WATER TO WINE PART 2

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Gen 39, Mark 9, Job 5, Romans 9

John 2:3 and when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no wine.

Bible studies: John 2:1-11

In part 1 of ‘water to wine’ series, we learnt that water symbolizes challenges and wine symbolizes celebration. Therefore water to wine simply means challenges to celebration. We touched the subject of Christians and alcohol. We also talked about one of the things that needs to be in place for water to turn into wine-for challenges to turn into celebration.

The fact that you love God does not mean there will not be challenges or problems. Problems and challenges are part and parcel of life - believers and non believers. The believer is only at an advantage because right in his boat is the Prince of Peace and a word from Him will still the storm. If anyone tells you that once you give your life to Christ there will not be challenges it is a lie. The bible says that many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all, Psalm 34:19. Jesus even told His disciples that in the world they will have tribulations but they should be of good cheer because He has overcome the world for them, John 16:33. The Most High God says in Isaiah 43:2 that when you pass though the waters, He will be there. He did not say if you pass through waters, He said when you pass through waters.Jesus was in the boat when a great windstorm arose and the waves began to beat into the boat, Mark 4:35-41. When Jesus is in your boat, there could be storms but be rest assured that the boat will never sink. Jesus was at the wedding in Cana of Galilee and when the wine finished, John 2:1-11. When Jesus is at your wedding or function, the wine may finish but be rest assured that He will provide a better wine in excess. The fact that you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior does not exempt you from trials of faith. Several years ago I was about to close from work when the manager called three of us into his office. He told us the department was overstaffed and our services were no longer required. Our contracts were terminated right on the spot ; no notice period was given. Since we were temporary staffs, there was nothing we could do except leave. Today in that same place of work I have been made permanent, received recognitions, been promoted, participated in several recruitment e.t.c. The wine finished on that day but the Lord provided a better wine at the same place work. Whilst serving the Lord in spirit and truth, the enemies may attack and your wine finishes. I want to tell you the God you serve will provide a better wine. In that endeavor of yours, things might go wrong unexpectedly, I want to tell you there is God on the throne and you will not suffer disgrace. Anytime I am facing any challenges, i will tell people please do not pity me because Christ in me is the Hope of glory, Colossians 1:27. The wine may finish one hundred times but I very confident that Jesus will produce a better wine one hundred and one times.

KEYWORD: Challenges are part and parcel of life. When going through any challenges remember Christ in you is the hope of glory not of shame.

THE LORD THAT HEALETH THEE

                       

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LET THE WIND BLOW

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

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

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

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

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

Controller of Season

                   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray this prayer from your heart today!

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

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

Samuel Oluwatoki

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

Do you love me

    Do you love me?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray this prayer from your heart today!

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

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

Samuel Oluwatoki

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

TRADING IT TO SIT WITH JESUS

    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray this prayer from your heart today!

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

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

Samuel Oluwatoki

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

God of open doors

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, “These things say He is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”. Revelations 3:7

One of the names of our Lord Jesus Christ is the Door. John 10:9 says “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. Aside been the Door , He also possesses the key of David.

One of the delights of God is opening doors. Psalm 35:27 says God has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. Ecclesiastes 3:13 says the gift of God is that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of his labor. Because He delights in opening doors, you can go to Him over any door and He will open it. Isaiah 45:11 says Ask me of things to come concerning My Sons, and concerning the work of My hands, you command Me. If the Lord decides to open a door, no one can stop Him. Isaiah 14:27 says For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hands is stretched out, And who will turn it back?

A door is used to keep what is inside in and what is outside out. Once a door is opened what is outside can come in and what is in can go out.

The Most High opens doors in different ways. He can do it physically. In John 9:1-9 is the story of a man who was born blind. The door of  promotion, happiness, progress, wealth to mention a little were shut at him. Just by anointing his eyes with clay made from mud and saliva,Jesus opened the doors that were shut at him. In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus touched five loaves of bread and two fishes and the door of multiplication opened. Five loaves of bread and two fishes fed five thousand men not counting women and children and there were still twelve baskets left.

