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.
Showing posts with label all. Show all posts
Showing posts with label all. Show all posts
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
I SHALL BE THE HEAD
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken
diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all
his commandments which I command thee , that the Lord thy God will set
thee on high above all nations of the earth: and all these blessings
shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the
voice of the Lord thy God.
Deuteronomy 28:13 and the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.
The plan of God for every of His children is that they be the head always and not the tail. The head is the most important part of the body. When applying for a visa or passport, one is required to provide a passport photograph of the head. Why? It is because one can survive without legs or arms but once the head is cut off such fellow is dead. Not only that, the only part of the human body that cannot be transplanted is the head! So when the Lord promises to make you the head, what it means is you will be the most important person around. Jesus Christ is the head of the church, Ephesians 5:23. The tail on the other hand is so useless, the Lord did not even bother giving it to man.
The head is the man or woman in charge; the leader; the captain. The head carries a lot of responsibilities. It is the head that suffers headache. When everything is running smoothly, everyone takes the glory but when things go bad the head get’s the blame. Take for instance a football team. When they win matches , the whole teams gets the praise but when they fail to qualify or win trophies , the manager(the head) gets the blame and loses his job. Be it in the church, in the family, at work, in the country, the head gets the blame even when the head is not aware of what is happening in the body, he still gets the blame. David and his men had just return from war only to find out that the Amalekites had invaded and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire, 1 Samuel 30:1-8. The Amalekites took everyone in Ziklag as captives and went their way. When the men of David saw this, they became so angry and contemplated stoning David. The wives and children of David where taken captives too but been the head he got all the blame.He had to run to the Lord – The burden bearer.
The head bears heavy responsibilities because inside it lies the brain. The brain is the sit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. The brain is responsible for making decisions. As the head you will be required to make wise decisions that will move the body forward. If the body fails , the head will be blamed. It is the head that controls the body. To make wise decisions, wisdom is required. Proverbs 4:7 says wisdom is the principal things; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. To lead people wisdom is required. Ecclesiastes 10:10 says but wisdom is profitable to direct. How does one get wisdom? Psalm 111:10 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When you say i shall be the head, what you are saying is i will fear the Lord.
Inside the head are two eyes. Proverbs 29:18 says where there is no vision, the people perish. The head is responsible for vision. When we talk of vision we mean spiritual vision i.e. seeing things the way God will see them. Vision is also following after the direction of God. When the head has sprititual vision , it begins to see opportunities all round. In 2 Kings 4:1-7 is the story of a woman who ran to the man of God because her creditors threatened to sell her sons to pay off her debt. Although this woman was surrounded by opportunities , she could not see it.The man of God asked her what she had and she said nothing except a jar of oil. The man of God told her to go and borrow empty vessels and begin to pour her oil in them. The poverty of the people around her made her rich. Spiritual vision helps a man to see the need of the people around him and in meeting these needs , he becomes rich.When you say i shall be the head, what you are saying is i will see things the way God sees them . Not only that ,you are saying I will guide the people in the way of righteousness.
The head also has two ears. Ears are very important. Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. What the head hears determines what will happen to the body. What we hear decides whether we will be happy or not. As the head what are you hearing? Do you listen to the news or the the word of God? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. What the ear hears determines the future of the body. How does one get a woman to marry him, it is not by looking at her. It is by saying things into her ears . What she hears will now inform her decision. When you say i shall be the head, what you are saying is I will hear the word of God that will increase my faith. You are saying i will be hearing what ever God has to say. Revelations 2:7 says he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Even if what God has to say is a rebuke, as the head you should be ready to hear that. Ecclesiastes 7:5 says it is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the songs of fools. There is no one living without faults. As the head we see the faults of others but we need others to see our faults too. As a leader, when people point out our fault we must listen.
One very important part of the head is the mouth. From the mouth we eat, drink e.t.c. What makes the mouth important is the presence of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue. The tongue of the leader determines whether the body will suffer or enjoy. Whatever the leader does with his tongue will determine if there will be peace in the family, church, work e.t.c. The leader can get people to do double time by what he says. James 4:2 says ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Using the tongue to complain does not solve the problem, it is prayers that will solve the problem. When you say i shall be head , what you are saying is i will use my mouth correctly. I will use my mouth to pray instead of complain. Psalm 50:14-15 says offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: and call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. What you are also saying when you say i shall be head is i will use my mouth to glory God. The secret to David’s rise to the throne was praises. He said in Psalm 34:1 says I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. A leader must be an addicted worshipper.
One point to note about vision is that for the eyes to see light is required. The bible says in John 8:12 that Jesus is the light of the world. Without this light , there will be no sprititual vision. When you say I shall be the head, what you are saying is I will give my life to Christ.
The bible says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What is this gift? John 3:16 says for God so the loved the world that He have His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What can I do to be saved? Romans 10:9 say if you confess with your mouth, that Jesus s Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 says for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with our mouth we confess and 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 10:32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
Deuteronomy 28:13 and the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.
The plan of God for every of His children is that they be the head always and not the tail. The head is the most important part of the body. When applying for a visa or passport, one is required to provide a passport photograph of the head. Why? It is because one can survive without legs or arms but once the head is cut off such fellow is dead. Not only that, the only part of the human body that cannot be transplanted is the head! So when the Lord promises to make you the head, what it means is you will be the most important person around. Jesus Christ is the head of the church, Ephesians 5:23. The tail on the other hand is so useless, the Lord did not even bother giving it to man.
The head is the man or woman in charge; the leader; the captain. The head carries a lot of responsibilities. It is the head that suffers headache. When everything is running smoothly, everyone takes the glory but when things go bad the head get’s the blame. Take for instance a football team. When they win matches , the whole teams gets the praise but when they fail to qualify or win trophies , the manager(the head) gets the blame and loses his job. Be it in the church, in the family, at work, in the country, the head gets the blame even when the head is not aware of what is happening in the body, he still gets the blame. David and his men had just return from war only to find out that the Amalekites had invaded and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire, 1 Samuel 30:1-8. The Amalekites took everyone in Ziklag as captives and went their way. When the men of David saw this, they became so angry and contemplated stoning David. The wives and children of David where taken captives too but been the head he got all the blame.He had to run to the Lord – The burden bearer.
The head bears heavy responsibilities because inside it lies the brain. The brain is the sit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. The brain is responsible for making decisions. As the head you will be required to make wise decisions that will move the body forward. If the body fails , the head will be blamed. It is the head that controls the body. To make wise decisions, wisdom is required. Proverbs 4:7 says wisdom is the principal things; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. To lead people wisdom is required. Ecclesiastes 10:10 says but wisdom is profitable to direct. How does one get wisdom? Psalm 111:10 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When you say i shall be the head, what you are saying is i will fear the Lord.
Inside the head are two eyes. Proverbs 29:18 says where there is no vision, the people perish. The head is responsible for vision. When we talk of vision we mean spiritual vision i.e. seeing things the way God will see them. Vision is also following after the direction of God. When the head has sprititual vision , it begins to see opportunities all round. In 2 Kings 4:1-7 is the story of a woman who ran to the man of God because her creditors threatened to sell her sons to pay off her debt. Although this woman was surrounded by opportunities , she could not see it.The man of God asked her what she had and she said nothing except a jar of oil. The man of God told her to go and borrow empty vessels and begin to pour her oil in them. The poverty of the people around her made her rich. Spiritual vision helps a man to see the need of the people around him and in meeting these needs , he becomes rich.When you say i shall be the head, what you are saying is i will see things the way God sees them . Not only that ,you are saying I will guide the people in the way of righteousness.
The head also has two ears. Ears are very important. Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. What the head hears determines what will happen to the body. What we hear decides whether we will be happy or not. As the head what are you hearing? Do you listen to the news or the the word of God? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. What the ear hears determines the future of the body. How does one get a woman to marry him, it is not by looking at her. It is by saying things into her ears . What she hears will now inform her decision. When you say i shall be the head, what you are saying is I will hear the word of God that will increase my faith. You are saying i will be hearing what ever God has to say. Revelations 2:7 says he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Even if what God has to say is a rebuke, as the head you should be ready to hear that. Ecclesiastes 7:5 says it is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the songs of fools. There is no one living without faults. As the head we see the faults of others but we need others to see our faults too. As a leader, when people point out our fault we must listen.
One very important part of the head is the mouth. From the mouth we eat, drink e.t.c. What makes the mouth important is the presence of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue. The tongue of the leader determines whether the body will suffer or enjoy. Whatever the leader does with his tongue will determine if there will be peace in the family, church, work e.t.c. The leader can get people to do double time by what he says. James 4:2 says ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Using the tongue to complain does not solve the problem, it is prayers that will solve the problem. When you say i shall be head , what you are saying is i will use my mouth correctly. I will use my mouth to pray instead of complain. Psalm 50:14-15 says offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: and call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. What you are also saying when you say i shall be head is i will use my mouth to glory God. The secret to David’s rise to the throne was praises. He said in Psalm 34:1 says I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. A leader must be an addicted worshipper.
One point to note about vision is that for the eyes to see light is required. The bible says in John 8:12 that Jesus is the light of the world. Without this light , there will be no sprititual vision. When you say I shall be the head, what you are saying is I will give my life to Christ.
The bible says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What is this gift? John 3:16 says for God so the loved the world that He have His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What can I do to be saved? Romans 10:9 say if you confess with your mouth, that Jesus s Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 says for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with our mouth we confess and 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 10:32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
THE BELOVED
Matthew 3:17 and suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in who I am well pleased.”
