead- since he was about a hundred years old – and that the womb of Sarah was also dead. After the Lord's visit in Genesis 18 vs 1-15 , the bodies of Abraham and Sarah came alive . Out of a womb that was considered dead came a bouncing baby boy. Sarah became nursing mother at the age of ninety. J
Jesus went to Nain with His disciples in Luke 7 vs 11-17. On getting to the gate, He saw a group of people going to bury a young man , the only son his mother and she was a widow. When Jesus saw the mother , He was moved with compassion and He told the crying mother not to sweep. He touched the coffin of the boy and told him to wake up and immediately the boy stood and began to speak. The waters of Jericho was bad and the ground was barren- 2 Kings 2 vs 19-22 . The water brought death and bareness to everything around it. The men of the city reported this to Elisha (man of God) . He asked them to bring a new bowl with some salts and poured it at the source of the water. The water became healed seized to cause death but life.
The Most High God is so big when He passes , He can not go unnoticed. It will be impossible not to notice the One whose arms are everlasting – Deuteronomy 33 vs 27 .His legs are so long the bible says He sits in heaven and makes earth is footstool-Isaiah 66 vs 1. His ears are so big that He hears when the whole world is praying at the same time. His eyes are so big they run to and fro throughout the whole earth-1 Chronicles 16 vs 9. According to Exodus 15 vs 8 , the blast of His nostrils are powerful enough to part a sea.
He is not only big but very powerful .Jesus calls Him Power in Mark 14 vs 62. David says in Psalm 62 vs 11 God has spoken once ,twice I have heard this: Power belongs to God. Psalm 33 vs 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. He is so powerful fire travels before Him to consume His enemies – Psalm 97 vs 3.Psalms 68 vs 1 says when He arises His enemies are scattered and those who him flee before Him. It is impossible for a God like this to enter your life and your enemies will not be roasted. It is impossible to have such a God in your life and one manager or boss will withhold your promotion or bully you. No one can withstand Him. Your challenges can not stand Him. Psalms 50 vs 3 says our God comes and will not be silent, a fire devours around him, and around him a tempest rages. Your mountains can not stand the One who smoke rose from His nostrils; consuming fire came from His mouth , burning coals blazed out of it .
If you can get Him into that matter then consider it resolved. The only problem is moving Him into the situation. It is not an easy to invite earthly kings and queens into our houses.  The presidents of the world don’t just go to anywhere ,anyhow . You don’t see them everyday on TV chatting and talking , you don’t see them every where . They don’t attend every parties, they only go to special functions . If the Kings of this world are like that how much more the King of Kings . To move Him, requires going extra miles . For example to get Him to fight on our behalf we have to really praise Him. When we talk of praises , we are not talking of the 20 minutes praise and worship . We are talking of real praise not thank you Jesus four times. Praises move Him a lot because He loves people with a heart of gratitude. In Acts 16 vs 25-26 , Paul and Silas began to sing praises to Him and He caused an earthquake . The chains on every prisoner fell .
A Life of righteousness moves Him. Job was a man whose life moved God, Job 1 vs 1 says the man was blameless and upright, one who feared and shunned evil. God blessed him until he became the greatest man of all the people of east- Job 1 vs 3. The bible said in Daniel 1 vs 8 that Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile with the portion of the Kings meal. Daniel decided not to defile himself and keep himself pure for His maker. Daniel 1 vs 17 says as for these young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Obedience also moves him . Isaiah 1 vs 19 says if you are willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land. Exodus 15 vs 26 says and said, if you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, and will that which is right in his sight, and will give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put non of these diseases upon you, which I brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that heals you. Jeremiah 7 vs 23 says but I gave them this command: Obey me , and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you , that it may go well with you. Our earthly parents dislike children who don’t obey them , how much the our Father in heaven. When He says pay tithe , pay it without question. When He says forgive , forgive because if choose not forgive we are disobeying Him. When He says Love your neighbor as your self do that . When He says Honors your father and your mother so that your days will be long ,just do it. When we choose not to obey Him , we are rebelling against Him.1 Samuel 15 vs 23 says rebellion Is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
If we are living In sin , it will be impossible to move Him because He is too holy. He can not come near anything unholy .It will might impossible for anyone who is yet to give his life to Christ to actually move Him to . John 14 vs 6 says Jesus said to him' I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus said in John 10 s 30 that I and the Father are one. Matthew 10 vs 40 says He who receives Jesus receives the One who sent Jesus which is the Most High God. If you have Jesus, you have the Most High God.
The bible said in Romans 3 vs 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 vs 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 save ? 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 vs 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

You are free to forward this message . Remember Matthew 10 vs 32 which says whoever confesses me before me , him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