The Lord can command doors to open. Psalm 33:8-9 says the whole earth should fear the Lord because He spoke and it was done. Hebrews 4:12 says the word of God is living and powerful. Jeremiah 23:29 says the word of God is like a fire and a hammer. In John 11:1-45 is the story of Lazarus. This man was dead for four days. At this point, all the doors in the world were shut at him. Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth and he did-all the shut doors were opened .For over seventy years, the door of fruitfulness was shut on Sarah but the Lord visited her in Genesis 18:1-16. While He was leaving He told Abraham, by this time next year Sarah will be a nursing mother and she became pregnant and gave birth at a very old age. In Mark 2:1-12, a paralytic man was brought to Jesus.  I do not need to tell you that the door to health was shut at this fellow .Jesus forgave him and told him to take his bed and walk and he did.

He can command animals to open doors. Psalms 50:10 says all the beast of the forest belongs to God.God gives understanding and wisdom to animals . According to Job 39:17, God made the ostrich forget her wisdom  and did not give her a share of understanding . Whilst famine ravished the land, God used ravens to open the  door of provisions  for Elisha. When you look at the species of birds , ravens are known as micers . They are even stingy to thier children .There favorite food is meat ,In 1 Kings 17:5-6, ravens brought him bread and meat  twice a day. In 2 Kings 2:23-25, God used two female bears to protect the dignity and respect of Elisha .After the bear incident no one ever looked down on Elisha or make fun of his baldhead till he died.

He can also use the enemies themselves to open doors .Proverbs 21:1 says the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, He turns it wherever He wishes. In Numbers 23:1-24, Balaak an enemy of Israel hired Balaam (another enemy of Israel) to curse the Israelites. Every time Balaam opened his mouth to curse this nation, blessings began to flow instead of curses. In Exodus 1:22, Pharaoh commanded that every son born to the Hebrews be cast into river so as to peg the growth of the Hebrews. When Moses was born, the Lord used the greatest enemy of male Hebrew children to raise him up.  By the time we get to Exodus 2:7-11, Moses was on his way to live with Pharaoh in the Palace. The resources of Pharaoh were used to raise Moses as a prince and the mother of Moses got full salary for raising her son -Moses.

Another way He opens doors is through His presence. According to Psalms 16:11, His presence can open the door of Joy. Psalms 21:6 says for You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. The presence of God parted the red sea before the children of Israel. Exodus 15: 8 says at 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. In Acts 16:25-30, Paul and Silas began to pray and praise God and the Lord visited the prison. His presence caused an earthquake that rendered these men free.

Aside opening doors , he can also shut doors for example in 1 Kings 17:7-16 ,the door of poverty, death, loneliness was wide open to the widow of Zarapheth but the Lord sent Elijah to her and all the doors were shut. In 2 Kings 6:24-30, the Syrians besieged Samaria and this resulted in a terrible famine. The Lord took interest in the matter and used Elisha to shut the door of national recession, national sadness, and national darkness to mention a few.

Someone might ask what about broken doors? Well He can fix or replace a broken door. In Mark 5:25-.34 is the story of the woman with the issue of blood. The door that controls the flow of blood in her body was broken and blood began to flow nonstop for twelve years. Just by touching the hem of the garment of Jesus, She received a brand new door and was healed immediately.

This brings us to the question, what opens doors?

·         Holiness – Psalm 84:11 says no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Hebrews 12:14 says pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Psalm 34:15 says the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. Holiness is the key .Hebrews 1:9 says you have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness, there God, Your God, has anointed You with the Oil of gladness more than Your companions.

·         Obedience –Isaiah 1:19 say if you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Exodus 23:22-26 says if you obey God, your enemies will be His enemies, you will be His special treasure and you will not be sick. Jeremiah 7:23 says if we obey God, He will be our God and we will be His people. Deuteronomy 28:1 says if you obey God, He will set you on high above nations.

·         Prayers –Psalm 91:5 says He shall call upon Me, and I will answer Him. Matthew 7:7 says Ask, and it will be given to you; Proverbs 8:17 says those who seek Me finds me. John 16:24 says ask and your will receive, and your joy will be complete.

·         Hard work –Proverbs 28:19 says he who tills his land will have plenty of bread. Proverbs 27:18 says whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit. Proverbs 10:4 says He who has a slack hand becomes poor but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

·         Words & Confession –Matthew 12; 37 says for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Proverbs 6:2 says you are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth. Remember Samson and Delilah, his words handed him to his enemy who plucked out his eye. Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue. Numbers 14:28 says say to them, ‘As I live’, says the Lord, ‘Just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you.

