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Pastor's DeskExpectation
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Saturday, February 22 2014
We all agree or believe that love is a good, required and a sought-out thing in every life. However, what we might not all readily agree on is the definition of love i.e. “what love is”. Is love the warm touchy-feely feeling a person has when he is with a familiar person? Is love on all fours as depicted by the numerous Hollywood Actors in their films and real live scenarios? Can the greatest love be “ to love yourself”? According to the Bible, love is caring in action. Love is not what we feel, or think, or what we say, but more of what we do.
The true meaning of love, as defined in the Bible, is far way-off from what love is portrayed to be in this generation. Love is grossly corrupted in the common usage of our language, culture, relationship and the society. Most often, love is confused with infatuation and lust - the instantaneous high feeling one gets when one "falls in love." Meanwhile, this kind of "love" is something that is transient, temporal, short-lived, and unless replaced by genuine love, results in despair, disappointment, disillusion, divorce, hatred, murder, abandoned relationships etc.
The Bible indicates that love is from God and that "God is love." Love is one of the primary characteristics of God. Likewise, God has endowed us with the capacity for love and to love, because we are created in His image. This capacity for love is one of the reasons that validate the fact that we are created in the image of God.
The Greek language uses two different words to describe and define love. The most commonly used Greek word translated "love" in the New Testament is "agape." This love is represented by God's love for us. It is a non-partial, sacrificial love probably best exemplified by God's provision for our rebellion: "For God so loved (agape) the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:16. The gift of God's son as a provision for sin was given to all humans, regardless of who we are. God's love is unconditional.
In contrast, our love is usually conditional and based upon how other people behave toward us. This kind of love is based upon familiarity and direct interaction. The Greek word "phileo" defines this kind of love, often translated "brotherly love." Phileo is a soulish (connected through our emotions) kind of love. Agape love requires a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, since the non-regenerated soul has no capacity to love unconditionally. Agape love gives and sacrifices, expecting nothing back in return.
A famous biblical chapter on love has this narration: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” -1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Herein stated is the description of agape love. It is described as being patient, kind, truthful, unselfish, trusting, believing, hopeful, and enduring. It is not jealous, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, or angry. True love never fails. The description perfectly fits God's love toward us, and should be the way we love one another. The Bible says that this unconditional love is more important than everything else. Love is eternal and the basis of eternal life. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus said, “thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, this is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”.
To a very large extent, a normal person’s desire will be to express love as defined in the Bible. However, wanting to do so and attempting to do so in the power of one’s will, is guaranteed to fail. This kind of love is only possible by relying on the power of God, through faith in Jesus Christ. Even if you are a Christian, you will not succeed if you do not abide in Christ. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ, amen.
Sunday, January 05 2014
We bring you greetings in the name that is above every other name, Jesus Christ the son of the living God.
As children of God, we are created to be people of vision, who live by vision, driven by vision and exist by and through vision. We are wired to see beyond the ordinary, reach the unreachable, believe the unbelievable, and think the unthinkable, to venture into the supernatural and the extra-ordinary by the power of God’s vision in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
God had a vision of where He intended to take Abraham and God knew how to get him there. All Abraham had to do was to trust and walk by faith as God ordered his steps. God knew us before we were ever formed in our mother’s womb – Jeremiah 1:5; God owns us - 1 Cor 6:20; God knows what He intends for us, He knows the plans and the purpose He has for us – Jeremiah 29:11. Like Abraham, it is important we believe that God's vision can be a reality in our lives.
We may have been through some storms in life, but God’s plan stands. He has a vision that will take us to mountain peaks we’ve never scaled before, show us things we’ve never seen before, and do through us what He’s never done before. It may have been a long dark night, but morning break bright and fair. Your position in life will be different in a year’s time; you will be at a different age, experience and relationships. The question is, "Where will you be?
The New Year is traditionally a time to forget past mistakes and make resolutions. Sometimes these resolutions and vows spring out of our good objectives. Beloved, let's have more than a yearly resolution; let's have a vision for our entire life. May I ask? Do you have a vision from the Lord? ?" God has a vision - plan. Do you know what that vision - plan is?
