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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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 LORD THAT HEALETH THEE

                       

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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