Names are very important. Proverbs 22:1 says a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. According to Ecclesiastes 7:16, a good name is far more precious than precious ointment or perfumes. Proverbs 18:10 calls the name of the Lord a strong tower. Joel 2:32 points out that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 4:12 says for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. At the mention of the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, Philippians 2:10. There are various uses of names .God uses His names to introduce Himself. When God physically visited Moses, the bible records in Exodus 34:6-7 that the Lord passed before Moses and proclaimed, “the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding n goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and fourth generation.” According to Exodus 6:2, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob knew God by his name ‘Almighty God’ (Almighty means All – sufficient or El-Shaddai). He did not reveal Himself to them by His name ‘Lord’ (Lord meaning owner of the whole universe or the One who rules over all things).
God also uses names to describe the type of relationship He has with people. There are a group of people who He has no relationship with. He refers to them as fools or unwise. Psalm 14:1 says a fool has said in his heart there is no God. According to Proverbs 13:19, the fools delights in doing evil and Proverbs 13:20 has promised that the companion of fools will be destroyed. Also in this group are the proud. God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble, James 4:6. Not only does He resist the proud, a proud look is an abomination to Him, Proverbs 6:16-17. A high look and a proud heart is sin before God, Proverbs 21:4.In this same group, you find the wicked. Proverbs 24:20 has assured us that the lamp of the wicked will be put out. People in this group, do not fear God. Proverbs 16:6 says by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. Proverbs 8:13 says the fear of the Lord is to hate evil. According to Exodus 20:20, the fear of the Lord prevents people from going into sin. God is not obliged to hear them when they cry. John 9:31 says now we know that God does not hear sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, He hears them. The psalmist says if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me, Psalm 66:18. Out of this group, very few try and live a righteous life. They have good morals, don’t steal or cheat but the bible compares this form righteousness to filthy rags before God, Isaiah 64:6.
There is another group of people who God calls My people. He calls them His people because He has a relationship with them. According to Deuteronomy 7:6, He chose them out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people.2 Chronicles 7:14 say that they are His people because they are called by His name. Who are these people? The Christians – Christ like. According to Galatians 3:7, they are the spiritual Israelites i.e. those of faith. They are known as new creation.2 Corinthians 5:17 say therefore, anyone in Christ is a new creation; old things have passed away and all things have become new. They have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and savior. They have experienced the re-birth experience i.e. born of water and spirit, John 3:5.At salvation this people receive the Holy Spirit, John 3:5-16. When they call on God, He Is obliged to listen to them. According to 2 Chronicles 7:14 , every time His people humble themselves and pray and depart from evil, He will hear from heaven , forgive them and heal their land. Isaiah 58:9 says when they call, He will answer; when they cry, He will say “here I am”. According to Mark 16:17-18, signs follow them: In the name of Jesus they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues ;they will take up serpents and if they drink anything deadly , it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick , and they will recover. One important thing to note here is they have a relationship with God.
Out of this group of people who have a relationship with God, there is a smaller group who are not satisfied with a basic relationship with God so they go further. They understand that the Lord loves them and they reciprocate this love back to God. They enjoy a deeper walk with God. Proverbs 8:17 says I love those who love Me and those who seek Me shall find Me. They have sought for a special relationship with God and they have found it. Whatever they do for God, they do it with their whole heart. The bible records in 2 Samuel 6:14 that David danced with all his might. The psalmist says bless the Lord oh my Lord and all that is within me, Psalm 103:1.When it comes to giving, they will never give God an offering that never costs them. They are full of wisdom, why? Because they are soul winners. Proverbs 11:30 says he that wins souls is wise. According to Proverbs 3:35, the wise inherits glory. Daniel 12:3 says that those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. Luke 11:23 says that he who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. They have proved from time to time that they are with Jesus by their sowing towards kingdom project. They are God’s battle- ax and weapons of war; He uses them to destroy the kingdoms of darkness, Jeremiah 51:20. They love God and He loves them in return. He refers to them as ‘apple of His eyes’. According to Zechariah 2:8, whoever touches them touches the apple of His eye. He refers to them as men after His own heart. Because this group of people fears the Lord, they dwell in prosperity, Psalm 25:12-13. Because they take time to study, meditate and do all that is written in the bible they enjoy good success, Joshua 1:8 .According to Psalm 5:12, He surrounds them with favor.
Out of the group of people He refers to as men after His own heart, there is this smaller group He calls friends. Between friends there are no secrets. The Lord shares His secrets with His friends. Amos 3:7 says surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. When the Lord wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, the only person He shared this secret with was Abraham –His friend, Genesis 18:17 -21. In Genesis 15:13-16, we see the Lord sharing secrets of what was going to happen about six hundred years later. He is very generous to His friends. He said to Abraham; look from the place where you are northward, southward, eastward and westward; for all the land which you see I will give it to you and your descendants, Genesis 13:14-17.His friends are allowed to make any requests to Him. No matter how impossible, He will grant them. Moses requested to see the glory of God and the Lord granted his request, Exodus 33:17-19.If His friends ask Him to part the red sea, He will part it, Exodus 14:13-31. If His friends ask Him to shut the heaven for three years, He will do that, 1 Kings 17:1-3.He visits His friends and eats at their houses, Genesis 18:1-16.He speaks to His friends face to face. Exodus 33:11 says so the Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friends. His friends spend time with Him. Moses was with God praying and fasting - forty days and forty nights, Deuteronomy 9:9-11.
Asides His friends, there is another group He calls sons and daughters. The difference between a friend and a son is that a son has more access to the father than the friends. The sons has unlimited access to the Father. The sons are the carrier of His presence. The sons are carriers of His power. John 1:12 says as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Acts 10:38 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. He fills His sons with the Holy Ghost to the extent that signs and wonders happens everywhere they go to. The sons have no ambition of their own. The sons share the same ambition with the Father. Their business is the business of the Father. When we get to heaven, the sons will share thrones with Jesus, Revelations 3:21.
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 difference between those He dines with and those He does not dine with is decision.Anyone that decides to open the door to Him, He will dine with them.Friends ,we decide the names He calls us. We can decide to move out of the group of people that He has no relationship with to His people by giving our life to Jesus.We can decide to become the apple of His eyes by loving Him in return. We can decide to take our relationship with Him to the level of been His friends. We are filled to the level of our thirst. The more of Him we yawn for, the more of Him we get.
The bible says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What is this gift? John 3:16 says for God so the loved the world that He have His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What can I do to be saved? Romans 10:9 say if you confess with your mouth, that Jesus s Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 says for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with our mouth we confess and 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 10:32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
Thursday, 10 January 2013
DINING WITH THE ALMIGHTY
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Gen 10, Matt 10, Ezra 10, Acts 10
Revelations 3:20 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.
In Revelations 3:20, we see the Almighty God wanting to dine with us. Take for instance you are invited for a dinner. When you get to the house of your host, you look at the size of his house. The size of the house says a lot. If your host resides in a palace, he is probably a king or a prince. If he resides in a mansion, then he must one the high and mighty in the society. How big is the mansion of the Almighty? 1 Kings 8:27 says behold heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him. His accommodation is so large the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him. Not only that, present in this accommodation are many mansions, John 14:2. Then when you enter the house, the next thing you want to observe is the furniture. The furniture in the house of the high and mighty is not the same as the one in the house of ordinary citizen. Isaiah 66:1 describes the furniture of the Almighty. It says heaven is His throne and His foot stool is the earth. The next thing you want to observe in the house your host would be the electrical fitting. In the house of the Almighty, according to 1 Timothy 6:16, the place is so bright that the light becomes unapproachable. Not only that, His glory lights up the whole house, Revelations 21:23. The next thing you want to observe is how your host is dressed. If he is inviting you to diner that means he will be well dressed. How is the Almighty dressed? Psalm 93:1 says our God is clothed in majesty and strength. Psalm 104:1-2 says He is cloth in honor, majesty and light. When you enter His house and you see an estate of mansions, you see His furniture, His electrical fitting and the way He is dressed, you definitely know you are in for a good time. Then next thing you want to observe is the food on His table. On the table of the high and mighty, there will be plenty of various kind of food. Not only that, the food will be of high quality. What kind of food will you find on the table of the Almighty? Psalm 50:10-12 tells us of some of the kinds of meat you are likely to find on the table of the Most High. It also talks of the types of birds. The kind of bread you will find on the table will be bread of heaven, Psalm 78:24. The fruits there will be from the tree of life, Revelations 2:7. The drink will be heavenly wine, John 2:1-11. You might also want to know how good the cooks are because there could be the right ingredient but a bad a cook. According to Psalm 23:5, the one who prepared the food is God Himself. When you sit down to eat you want to pay attention to the waiters. The waiters are the angels, Hebrews 1:13- 14.
Why dine with the Almighty? A dinner with Almighty God is sufficient to change a man’s life forever. The Bread alone will restore health to every area of your health. Once you drink the wine, you become filled with the Holy Ghost. According to Acts 1:8, the wine turns an individual to a witness. A witness is someone who produces testimonial evidences. Once you drink of the wine your life will become full of testimony and you can now begin to produce testimonial evidences that Jesus is the Lord. What is the criterion to dine with the King of Kings? Who can ascend to the hills of the Almighty? Psalm 25:4 says He that hath clean hands, a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
PRAYER POINT: Father I want to daily dine you, please wash me today with the blood of Jesus.