Praise God! By His abiding faithfulness, renewed mercies and ceaseless compassions, it is that special season of the "Ministry of God’s WORD" when the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Hope of Glory Parish, host its Annual Glory Summit. By His special grace of inspiration, the theme for this year’s Summit is:
“Prospering in God’s Vision” 2 Chronicles 26:5; Acts 26:19.
Saturday 18th, 2:30pm – 5:30pm 1. Biblical Vision-fulfilling Principles – Seminar
2. No more Vain Vision - Ezekiel 12: 23-25
Sunday 19th, 2:30pm – 5:30pm 1. Vision to Action – Acts 16:9
2. Vision of Heaven – Acts 26:19
“Life is a journey and every journey has a destination. People generally end up somewhere in life; however fewer people end up somewhere on purpose.” It is our prayer that the good Lord will enable you to be part of “The Blessing” in this season, amen.
Looking forward to receiving you!
Solomon Adelaja.
Tuesday, March 05 2013
“And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers , A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you..” Acts 3:17-22
If I may ask, what is the most refreshing thing you can imagine or think of? As faces differ so also will the answer to the question. For some people, it might be a bottle of Coke! For others, perhaps, it might be a glass of cold water. Yet for others, it can be good belly laughter, singing from the heart, strolling or walking along the beach etc. The list is endless!
However, of all the refreshing experiences we can ever think or find - nothing can compare to the renewal of the mind and of the spirit that is found in the presence of God. It is a Biblical fact - proved, tried and tested. Indeed, we can continually be refreshed, if we cultivate and keep the right relationship with God.
Nevertheless, the question is, how can maintaining a right relationship with God affect our lives? This we shall see from the living word of God by the help of the Holy Spirit as we examine Acts 3:17-22. Embedded in this passage are some thoughts that if recognised and gleaned together will result in a condition of a refreshed spirit and soul.
Worthy of note in the passage is the mention of ignorance. Vs. 17 says first of all, “through ignorance you did it”. Ignorance in whatever form, be it spiritual or physical is a barrier to a state of being refreshed. It was such an issue that God says “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”. Whenever the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. The first thing Peter emphasised among the people was the extent of their ignorance in relation to the identity of Jesus, His purpose and what is previously written about Him. There is always a kind of refreshing, liberty and fulfilment whenever the power of ignorance is broken in any area of one’s life. The Scripture says - the truth you know will set you free. It is my prayer that the power of the Holy Ghost will put to flight every iota of ignorance in our lives.
Another thing pointed out in the passage is the issue of sin. Vs.19 says “Repent….” To repent means more than to feel sorry for the bad things we have said or done. It involves a determination “to change”. Embedded in repentance is an attitude of a sober mind and a sober reflection – remorse. It is demonstrated by turning away from that which is offensive to God and turning to God. It goes beyond a mere emotional response. It is a realisation back up by action in the right direction.
Ultimately, true and genuine repentance always results in a desired change. This scenario was well played out when Peter preached to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost. Notice their responses in Acts 2:37 “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” What can we do about our “ignorance” as expressed in the way we have treated God via His Son? Peter gave them the answer: “Repent, let God change your life, and receive His forgiveness”. This shows that repentance will lead to a realisation, and a realisation will prompt a call for action. This action however, will bring about a “conversion” and the benefit of such a conversion will be “times of refreshing” from the presence of the Lord.
All disobedience is sin! I pray that we will recognise our ignorance, repent and turn away from our crooked ways so that times of refreshing will flow into our lives like never before.
Another fact mentioned is to be converted. Vs.19 says, “and be converted.” It is not enough for us to turn away from sins; as we turn away from sin, we must turn to God. Nature abhors vacuum. Many people who have at one time or the other desired times of refreshing from God’s presence but without same might have omitted the basics demand as revealed by Peter - admitting our own disobedience and turning away from it.
When we turn away from sin and turn to God - conversion, He has promised not only to cleanse us of our sins but to bring spiritual refreshing. Turning away from sin may initially appear painful as it is hard to break away from old habits and to give up certain sins. However, by the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us.