Monday 18 June 2012

The expectation of the righteous

Proverbs 23 vs 18 says for surely there is an end, and thine expectation shall not be cut off .
Everything that has a beginning has an ending . According to the bible ,a day begins in the evening and ends in the morning. Genesis 1 vs 5b says so the evening and the morning were the first day;Genesis 1 vs 8b says so the evening and the morning were the second day e.t.c
The only One who has no ending is God because He has no beginning. The book of Revelations 1 vs 8 refers to Him as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End , the One Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty. 1 Timothy 1 vs 17 calls Him King Eternal , Isaiah 26 vs 4 refers to Him as an Everlasting Strength and Isaiah 41 vs 4 says He is the First and the Last .
The One who is decides the outcome your challenges or the results of your effort or how you will end is the Most High God. Proverbs 19 vs 21 says there are many plans in a man's heart , nevertheless the Lord's counsel – that will stand. Isaiah 46 vs 10 says declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done , saying 'My counsel shall stand , and I will do all My pleasure' . Psalm 33 vs 11 says the counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Isaiah 14 vs 24 says The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, “surely as I have thought , so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed it shall stand . Isaiah 14 vs 27 says For the Lord has purposes , and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out , And who will turn it back ?
Sickness can not decide your end .Exodus 15 vs 26 says He is the Lord that heals you . Exodus 23 vs 25 says He will take away sickness from you , Deuteronomy 7 vs 15 says He will keep you free from every disease and inflict them on all who hate you .Psalm 41 vs 3 says the Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness . Psalm 147 vs 3 says He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds .In Mark 5 vs 25-34 is the story of a woman who had an incurable illness-blood hemorrhage. She suffered from this illness for twelve years . She did everything possible but instead of getting better ,she got worse. She exhausted all her resources because the doctors knew her sickness had no cure and decided to use her as a cash cow. She touched the hem of the garment of Jesus and was cured of an ailment that was meant to kill her. The man at the beautiful gate in Acts 3 vs 1-13 was reduced to a beggar because he was lame. He could not pursue any career because he was disabled from birth but the Lord touched him through Peter and John and he began to walk and dance .The mother-in-law of Peter was a hardworking woman and a very good host but high fever confined her to the bed in Mark 1 vs 29-31 . Jesus took her be the hand and her she was healed.
Humans can not decide your end .Jeremiah 17 vs 17 says God is the hope in the day of doom. Psalm 18 vs 31 says For who is God, except the Lord ? And who is a rock , except our God? Psalm 10 vs 14 calls Him the Helper of Fatherless .Psalm 62 vs 11 says God has spoken once , Twice I have heard this : That power belongs to God. Psalm 33 vs 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. It does not matter of how they try , they are only wasting their time . Psalm 115 vs 3 says But our God is in heaven ; He does whatever He pleases. Isaiah 54 vs 17 says No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in Judgment He shall condemn. Proverbs 18 vs 10 says the name of the Lord is a strong tower ,the righteous run to it and are safe. The citizens of Judah conspired against Samson in Judges 15 vs 11-15 . They bounded Samson and gave him to the Philistines , the spirit of the Lord came  mightily upon him and he killed a thousand men with the jaw bone of an ax. The brothers of Joseph tried everything in their power to make sure that the dreams of Joseph did not materialize. They said to one another “look the dreamer is coming ,let us kill him and throw in a pit ,we shall see what becomes of his dream- Genesis 37 vs 19-20.At the end Joseph became a prime minister in Egypt and by the time we get to Genesis 50 vs 18 , we see the brothers falling before Joseph and begging to be his servant.
Circumstances can not decide your end. Daniel 2 vs 21 says our God changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. Every circumstances bow at the name of Jesus .Philippians 2 vs 10 says at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ,of those in heaven, and those on earth , and of those under the earth. Romans 8 vs 31 says if God be for us , who can be against us ? 2 Peter 2 vs 9 says then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of Judgment. Psalm 113 vs 7- 8 says He raises the poor out of the dust , and lifts the needy out of the ash heap , that He may seat him with princes . Isaiah 45 vs 11 says thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his maker: “ask Me of things to come concerning My sons;and concerning the work of My hands ,you command Me. Luke 1 vs 37 says for with God nothing will be impossible. In 2 Kings 2 vs 19-22 is the story of a lake that brought death to the people of the city. The city was lovely situated and everything was perfect except the water was bad. Because the water was bad , the ground was barren and this meant death to all inhabitants. They consulted the man of God over this issue and he put salt at the source of this water and it was healed. One of the wives of the sons of the prophet was owing some money and creditors threatened to come and take her sons as slaves in 2 Kings 4 vs 1-7. She was very poor and she inherited debt from her husband . She ran to Elisha the prophet of God and her story changed.
Lack or poverty can not decide your end. Poverty and lack can not decide your end because the world belongs to God. Genesis 14 vs 19 says our God is the possessor of the heavens and the earth . Psalm 24 vs 1 says the earth is the Lord's , and all its fullness,the world and those who dwell there in. Psalm 89 vs 11 says heaven and earth belongs to God,He founded the world and all that in it. Deuteronomy 10 vs 14 says to the Lord our God belong the heavens,even the highest heavens the earth and everything in it. Because everything belongs to God your lack will be taken care of . Psalm 23 vs 1 says the Lord is my shepherd , I shall not want . Philippians 4 vs 19 says He will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Psalm 34 vs 10 says the lions may grow weak and hungry , but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. James 1 vs 5 says God gives generously to all without finding fault .In Luke 5 vs 1-7 is the story of Peter who fished and caught nothing. Peter did what any fisherman would do , he fished all night and caught nothing because of circumstances beyond his control. The fishes for some reasons were no were to be found but Jesus came on his boat and lack turned to abundance.
The economy has no say in how you will end up . The Lord is the owner of the economy . Haggai 2 vs 8 says silver and gold belong to God. The outcome of your business does not depend on the FTSE 100 index .John 3 vs 27 says a man receives nothing except it be giving from heaven. James 1 vs 17 says every good gift and every perfect gift is from above , and comes down from the Father of Lights , with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. The only one who can build you a house regardless of the economy or wages is God. Psalm 127 vs 1 says except the Lord builds the house , they labor in vain they that build it. Isaac sowed during famine and reaped in the same year a hundred fold- Genesis 26 vs 12. The same land that was barren for others was extremely fertile for Isaac. The King of Syria besieged Samaria and this resulted In famine in 2Kings 6 vs 24-26.The people cried to God and a nation ravaged by famine began to dwell in abundance all because the Lord made the foot steps of few lepers to sound like the marching of a mighty army. The Syrians heard it and fled leaving food and other garments 2 Kings 7 vs 6-8 .
I have a good news for you today , because the Lord decides the end your end shall be great . Jeremiah 29 vs 11 says For I know the thoughts that I have toward you , said the Lord , thoughts of peace , and not of evil , to give you an expected end .The bible says in Job 8 vs 7 that though your beginning maybe small, yet your latter end would increase abundantly. Your situation might be causing you to cry but can I show the book of Psalm 126 vs 5 which says those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. You maybe crying but I can assure you that joy is coming because Psalm 30 vs 5 says for His anger is but for a moment , His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night but joys comes in the morning.
Aside God , the other individual who has a say in our we end is us. How do we decide our end? it  is through our expectation because our expectation will not be cut short. Many of us are expecting good things but our actions says otherwise. The only way to expect good things is through our action. As a single man you can not be lazy and you expect God to give you His daughters as wife , it is impossible . Proverbs 10 vs 4 says lazy hands makes a man poor. As a woman you can not be lazy and not know how to cook or clean the house and you want God to give you His son. No one wants their children to suffer and that applies to God too. We do not need to tell God our expectation because He knows by our actions. If we are diligent in our business God knows that we are expecting promotion because Proverbs 22 v 29 says seest a man diligent in his business , he will not stand before ordinary men but he will stand before kings. If we forgive those that offends us , the Lord knows that we want forgiveness too because Matthew 6 vs 12 forgive us as we have also forgiven those who sin against us. When a boy or girl begins to obey his parents the Lord knows that such a child is expecting long life and prosperity because Ephesians 6 vs 2-3 says Honor your father and your mother that it may be well and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. When you honor God with your tithes and offerings , He definitely knows what you expect!
When you come to God He knows what you are expecting because James 4 vs 8 says come near to God and He will come near you, wash your hands , you sinners , and purify your hearts , you double minded. If you take a little step to God , He will take a mighty step to you.
The bible said in Romans 3 vs 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 vs 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 save ? 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 vs 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