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
BE PREPARED
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Gen 9, Matt 9, Ezra 9, Acts 9
Proverbs 24:27 prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; afterward build your house.
Success in any endeavor requires preparation. The elders have saying
‘those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. The preparation could be
spiritual, physical, emotional, financial or material. Why does one need
to prepare for success? Well, every form of success brings its own
responsibilities. A single fellow is responsible for only himself. Once
he gets married and starts having children, his responsibilities
doubles. He now needs to look after himself, wife and the children. The
same thing happens when one is promoted at work, gains admission, starts
a new business or a ministry. Buried in these responsibilities are also
challenges. In other words the more the responsibilities the more the
challenges. This is why we all need to remember our leaders (spiritual,
political and all) because they have a lot of responsibilities and are
faced with a lot of challenges.
When we talk of preparation,
the most important form of preparation needed is a spiritual one. The
spiritual runs the physical. John 6:63 says it is the spirit that gives
life; the flesh profits nothing. One needs to prepare in fasting,
praying and studying of the word of God. When David was just an ordinary
shepherd boy responsible for only the sheep he had little or no
challenges. Immediately the man of God anointed him king over Israel (1
Samuel 16:13), his responsibilities double and out of nowhere challenges
started coming. First it was the lion that took a lamb out of the
flock; next it was the bear; after the bear came Goliath; immediately
after Goliath was Saul; just as he was celebrating the death of Saul
came his flesh and so on. Despite all these challenges David kept on
making progress. What was his secret? Firstly bible studies – David hid
God’s word in his heart so as not to sin against God, Psalm 119:11.
Secondly praying and fasting – David fasted until his knees was weak and
his flesh was feeble from lack of fatness, Psalm 109:24. Samson on the
other hand refused to prepare for success. When the promotion came and
he became the judge in Israel, he just ate and drank. Before he knew it,
the enemies caught him and took out his two eyes. Asides spiritual
preparation one needs to learn self discipline – discipline in conduct,
words, character, time keeping, finances to mention a few. Many have
lost major breakthroughs through poor timekeeping. I know of a brother
who despite the fact that the answers he provided during a job interview
was not satisfactory still got the job all because he came an hour
early for the interview. The manager was so impressed by his timekeeping
that he decided to ignore the late comers that gave correct answers and
offer him the job. Part of preparation for success is having integrity.
David succeeded as king because of his integrity. Psalm 78:72 said he
shepherd Israel with the integrity of his heart.
KEY WORD: He who fails to prepare, prepares to fail
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
ACTING ON THE WORD
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Gen 8, Matt 8, Ezra 8, Acts 8
Matthew 14:29 so He said, “come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
BIBLE STUDIES –Matthew 14:22-33
We have been exploring the subject of Peter walking on water and how to walk on water. Walking on water to mean achieving something major in the Lord or walking on challenges (water connotes challenges of life). Present in the boat that day were twelve disciples faced with the same challenges but one way or the other Peter managed to walk on water. Also on that day were twelve men with the same opportunity to make history for Jesus but only Peter managed to achieve that. Why? Peter acted on the word of Jesus. Despite the weather, storms, anxiety and the opinions of other disciples, Peter took a bold a step to act on the word of Jesus. Anyone who will achieve something major in Jesus or walk on his challenges must be ready to act on the word of God. When you search through the scriptures, you will notice that everyone who achieved something major acted on the word of God. In Genesis 26:1-14 there was a big famine in Gerar, Isaac was about to leave for Egypt when the Lord told him to remain in a land ravaged by farming. Common sense will suggest that Isaac leaves Gerar for Egypt but he acted on the word of God and remained. The result was that in the same Gerar, Isaac prospered to an extent whereby a whole country began to envy him. When it comes to acting on the word of God, one needs to first discard common sense. One factor that has hindered so many from breakthroughs is common sense. In 2 Kings 5:1-17 is the story of Naaman the Leper. He came to the man of God and that one advised him to go and dip himself in river Jordan seven times. How can any leper in his right senses go and dip himself in a muddy river. Naaman acted on the word of the prophet of God and he was healed. In 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 is the story we all know. Two mighty nations (the Moabites and Ammonites with some Meunites) came to wage war against a Jehoshaphat (a king over a small tiny city). He ran to God and God spoke through His prophet that Jehoshaphat should go to war with only choirs; no armies or chariots. How can a man go to war with choirs? We are talking of a war not a concert! Jehoshaphat acted on the word of God and we know the end of the story.
Why should I discard common sense and act on the word of God? Hebrew 4:12 says the word of God is life and Power. The word of God is a lamp to our feet and light to our path, Psalms 119:105 .According to Jeremiah 23:29, the word of God can be likened to a fire that consumes and a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces. Isaiah 40:8 says at the end grass will wither, flowers will fade but the word of God stands forever. Most importantly, the Lord who does not need to swear swore by Himself that the word that goes out of His mouth will not return void,Isaiah 45:23. Everyone who acted on the word of God ignored their fear and anxiety and took actions. Instead of failing, they succeeded. Colossians 1:27 says Christ in you the hope of glory.
PRAYER POINT: Father I am ready to act on every your word, please send your word to me today!
Monday, 7 January 2013
DIVINE VISITATION (FULL)
Genesis 18:3 – and said “my Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass by Your servant.
Bible Reading – Genesis 18:1-33.
If you invite a king to a special function, he can decide to do any of these. Depending on the type of relationship you have with him, he can decide not to visit all if he does not know you or cannot remember who you are. If he knows you casually, he might decide to honor your invitation by sending a message of congratulations using the royal seal and envelope. If you have a good relationship with him, he might honor the invitation by sending one of the princes or chief to represent him. If you are very close to him he will do everything possible to be present at the function.
If you invite the president or a head of state to your function, his response rests on the type of relationship you have with him. Been the president he can decide to ignore it and not even acknowledge it because he is invited to several thousands of function each month. If you are popular, he might honor the invitation by sending a message of congratulations on a special card and sign it. This card is put in a special envelope you can keep to show your friends. If you are his friend and popular, he might honor your invitation by sending one of his special advisers or presidential aides to represent him but if you a president like him or operate in that realm of power, he will attend your function in person.
The type of response you get has an impact one way or the other. No response simply means no impact. If you receive a message of congratulations from the president or the king, it has an impact. You can put the congratulatory message in a frame and show it to everyone who visits you or cares to listen to you. It is an honor to receive a message of congratulations from the president. If the presidents sends one of his special adviser, this has a bigger impact because you do not have to tell your friends that the presidents delights in you; they can see it for themselves. If you are fortunate and the president or the king attends you function, you are made. During his visit, you have an opportunity to sit with him and ask him for anything you want in most cases contracts or recommendations. Not only that you can also use that opportunity to bring to his notice other things that are bothering you that are within his power as a president to sort for you. There is a lot to gain from this visit because you can actually take pictures with him and put in a frame in your office so everyone that comes to see you can see.
When we talk of divine visitation, we are talking of the Most High God honoring your invitation and visiting you. We are talking of the One who Jeremiah 11:17 calls the Lord of Host. The psalmist refers to Him as The Greatest, Psalms 97:9. Revelations 21:6 calls Him the Alpha and Omega. According to Acts 3:13, He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Psalm 24:8 says He is the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. According to Isaiah 9:6, His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. I refer to Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When you invite Him to your house, He can decide not to visit at all. Psalms 115:3 says but our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Later we will share few of the reasons why He turns down invitations but just to keep in mind that He is not obliged to honor any invitation.
He can decide to send His word. Ecclesiastes 8:4 says where the word of a King is, there is power. Jeremiah 23:29 compares His words to a fire that consumes and a hammer that breaks rock into pieces. Hebrews 4:12 says His word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. When He sends His words things happens. Psalm 33:8-9 says let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him, for He spoke and it was done. He had commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 107:20, says He sent His word and healed them. In Matthew 8:5-13, a centurion approached Jesus about his paralyzed servant. Jesus sent his word and the bible records that the servant was healed at the same hour. In Mark 4:36-39 while Jesus was asleep in a boat, there arose a great windstorm and a wave began to beat into the boat. The disciples called Jesus and He spoke just three words ‘peace be still’ and immediately the wind ceased and there was great calm. In John 11:38-45 Jesus stood by the tomb of Lazarus who had been dead for four days and sent His words into the tomb and Lazarus came out.
He can visit through visions and dreams. When He visits through visions and dreams there is revelation and release of Secrets. In Daniel 7:1-28, the Lord visited Daniel through a vision where he saw the future. Proverbs 29:18 says where there is no vision, the people perish. In 2 Chronicles 1:6-12, after Solomon’s thousand burnt offerings, God visited him in the dream to say thank you. This visitation brought expansion in all areas of his life. In Genesis 31:1-24, Jacob left the house of his master with his wives and children, and his master went after him to kill him. In the night the Lord visited Laban in a dream and told him not to harm Jacob. This revelation restored the life of Jacob because he was already a dead man. In Acts 10:10-17, the Lord visited Peter while he was fasting through a vision advising him not to discriminate against the gentiles.
He can also visit through the scriptures. He can direct your attention to a particular bible verse. As you meditate on the bible verse He will begin to minister to you through it. Psalm 119:130 says at the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119:105 says thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. When He visits through a bible verse, He imparts knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Not only that, He gives unshakeable confidence through trials. While you are going through a difficult challenge the Lord might minister to you through a verse e.g. Isaiah 41:10 which 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. Just by reading this passage faith arises and one is able to face any challenge.