·         Forgiveness – when you forgive people, it will open the door of forgiveness for you too. Mark 11:26 says But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.

One thing to note is this; how you treat the doors the Lord has opened to you will determine if He will open more doors for you. The way you handle the doors He has opened matters a lot. That is why we have to take His errands or task very serious. When the Lord sends us on an errand it is for our good. The Most High God is not a user, He will always reward no matter how small the task is.  The question is this, how do you treat the task He has committed to you? Do you do them at your convenience, do you put all the strength you have into it or just do them rush rush.



Take for instance soul winning, how are you taking the door to share Christ? How about the door to be a blessing to a sister or brother in need or even the church? The door of tithes and offerings, how are you taking those doors? These are doors the Lord has opened for us to get blessed!

The doors of employment in your place of work, that business venture how are you taking those doors? Are you hardworking enough or procrastinating ?

There is a particular door the Lord has opened to everyone living and it is the door of Love. Matthew 22:37 says love your neighbor as yourself. 1 Peter 4; 8 says and above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins”. How are you handling this door talking of the door of love? God has opened the door to us to love our neighbor like ourself . Anything we do that is void of love is just an exercise and it has no reward.  1 Corinthians 13:1-13 points that whatever a man does or achieve outside the perimeter of Love is zero and God counts it as nothing .1 Corinthians 13:1 says if i speak in the tongues of men and of angels but do not have love, I have become a sounding piece of brass or a clashing cymbals. I pray that the Lord will not count your efforts as nothing in Jesus name.

How are you taking the door to love God? Proverbs 8:17 says I love those who love Me. Are you taking those doors serious? Are you maximizing them?

Anyone who wants the Lord to open doors for him or her must first open the door of their heart to Jesus. Revelations 3:20 says “behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me.

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

Pray this prayer from your heart today!

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

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

Samuel Oluwatoki

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

God has a sense of humor

Wow! How can one make such a statement?

Friends, God is not a comedian and He does not tell jokes- that’s more like it , but what do you mean by God has a sense of humour then?

Well, might I implore you to suspend your judgments and opinions on my topic just for a second? Will you? Cheers!

Couple of years back, the children of Israel were going to war with a town called Jericho. The ONE WHO HAS NEVER LOST A BATTLE picked interest in the war and advised Joshua to march around Jericho for six days with priests playing trumpet and on the seventh day repeat the exercise seven times and shout; awesome. What! You mean they were asked to march around a city they wanted to attack, playing trumpets? Common, I thought if you going to war you need to be tactical which means plan on strategies to attack. Strategies that include hiding and attacking when they least expect not match around the city playing trumpets, trumpets of all instrument not even a flute.
Ok, doing this once is understandable at least the enemies will have this impression that these guys don’t really mean any harm-look at them entertaining us, but doing that for six days and on the seventh day repeat  the  exercise seven times and shout? Guess what! They did just that and what happened? The walls of Jericho collapsed. I bet the next time someone says praise the Lord; your HALLELUJAH will be the loudest. Hallelujah collapses the walls of your problem.

Not too long ago, Elijah was advised by the GREAT PROVIDER to go a widow in Zarephath and stay there during famine. Really, who goes to a widow’s house to stay during famine? A widow normally is not very rich; no man to provide and cater for her not to talk of during famine. Let me ask you a question, someone who is struggling on a normal day will pray for recession in it? Capital no.
Anyway Elijah obeyed. When he got to Zarephath he saw the widow gathering sticks to prepare the last meal for herself and her son. Elijah did not know how to go about it because as a man of God you pray for people every time and you understand what it is to be a widow not to talk of coming to stay with one during famine. After he exchanged greetings with her, he requested for a jug of water put it in mind that it has not rained in months. The widow said ok, she turned around to go and fetch him a jug of water. Elijah said in a low voice “can you add small bread please”. I believe if you were in his shoes, you will not tell a widow during famine to fetch you jug of water with bread with a big grin on your face. Will you utter such words with the great enthusiasm? She turned around pretending not to be angry and said the sticks over there are more my last meal. Actually when you came in I was preparing to go and make my last meal for myself and my son
and die, so do you still want the water or not? Ok she didn’t ask if he still wanted the water but asking will not be rude because as a man on God, he should know better- you know I have enough problems as a widow and you are asking me to prepare my last meal for you. To cut the long story short she complied with the man of God and the GREAT PROVIDER multiplied the bread. I hope you are not planning to stop paying your tithe because of recession or half your offerings the next time you go to church.