You are free to forward this message . Remember Matthew 10 vs 32 which says whoever confesses me before me , him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

Oil of gladness

Psalm 45 vs 7 says You love righteousness and hate wickedness ;Therefore God ,your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than your companions .
The plan of God for you and your family is a good one. Jeremiah 29 vs 11 says For I know the plans I have for you , “declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you , plans to give you hope and a future . Psalms 40 vs 5 says Many, O Lord my God , are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you ;were I to speak and tell of them , they would be too many to declare . According to John 10 vs 10 , the reason why Jesus came to this world is to give you abundant life both on earth and in heaven. His plans is to set you high above all the nations on earth- Deuteronomy 28 vs 1 and in whatever thing you lay our hands on He wants you to be the head and not the tail, only above and not underneath . That is why I am happy because if you are the tail now , you are going to be the head ,if you are the head then you will continue to be the head in Jesus mighty name.
According to Psalm 45 vs 7 , the Most High God is the one who anoints with the oil of gladness. David says in Psalm 23 vs 5 that You (God) anointed my head with oil , and my cup overflows. Acts 10 vs 38 says how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with him.1John 2 vs 20 says But you have an anointing from the Holy One , and all of you know the truth. The only One who anoints with the oil of gladness is God. The function of anointing oil is to break yokes , Isaiah 10 vs 27 says it shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder , and his yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil. The anointing breaks the yoke . Immediately after David was anointed in 1 Samuel 16 vs 13 his story changed. Amongst his father's brethren he was considered last but after his anointing he became the first man in Israel because he was the king. Although Saul had impressive qualities and the stature of a king , he was the most handsome man in Israel - head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land – 1 Samuel 9 vs 2 , he was only confined to the farm i.e he was a farm boy. After his anointing in 1 Samuel 10 vs 1, Saul went from an ordinary man to become the king of Israel.
One thing the oil of gladness does is it breaks yokes and every form of mourning is turned to gladness .David was able to rise from a forgotten boy in the field to a king in the palace because the oil of gladness was on him. David says in Psalm 92 vs 10 but my horn you shall exalt like the horn of a wild ox: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Once the Lord pours the oil , every yoke is broken be it yoke of bareness, unemployment , failure at the edge of success, ancestral curses just name it. Once the oil touches you , everything causing you to mourn will be broken and you will be glad all your life. To be anointed with the oil of gladness , we need to satisfy one condition – love righteousness and hate wickedness . We need to love what the Lord loves and hate what He hates . Psalm 33 vs 5 says He (God) loves righteousness and justice ; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Psalm 11 vs 7 says for the Lord is righteous , he loves justice ;upright men will see his face .
To love righteousness means to love what God loves and to hate wickedness is to hate what God hates . Ephesians 5 vs 1 admonishes us to imitate God ,Matthew 5 vs 48 says be perfect , therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect . How do we imitate God ? To live in love. 1 John 4 vs 8 says whoever does not love does not know God , because God is love .Mark 12 vs 31 says and the second like it , is this : you shall love your neighbor as your self.' There is no other commandment greater than these .'  Those that live in love do not have enemies . As far as there are one or two people we do not want to see or hear their voice the bible says we are not living in love and when we do not live in love we do not know God. Love forgives , 1 Peter 4 vs 8 says and above all things have fervent love for one another , for “love covers a multitude of sins”. Love does not only forgive but it forgets , Proverbs 17 vs 9 says He who covers a transgression seeks love ,but he who repeats a matter separates friends. As a wife or husband , once we say we have forgiven we should not repeat what happened again or use it to abuse our spouses because love forgives and forgets .As far as we are in this body , people will offend us from time to time but we  should  forgive.
Every thing we do should be motivated by love . Everything Jesus did on earth was motivated by love. The healing , teaching , signs and wonders was motivated by love . Do you know that chastisement or discipline is a type of love ? Hebrews 12 vs 6 says for whom the Lord loves He chastens , and scourges every one whom He receives .Proverbs 3 vs 12 says For whom the Lord loves He corrects , just as a father the son in whom he delights. The Lord says In Revelations 3 vs 19 that As many as I love , I rebuke and chastens . Therefore be zealous and repent. As parents we are required to discipline our children and correct them in love not abuse them. Any parents who refuses to rebuke his or her child when they do wrong hates the child. When we see our friends gossiping or doing what is wrong lets be moved with love and correct them .Proverbs 13 vs 18 says poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction , but he who regards a rebuke will be honored. Everything we do should be motivated out of love. To learn more about love we should read 1 Corinthians 13 vs 1-13 , 1 Peter 1 vs 22.
God loves humility . God is humble , Psalm 113 vs 4-6 says although the Lord is high above all nations and His glory above the heavens ,He dwells on high , yet He humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth. One of the reasons why Moses was able to see God face to face and work with God was because he was very humble. Numbers 12 vs 3 says Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all the men who were on the face of the earth. We have a lot to gain by been humble and a lot to loose by been proud. 1 Peter 5 vs 5b says God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble. Psalm 5 vs 5 says the boastful shall not stand in Your sight ; You hate all workers of iniquity. Luke 14 vs 1 says for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted . Psalm 25 vs 9 says the humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His ways. The Lord does not associate Himself with the pride because He hates proud people. The cost of pride is too high .
Proverbs 11 vs 2 says that when pride comes , then comes shame ;but with the humble is wisdom. Miriam (the senior sister of Moses) was one of the first prophetess in Israel , she was not only a prophetess she was a woman all the women in Israel looked up to and held in high regard . Exodus 15 vs 20 says then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron , took the timbrel in her hand, and all the went after her with timbrels and with dances. Miriam allowed pride in her heart and she began to speak against Moses because Moses married an Ethiopian woman and the Lord got really angry with her and she became a leper – Numbers 12 vs 10 . A woman a whole nation looked up to suddenly became an outcast although she was cured after 7 days ,her name was not mentioned again in the bible until her death in Numbers 20 vs 1.The God who lifted her very high , took of His hand and she fell from grace to grass never to rise again.
Is there any gift or opportunity the Lord has giving to you ,please be humble . No matter how high a man is the Lord can bring him very very low due to pride . Nebuchadnezzar a mighty emperor went from grace to grass in Daniel 4 vs 30-37 . Nebuchadnezzar stood and begin to praise himself and the Lord turned him into an animal for seven years. For the whole seven years the emperor lived like an animal in the forest , no one cared about him.  After the Lord restored him , he said in Daniel 4 vs 37 that Now I , Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the king of heaven , all of whose works are truth and His ways are justice . And those who walk in pride He is able to put down. Beware of pride brethren . A king was eaten up by worms because people began to compare him to God in Acts 12 vs 22-23 . Are people praising you and calling your name ? You better watch out !
The Lord loves hardworking people and hates laziness. The Lord is hardworking , John 5 vs 17 says Jesus said to them , “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working” . The Lord is hardworking and He rewards hard work. Proverbs 27 vs 23 says be diligent to know the state of you flock and attending to your herds. Our flocks and herds are the work ,jobs,employment the Lord has giving to us . Proverbs 10 vs 4 says He who has a slack hand becomes poor , but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 20 vs 19 says he who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough. Proverbs 12 vs 11 says a man who follows frivolity has no understanding. Proverbs 27 vs 18s says Whoever keeps the fig tree will eats its fruit .Proverbs 13 vs 4 says the soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich .Jeroboam went from no body to become a leader through hard work. 1 Kings 11 vs 28 says the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor; and Solomon ,seeing that the young man was industrious , made him officer over all the labor force of the house of Joseph. One thing with hard work is people notice it .
The Lord loves the wise and hates the foolish. Our God is a wise God. Paul refers to God in 1 Timothy 1 vs 17 as a God who alone is wise. Everything the Lord does , He does them through wisdom .Proverbs 3 vs 19 -20 says the Lord by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding He established the heavens. Psalm 104 vs 24 says how many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.Wisdom is very important. Proverbs 4 vs 7 says wisdom is the principal things;therefore get wisdom ,and in all your getting , get understanding. To get wisdom fear God . Proverbs 9 vs 10 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom , and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding .Those who fear God will be His friends because they know it is a foolish thing to be His enemy. Hebrews 10 vs 31 says it is a fearful says things thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Those who are wise will do everything in their power to be His friends. John 15 vs 14 says You are my friends if you do what I command. Those who are wise will not only be His friends but His family. Matthew 12 vs 50 says for whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. The friends of Jesus are with Him and are not against Him. Matthew 12 vs 30 says he who is not with Me is against Me ,and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
We cannot accept God and refuse Jesus . Matthew 10 vs 40 says He who receives Me (Jesus) receives God . Those who fear the Lord hates sin .Sins takes us far from God. Jeremiah 5 vs 25 says iniquities and sins withhold good from us. There is one thing the Lord can not do , he can not behold sin or touch sin .There is no way you will anoint an individual without  touching them. For the Lord to anoint us with the oil of gladness He has to touch us and if we are In sin it will be impossible for Him to touch us because He can not touch sin. That is why He sent Jesus to come and die . Once we accept Jesus into our life , the blood of Jesus washes us clean and the Lord is able to touch us.
The bible said in Romans 3 vs 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 vs 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 save ? 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 vs 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