He can also visit through an audible voice. In 1 Samuel 9:15-16, the Lord visited Samuel by speaking to him in his ear about Saul’s time of arrival. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, while Elijah was running away from Jezebel, the Lord visited him by speaking to him in still small voice. He can visit by sending His prophets or man of God to you. In 2 Kings 17:7-16, the Lord visited the widow of Zarapheth by sending Elijah to her. By the time Elijah left, the issue of hunger and death was permanently dealt with in that family. In 2 Kings 4:1-37, the Lord visited the great Shunamite woman by sending Elisha. She got what money cannot buy -a child. He also visited again when the boy died and Elisha prayed and the boy came back to life. In Acts 9:36-42, the Lord visited Joppa by sending Peter to them. Death had snatched Dorcas – a disciple whose ministry was looking after the sick. Peter prayed and the Lord brought her back.
There is also a physical visitation. In Genesis 18:1-33, He physically visited the family of Abraham. He sat down, ate food, chatted with them and left. In Exodus 34:1-9, the Lord visited Moses and spoke to him face to face. One of the most important of all these visits is the physical visitation. When He visits He spends time and does not leave in a haste .Also one has the opportunity to receive a healing touch from Him. Malachi 4:2 says the sun of righteousness shall arise with His healings in His wings. Abraham and Sarah received a healing touch when God visited because after that day, the body of Abraham which was dead came back to life and the womb of Sarah that was as dead as stone conceived. Moses also received this touch because at the age of one-twenty, the bible records that he was in perfect health, Deuteronomy 34:7.
When He physically visits, one also has an opportunity to make any request of choice to Him. Abraham requested that if ten righteous men were found in Gomorrah and Sodom that the Lord should show mercy and the Lord said ok, Genesis 18:21-33. When God visited Moses, he requested that the Lord should go among the children of Israel, Exodus 33:9. One very important thing is that when He visits, His glory rubs on you. Prior to God’s visit, Moses was just an ordinary man who people really did not respect but after the divine visitation no one could look into the face of Moses because his face was shining like the sun, Exodus 34:32-35. The glory of God so much rubbed on Abraham that after the visit, Abraham began to operate in the office of a prophet. The Lord Himself began to refer to Abraham as a prophet, Genesis 20:7.
The question is how can I receive a visitation? To receive a visitation one needs to ask. Matthew 7:7 says ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. John 14:14 says if you ask anything in My name, I will do it. When you ask you must ask in faith. Mark 11:24 says therefore I say unto you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believed that you receive them, and you will have them. Before asking, you need to make sure you love the Lord. He only visits those who love Him. One thing with those who love Him is that they keep his commandment, John 14:15. Those who love Him are not stingy to Him because lovers give gifts to each other, John 3:16. Those who love Him are not shy of Him, they tell their friends and family about Him. Those who love Him, loves to gather with Him. Luke 11:23 says he that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Those who love Him walk hand in hand with him to win souls.
We mentioned earlier that due to a reason or two He might decide not to honor an invitation. Reason one is incomplete obedience. The Lord prefers no obedience at all to half obedience. Revelations 3:16 says so then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold not hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. It is either we are hot for Him or cold, He hates half service. Reason 2 is the presence of sin. This is why we need to go before Him for forgiveness before asking Him to visit us. If you have not giving your life to Christ, if you ask Him to visit He might not even hear because of the presence of sin. So why not give your life to Him so that He can cleanse you from your sins.
The bible says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What is this gift? John 3:16 says for God so the loved the world that He have His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What can I do to be saved? Romans 10:9 say if you confess with your mouth, that Jesus s Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 says for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with our mouth we confess and 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 10:32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
Bible Reading – Genesis 18:1-33.
If you invite a king to a special function, he can decide to do any of these. Depending on the type of relationship you have with him, he can decide not to visit all if he does not know you or cannot remember who you are. If he knows you casually, he might decide to honor your invitation by sending a message of congratulations using the royal seal and envelope. If you have a good relationship with him, he might honor the invitation by sending one of the princes or chief to represent him. If you are very close to him he will do everything possible to be present at the function.
If you invite the president or a head of state to your function, his response rests on the type of relationship you have with him. Been the president he can decide to ignore it and not even acknowledge it because he is invited to several thousands of function each month. If you are popular, he might honor the invitation by sending a message of congratulations on a special card and sign it. This card is put in a special envelope you can keep to show your friends. If you are his friend and popular, he might honor your invitation by sending one of his special advisers or presidential aides to represent him but if you a president like him or operate in that realm of power, he will attend your function in person.
The type of response you get has an impact one way or the other. No response simply means no impact. If you receive a message of congratulations from the president or the king, it has an impact. You can put the congratulatory message in a frame and show it to everyone who visits you or cares to listen to you. It is an honor to receive a message of congratulations from the president. If the presidents sends one of his special adviser, this has a bigger impact because you do not have to tell your friends that the presidents delights in you; they can see it for themselves. If you are fortunate and the president or the king attends you function, you are made. During his visit, you have an opportunity to sit with him and ask him for anything you want in most cases contracts or recommendations. Not only that you can also use that opportunity to bring to his notice other things that are bothering you that are within his power as a president to sort for you. There is a lot to gain from this visit because you can actually take pictures with him and put in a frame in your office so everyone that comes to see you can see.
When we talk of divine visitation, we are talking of the Most High God honoring your invitation and visiting you. We are talking of the One who Jeremiah 11:17 calls the Lord of Host. The psalmist refers to Him as The Greatest, Psalms 97:9. Revelations 21:6 calls Him the Alpha and Omega. According to Acts 3:13, He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Psalm 24:8 says He is the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. According to Isaiah 9:6, His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. I refer to Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When you invite Him to your house, He can decide not to visit at all. Psalms 115:3 says but our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Later we will share few of the reasons why He turns down invitations but just to keep in mind that He is not obliged to honor any invitation.
He can decide to send His word. Ecclesiastes 8:4 says where the word of a King is, there is power. Jeremiah 23:29 compares His words to a fire that consumes and a hammer that breaks rock into pieces. Hebrews 4:12 says His word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. When He sends His words things happens. Psalm 33:8-9 says let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him, for He spoke and it was done. He had commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 107:20, says He sent His word and healed them. In Matthew 8:5-13, a centurion approached Jesus about his paralyzed servant. Jesus sent his word and the bible records that the servant was healed at the same hour. In Mark 4:36-39 while Jesus was asleep in a boat, there arose a great windstorm and a wave began to beat into the boat. The disciples called Jesus and He spoke just three words ‘peace be still’ and immediately the wind ceased and there was great calm. In John 11:38-45 Jesus stood by the tomb of Lazarus who had been dead for four days and sent His words into the tomb and Lazarus came out.
He can visit through visions and dreams. When He visits through visions and dreams there is revelation and release of Secrets. In Daniel 7:1-28, the Lord visited Daniel through a vision where he saw the future. Proverbs 29:18 says where there is no vision, the people perish. In 2 Chronicles 1:6-12, after Solomon’s thousand burnt offerings, God visited him in the dream to say thank you. This visitation brought expansion in all areas of his life. In Genesis 31:1-24, Jacob left the house of his master with his wives and children, and his master went after him to kill him. In the night the Lord visited Laban in a dream and told him not to harm Jacob. This revelation restored the life of Jacob because he was already a dead man. In Acts 10:10-17, the Lord visited Peter while he was fasting through a vision advising him not to discriminate against the gentiles.
He can also visit through the scriptures. He can direct your attention to a particular bible verse. As you meditate on the bible verse He will begin to minister to you through it. Psalm 119:130 says at the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119:105 says thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. When He visits through a bible verse, He imparts knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Not only that, He gives unshakeable confidence through trials. While you are going through a difficult challenge the Lord might minister to you through a verse e.g. Isaiah 41:10 which 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. Just by reading this passage faith arises and one is able to face any challenge.
He can also visit through an audible voice. In 1 Samuel 9:15-16, the Lord visited Samuel by speaking to him in his ear about Saul’s time of arrival. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, while Elijah was running away from Jezebel, the Lord visited him by speaking to him in still small voice. He can visit by sending His prophets or man of God to you. In 2 Kings 17:7-16, the Lord visited the widow of Zarapheth by sending Elijah to her. By the time Elijah left, the issue of hunger and death was permanently dealt with in that family. In 2 Kings 4:1-37, the Lord visited the great Shunamite woman by sending Elisha. She got what money cannot buy -a child. He also visited again when the boy died and Elisha prayed and the boy came back to life. In Acts 9:36-42, the Lord visited Joppa by sending Peter to them. Death had snatched Dorcas – a disciple whose ministry was looking after the sick. Peter prayed and the Lord brought her back.
There is also a physical visitation. In Genesis 18:1-33, He physically visited the family of Abraham. He sat down, ate food, chatted with them and left. In Exodus 34:1-9, the Lord visited Moses and spoke to him face to face. One of the most important of all these visits is the physical visitation. When He visits He spends time and does not leave in a haste .Also one has the opportunity to receive a healing touch from Him. Malachi 4:2 says the sun of righteousness shall arise with His healings in His wings. Abraham and Sarah received a healing touch when God visited because after that day, the body of Abraham which was dead came back to life and the womb of Sarah that was as dead as stone conceived. Moses also received this touch because at the age of one-twenty, the bible records that he was in perfect health, Deuteronomy 34:7.