Recently, a blind man encountered JESUS CHRIST .He was expecting a miracle from him but the next thing he heard was someone spitting on the ground and making mud. I bet, the thought on the blind man’s mind was did I just hear someone spit? I know it can be Jesus, why will he spit on the ground .Wait a minute, is he actually rubbing mud on my eyes? It must be a dream.
Come to think of it , mud don’t have healing properties, even our eyes are built to shut when a foreign object is coming to too close may be spec of sand or something. Spitting on the ground and making mud of it and rubbing it on a blind man’s eyes, you mean Jesus actually rub mud on a blind man’s eye? He must have a great sense of humour. Well guess what, the man got his sight back!!!

We can go on and on, is it Elijah and prophet of Baals? After flooding the altar with water called for fire from heaven to burn the sacrifice or Elisha who threw a stick in a river expecting the axe head that mistakenly fell into water to automatically float .A stick to float an axe head made of iron?

Friends whatever God has asked you to do, just do it because He means every word. It might sound funny, ridiculous, foolish or counter productive .Please just do it and you will reap the reward of obedience. Remember Isaiah 1:19 , If you are willing and obedient , ye shall eat the good of the land.

If you have not giving your life to Christ, it’s not too late. He will forgive all your sins, did I hear ALL? Yes all.

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 me by giving me peace ,joy and supernatural love for others. Amen .

Once you do so join a living church.

NB. Stories are excerpts from the bible (John 9:1-6 ,1 kings 17:7-12,Joshua 6:1-20,1 kings 18:16-40,2 kings 6;1-6)