You are free to forward this message . Remember Matthew 10 vs 32 which says whoever confesses me before me , him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

Loose him, and let him go

John 11 vs 44 says And he who died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth , Jesus said to them “Loose him, and let him go.”
In John 11 vs 1-46 is the story of Lazarus . He died and was in the tomb for four days . After Jesus had said a short prayer , he shouted “Lazarus , come forth!” and immediately he came out . After he had come out Lazarus was bound hand and foot and his face was wrapped and Jesus said to them “loose him, and let him go” . Lazarus had gotten his miracle but because he was bound the miracle could not materialize.
Many have been praying and asking God for a thing or two .We have been seeking God for the fruit of the womb ,a life partner , promotion in the place of work , success in career and business , financial blessings , employment e.t.c and we are yet to see results. We wonder after several months what is happening , we have prayed , we paid our tithes ,we fasted , we attended special programs organized by churches , participated in several seminars and everything remains the same. Many are asking if God still answers prayers because they have done everything and yet instead of things to get better they are actually got worse . I want to inform you that your prayers have been answered .
How do I know that your prayers have been answered ? I know because the Lord has promised in Isaiah 65 vs 24 that before you call , He will answer and while you are still speaking He will hear. Psalm 91 vs 15 says He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him and honor him; I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 50 vs 15 says call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you , and you shall glorify Me. Luke 11 vs 9 says so I say to you , ask , and it will be given to you ; seek , and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Luke 11 vs 13 says if you then , being evil , know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. The Lord does not take pleasure in your pain , He is not happy to see you cry, unemployed,sick ,barren or single . He wants you to be happy , Psalm 68 vs 19 says Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits , The God of our salvation. Jesus said in John 10 vs 10 that the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill ,and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. That is God's plan for your life , abundant life.
One of the reasons why we have not seen results or manifestation is because we are in bounds by our thoughts, mentality and views of life. Proverbs 23 vs 7 says For as he thinks in his heart , so is he . Another translation says as a man thinketh in his heart so is he. We are the product of our thought. We can fast and pray all night , if we do not change the way we reason ,it will be difficult to see the manifestation of God in our life. We can not be thinking of defeats and expect victory. Job 3 vs 25 says What I feared had come upon me , what I dread has happened to me. Job had been thinking of  loosing all he had , and was scared .The enemy got him through his thought . Romans 12 vs 2 says and do not be 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. Results and manifestation comes when we renew our minds , when we fill our minds with positive thoughts .
One of the main reasons why the Lord speaks in dreams or prophesy or vision is to change our mentality. He does that to encourage our faith . The reason for Joseph's dream in Genesis 37 vs 5 -11 was to give him a king mentality .The Lord wanted him to see himself as king and begin to act like one. Because of Joseph's mentality his master was able to make him the overseer of his household. The reason for Peter's vision in Acts 10 vs10 -17 was to change Peter's mentality that gentiles are clean not unclean . Moses could not fulfill his destiny because of his mentality. Moses believed he was a nobody , Exodus 3 vs 11 says But Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. The Lord had to deal with his mentality by telling him In Exodus 3 vs 12 that He will be with him meaning he is now a force to reckon with , someone who the Lord is on his side.
The reason for God's visit in Genesis 18 vs 1-16 is to change Abraham and Sarah's mentality. Abraham considered Sarah's womb as dead ,Genesis 17 vs 17 says then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah who is ninety years old?” . Sarah saw herself as barren that was why she gave Hagar to Abraham ,Genesis 16 vs 2 says so Sarai said to Abram , “ see now , the Lord has restrained me from bearing children . Please , go in to my maid ; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai . The Lord visited them to correct this mentality , Genesis 18 vs 10 says and He said , “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son” . He was indirectly telling Abraham that Sarah's womb is not dead and was telling Sarah she was not barren. Gideon had potentials but his mentality put him in bondage. Imagine someone Heaven referred to as a mighty man of valor in Judges 6 vs 12 hiding to thresh wheat in winepress . Gideon did not only see himself as a nobody but saw his position In the family as a disadvantage and his clan as inferior, Judges 6 vs 15 says ,so he said to Him, “O my Lord, how I can save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house”. The Lord had to correct his mentality by telling him he will be with him. Out of the twelve that were sent to spy on the land , it was only Joshua and Caleb that entered the promise land . Others could not make it because they had grasshopper mentality, Numbers 13 vs 33 says there we saw the giants (the descendant of Anak came from the); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight,and so we were in their sight.
It is high time we changed our mentality. Many still think it is a good thing to be poor. Many are still clued up in the thinking that you have to be poor to get into heaven. Many still believe wearing dirty clothes will get you to heaven . It is all lies . Psalm 149 vs 4 says For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Proverbs 19 vs 17 says He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord , and He will reward him for what he has done. Smiling to someone in need of financial help will not solve his problems, telling an homeless person Jesus loves you means nothing or telling a man with no shoes that Jesus cares is a waste of time. The only way to effectively put a smile on anyone who needs financial help is to offer financial help or try and get help for the homeless or find a shoe no matter how cheap for him to wear . Some of us think by suffering or by been sick the Lord is trying to test us , it is a lie! James 1 vs 13 say let no one say when he is tempted, “ I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. Let us loose our self from the bounds of our mentality and we will see begin to see results.
Another reason why we are yet to see results is because we are sending mixed messages to heaven. We are praying for a thing and confessing another thing. Our confession is as effective prayers , Numbers 14 vs 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”. To get results we need to confess positive things with our mouth. We need to always confess what we want regardless . Joel 3 vs 10 says beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, 'I am strong'”. Jesus did not only pray but He confessed the outcomes He wanted at the beginning of His ministry. John 1 vs 50 says Jesus answered and said to him, “ Because I said to you , 'I saw you under the fig tree,'do you believe? You will see greater things than these. Matthew 12 vs 33 says either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad ; for a tree is known by its fruit. We can not depend on prayers alone to brings results we need to make those trees good with our mouth. Matthew 12 vs 37 says “for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be justified or condemned”. Matthew 15 vs 11 says “ Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth,this defiles a man. We should put our confession to good use . Many are praying for a life partner and they are confessing with their mouth that there are no good women around or all men are the same. Many are praying and seeking employment and at the same time confessing that there is no job out there . Many of us are praying for successes in our careers or business and we are at the same time claiming that the economy is hard or as an ethnic minority you are limited In what you can achieve in a foreign land. Many are facing challenges in their health, after praying they begin to tell everyone about their sickness. Lets confess victory and healing.
Lack of wisdom can also delay our results. When we talk of wisdom , we are talking of divine wisdom not wordily wisdom. James 3 vs 17 says but the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure ; then peace-loving , considerate,submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Proverbs 4 vs 7 says wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom , and in all your getting,get understanding. What is definition of wisdom ? Wisdom is the application of Knowledge . The Lord said in Hosea 4 vs 6 , My People perish from a lack of knowledge. In Matthew 5 vs 3-12 , we see our Lord Jesus Christ imparting knowledge . For example He said in Matthew 5 vs 5 that blessed are the meek , for they shall inherit the earth. If we take a close look at the top five billionaires in the world today we see that they are meek .another is Matthew 5 vs 8 , Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Do you want to see God in that matter or marriage , just be pure in heart. Do you know that part of divine wisdom is soul winning ? Proverbs 11 vs 30 says the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who win souls is wise. James 5 vs 20 says remember this : whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins. Proverbs 14 vs 25 says a truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful. When we witness about Jesus to people we are saving lives. Daniel 12 vs 3 says those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. If we want to shine in all areas of our lives we need to witness to friends and family.
Another reason why we have not seen the results of our prayers could be the timing. God could be waiting for the perfect time to give us our blessings. Ecclesiastes 3 vs 1 says to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heaven. Our God operates with time , He answers prayers at the right time . Ecclesiastes 3 vs 11a says He has made everything beautiful in its time. Psalm 126 vs 1 says when the Lord brought back the captives ones of Zion , We were like those who dream. I will like to admonish us to be patient ,because by the time God begins to give you result it will be like by a dream.
Another reason why we have not seen results could be the Lord decided not to answer. Why will the Lord decide not answer prayers? Well it could be  due to unforgiveness . If we fail to forgive people that wrong us ,the Lord will not forgive us. Matthew 6 vs 12 says Forgive us our sins , as we also have forgotten those who sin against us. We should always remember the parable of the man who owed a king some money in Matthew 18 vs 22-35. The king canceled his huge debt but he failed to cancel petty debts of another man. The King got angry and punished him . We have done worse things to God and if He can forgive us , then we should be able to forgive others. Another reason for unanswered prayers could be sin. Isaiah 59 vs 1-2 says the Lord's hand is not shortened , that It cannot save ;Nor His eyes heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you. Psalm 66 vs 18 says if I regard iniquity In my heart the Lord will not answer me. If we are sinning and the Lord is answering our prayers , it will mean God is rewarding sin . The Most High God wants us to live a life of holiness and as such he can not be encouraging sin.
The bible said in Romans 3 vs 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 vs 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 save ? 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 vs 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