Whenever there is sin in our lives, there is automatically, a kind of wall or barrier that brings a separation between us and God. It was so with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. But the truth is, even when and where we have failed and sinned against God, His love for us is still intact. However, He loves us so much more than to allow us to remain in that condition of sin. The Scripture says “He chastises those Whom He loves”.
Also in the passage is the place of recognising and trusting Jesus - V.20 says “He will send the Christ, who has been appointed for you, even Jesus.” Jesus had already come and lived, died, and rose again. However, He remains the one Who was, Who is and Who is to come. The scripture says “He is the same yesterday, today and forever”. The best way we can demonstrate our reliance on Jesus is as instructed by Moses “the Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Consider the line of Peter’s message to the people – If they will repent and turn to God, then, will God send His Messiah to them. The evidence of turning to God is demonstrated in the way we trust and obey Him.
It is of paramount importance that we are not just hearers of what Jesus says, but most importantly, doers of what He says. If we cultivate the habit of staying close to Him, we will develop the habit of hearing Him and by the help of the Holy Spirit; we will receive the grace to do whatever He instructs us to do.
Saturday, January 05 2013
The Exceeding Grace of God in you
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” Colossians 1:27-28
Brethren, it is that period of the Year once again when we gather in one accord at the “Glory Summit” – Season of the Ministry of the Word of God. By His grace and divine enablement, the theme for this year’s Glory Summit is “The Exceeding Grace of God in you”. It promises to be, an awesome period at the feet of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.
As a prelude to Glory Summit 2013, I will like us to examine together the purpose of exceeding grace, the key to operating in such an awesome dimension of grace and how to activate it.
A common definition of Grace is “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense”. It has also been defined as “the unmerited favour of God”. "Grace" is the English translation of a Greek word Karis which means "that which brings delight, joy, happiness, or good fortune." It is from the Greek word ‘Charis’ the modern word Charity is derived. A unique characteristic of Grace from both the Old and the New Testament perspectives is that grace is a divine enablement to operate in the power of Holy Spirit (God’s love) such that one is able to fulfil divine purpose in a way pleasing and acceptable to God.
Meanwhile, before we proceed to look into the purpose of exceeding grace, let it be mentioned here that: Grace is not by works! (Romans 11:5-6, John 1:16-17). Exceeding grace is a limitless grace, wonderful grace, surpassing grace, extraordinary grace or simply put - grace that exceeds the ordinary dimension.
Also worthy of note as with all things is the acknowledgement of God as the source of grace. Grace is the divine enablement to do so many wonderful things which we would not have ordinarily been able to do, mainly the ability to respond rightly to God’s divine invitation. Grace therefore, commences its good work in you when you give yourself totally to God. This is amplified by the Churches of Macedonia in 2 Corinthians 8: 1-5 “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much in treaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord and unto us by the will of God.” Giving is an attribute of God. Man naturally is selfish and always wants to be on the receiving side. For you to give as a way of life, you need the grace of God. God is able to make the giving grace come on you abundantly. It is a fact that as a result of the present state of the economy of nations, unbiblical attitude to money, greed, self-aggrandizement, and discontentment, the act of giving as we know it today is a far cry from that practiced in the Bible. It is my prayer that God will give us a generous heart towards others and the fullness of grace that will draw others to learn of His exceeding grace in us.
The exceeding grace of God in you is a gift from God. It is freely given to as many that desire it. Grace is such a glorious gift that Apostle Paul as highly educated, broad minded and rich in words that he was, at best could only describe it as indescribable, unspeakable, inexplicable, free gift. 1 Corinthians 4:7 says “For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” Once it is not freely given nor freely received, it cannot be grace! And because you yourself have freely been given, the same mystery allows you without labouring to freely give all things – “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved” 2 Corinthians 12:15
Coming to the purpose(s) of exceeding grace, let us see together what we can glean from the Churches of Macedonia:
1. The ability to live the life of Christ in total Obedience: We were saved by grace through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ so that we can live for Him. 2 Tim 1:9 – “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began”. As established above, the people of Macedonia first gave themselves to God in total obedience and as such, they did not find it difficult to give their substance willingly.