When He physically visits, one also has an opportunity to make any request of choice to Him. Abraham requested that if ten righteous men were found in Gomorrah and Sodom that the Lord should show mercy and the Lord said ok, Genesis 18:21-33. When God visited Moses, he requested that the Lord should go among the children of Israel, Exodus 33:9. One very important thing is that when He visits, His glory rubs on you. Prior to God’s visit, Moses was just an ordinary man who people really did not respect but after the divine visitation no one could look into the face of Moses because his face was shining like the sun, Exodus 34:32-35. The glory of God so much rubbed on Abraham that after the visit, Abraham began to operate in the office of a prophet. The Lord Himself began to refer to Abraham as a prophet, Genesis 20:7.
The question is how can I receive a visitation? To receive a visitation one needs to ask. Matthew 7:7 says ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. John 14:14 says if you ask anything in My name, I will do it. When you ask you must ask in faith. Mark 11:24 says therefore I say unto you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believed that you receive them, and you will have them. Before asking, you need to make sure you love the Lord. He only visits those who love Him. One thing with those who love Him is that they keep his commandment, John 14:15. Those who love Him are not stingy to Him because lovers give gifts to each other, John 3:16. Those who love Him are not shy of Him, they tell their friends and family about Him. Those who love Him, loves to gather with Him. Luke 11:23 says he that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Those who love Him walk hand in hand with him to win souls.
We mentioned earlier that due to a reason or two He might decide not to honor an invitation. Reason one is incomplete obedience. The Lord prefers no obedience at all to half obedience. Revelations 3:16 says so then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold not hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. It is either we are hot for Him or cold, He hates half service. Reason 2 is the presence of sin. This is why we need to go before Him for forgiveness before asking Him to visit us. If you have not giving your life to Christ, if you ask Him to visit He might not even hear because of the presence of sin. So why not give your life to Him so that He can cleanse you from your sins.
The bible says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What is this gift? John 3:16 says for God so the loved the world that He have His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What can I do to be saved? Romans 10:9 say if you confess with your mouth, that Jesus s Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 says for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with our mouth we confess and 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 10:32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
HOW TO CULTIVATE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (FULL VERSION )
Amos 3:3 – can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
The lives of many believers can be compared to a man who owns a small farm. He works on the farm year in year out and gets just enough to live off this farm. Unknowingly to him or knowingly, underneath his farm is oil and if only he would dig deeper, he would become very rich and will be able to afford the good things of life but he prefers to just farm at the surface. The man represents many Christians today and the field represents the Holy Ghost. The oil represents the riches in Christ. If only we will dig deep we will have oil. Instead of been Christians in poverty we will be Christians with the riches of God.
Who is the Holy Ghost? Holy Ghost is the same as the Holy Spirit. The scriptures refer to the Holy Spirit as God, stating in Acts that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God, Acts 5:3-4 , and Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16 that the temple of God is the temple of the Holy Spirit. He is coupled in equality with names of God in Christ, as Matthew writes, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19-20). He is omnipotent, Luke 1:35. He is omniscient which Paul tells us saying, “The Spirit knowing all things, searching, even the deep things of God.” (I Corinthians 2:10-11). In Psalms 139:7- 10, David spoke of the Holy Ghost as been omnipresent because everywhere he went the Spirit was there. The Holy Ghost was part of creation. Genesis 1:2 says and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Job said “the Spirit of God has made me”. (Job 33:4). Holy Spirit is responsible for Regeneration (John 3:5-8); Resurrection (Romans 8:11) and the distribution of spiritual gifts according to his will, 1 Corinthians 12: 4,7,11. The Holy Spirit is eternal, always existing as Hebrews 9:14 calls Him the eternal Spirit. (E.g. Genesis 1:2; Revelations 22:17).
The Holy Spirit is a personality, not a ‘power ‘or a ‘force’ like electricity. We say someone has personality when he/she speaks and hears; thinks and reasons; feel and has emotions; and decides, has a will, and self determination. In John 16:13, we read that He both hears and speaks. (E.g. Revelations 2:7; Acts 10:19, 20; Matthew 10:20) His actions include helping us, interceding for us with a mind and will (Romans 8:26-27); leading us and giving us commands (Matthew 4:1; Romans 8:14 ; Acts 8:29); guiding and comforting us (John 16:12-13 ; Acts 9:31) ; appoints people for God’s work (Acts 13:2, 4, 20:28); testifies of Jesus (John 15:26; Acts 5:32; Hebrews 2:4, 10:15; Romans 8:16, 9:1; 1 John. 5:6-8); teaches believers and reveals things to them (John 14:26; Luke 12:12) ; being insulted or blasphemed (Matthew 12:31-32; Hebrew 10:29); being lied to, tempted, and resisted (Acts 5:3-4, 9, 7:51); and giving power (Acts 1:8; Luke. 4:14; Matthew 12:28).
The Holy Spirit also has emotions, He can be grieved or vexed (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30) or pleased (Acts 15:28).
Why does the believer need the Holy Spirit today? The Holy Spirit gives the believer supernatural ability. The list of the supernatural ability that the Holy Spirit gives to the believer are:
1. He gives supernatural power to be a witness for Jesus ( Acts 1:8; Luke 24:48; Romans 15:13-19)
2. He gives supernatural ability to pray ( Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 ;Ephesians 6:18 ;Jude 20)
3. He pours natural love unto our hearts (Romans 5:5,15:30)
4. He gives supernatural anointing to recognize truth 1 John 2:20,27; 2 Corinthians 1:21)
5. He is the supernatural sealing for eternal life, Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 4:30)
6. He gives supernatural ability to cope with life , and endurance in trial and persecution ( Matthew 10:20;John 13:12-13 ; Acts 4:8,31;7:55-60)
7. He is the gateway to the supernatural (Charismatic gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Hebrews 6:4 and Revelations 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).
8. He is the supernatural Teacher and “remembrance” of all things ( Luke 12:12 ; John 14:26 , 1 Corinthians 2:13)
9. He is the supernatural comforter (translated –helper, intercessor, stand-by advocate, counselor, instructor, patron, John 14:16-17 ;Acts 9:31)
10. He is God’s supernatural pledge , earnest, guarantee until we receive our heavenly possession, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14)
11. He gives supernatural leadership, supernatural guidance ( Luke 4:1;Romans 8:14,16,9:1;Acts 16:6-10)
12. He gives supernatural (physical ) health ( Romans 8:11)
13. He gives supernatural sanctification i.e. making us holy , (Romans 15:16 ; 1 Corinthians 6:11,19;3:16 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13 )
14. He gives supernatural boldness and power of God in our lives ( John 16:14 ;7:39;15:26;Acts 2:32-35)
15. He is the constant abiding presence and power of God in our lives, John 14:16-17 ; 1 John 2:27; Luke 12:12)
16. He gives supernatural power of preaching – 1 Peter 1:12 and demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5
17. He gives supernatural insight and interpretation of scriptures – 2 Peter 1:20-21 and spirit of prophecy – Revelations 19:10
18. He Is instrumental in conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment ( John 16:7-10)
This is by no means an exhaustive list. The Holy Spirit does much more than all these today in the life of the believer, the local church and the world.
Why do we need to cultivate a relationship with Him? First of all a relationship with Him can be cultivated because He is a personality. An experience of been filled with Holy Spirit is not sufficient enough to know Him. We can know Him better every day of our lives.
How does one cultivate a relationship with Him? Amos 3:3 says can two walk together except they agree? No. For two to walk together they need to do some agreeing . Firstly they need to agree on direction, if a man is going north and the other is going south they cannot walk together. They need to agree on destination and route. To walk with the Holy Ghost, there needs to be agreement on the direction, destination and route. It is either we want to go in His direction, to His destination following His route or not. The Spirit filled way is a holy way. He will never dwell in an unholy life. He does not require a Holy place to come in but He requires you be willing that the place should made holy after He comes in. The Holy Spirit does not come to a man to make him famous or make a celebrity out of him or reputation. He comes to make a man holy and make him gifted and enable him to witness, Acts 1:8. You can only be filled the Holy Spirit if you are willing to be meek, docile, and humble. The very desire to be a celebrity or publicity or to be known abroad cancels the work of God on man to destroy flesh and to make him whole. The greatest gift of the Holy Spirit is a meek and a docile heart. The Holy Spirit wants to educate, domesticate and meek you.
To walk with the Holy Spirit there should be oneness between us and the Spirit of God. One in outlook, hope and thought. Fellowship is oneness with the Holy Spirit. To cultivate a relationship with the Holy Ghost, you need to be one with Him (understand and surrender to Him).
How to cultivate a daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit?
1. Develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The dove (representing the Holy Spirit) from heaven is so gentle and sensitive, he will never force himself on you. Moses’ face shone and he did not know it (Exodus 34:29); the Lord left Samson and he did not know it, Judges. 16:20. In the same way, the Spirit comes as a dove to rest upon us and we need to spend time in his presence to detect what grieves or pleases him. He soothes, He comforts, calls us by name and can even give you a pet name. Daily times of devotion, silence and solitude are indispensable, Psalm 46:10. Practice living in God’s presence moment by moment.
2. Cultivate fellowship with the Spirit through conversation. Greet the Holy Spirit each morning. Ask him questions. Invite him to help you constantly as you face your challenges. Freely share your joys and sorrows with him. Build a habit of referring decisions to him. At first it may look awkward as you seem to hear no reply. Understandably, it will be slower for you to make decisions, but it is just because you have not yet learnt to identify his language and symbols. He communicates all the same, and you grow gradually into understanding what he is saying.