Shalom

AT THY WORD

Read Luke 5:1-10
 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”Luke 5:5
The Most High God is particular about how we treat His words and His name.
Names are very important, Proverbs 22:1 says a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. Psalm 105:3 says the name of the Lord is Holy. Proverbs 18:10 calls His name a strong tower where the righteous runs to and he is saved. There is safety in His name, Joel 2:32 says whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.  According to Philippians 2 :9-11 , His name is above every other name and at the mention of the name every knee whether in heaven, earth or underneath the earth should bow and every tongue must confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Demons are driven out with the name and miracles are performed too – Matthew 7:22.
 In Acts 3:1-14, Peter and John used the name to solve a forty years old problem. Just by applying the name of Jesus to the man’s situation, he went from been invisible to someone the whole community sought to see. A man who had been stagnant all his life suddenly began to make progress. The man who had never had any reason to be happy talk less of dance suddenly began to dance and rejoice. I apply that name to your situation in Jesus mighty name, Amen.
According to Psalm 138:2, He has more than one name and the kind of names you call Him will decided what He will do for you. He says in Number 14:28 as you have spoken in mine ears, so I will do to you meaning He will act according to what He has heard you call Him for example if you say He saves from enemies –Psalm 18:3, He will save you from your enemies; If you call Him the Hope in the day of doom- Jeremiah 17:17, He will be a hope in the day of your trouble; If you call Him the great Physician according to Psalm 103:3, He will heal you; if you call Him your rock, fortress, deliverer, strength, horn of your salvation and stronghold- Psalm 18:2, He will be your rock, fortress, deliverer, strength and stronghold; If you call Him a God of wonders- Psalm 77:14,He will do wonders in your life; If you call Him a man of war- Exodus 15:3 , you can be rest assured that He will drown all your enemies; if you call Him an helper , He will help you. As you have called Him so shall He do to you.
There is something yet greater than His name, it is His words. Psalm 138:2 says God has exalted His words above His name. Once He speaks, consider it done. Psalm 33:9 says for He spoke and it was done. Psalm 107:20 says He sent His words and the words healed them. Hebrew 4:12 says His word is living and powerful, sharper than any two –edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit.
Isaiah 40:8 says grass withers, the flower fades but the word of God stands forever. Jeremiah 23:29 says His word is fire and a hammer that breaks  rock into pieces.
The word of God can put an end to long term barrenness. He told Abraham this time next year Sarah will have a baby boy- Genesis 18:10, Sarah laughed but the word of God cancelled her unbelief and she became pregnant at the age of ninety. Hannah cried day and night and Peninah her rival did not help matters. The word of God came out through Prophet Eli and she conceived and gave birth to a baby boy. By the time we got to 1 Samuel 2:11-21, she had given birth to only six children.
His words can also put an end to chronic poverty. In 2Kings 4:1-7, a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets found herself in huge debts and the creditors decided that since she could not pay, they decided to take her sons as slaves. She ran to the prophet of God and he spoke the word. He told her to go and borrow empty vessels and pour the little jar of oil into the vessels. She obeyed and by the end of that day she had settled all her debts and had something left to cater for her sons.
The Syrians besieged Samaria and a terrible famine broke out – 2Kings 6:24-30. The famine was so terrible that the people ate their children. God intervened and spoke through His prophet that in twenty –four hours there will be so much that the price of everything will drop .One of the professors and economist of that time doubted the word of God. Twenty-four hours later, he saw it with his eyes but did not taste out it- 2 Kings 7:1-20
The word can heal sickness. In Luke 5:12-14, a man suffering from chronic leprosy approached Jesus. The bible records that this man was full of leprosy. The man told Jesus there is no doubt that you can heal, if you are willing please heal me and Jesus said be healed and immediately the leprosy left him. In John 5:1-18, Jesus met a man who had been sick for thirty–eight years. He was lying down by the pool of Bethesda. Jesus told him to arise and take his bed and immediately he was healed. T
This word can bring back to life dead cells and tissues. In Mark 2:1-12, four men brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. He was paralyzed (neck downward). Although the man was alive, his body was dead no wonder they needed four men to carry him. Jesus told him his sins are forgiving that he should stand and go and immediately he took his bed and walked. In Luke 7:11-15, Jesus was visiting Nain when He saw a large crowd of people escorting a widow to bury her dead son. He told the widow to stop crying and asked them to open the coffin. He told the corpse, “young man, I say to you, arise and the boy arose immediately.
With the same words, Jesus conquered the devil when he was tempted in Matthew 4:1-11.He told the devil, it is written quoting the word of God. In Genesis 1 :1-31 , the Lord used His own words to create the world.
Friends, the word of God is alive and living till today. 1 Peter 1:23 says the words of God lives and abides forever. The word of God still carries power and authority. The same God who was during the days of Moses and Elijah is still the same God present today. Malachi 3:6 says for I am the Lord, I do not change:
Do you know your words are powerful too? Yes, they are powerful because we gods. Psalm 82:6 says I said” you are gods, and your entire are children of the Most High. With our words we can create or destroy ,no wonder the bibles says death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will it eat its fruits – Proverbs 18:21. There is power in your tongue and with it you can call abundance out of lack, employment out of joblessness. Romans 4:17 says God calls those things which do not exist as though they did. You too can to do that, call yourself a mother of twins whilst looking to God for the fruit of the womb or Mrs, despite been single.
Anyone who wants to breakthrough in this world needs the word of God. If the Most High God depended on His own words to create the world, and Jesus depended on the word of God to conquer the devil, where does a man without the word stand?
This brings us to the question, how do I deal with a prophecy or a word from God? We will look at how the mother of Samson dealt with the word from God in Judges 13:6-24
·         Firstly, she believed the angel of the Lord-Judges 13:3-5. By believing the angel of the Lord she believed God. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 10:40 that he who receives them, receives Him and receives God who sent Him. Believing a prophet or man of God means believing in the God who called him or sent him.
·         Secondly, she believed the prophecy –word of God –Judges 13:6-7. She didn’t argue with the angel, she didn’t ask question, she just believed. Peter believed the word despite it made no sense to him. Although he had fished all night and caught nothing, still at the word he let down his net-Luke 5:5.Faith in God is faith in His words. Once He says it considers it done. If He says fear not, for I am with you- Isaiah 41:10, do not entertain fear! He has told you Christ in you the hope of Glory – Colossians 1:27 believe it because as far as Christ dwells in you, you will not know shame.
·         Thirdly, she began to seek the face of God over the prophecy .She also prayerfully put the prophecy in the hands of God-Judges 13:8-9. Many a times we receive prophecies or God speaks to us through a bible verse and we just leave it that; we need to prayerful seek God over the prophecy or dream.
·         Fourthly,she gave an offering to God-Judges 13:19-20. Once we receive a word from God through prophecy or dreams we need to thank Him for that. We need to appreciate and thank Him for speaking to us. This is another area we need to work on. Many a times we receive the word and do not even bother thanking Him.
·         Lastly, her obedience was total-Judges 13:24-25 .She neither touched wine nor eat anything unclean as instructed. Because she obeyed God fulfilled His words and filled Samson with the Holy Spirit.
These are the five things to do when receiving a word from God, be it through a dream, vision, audible voice, prophecy or even reading the bible. Believe God the author of the message, believe the message, seek God prayerfully over the message, thank Him for the message and ensure your obedience is total.
The word will not work for us if our obedience to His word is not complete. God Is a responsible father and he will not reward any form of disobedience to His words. If he says be Holy, for I am Holy please be Holy. If He says this is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, hear Him – Matthew 17:5, you have to hear what the Son says. The Son says in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Believe the Son; the only way to the father is through the Son. If you have not accepted Jesus (the son) into your life I will employ you to do so now because that is the only way to Him.
The bible said in Romans 3 v 23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 s 23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3 v 16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10vs 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10 v 10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth that you confess and are saved.