2. The ability to love others Christ’s way: Grace unlocks depths of compassion and a generous spirit. "Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality" (2 Corinthians 8:1-2). The love that took Christ to the cross is the same love that grace enables us to express towards mankind. (John 3:16, 1John 3:16)
3. The enablement to labour tirelessly, sacrificially and continually: As a result of the release of grace upon the Church, there was an unending flow of riches of grace borne out of labour of love. 1 Cor 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” Gal 4:19 “My little children, for whom I labour in birth again until Christ is formed in you” Heb 6:9-12 “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”
As we have been saved by grace, salvation brings us into a covenant Father-son relationship with God by adoption. (John 1:12, Romans 8:15). Son-ship gives us access into all that the Father has including exceeding grace. (Romans 8:14-17) However, activating exceeding grace requires:
A. Humility: James 4:6 “But he gives more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
B. Faith: Faith opens us up to the reality of God’s existence and thus connects us to the workings of His grace. Heb 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”
C. Obedience: A life yielded to the Spirit of God & Obedience positions us as recipients of exceeding grace. Abraham obeyed God and he had access to abundant grace. (Romans 8:14, Hebrews 11:8)
Grace is the beginning of everything for us, and with us, so Grace is the continual basis of everything to the end. What is true at the beginning is true throughout the whole life of the child of God What Grace begins, Grace carries on, and Grace crowns.
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ”. 1 Peter 1:13 - Grace is brought by revelation; Revelation will propel Restitution, Resurrection, Repositioning, and Renovation.
Prayer Focus: Dear Lord of exceeding grace, I thank you for generously sharing the riches of Your grace with me. Lord Jesus by Your grace, please give me a generous heart towards others and flood my life with such fullness of grace that others will be drawn to learn more of Your exceeding grace in me. Amen
Friday, November 02 2012
“And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.” Acts 3:5
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.” Psalms 62:5
We all at one point or the other expect things from different sources. It may be from above – God, superiors, parents etc; it may be from below – nature, subordinates, children etc; or from sideways – colleagues, friends, well-wishers etc. Expectation or anticipation as it can as well be called is a state of looking forward to “something” good or bad. The scripture says in Proverbs 10:28 “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.”
Expectation, if directed well and in line with the will and word of God could result in a potent weapon of victory. It could act as a watershed for divine breakthroughs. It could become a link or a bridge between “substance” of faith and physical manifestations of that substance.
Expectation is like a magnet that draws the things we expect into our lives. We must be disciplined in the areas of our thoughts, imaginations, speech, actions, in-actions, re-actions etc as these are the doors of expectations - Galatians 6:7 says “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” It is of a paramount important that we avoid evil deeds and by so doing, we will avoid the things we do not desire and raise our expectations concerning the things we desire.
What we do not expect we cannot receive. It is expectation that precedes divine visitation, which gives rise to divine manifestation. Expectation always precedes manifestation. In Pro 23:18, the Bible says for surely there is an end and thine expectation shall not be cut off. It is therefore, so unfortunate the spirit of passivity has such a strong grip on many children of God, that even after attending powerful prayer meetings and listening to the word of God, they still remain the same because of lack of expectation.
Our expectation serves as odour of sweat smelling sacrifices that command the attention of heaven and cause the book of remembrance to be opened in our favour. Lack of expectation can open the door for the enemy to come in and paralyse your hope, which automatically leads to discouragement, disappointment, despondency, dis-enchantment etc.
Expectation is very crucial. The lame man at the beautiful gate in Acts Chapter three looked up to Peter and John; he had the spirit of expectancy as he was expecting to receive from them. At the end he received more than he thought in his heart because he had a spirit of expectancy. Ephesians 3:20 says “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”. God usually exceed our expectation through and in Christ Jesus. The lame man asked for alms (money) but He that knows the perfect gift for us at all times caused divine instructions to be given to him through Peter. He asked – alms; he obeyed –instructions; he expected - manifestation.
Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
May I ask you a question? What are your expectations right now? Having answered, please be rest assured that God is more than able to meet and surpass those expectations. One thing is needful, believe in His son and be expectant. I encourage you to commit such into the hands of the Almighty God and wait for Him to do what He will do in His own time and for His own glory.
Do your part and do it very well. Be determined by His mercies and grace to heed the laws of Divine Expectation and be mindful of the keys that triggers the actualization of such expectations. Please consider, ponder and meditate on some of those keys listed below, it shall be well with you!
1. Ask in His name
2. Embrace, confess, possess and Soak yourself in the WORD of God
3. Be obedient to His Will and to His WORD
2. Soak yourself in prayers
3. Maintain your integrity
4. Be a giver, rather than a receiver – sacrificial giving
5. Do away with anything that is less than excellent in your life
6. Have and exercise the spirit of expectancy
Prayer Points
1. Let every power tying me down to one spot receive the judgment of God in Jesus name.
2. Let every barrier of limitation assigned against me be scattered in the name of Jesus.
3. Let every power, word, thought, imagination, counsel assigned against me backfire in the name of Jesus.
4. Let every power expecting my obituary be paralyzed, neutralized, defeated and condemned in Jesus name.
5. My expectations for good shall not be cut off in the name of Jesus.
Always remember, expectation is the mother of manifestation.
Wednesday, August 01 2012
God in His perfect purpose, determined direction and never-changing nature is doing a “new thing” as always among His people this season. In His infinite wisdom and sovereignty, God is taking actions and as expected, some new things will happen; He is the unchangeable changer, the one Who was, Who is and Who is to come; the same yesterday and today and forever more.
Whenever God is going to do a new thing, most of the time, it requires major changes in the lives and circumstances of the beneficiaries. That was the reason prophet Isaiah by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote to the children of Israel at a period in their lives when they were experiencing general discontentment, discouragement, disappointment, disillusion and despondency in Isaiah 43:18-19 “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”. They had lost so much and they were also still far from the land that God had promised them through their fathers – Abraham, Isaac and Israel.
In the midst of the pathetic and seemingly hopeless situation, God in His infinite mercies was working out a good work – “new thing” for the children of Israel. Meanwhile, for the new thing to be made manifest, God wanted His people to forget the former things. From this we realise that the first thing we must do in the anticipation for a new thing is to effect a change of focus – we must quit looking behind and start looking ahead. Verse 18 says forget the former things - don’t dwell on the past.
As you read along, my question to you this hour is - are you ready for God to do a "new thing" in your life? Are you ready for Him to rain on your parched land? Do you want Him to renew your heart and soul and perhaps your vision? I can assure you that He wants to do just that if only you can believe!
The question is - how can we allow God to do "a new thing" in our lives? Let us consider some keys that Apostle Paul highlighted when he says in Philippians 3:13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" This is what Isaiah meant when he said "Remember ye not the former things".
One of the keys to walking into newness of life from the above scripture when Paul says “this one thing” is in the ability and enablement to remain focused. Simple as it may sound - to be focused if well balanced will bring some glorious values as listed below into our lives:
- Ability to choose only that which is important: Paul said “this one thing I do…”when you focus solely on your goal, your goal will begin to define you and shape your look. It will become the uppermost in your mind. Apostle Paul became so engrossed in his goal.
- Ability to possess a futuristic outlook: Paul says “reaching forward to those things before him…” He channelled all his energies to things ahead and not exerting his energies on things behind him.
- Ability to persevere: Paul says “I press on…” He kept pressing on and kept persisting.
- Ability to remain stable: Paul says “toward the goal for the prize”. He knows what he wanted and he kept at it, not wavering.