3. Grow in daily fellowship with the Spirit as you read and react to the scriptures. Invite him to open your understanding whenever you turn to the scripture. (Ephesians 1:17) Discipline yourself to have a daily quiet time of meditating on the scriptures. Satan blinds our understanding. (2 Corinthians 4:4) The Holy Spirit opens it. He gives deeper insight and conviction. Invite him to empower you to obey the scriptures.
4. Build intimacy with the Holy Spirit through prayer. Invite him to help your weakness during times of prayer. He knows and prays according to the will of God. Ask for his anointing to make two-way praying possible. He helps to intensify your prayer. Pray in the Spirit. (Jude 20, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 13-15)
5. Increase your friendship with the Holy Spirit through passion for him. Love God’s Spirit for Himself. Be more interested in the Spirit than in his gifts and what you can get out of him. Tell him you love him. Sing songs to him as you would to a friend. Enjoy his company. Get interested in His interests and avoid grieving and quenching him. Commit yourself to cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Do not love the world.
6. Partner with the Holy Spirit in ministry. Invite him to minister with you as you preach, teach, witness, or lead the people of God. Ask for his anointing and words taught by the Spirit. (1 Cor. 2:3-5, 13) Co-operate with him concerning your fields of ministry. (Acts 16:6, 7; 8:29) Invite him to chair your meetings. (Acts 15:28) Spend time in the company of those filled with the Spirit. Let spiritual songs be around you and in your heart.
Cultivating daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit is an exciting adventure that takes time and effort but is worth it.
The first step into cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit is giving your life to Christ.
The bible said in Romans 3:23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 :23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3:16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10: 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.
Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church
Samuel Oluwatoki
Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10:32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
The lives of many believers can be compared to a man who owns a small farm. He works on the farm year in year out and gets just enough to live off this farm. Unknowingly to him or knowingly, underneath his farm is oil and if only he would dig deeper, he would become very rich and will be able to afford the good things of life but he prefers to just farm at the surface. The man represents many Christians today and the field represents the Holy Ghost. The oil represents the riches in Christ. If only we will dig deep we will have oil. Instead of been Christians in poverty we will be Christians with the riches of God.
Who is the Holy Ghost? Holy Ghost is the same as the Holy Spirit. The scriptures refer to the Holy Spirit as God, stating in Acts that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God, Acts 5:3-4 , and Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16 that the temple of God is the temple of the Holy Spirit. He is coupled in equality with names of God in Christ, as Matthew writes, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19-20). He is omnipotent, Luke 1:35. He is omniscient which Paul tells us saying, “The Spirit knowing all things, searching, even the deep things of God.” (I Corinthians 2:10-11). In Psalms 139:7- 10, David spoke of the Holy Ghost as been omnipresent because everywhere he went the Spirit was there. The Holy Ghost was part of creation. Genesis 1:2 says and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Job said “the Spirit of God has made me”. (Job 33:4). Holy Spirit is responsible for Regeneration (John 3:5-8); Resurrection (Romans 8:11) and the distribution of spiritual gifts according to his will, 1 Corinthians 12: 4,7,11. The Holy Spirit is eternal, always existing as Hebrews 9:14 calls Him the eternal Spirit. (E.g. Genesis 1:2; Revelations 22:17).
The Holy Spirit is a personality, not a ‘power ‘or a ‘force’ like electricity. We say someone has personality when he/she speaks and hears; thinks and reasons; feel and has emotions; and decides, has a will, and self determination. In John 16:13, we read that He both hears and speaks. (E.g. Revelations 2:7; Acts 10:19, 20; Matthew 10:20) His actions include helping us, interceding for us with a mind and will (Romans 8:26-27); leading us and giving us commands (Matthew 4:1; Romans 8:14 ; Acts 8:29); guiding and comforting us (John 16:12-13 ; Acts 9:31) ; appoints people for God’s work (Acts 13:2, 4, 20:28); testifies of Jesus (John 15:26; Acts 5:32; Hebrews 2:4, 10:15; Romans 8:16, 9:1; 1 John. 5:6-8); teaches believers and reveals things to them (John 14:26; Luke 12:12) ; being insulted or blasphemed (Matthew 12:31-32; Hebrew 10:29); being lied to, tempted, and resisted (Acts 5:3-4, 9, 7:51); and giving power (Acts 1:8; Luke. 4:14; Matthew 12:28).
The Holy Spirit also has emotions, He can be grieved or vexed (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30) or pleased (Acts 15:28).
Why does the believer need the Holy Spirit today? The Holy Spirit gives the believer supernatural ability. The list of the supernatural ability that the Holy Spirit gives to the believer are:
1. He gives supernatural power to be a witness for Jesus ( Acts 1:8; Luke 24:48; Romans 15:13-19)
2. He gives supernatural ability to pray ( Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 ;Ephesians 6:18 ;Jude 20)
3. He pours natural love unto our hearts (Romans 5:5,15:30)
4. He gives supernatural anointing to recognize truth 1 John 2:20,27; 2 Corinthians 1:21)
5. He is the supernatural sealing for eternal life, Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 4:30)
6. He gives supernatural ability to cope with life , and endurance in trial and persecution ( Matthew 10:20;John 13:12-13 ; Acts 4:8,31;7:55-60)
7. He is the gateway to the supernatural (Charismatic gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Hebrews 6:4 and Revelations 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).
8. He is the supernatural Teacher and “remembrance” of all things ( Luke 12:12 ; John 14:26 , 1 Corinthians 2:13)
9. He is the supernatural comforter (translated –helper, intercessor, stand-by advocate, counselor, instructor, patron, John 14:16-17 ;Acts 9:31)
10. He is God’s supernatural pledge , earnest, guarantee until we receive our heavenly possession, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14)
11. He gives supernatural leadership, supernatural guidance ( Luke 4:1;Romans 8:14,16,9:1;Acts 16:6-10)
12. He gives supernatural (physical ) health ( Romans 8:11)
13. He gives supernatural sanctification i.e. making us holy , (Romans 15:16 ; 1 Corinthians 6:11,19;3:16 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13 )
14. He gives supernatural boldness and power of God in our lives ( John 16:14 ;7:39;15:26;Acts 2:32-35)
15. He is the constant abiding presence and power of God in our lives, John 14:16-17 ; 1 John 2:27; Luke 12:12)
16. He gives supernatural power of preaching – 1 Peter 1:12 and demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5
17. He gives supernatural insight and interpretation of scriptures – 2 Peter 1:20-21 and spirit of prophecy – Revelations 19:10
18. He Is instrumental in conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment ( John 16:7-10)
This is by no means an exhaustive list. The Holy Spirit does much more than all these today in the life of the believer, the local church and the world.
Why do we need to cultivate a relationship with Him? First of all a relationship with Him can be cultivated because He is a personality. An experience of been filled with Holy Spirit is not sufficient enough to know Him. We can know Him better every day of our lives.
How does one cultivate a relationship with Him? Amos 3:3 says can two walk together except they agree? No. For two to walk together they need to do some agreeing . Firstly they need to agree on direction, if a man is going north and the other is going south they cannot walk together. They need to agree on destination and route. To walk with the Holy Ghost, there needs to be agreement on the direction, destination and route. It is either we want to go in His direction, to His destination following His route or not. The Spirit filled way is a holy way. He will never dwell in an unholy life. He does not require a Holy place to come in but He requires you be willing that the place should made holy after He comes in. The Holy Spirit does not come to a man to make him famous or make a celebrity out of him or reputation. He comes to make a man holy and make him gifted and enable him to witness, Acts 1:8. You can only be filled the Holy Spirit if you are willing to be meek, docile, and humble. The very desire to be a celebrity or publicity or to be known abroad cancels the work of God on man to destroy flesh and to make him whole. The greatest gift of the Holy Spirit is a meek and a docile heart. The Holy Spirit wants to educate, domesticate and meek you.
To walk with the Holy Spirit there should be oneness between us and the Spirit of God. One in outlook, hope and thought. Fellowship is oneness with the Holy Spirit. To cultivate a relationship with the Holy Ghost, you need to be one with Him (understand and surrender to Him).
How to cultivate a daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit?
1. Develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The dove (representing the Holy Spirit) from heaven is so gentle and sensitive, he will never force himself on you. Moses’ face shone and he did not know it (Exodus 34:29); the Lord left Samson and he did not know it, Judges. 16:20. In the same way, the Spirit comes as a dove to rest upon us and we need to spend time in his presence to detect what grieves or pleases him. He soothes, He comforts, calls us by name and can even give you a pet name. Daily times of devotion, silence and solitude are indispensable, Psalm 46:10. Practice living in God’s presence moment by moment.
2. Cultivate fellowship with the Spirit through conversation. Greet the Holy Spirit each morning. Ask him questions. Invite him to help you constantly as you face your challenges. Freely share your joys and sorrows with him. Build a habit of referring decisions to him. At first it may look awkward as you seem to hear no reply. Understandably, it will be slower for you to make decisions, but it is just because you have not yet learnt to identify his language and symbols. He communicates all the same, and you grow gradually into understanding what he is saying.
3. Grow in daily fellowship with the Spirit as you read and react to the scriptures. Invite him to open your understanding whenever you turn to the scripture. (Ephesians 1:17) Discipline yourself to have a daily quiet time of meditating on the scriptures. Satan blinds our understanding. (2 Corinthians 4:4) The Holy Spirit opens it. He gives deeper insight and conviction. Invite him to empower you to obey the scriptures.