Pray this prayer from your heart today!

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

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

Samuel Oluwatoki

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

The Prodigal Son

Luke 15 vs 10 "Likewise , I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Read : Luke 15vs 12-22

In Luke 15vs12-22 is the story of the prodigal son. It is very popular in children's Sunday school classes. The adults are too big for such story we want to study about how Jesus turned water to wine or how Elisha called fire to roast his enemies or how Solomon gave a thousand burnt offerings and God blessed him to an extent whereby gold became like sands in Jerusalem.

They are all very good stories but once in a while we need to remind ourselves of this story in Luke 15 vs 12-22. There is more to this story than a boy who took his share of father's wealth and squandered it .I pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to each an every reader in Jesus name.

What motivated this boy to approach his father in the first place ? It was freedom . He wanted the freedom to live life in his own terms. The freedom to do things that his father disapproves of. The freedom to go against his father's will . The freedom to dress , talk ,behave and act in a way his father hates . The young man knew that at home , there were do's and do not's. At home there was a standard , there was protocol , there was a way to do things . The young man knew there was someone who he had to answer to and He didn't want that. There were lifestyles he wanted , there were friends he wanted to keep , there were places he wanted to visit ,there were things he wanted to do that he knew would bring shame to his father. He knew the only way to get the freedom is by leaving home for a far country where his father will not see him . Is that not what the devil offers to Christians today ? freedom to disobey God? do things God hates , dress ,talk,behave and act in a way God hates? live lifestyles God abhors ?

Another thing that motivated this boy was fun. The wayward lifestyles , alcohol,the fame,sex and all. He wanted to be like the people of the world . When you look at circular musical videos what is the theme - fun. Half - naked women , nice cars ,tattoos ,parties ,swimming pools ,display of wealth ,alcohol and all . It is a shame that today gospel videos have now headed in that direction too. The devil sold the promise of freedom and fun to this boy and he bought it. Just like this young boy , many born again christian are been sold the sold the same promise daily. We keep hearing the same story , enjoy your life today because you do not know what tomorrow hold. Party now for we know not what happens tomorrow is what they say.

The boy bought the promise and approached his father. Although the father allowed him to leave , he left against his father's wish .The boy knew his departure did not please his father but he left regardless. The old man would have loved to keep him and nurture him but the boy preferred to leave.

What the young man did not know was that leaving home meant leaving the presence of his father. Psalm 16 vs 11 says in the presence of God is fullness of joy. The absence of Joy is sadness. The young man did not know that moving out of the house means moving out of joy . The boy was so impatient about the freedom and fun ahead he failed to consider the implications of his action. When we do things against the wish of God for our life we are walking out of the presence of God unknowingly and the results is always in sadness and sorrow.

He did not consider that moving out of the house meant that he was disconnecting himself from His source. John 3 vs 27 says A man receives nothing except it be giving by God. There is an African adage which says “ a river that forget its source will dry up”. We are alive because of God,all we have is giving by Him. If we disconnect our self from Him by disobeying Him or doing things against His wish we will dry up.