If we are ever going to move on to new things in Christ, we must understand that we cannot depend on whatever was in the past. The children of Israel had many victories in the past - the exodus from Egypt, the conquering of the land of Canaan and the numerous wars fought and won. However, these victories in themselves could not bring the much needed “new thing”. The Israelites needed a new work, a new miracle, a new victory from God. Apart from not allowing past benefits, successes and victories to becloud our need for a new thing, we must also not allow our past failures, hurts, sorrow, shame to rub us of future testimonies in Christ. The children of Israel on numerous occasions had failed God miserably but God did condemn them for their past. The past could not be undone. Instead God extended the hand of hope to them. God was in effect saying: Forget about your past -- I am giving you an opportunity to start all over again. Beloved, I strongly believe in my heart that the same applies to us in this generation. Isaiah 55:7 says “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
Brethren, you must also realise that having focus is not enough as your focus must be aligned to what God wants you to see and His will for your life. You must see yourself precisely the same way God sees you. What do you see when you view your life, your situation, your circumstance? Do you see possibilities or problems? If you can see the power of God’s possibility you are focusing well and if otherwise, you are focusing wrongly. Like the children of Israel, you can view your past with all its storms, sorrows, regrets, failures; your present and all the problems, pressures or you can focus on the future, taking God at His word for the new thing He has promised you.
You may feel like your past has made your life a wasteland but in Christ, your life can become a stream of life. You may feel you are in a desert you cannot navigate away from, but God in His infinite mercy will make a way and show you the way. God is able to transform the desert areas of your life into fields of blessing and abundance. He can transform a dried and useless life into a life of purpose and grace as He did in the valley of dry bones- Ezekiel 37.
The greatest step into enjoying the new thing God wants to do in your live is for you to be committed to His plan and purpose – Jeremiah 29:11. God has already set in motion a new direction and a new purpose for your life -- will you follow Him? Psalms 95:7-8 says “For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion...Do you know Him and have you surrendered your life to Him. Is He the Lord over your life and does He reign and rule in your life? Make a wise choice and a destiny fulfilling decision – Accept Him today as your personal Lord and Saviour.
Jesus is Lord!
Sunday, July 01 2012
The author of Hebrews compared the Christian life to a race. He was definitely not talking about a short race, but instead, he was referring to a marathon - a race that requires preparation, stamina, determination and endurance.
In this age when runners in the Christian race are overwhelmed in the face of challenges, pressures, trials, turmoil, temptations etc - I want us to examine and discover together some important steps that are given in Hebrews 12: 1-3, which will certainly help us to remain in the race we are engaged in as Christians.
Hebrews 12: 1-3 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
I don’t know what you are facing presently as you run your race, but I do know that minding those things revealed in these verses will help us to be runners who are pleasing to the Lord, so that at the end of the race, we could boldly and unashamedly say with Apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim. 4:7
Please note with me some of the things we must guide against that will enable us to avoid falling, failing, faltering, fainting or fumbling in the race!!
Guide against Discouragement
In Exodus 6:9, we saw Moses relating the word of the Lord to the children of Israel who did not hearkened to him because of anguish of spirit (discouragement) and for cruel bondage. Discouragement is something that we all live with from time to time. As such you must not allow the pressures and burdens of life to overwhelm you and cause you anguish of spirit. 1 Peter 4:12-13 says "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy". See Luke 18:1; Galatians 6:9.
Discouragement is a killer. It has caused many to backslide, to turn away from the truth, turn their back to God and many have quit on God. John Calvin said this about his life, "In addition to the immense troubles by which I am so sorely consumed, there is almost no day on which some new pain or anxiety does not come." Spurgeon also had this to say about his own battles with discouragement, "Discouragement ... creeps over my heart and makes me go with heaviness to my work.... It is dreadfully weakening."
Be like David who preached to himself; see Psalm 42:5. He also encouraged himself in the Lord his God, see 1 Sam 30:6.
Guide against Disaster
We are to lay aside every weight that encumber and anything that would hinder us from running effectively. Whatever has more of us than Jesus in our lives will have to go, if we are to run well! Whatever takes your attention, your time, your resources, your strength, much more than Jesus takes is a weight in your life. See 1 Cor. 6:12.
We are to lay aside the besetting sins that entangle and those things that are of particular problem for us as individuals must be dealt with. We are to remove ourselves from their presence, company, surroundings etc. See Psalm 1:1-3. We must avoid disaster from the encumbrances of life and the entanglements of sin in our pursuit of a glorious eternal reward.