Sunday 17 June 2012

Hinderance to greatness

Hindrance to greatness
Isaiah 60 vs 1 says Arise, shine ; for your light has come ! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you .
One of the titles of the Most High God is Father of Lights. James 1 vs 17 says every good gift and every perfect gift is from above , and comes down from the Father of lights , which whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Because the Most High God is the Father of lights , we His children are lights . Matthew 5 vs 14 says you are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. One of God's expectation for His children is that they shine because they are lights .
There are various ways to shine for example we can shine in kindness . In Acts 9 vs 36-42 is the story of Dorcas – a woman who shown in kindness. The bible records that she was full of good works and charitable deeds. We can also shine in our career like Bezalel the son of Uri who shown to the extent that the Most High God personally recommended him for work in Exodus 31 vs 2-3 . We can shine wisdom like Solomon .During the days of Solomon there were few wise men for example Ethan the Ezrahite , Heman , Chalcol, and Darda the sons of Mahol but Solomon shown. The bibles says Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs – 1 Kings 4 vs 32 . It is possible to shine in faith like Abraham . The bible said Abraham not being weak in faith , did not consider his own body , already dead ( since he was about a hundred years old) , and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God – Romans 4 vs 18-19 . We can shine in Humility like Moses . He was so humble the bible records that he was more humble than all men who were on the face of the earth – Numbers 12 vs 3.
We can shine in obedience like Elijah who the Lord asked to go and show himself to King Ahab in 1 Kings 18 vs 1 .King Ahab saw Elijah has a rebel , he even addressed him as the troubler of Israel in 1 Kings 18 vs 13 -18 ;Elijah obeyed without question . We can shine in diligence like Jeroboam who was so hardworking King Solomon noticed him and promoted him over all the labor force of the house of Joseph – 1 Kings 11 vs 28.We can shine in our work places like Daniel who shown to the extent that Darius began to consider setting him over the whole empire in Daniel 6 vs 3. It is possible to shine in integrity like Joseph who had the opportunity to sleep with the wife of his master and ran away -Genesis 39 vs 7-14 . He was so honest he preferred prison to fornicating with his master's wife. We can shine in business like the the great woman of Shunem who when Elisha was trying to show off about his business contacts , simply told him I am fine with my own people – 2 Kings 4 vs 11-14 .We can shine in material possession like Isaac who a whole nation began to envy in Genesis 26 vs 12-14. We can shine in our walk with God like Abraham who the Lord called His friend – James 2 vs 23 . Hannah shown in fulfilling her vow . She told the Lord that if He will give her a son , she will give him back to God -Samuel 1 vs 11 . Because she fulfilled her vow , the Lord decided to bless her with five more children -1 Samuel 2 vs 21.
When we shine we make God proud.In Job 1 vs 8  We see God bragging about Job to satan , He asked him " have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil ?" It is God's plan for you to shine . John 10 vs 10 says a thief comes to steal and destroy but I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.
There are few things which can hinder us from shining. As far as any of these is present in our lives , achieving greatness might be impossible. The following are hindrance to greatness :
  • Fear – the fear of tomorrow , the fear of failing ,fear of making mistake , fear of what people will say ,fear of how we are perceived , fear of falling In love , fear of marrying the wrong person to mention a few. 2 Timothy 1 vs 7 says For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Romans 8 vs 15 says For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear , but you received the spirit of adoption by which we cry out , “Abba , Father” . Fear rubs us of opportunities to shine . The reason why only peter walked on water in Matthew 14 vs 26-32 was because the other eleven were afraid of the wind. They lost there only chance to walk on water and the opportunity never came back again. Before God used Moses , he had to address his fears. Moses had a particular phobia for snakes, the Most High purposely asked him to drop his rod and he did and the rod became a snake in Exodus 4 vs 2-4. Immediately Moses saw the snake he fled , the Lord purposely asked him to pick the snake up at the tail(the most dangerous part) , Moses did and the snake turned back into a rod. From that day every from fear in the heart of Moses vanished. Deuteronomy 7 vs 17-19-21 shares some insight on how to handle fear. 1- stop thinking of how to solve the problem ,2-remember your past victories ,remember testimonies you have heard, remember all God has done for you ,3- remember the way God solved your past problems ,4 -the same way He solved your past problems is the same way He will solve the present one , 5-remember the Great and Awesome God is with you. Isaiah 41 vs 10 says “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”
  • Our belief – Proverbs 23 vs 7 for as he thinks in his heart , so is he. We are what we think of our selves. If we see ourselves as failures , we will fail and if we see ourselves as winners we will always win. Self defeating beliefs have rub many of glorious destinies. Gideon was born to be great but could not achieve greatness because of self defeating beliefs. He believed that because his clan was the weakest in Manasseh , and he was the least in his father house so he stood no chance -Judges 6 vs 14 -15 . Romans 12 vs 2 says do not be 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.