4. Build intimacy with the Holy Spirit through prayer. Invite him to help your weakness during times of prayer. He knows and prays according to the will of God. Ask for his anointing to make two-way praying possible. He helps to intensify your prayer. Pray in the Spirit. (Jude 20, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 13-15)
5. Increase your friendship with the Holy Spirit through passion for him. Love God’s Spirit for Himself. Be more interested in the Spirit than in his gifts and what you can get out of him. Tell him you love him. Sing songs to him as you would to a friend. Enjoy his company. Get interested in His interests and avoid grieving and quenching him. Commit yourself to cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Do not love the world.
6. Partner with the Holy Spirit in ministry. Invite him to minister with you as you preach, teach, witness, or lead the people of God. Ask for his anointing and words taught by the Spirit. (1 Cor. 2:3-5, 13) Co-operate with him concerning your fields of ministry. (Acts 16:6, 7; 8:29) Invite him to chair your meetings. (Acts 15:28) Spend time in the company of those filled with the Spirit. Let spiritual songs be around you and in your heart.
Cultivating daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit is an exciting adventure that takes time and effort but is worth it.
The first step into cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit is giving your life to Christ.
The bible said in Romans 3:23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 :23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3:16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10: 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.
Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church
Samuel Oluwatoki
Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10:32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
THE LORD THAT HEALETH THEE
Exodus 15:26 – And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
The word healing suggests the presence of sickness. Sickness by definition is a state of being diseased. Disease means to be at dis –ease. There are various forms of sicknesses, we have:
- Sickness physically - Examples include the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years (Mark 5:22-34); the woman who was bent over for eighteen years (Luke 13:11-13) and the man who was sick with an infirmity for thirty – eight years (John 5:1-16).
- Sickness financially - Examples include the wife of the sons of the prophet who her creditors decided to take her sons as slaves to cater for debt ( 2 Kings 1-7) ; the widow of Zarapheth who had only a meal to eat and die with her son ( 1 Kings 17:7-16) and the case of national poverty in Samaria that resolved in mothers eating their children ( 2 Kings 6:13 -2 Kings 7:19)
- Sickness Emotionally- Proverbs 13:12 talks of a heart been sick as a result of delayed hope ; Hannah suffered from bitterness of heart because she was barren and Peninah her rival made life difficult for her ( 1 Samuel 1:10) ; the aged widow of Nain was in great emotional pain and could not be comforted as her only son –her joy was dead and about to be buried ( Luke 7:12-15)
-
Sickness in Relationship - while everyone was getting married
Isaac was still single at the age of forty (Genesis 25:20) ; the woman
who had a flow of blood for twelve years was single and lonely because
her illness made her unclean – no one was permitted around her ( Mark
5:22-34) and we do not need to reminded that the mad man of Gadara was a
bachelor , who in her right senses will live with a man who resides in
tombs ( Mark 5:1-19) ?
- Sickness in the area fruitfulness - Sarah was married for over thirty years and at the age eighty –nine she was still barren (Genesis 18); the great Shunamite woman was physically fit but she had no child (2 Kings 4:8-17).
- Sickness spiritually – the presence of demons in a life causes sickness spiritually. The man with one demon was sick (Luke 11:14); Mary Magdalene who had seven demons (Luke 8:2) was more sick and the mad man of Gadara had a legion demon was completely sick (Mark 5:1-19).
- Sickness in business or profession – Peter (a professional fisherman) knew failure like the back of his hands. He failed repeatedly; every time he cast his net all he found was zero (Luke 5:1-7).
- Sickness Intellectually – Solomon knew absolutely nothing. The man even agreed that the brains were not just there ,no wonder when the opportunity came to make a request he asked for knowledge (2 Chronicles 1:6-10) ; David his father even agreed that his son was wet behind ears ( 1 Chronicles 22:5).
- There are other forms of sickness for example in 2 Kings 2:19-22 we see sick water. It is also possible for an individual to be sick In more than one area of life .The woman with the flow of blood was physically sick; financially sick as she had spent all her money and yet she was still sick; emotionally sick as she was lonely and sick in relationship because no one could come near her as she was unclean. The mad man of Gadara was sick at a different level. Physically he was sick, financially he was sick, emotionally he was sick, relationship wise he was sick, spiritually he was sick, he had no profession, no children and intellectually he was zero. This man had the whole package of sickness.
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.
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
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.
1. Total freedom. After the wind blew in Exodus 14:1-31, the Israelites went from been slaves to been free men and women. In the case of the widow of the sons of prophet in 2 Kings 4:1-7, she became debt free. After the wind blew in Genesis 8:1, Noah who had been hiding in an ark could now walk about.
2. One begins to sing a song of victory. The first thing the Israelites did when they got their victory was compose a new song. A country who had been singing - Lord deliver me, Lord deliver me , suddenly began to shout- He has given me victory , I will lift Him higher, Jehovah , I will lift Him Higher.
When you read through the scriptures, you will notice that before the wind blows, there is always a cry to heaven. Almost every time, a cry precedes the wind. A cry goes to heaven and God sends the wind. The Israelites cried in Exodus 14 and the wind followed. They cried again in Numbers 11 and the wind blew. Noah must have been crying to God in Genesis 7 before the wind blew. I do not believe He sat down in the ark doing nothing for 40 days. Today your cry must first ascend to heaven before the wind follows. I can assure you that as you cry to Him today, He will send the wind. Once the wind begins to blow everything against God will be uprooted and that is certain. If one is not a friend of God, am afraid the wind might uproot them once it begins to blow. Who are the friends of God? They are those who obey Him – John 15:14. If an individual is against God, the wind might not be favorable to them. How do you know those that love God? They obey Him – John 14:15. Luke 11:23 says He that is not with Me is against Me: and He that gathereth and not with Me scattereth. I remember several years ago after I had just given a big offering – big according to my standard then, maybe small to you .I began to pray that the Lord should send His wind and the Holy Spirit and said if the wind should be blow you will be the first to fall. Honestly back then, there were one or two people I had not forgiven and was not evangelizing. Now I am wiser.
If the wind should blow and you are still living in sin it can be disastrous. If there is anyone reading this newsletter and is yet to give his or her life to Jesus or was once born again but has backslidded, Please come back to Christ today. He is faithful and just to forgive. Ezekiel 18:32 says “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God “therefore repent and live!”
The bible said in Romans 3 v 23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 s 23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3 v 16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10vs 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10 v 10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.
Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church
Samuel Oluwatoki
Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10 v 32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
Friday, 9 November 2012
BEAUTY FOR ASHES
Isaiah 61:3 says to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes , the oil of joy for mourning , the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness , the planting of the Lord , that He may be glorified.
Ashes represent a lot of things .In 2 Samuel 13:6-19, it stands for shame, humiliation, disgrace and disappointment. After Tamar - the young virgin princess was raped by her step brother she sprinkled ashes on her head to mark her shame, disgrace, disappointment and embarrassment. Ashes can also mean a sad end or destruction. Most likely an end caused by fire. Malachi 4:3 says you shall trample the wicked for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet. Ashes at times indicate the presence of terrible sicknesses. After satan struck Job with painful boils in Job 2:7-8, he sat in ashes. Ashes can be used to define a man of no status or worth. Abraham compared himself to ashes and dust in Genesis 18:26-27, when he was appealing to God to have mercy on the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. Job also echoed the same words in Job 30:19, he said “He has cast me into the mire, and I have become like a dust and ashes. Ashes during fasting and prayers can signify a desperate cry for help. The appointed time for the liberation of Jerusalem had come and gone but nothing happened. In Daniel 9:3, Daniel covered himself in ashes and began to seek the face of God over the liberation of Jerusalem. A synonym for ashes is mourning.
In Isaiah 63:1 God promised that He will console those who mourn and will give them beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness that He may be glorified. God is not gloried in your predicaments. He is not glorified in your failure or sickness. He is not glorified when things are not going well for you. He wants to help you and will help you in Jesus name, Amen.
Who is this God that promised to give beauty for ashes? How powerful is He? What are His limits? This God is known as the Most High, Psalm 99:2 .Psalms 97:9 says He is higher than the Highest. Luke 1:37 confirms that with Him nothing is impossible. According to 99:1, when He reigns the earth has no choice than to tremble. Psalm 97:5 says mountains melt like wax before Him. Matthew 3:9 says He is so powerful he can even bring children out of stones. Psalms 62:11 says power belongs to Him. Isaiah 13:13 says He is able to shake the heavens and the earth will move out of her place. Job 9:6 says He shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble.
This God is able to comfort in mourning. According to John 14:26, He is the comforter. Isaiah 66:13 says He is able to comfort like a mother .2 Corinthians 1:4 says He comforts in all troubles. The psalmist says His comfort delights souls, Psalm 94:19. Asides comforting people, He is able to turn situations around. Psalms 30:11 says He turns mourning into dancing and exchanges sackcloth with garment of gladness. Isaiah 61:3 says He is able to exchange mourning for oil of joy. Immediately Jesus raised the son of the widow in Luke 7:11-17, she went from mourning into dancing. In 2 Kings 4:18-37 is the popular story of great Shunamite woman. After her son died, she ran to the man of God and began to cry, she started rolling on the floor, begging the prophet to do something. She forgot she was highly respectable in the society , she just cried and cried and the Lord touched her son . Immediately the Lord brought the dead boy back to life and tears dried up and began to smile again. I pray that the Lord will touch your situation and turn it around in Jesus name.