Guide against Distractions
This requires patience - we are told to "run with patience the race which is set before us". We are not running a short distant race, we are running a marathon! You can be slow, but be determined to be steady. As we run this race, we are to keep ourselves focused - such that discouragement, disaster, distractions, deceptions can all be ruled and reigned over.
Be Jesus-Person focus - "Looking unto Jesus." Isa. 45:22. We were brought into the race by looking unto Jesus, we can therefore only continue successfully in the race by keeping our eyes on Him. Not only has He gone through the way, He is the way. We should not allow the failures, failings and faltering of some to cause us to stumble or hinder us from the race. The only way we can run well is for us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus.
Be Jesus-Performance focus - Not only should we keep our eyes on the Lord's person as we run, but also on His performance. As we run the race of life, let us take courage in the fact that Jesus Christ had already passed this way. As we run and face the pressures of life, we have Him to help us along the way, Heb. 4:15-16.
Guide against Deceptions
We need to objectively and determinedly deal with "self". We must avoid the presumption or the thought that we can do it by our power, strength, earthly wisdom, knowledge, etc. see 2 Cor. 3: 4-6. We must vigorously and at all times refuse lies and deceits from "others". The Bible enjoins us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, see Philippians 2:10. We must avoid unnecessary measuring, matching, comparing of efforts, results and achievements. The Scripture says comparing themselves to themselves they are not wise see 2 Cor. 10:12. We must as a matter of fact discourage and run away from "praise singers". When you are praised, please don't inhale it. If possible avoid it completely. Don't allow people to hail you to hell. Until the ultimate time when He will say to us - "well done, good and faithful servant" see Matthew 25:23, we should keep occupying, keep up the good works; keep waiting; watching and walking along the old ancient rugged path - see Jeremiah 6:16.
Monday, June 04 2012
"And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abraham drove them away." Genesis 15:11
In the "parable of the sower" Jesus explained to us that the birds that came to pick at, snatch away, and devour that which was sown represents the wicked one. I believe that in the story of Abraham above we see the same thing happening.
Abraham prepared his sacrifice and waited for a sign of acceptance from Jehovah so that he can enter into his divine inheritance, but scavengers came to pick at Abraham's offering to the Lord. Thank God Abraham was watchful, alert, expectant, and not sleeping the sleep of death, such that he was able to drive away the "spiritual spoilers".
Brethren, in our own lives, we need to guide against the same thing happening. When we bring our offerings to the Lord, we must not allow the birds of despair, sorrow and discouragement to pick at us.
When it is time of worship or time of prayer, we must guide against the demons of doubt and destruction from circling over our heads, looking for an opportunity to swoop down and scavenge our sacrifices to the Lord; thereby rubbing us of rewards/blessings available in Christ Jesus for us as children of the most high God.
Abraham made it known to us that when the birds start swooping, we are to start swinging. When doubt and despair come to pick at our hearts and minds, we must pick up the sword of God's truth and start resisting the vultures that seek to prey on our lives.
Whenever you find yourself being preyed on by doubt, depression, discouragement, or despair, arm yourself with God's promises and start making positive confessions. Remember, whenever your heart is overwhelmed, seek the higher rock. He will sustain, uphold, restore and keep you.
In whatever area the scavengers are biting and ripping at you, lay hold and proclaim the word of truth. Connect the truth to the places those scavengers are biting and ripping at you, and you'll see the power of the Lord drive those birds away.
Abraham wasn't going to let his blessings and relationship with the Lord go to the birds, and neither should we. Our sacrifice to God today is our love to Him, and to His Word. If you see the vultures moving in to destroy that sacrifice, do you fight to drive them away? When God gives you an understanding of part of His Word, do you allow some falling angels; fake pastors; false prophets; unbelieving teachers of the Word with culture and traditions of men- discredit the precious seed of understanding given by the Spirit of God? It is high time we protect our sacrifices to God, His word must come first in our lives.