  • Impatience -many have missed their breakthrough through impatience .We pray and expect results immediately . Many through impatience have tried to help God only to find themselves in bigger mess .Some of us want the rewards of twenty years of  hard work in a day which is impossible. An impatient might rush into things and live to regret it for life .Impatience leads to rash decisions. A pastor was in a rush to travel , Whilst praying the Lord asked him to wait for fifteen minutes but because he could not wait he had an accident which left his wife totally paralyzed for life. Most of the accidents today can be traced to impatience ,everyone is rushing and before you know it there is a collision. One of the reason why God called David a man after his own heart was because David was very patient. The Lord asked David to wait until he heard sounds of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees before attacking the philistine – 1 Chronicles 14 vs 14-17. David did as God advised him and he won the war ,his fame spread throughout the whole land. The Lord brought the fear of David on all nations because of this simple act of patience. Are you still waiting for sounds of the marching in the tops of the mulberry trees or you are tired of waiting and you want to attack the philistine ? James 5 vs 11 says indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful
  • quitting easily – as they say quitters do not win and winners do not quit. Any one who wants to achieve greatness must not be a quitter. Many have quit at the edge of success without knowing it , they try the first time , second time ,third time and conclude that they are not destined to have what they have been trying at . We only stand a chance of succeeding when we try .Many men are still single today because they can not handle rejection. Once they get a rejection from a lady they stop trying. The sick man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5 vs 1-18 would have died a sick man if he had quit and left the pool. This man did not quit , he stayed by the pool for thirty-eight years at the end Jesus came by and healed him.
  • Unforgiveness can also be a source of hindrance . The condition for forgiveness from God is to first forgive people who have wronged us. Matthew 6 vs 12 says forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. If Joseph had not forgiven his evil brothers he would not have seen his beloved father again -Genesis 43 vs 1-33 . I know of a man who went into business with his best friend . The best friend duped him and he vowed never to forgive him. The friend went to church and the Holy Spirit picked him out , he asked for forgiveness from God and approached this man for forgiveness but he refused .This man started having financially problems ,meanwhile the friend his best friend began to prosper and buy new cars . One day , this man cried God and God advised him to go and forgive his friend who duped him or else he wont bless him .The man forgave his friend and things changed.
  • Negative confessions -Proverbs 18 vs 21 says the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruits. With our mouth we can destroy our destiny and we can build our destiny. Matthew 12 vs 37 says For by your words you will be acquitted , and by your words you will be condemned. Numbers 14 vs 28 says so tell them, “as surely as I live , declares the Lord, I will do to you the very things I heard you say” . When David told Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 vs 46 that he will cut his head , he did not have a sword actually all he had on him was a sling and stones but at the head of the day David took the head of Goliath to Jerusalem. Darius told Daniel in Daniel 6 vs 16 that the God,whom he served continually will deliver him . The next morning when Darius got to the den of lion , Daniel was alive and unhurt. Joel 3 vs 10 says let the weak say “ I am strong” .
  • Lack of gratitude – Anyone who wants to shine must first have a heart of gratitude.1 Thessalonians 5 vs 18 says in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Ephesians 5 vs 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything , in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The act of praising God brings victory. When Jesus was faced with the task of feeding five thousand men in Matthew 14 vs 13-21 , instead of moaning and complaining that bible said he gave thanks and broke the bread. Paul and Silas had reasons to worry and moan because they were in chains and was going to be killed the next morning. They began to pray and praise God and their chains fell off - Acts 16 vs 25-27.
  • Laziness and procrastination – Proverbs 22 vs 29 says seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 27 vs 23 says be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds. Proverbs 28 vs 19 says he that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread : but he that runs after worthlessness will be filled with poverty. Many of us have missed open doors and opportunities to shine through laziness and procrastination. Many have been put in positions to shine but due to carelessness and laziness they have missed the opportunities. Many of us are lazy in prayers and love sleeping. We can not afford to be lazy because the enemy is very hardworking. When the Lord asked satan in Job 1 vs 7 from where he came , he said from going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it. If the devil is hardworking we need to be hardworking or else. We need to be watchful especially at night , we should remember Matthew 13 vs 25 when Jesus said that while men slept, his enemy came and sow tares among the wheat and went his way. We should not be too lazy that we will not do night vigils .
  • Carelessness – carelessness also hinders God's glory. Many of us are careless spenders , we spend all our resources and do not save . If the Lord opens a door of business to us , it will be impossible to take advantage of it if we have not saved. Many spend all their money on alcohol and cigarette instead of saving to buy a house or buy a plot of land or start business. Many women who occupy decent post instead of investing they begin to buy gold and jewelries, they begin to compete with their friends over how many bags and shoes they have. The world does not care about how many bags we have or how big our box of jewelry is , the world do not care about the number women we have slept with or the cost of wines we drink. They want to see our achievements. Many are careless in eating which leads to overeating. We over eat chocolates and sweets and all this things. Eating unhealthily leads to sickness which could lead to early death , I pray we will not die early in Jesus Name, Amen