It did not occur to this boy that moving out the house meant he was moving out of the reach of help. His father is only able to help him or send help to him while at home. The Psalmist said in Psalm 121 vs 1-2 , I will look up to the hill from whence my help comes from,my help comes from the Lord who made the heaven and earth. Help comes from nowhere except God. When it comes to offering help , man is limited in what type of help they can offer. Most of them just love to sit and say sorry anyway .Doing things that does not please God is moving out of the reach of God's help.

Also at home , he was under the protection of his father. Their was a protective shield over him at home. No body could rob him of anything, his life was secure and he could sleep with his eyes closed. Because according to Psalm 127 vs 1, God Is the only true guard. Displeasing his father and leaving home meant leaving the protective shield of his father and exposing himself to danger . Engaging in things that do not please God is exposing our self to danger.

The boy moved  far to a foreign country. To him it was the best decision but he forgot that the farther to home he was ,the harder he will need to shout for help before anyone could hear him and rescue him. One thing he forgot was the pain he caused his father. The old man after doing everything possible to raise him , keep him and feed him. He did not consider all that at all . He threw all the efforts of the father in a bin. Do we not today after knowing what Jesus went through to get us saved ignore Him? Do we even care about how He feels ? Do we not  forget to thank Him for the salvation of our souls ? Do we witness about Him to friends and family to ensure that His death is on the cross was not in vain . Might I humbly ask you Sir /Ma ,what are you doing to ensure that His death on the cross is not in vain . Is it by fornicating when you know that He hates it ?or not even serving Him the way we should ?

Because the young man left home , the old man was sad. He was sad  because he could no longer shower him with love again ,he could no longer guide him or advise him, he could no longer carry him in his palm again , he could no longer defend him , he could no longer meet his needs. The old man was really sad just like Jesus is sad today. He looks down on earth with tears In his eyes because the people He died for , He could no longer shower them with His love, He could no longer guide them , carry them, defend them or meet their needs because they have rejected him and moved away from him. The prodigal son rejected his father by moving away from the house.

When he got to his destination he had fun and was free. Life was so sweet and he was enjoying every bit of his time. Because he was rich ,he had many friends which made it better. With time he spent all he had and a famine arose. Things got from bad to worse and he got a job feeding pigs and all. As his situation began to deteriorate he suddenly began to see that he was not really free,he saw  that the freedom and fun was all an illusion. He came back to his senses and went back home and he was accepted.

Just like the prodigal son, you are either in Jesus or outside Jesus. We either doing what He says or not . We either give Him our lives and let Him be the master and our father or be free. The devil used the promise of freedom and fun to lure the prodigal son out of his father's house . The devil knew he could not touch this boy under the protective wings of his father so he lured him out of the house. The boy left home and he punished him severely until the boy got into his sense and ran back home.

There is no protection outside Jesus , there is no peace or happiness outside Jesus . The devil has nothing to offer except hell. Many are been lured to hell daily with the promise of freedom and fun. You can have many girlfriends as you want , you can have many boyfriends as you want , drink and smoke and party. Have fun is his message. He uses this circular musical videos to paint a picture of fun. Look at the celebrities in the videos , if they are having so much fun how come they are suffering from depressions,drugs abuse ,cocaine addictions and all. They may look so happy but they are not free, they are slaves to drugs and depression tablets.

When you are outside Jesus you are disconnected from your source and in no time you will begin to fill empty. Is that not what causes addictions and substance abuse ? trying to fill the emptiness with work, drugs, hobbies. None of this things can fill you except Jesus. Colossians 2 vs 10 says in Him we are made complete. A life without Jesus will lead to frustration because such life is not complete. When you are out of Jesus , you move out of the reach of help because no one can help you except Him. Out of Jesus means out of His protective wings. Living outside Jesus means living in a place where He can not shower you with His love,where He can not guide you , where He can not defend you , where when you cry He can not hear because you are far from me.

The only way is to come back home, the prodigal son came back home and was restored. The problem will not be solved until you come back home. Are you like the prodigal son who left Jesus ? Do you need love and affection , do you need to be accepted , Jesus is the way , the truth and life-John 14 vs 6. Come and get your life back, come back get your peace back, your family back. The fun we see is a way to lure people to hell.