Aside from turning mourning into dancing, He is able to turn sickness into health. Exodus 15:26 calls Him the great healer. Jeremiah 30:17 says He is able to restore health and heal wounds. According to Psalms 147:3, He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 103:3 says He heals all disease. In Luke 5:12-13, a man covered with leprosy fell before Jesus and began to implore him to have mercy and heal him. Jesus touched him and immediately his skin became like that of a new born baby soft, tender and began to shine. Also in Luke 13:10-17 is the story of a woman who had not stood straight for eighteen years. She had a problem with her spine and for eighteen years she remained bent. The woman went through great pains for eighteen years but immediately the great healer – Jesus laid His healing hands on her, right on the spot she was made straight. In John 5:1-16 is the story of a man who had been sick for thirty eight years. For thirty eight years his life was at a standstill. Jesus told him to take up his bed and walk. The man stood up as if nothing had happened to him. He did not stagger or anything. He just began to walk normally.
He can also turn death to life .Only the living can resurrect the living. It is impossible for dead to raise the dead. Revelations 1:18 says Jesus is alive forever. According to John 11:25, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. John 14:6 says He is the way, the truth and life. John 1:4 says in Him was life. John 5:21 says He is able to give life. In Mark 2:1-12, a man whose body was dead was brought to Jesus. The only part of his body that was alive was his head, the other part was dead that was he was so heavy that four men were required to carry him around. Immediately Jesus prayed for him, life was restored to his entire body.The man that was carried in with four men suddenly stood up and began to walk. In John 11:1-45 is the story of Lazarus who was not only dead but brain dead. Immediately Jesus called his name, death let go of him and he came back to life.
God is also able to restore victories to those who have been beaten down by life situation. He is able to help those that are burnt by life. Those that life has treated unfairly; victims of circumstances. He is also able to make a man victorious. Exodus 15:3 calls Him a Man of war. Isaiah 42:13 describes His moves like that of a mighty man. Psalms 24:8 calls Him the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. According to Psalm 46:7, He is the Lord of Host .Isaiah 59:19 says when the enemy comes in like a flood; the spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Jabez was a man who life had been unfair to. Because of his name , life battered him daily but one day he cried to God in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 and God came to his rescue. He changed his name and everything started moving on fine.
Asides all this, God is able to give new beginning and turn situations around. To those who see themselves as worthless, to those who the world sees as nobody, to those who have no voice in the family, to those who are invisible despite been amidst a crowd, God is able to turn situations around. He is able to make the one who the world ignores to become the one people will sit and listen to. He is able give you beauty for ashes. According Ecclesiastes 3:11, He is able to make a thing beautiful. The lame man at the beautiful gate was invisible all his life. No one really noticed him, because he was a nobody, sick and very very poor. One day in Acts 3:1-12, two servants of God walked to him, grabbed him by the hands and from that day onward people began to run to hear his story of victory. Why? Because the Most High had given him beauty for his ashes.
Before the Lord promised to give a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, oil of joy for mourning, ashes to beauty, He first addressed the cause of ashes. He addressed the reason for spirit of heaviness and mourning. Isaiah 59:1 says behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear. Isaiah 59:2 says but your iniquities have separated you from your God and your sins have hidden His face from you. Brethren, God is closer to us than the clothes we wear .It is sin that makes it look like He is miles away. It is sin that makes us cry for help and get no response. Isaiah 30:19 says God will be gracious when we cry for help. As soon as He hears us, He will answer. Isaiah 65:24 says before they call, I will answer and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Sin blocks Him from hearing us. As we have read in Isaiah 59:2b it is sins that makes it look like He has hidden His face from His people. From time to time, Jesus will tell people go and sin no more, why? Because sin brings problems and disappointment.
If there is anyone reading this newsletter and is yet to give his or her life to Jesus or was once born again but has backslidded, Please come back to Christ today. He is faithful and just to forgive. Ezekiel 18:32 says “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God “therefore repent and live!”
The bible said in Romans 3 v 23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 s 23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3 v 16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10vs 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10 v 10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.
Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church
Samuel Oluwatoki
Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10 v 32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Controller of Season
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says to everything there is season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
According to Ecclesiastes 3:2-9 , there are different types of seasons for example a time be born and a time to die ,a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance to mention a few. One major difference between heaven and earth is that in heaven there is only one season. Why? Because the Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2) resides in heaven. Also the Bright and Morning star (Revelations 22:16) resides there. Psalm 16:11 says in the presence of God is fullness of joy.
According to Daniel 2:21, the Controller of Season is God. There are few things we need to know about the Controller of Season. He is very powerful. Psalms 62:11 says power belongs to Him. He is so powerful He can shake the heavens and the earth will move out of its place – Isaiah 13:13.Luke 1:37 says with Him there is no impossibility. When He says yes no one can say no- Psalms 33:9.
His presence alone can change seasons. Psalm 16:11 says in the presence of God is the fullness of joy. Psalm 21:6 says in His presence is exceeding gladness. His presence can put an end to a season of fruitless effort. In Luke 5:1-7, Peter fished all night and caught nothing but immediately Jesus jumped on his boat he cast his net and caught so much fish to the extent two boats began to sink. His presence puts an end to a season of death. In 2 Kings 2:19-22, the presence of Elisha (man of God) cured water that was synonymous with death. Also His presence puts an end to a season of lack. The widow in 1 Kings 17:7-16, had only a meal left to eat and die during famine. Immediately Elijah stepped into her house, she was not only able to feed her herself and her son but to feed an extra mouth through the period of famine.
His words can change seasons. Psalms 33:9 says once He speaks it is done. In Genesis 1:3, He said let there be light and there was light. His word can heal. Psalm 107:20 says He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. In John 5:1-16, Jesus told a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years to rise up and walk and the man did immediately. His word can deliver. In Mark 5:1-20 is the story of the terror of Gadara. A man who was so possessed that he could break chains .Jesus simply issue the word and all the demons in Him left.
Also His touch can change seasons. Malachi 4:2 says present in His wings are healing virtue. Anyone who touches Him or anyone He touches is made whole immediately. In Mark 5:25-34 a woman who had hemorrhage touched the hem of his garment and she was healed on the spot. His touch can bring multiplication In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus touched five loaves of bread and two fishes and multiplication began. After 5000 men had been fed not counting the women and children, there were twelve baskets left.
There are several ways He can change our seasons. He can inspire us to do something specific that will lead to our breakthrough. He inspired Solomon to give a thousand burnt offering in 2 Chronicles 1:6,Solomon obeyed and He moved from been an ordinary king to become the richest king that ever lived. He inspired the great Shunamite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-17 to begin to feed a man of God, she obeyed and her seasons changed. She went from been a barren woman to a mother of a baby boy.
By showing us mercy our seasons automatically changes .Psalm 103:11 says as the heavens are high above the earth so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. Jeremiah 42:12 says when He shows a man mercy, the whole world will begin to show such a man mercy. He can use fire to change season. In 1 king 18:1-46, God used fire to change the season in Samaria. Because they disobeyed God the heaven was shut, for three years there was no rain. After Elijah called down fire on Mount Carmel, the next thing that followed was rain.
He can use wind to change seasons. In Exodus 14:21, He used a strong east wind to part the red sea for the Israelites. Immediately the Israelites crossed to the other side a new season of freedom began. In Numbers 11; 31, God used wind to bring quails for the children of Israel when they requested for meat. Asides wind He can use earthquake to change seasons. The early church after the day of Pentecost went through a season of fear. The lack boldness but when they gathered in Acts 4:31 to request for boldness, there was an earthquake and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and the spoke the word of God with boldness. Paul and Silas found themselves in a season of bondage in Acts 16:25. The Most High sent an earthquake and their chains were broken in immediately.
There are factors that affect the seasons in our life. One of them is our mentality. Romans 12:2 says be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Gideon saw himself as a nobody. He remained in the season of been a nobody until the angel of the Lord told Him he was somebody in Judges 6:11-15. So also Saul, he saw himself as a tall farm boy .He did not walk into his season of kinship until Samuel told him there was more to him than just been a tall guy.
Another factor is laziness. It does not matter how prayerful a man is, if he is lazy things will not change. Proverbs 10:4 says lazy hands makes a man poor. Proverbs 22:29 says a man who see is diligent will stand before king. Jeroboam was born as a common man but because he was hardworking, Solomon promoted in 1 kings 11:28 to the officer in charge of the all the labor force of the house of Joseph. By the time we get to 1 Kings 12:20, the whole nation of Israel gathered and made him king.
One major factor is sin. Sin is terrible Jeremiah 5:25 say sin withholds good from us. David went from the palace to living in caves all because of adultery. Uzziah went from the palace to leper’s colony all because of pride – 2 Chronicles 26:20-21.
The Controller of seasons is alive. Luke 20:38 calls Him the God of the living and all the living live to Him. Revelations 22:13 calls Him the First and the Last, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending.
Another thing to note is that the Controller of Seasons wants to help you. Jeremiah 29:11 describes His thoughts towards us as thoughts of peace and to give us an expected end. Psalms 40:5 says His plans for us are too many to count. One thing that hinders God is sin. Isaiah 59:1-2 says Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you.
The first step to deal with sin is by giving our life to Christ so that He can wash us clean from our sins and put in us the spirit of God. If you have not given your life to Christ or you have before in times past but you have back slidded, please return to Him today.
The bible said in Romans 3 v 23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 s 23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3 v 16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10vs 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10 v 10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth that you confess and are saved.
Pray this prayer from your heart today!
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.
Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church.
Samuel Oluwatoki
Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10 v 32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.
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.
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