Another hindrance to glory is sin. Sin rubs of God's favor . John 3 vs 27 says a man receives nothing except it be given from heaven. If the Lord decides not to help a man who can help such a man ? No one !

The bible said in Romans 3 vs 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 vs 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 save ? 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 vs 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

You are free to forward this message . Remember Matthew 10 vs 32 which says whoever confesses me before me , him I will confess before my father who is heaven.

Friday 15 June 2012

There is power in the name of Jesus



Philippians 2 vs 9& 10 says Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name , that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow , of those in heaven , and of those on earth , and of those under the earth.
What is power ? Power is the ability to do something or act in a particular way .
All power belongs to God. Psalm 62 vs 11 says God has spoken once ,twice I have heard this that power belongs to God. Psalm 33 vs 8-9 says let all the earth fear the Lord;Let all the inhabitants stand in awe of Him. For He spoke , and it was done ;He commanded , and it stood fast. Deuteronomy 32 vs 39 says now see that I, even I , am He and there is no God besides Me ; I kill and I make alive ; I wound and I heal;Nor is there any who delivery from My hand.1 Samuel 2 vs 6 says He brings to the grave and raises up . Job 5 vs 18 says for He wounds but He also binds up . Psalm 18 vs 31 says for Who is God besides the Lord , and who is the Rock except our God ?
Because our God is all powerful , He can do and undo . I pray that you will not see the wrath of God. When He is angry and decides to act against a fellow , no one can deliver or rescue that fellow from Him. Psalms 50 vs 22 says now consider this , you who forget God , lest I tear you in pieces and there be none to deliver. Hebrews 10 vs 31 says it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. If the Lord decides to help a fellow that fellow is made . The whole nation might be against the fellow but he or she will prosper beyond recognition. That was why David said in Psalm 27 vs 10 that when my father and mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me. In Genesis 26 vs 14-30 , the nation of Philistines hated Isaac with a passion but because the Lord was on his side , they had no choice than to come and sign a peace treaty with him .
According to Philippians 2 vs 9 , God exalted the name of Jesus above every other name which means every other name is under the name of Jesus. As far as your challenges has a name it is under the name of Jesus, as far as your sickness has a name It is under the name of Jesus. If your challenge has no name ,you better give it a name so that it will fall under Jesus. All demons, witches, principalities are under the name of Jesus.That is why as you begin to shout the name of Jesus all your problems will start to bow .Let somebody shout JESUS !
Every time the name of Jesus is mentioned knees bow. In Acts 3 vs 1-11, Is the story of a man at the beautiful gate. The bible say he was lame from the womb which meant his challenges started from the womb. Throughout his life he had tried and failed at walking or making progress because his feet and ankle bones lacked strength. He was forty years of age when he was healed which meant that for forty years this man was stagnant or had not recorded any progress in his life. All his life he had been a common man and for forty years he had no testimony but immediately Peter mentioned the name of Jesus all the problems in his life bowed down . All his challenges bowed their knees and this man was liberated . Every effort began to yield results because as he could now walk,people began to run to him to hear his testimony . I pray that in the name of Jesus you will have a testimony to share every time people come to you .
In Luke 18 vs 38-43 is the story of a blind man .The only color he knew was black and black symbolizes death . Everything was dead in his life . The word joy and happiness were strange words in the dictionary of his life. He was living in permanent darkness . To the man all  days were night , no morning at all . He heard Jesus was passing and he began to scream Jesus !People asked him to keep quiet but he began to shout more. Immediately Jesus knew this fellow was tired of his challenges . Jesus asked him what he wanted from him and he said “Lord , that I may receive my sight” and Jesus said done. Immediately his sight was restored and the man began to see other colors like white which symbolizes purity and cleanliness ,pink which symbolizes love and beauty , gold symbolizes wealth , prosperity , yellow symbolizes joy and happiness and green symbolize life .
The girl In Acts 16 vs 16-20 was possessed with the spirit of divination. She was in physical and spiritual bondage . This spirit took her freedom ,her hope and dreams and turned her into slave girl . Immediately Paul mentioned the name of Jesus , she was set free from the spirits who had put her in bondage for a long time. She could now have a normal life like any other child.
A name by definition is a word or term by which a person or a thing is known. If a person becomes famous his or her name becomes famous too. If power or authority is conferred upon a fellow ,his or her name becomes powerful . Before the election of the current president of United States of America, the name Barack Obama was like any other name in the country but from the day he was made president that name seizes to be an ordinary name. The name Barack Obama represents power because all the authorities and powers of the land had been conferred upon him. So also is the queen of England ,her name represents power because all authorities and powers of the land had been conferred upon her. If the police ask you stop in the name of the queen , you have no choice than to stop because that name has the backing of the authorities and powers of the land.
The name of Jesus has authority because all authority had been giving to Him. Matthew 28 vs 18 says And Jesus came and spoke to them saying , “ all authority has been giving to Me in heaven and on earth.” The name of Jesus has power because the Most High God conferred power upon Him. Acts 10 vs 38 says how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power , who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him .The name of Jesus has power because He is Lord. The bible says a man can only testify that Jesus is Lord through the Holy Spirit-1 Corinthians 12 vs 3 . Jesus has the backing of the power and authority of the Most High God that was why He could restore Joy to homes for example in Luke 7 vs 12 -16 , a widow lost her only son and she was deeply sad. Joy had left her life permanently and sorrow had taken residence . She was on her way to bury her only son when she met the Lord , Jesus moved out of compassion told her to stop crying . He touched the coffin and told the boy to stand and immediately the boy stood and began to talk. The widow who was weeping immediately began to beam with joy and smiles.
Because Jesus has the backing of the power and authority of the Most High God, He can set people free . John 8 vs 36 says therefore if the Son of man makes you free, you shall be  free indeed. In Mark 5 vs 1-14 is the story of the mad man of Gadara. This man was In bondage , he had no control of his brain ,he would  he would use stones to cut himself. The enemy hijacked his senses , when every one slept at home he preferred to sleep in the tomb but he met Jesus and was set free . Peter was under the bondage of failure in Luke 5 vs 1-7 , no matter how hard he tried he caught nothing but immediately Jesus entered his boat that bondage of failure was broken and he was set free. His next attempt he caught so much fish that the boat began to sink. The woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 vs 21- 34 ,was under the bondage of sickness for twelve years . Because she was under bondage of sickness , every efforts of the doctors proved abortive .She touched the hem of the garment of Jesus and was set free for life. In John 5 vs 1-18 is the story of a man who was under the bondage for thirty eight years. He had an infirmity which confined him to a sick bed .Jesus Christ told him to take his bed and walk and immediately he was delivered of his infirmity .
Because Jesus has the backing of the power and authority of the Most High God, He has the power to forgive. A paralytic man was brought to Jesus in John 2 vs 2-12 . This man was paralyzed from the neck downward and such he became very heavy . Four men were required to move him about . When they brought the man to Jesus , He said sons your sins are forgiven and the man received his healing. The name of Jesus has the same backing of the power and authority of God. No wonder Romans 10 vs 13 says whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved !Jesus is Lord – Romans 10 vs 9.
Another reason why there is power in the name of Jesus is that whatever you ask for in that name you will receive. John 14 vs 13 says and whatever you ask in My name , that I will do , that the Father may be glorified in the Son. The bible says whatever which means we can ask for anything . The power in the name of Jesus is not limited by anything . The power is not limited by geographical boundary , resources , weather or by humans. Matthew 11 v 27 says that all things have been delivered to Me(Jesus) by My Father. Jesus says in John 14 vs 14 that if you ask for anything in My name , I will do it. If you study this passage carefully you will notice that Jesus was not addressing a crowd when He said this , He was talking to His friends . Another thing you will notice is that this was not just statement but it was a promise . Do you know that not every who ask in the name of Jesus receives ?The promise was for only His friends . The name Jesus is for His friends not everyone .If you do not believe me please read Acts 19 vs 13-16 . The sons of Sceva were exorcising a demon by the Jesus whom Paul preaches and the evil spirit answered them and said Jesus I know , and Paul I Know, who are you ? The evil spirit gave them a thorough beating .
Only the friends of Jesus can ask for anything in the name of Jesus and will receive it. Who are the friends of Jesus ? According to John 15 vs 14 , the friends of Jesus are those who do what He commands . There is a mistake we all make , not everyone going to church are the friends of Jesus . Many go to church for different purposes , some go to look for a partner , some go because people invited them, some go because of the nice music, some attend because of the food after the service , some go because their friends are going , some go because that was how they were raised , some go just to please the pastor or their partners. Some go because there is nothing to do on Sunday .
Not all those who claim they are the friends of Jesus are actually His friends .Anyone can claim they are your friend but deep inside you know who your friends are . For example you know that your true friends will tell you the truth regardless even though at times the truth is bitter. You know that your true friends will not seek to hurt you .The same thing applies to Jesus , He know his true friends. The only way to know a true friend is by their fruit . Matthew 7 vs 16 says you shall know them by their fruits . Jesus knows His friends by their fruit. Many claim they are your friend , if you tell them you are hungry all they will tell you is sorry as if sorry can feed a man. Many call themselves the friends of Jesus and they have people they do not greet in their places of work . Some have even vowed not to forgive some people. A true friend is not shy of his or her friend . Many of us call ourselves the friends of Jesus but we are shy of Him. We do not want people to know we are Christians.
If you are His friends , you will gather with Him and not scatter what He was gathered. Matthew 12 vs 30 says He who is not with me is against Me and he does not not gather with Me scatters abroad. No true friend will scatter what his or her friend is gathering. The friend of Jesus do not fornicate or commit adultery. The friends of Jesus will always honor him with their tithes and first fruit. The friends of Jesus do not take bribes.
If you are not a friend of Jesus , you can make a decision to be His friend today. If you have been His friend before and no longer His friend you can come back today and He will receive you back as a friend. Only His friends can ask for things in His name and He will do it. A friend of Jesus will go out of his or her ways to please Jesus . He knows His friends and He never forsakes His friends . Proverbs 18 vs 10 says the name of the Lord is a strong tower , the righteous run to it and they are saved. The name of the Lord is a strong tower to only the righteous . You can make that decision now to be His friend so that whatever you ask for in His name , He will do it.
The bible said in Romans 3 vs 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 vs 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 save ? 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 vs 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

You are free to forward this message . Remember Matthew 10 vs 32 which says whoever confesses me before me , him I will confess before my father who is heaven.