As we stand in faith and continue to wait upon the Lord in expectation of a divine revival, we must do what Abraham did - he drove away "the vultures" that came down on the carcasses. Satan always comes to steal revelation because revelation unlocks the mysteries of God and, therefore, releases the great power of God.
Look, Learn, Listen to His WORD and Live. Jesus is alive!!!
Saturday, March 31 2012
When Christ died, the court of heaven went into mourning, signified by the darkening of the sun: but when He arose, heaven and earth again put on the garments of praise and rejoicing with joy unequalled and unprecedented.
When Christ died, there was an immeasurable and incomparable earthquake, so that the earth that received Him expressed her feelings with great fear and unabated trebling. When He was restored back to the land of the living by the power of God from on high, the earth that released Him busted out with rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory in His exaltation. Job 20:15 says "He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly."
When Christ died, Heavens rejoiced that the earth might be glad. The son of man arose from the death and there was a noise and a shaking as it was in the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:7)
When Christ died and resurrected, it was and is still the joy of His friends as it was and is also the terror and confusion of His enemies.
At the birth of our Lord the risen Saviour, angels attended to Him; in His temptation angels attended to Him; in His agony angels attended to Him; upon the cross however, no angel attended to Him as He carried the sin of the world and indeed became a sin for us - 2 Cor. 5:21 "For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." As He resumed the glory He had before the foundation of the World, behold, the angels of God not only attends to Him but also worships Him.
In death, Christ in the grave was like the Ark in Dagon's temple; evil in serious contention with good, unrighteousness striving over righteousness and the power of hell rising viciously against the power of heaven. The Bible says the light shines in the darkness and the darkness could not comprehend it. In that very instant, the power of darkness seemed to rule temporarily but at last death bowed, submitted, surrendered to be ruled and reigned upon. Our Lord Jesus Christ prevailed, triumphed to the joy and rejoicing of many.
When Jesus died, He lay so long in the grave to show that He was dead and totally dead so that He might no longer see corruption as foretold by the prophet of old - Hosea 6:2. And in the thick of the darkness of the grave the sovereign God commanded Him who is the light of the word to shine forth out of the thick darkness.
AND GOD THE FATHER GAVE US A SEASON OF RESURRECTION, REVIVAL AND OF A LIVING HOPE; A DIVINE GIFT THAT SURPASSES ALL OTHER GIFTS - DIVINE RECONCILIATION - that is:
What the Lord does despite the worst we humans can do; when the Lord conquered death with His life. When death was defeated and mankind delivered from the pangs of death; when the acceptance of heavenly ordained sacrifice was made feasibly manifest to all and sundry through the divine seal of El-Shadai God.
He did this over many years ago when He arose from death on the third day. He does it spiritually today whenever He lifts us up out of our own deadness, and gives us a new and higher life. This is the revelation that will break the feverish human cycle of searching for life in things that are dead - regeneration through salvation with its power over sin and power to live a righteous life in the sight of God.
We can decide to look for the living among the dead if we want to, the Lord will let us try out every possibility for life. He will allow us to come to the conclusion individually that our ideas of life will not bring us the real life that we are looking for. He will allow us to try out many things i.e. money, cars, beauty, houses, and all kinds of physical pleasures to see if they will work.
Brethren, be rest assured that life comes only in the Lord. "For the Lord is your life," says Deut 30:20. We may turn away to other gods of money and pleasure, but we will not find life there.
However, if we turn to the Lord and his ways, recognizing that every good thing comes from the Lord, then, we will find real life. May His divine power of resurrection be at work in our lives, situations and circumstances in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Monday, March 05 2012
Joshua 1: 2-9.
God gave Israel both a leader to bring them into their promised possession and also taught them definite principles to ensure the desired success. Part of the principles is that we are to live, or walk, in the power and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
We must note that God does not bid sinners, who are dead in sins, to walk in His ways; but, He bids those of us He has given life in Christ though we were once dead in sins; to walk as Christ walked. God does not require the sinner in his spiritual paralysis to do one single work of righteousness; but having given us strength through Christ, He exhorts thus, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." (Phil. 2: 12, 13.) God enables His people to do, and He gives the desire to perform.
The land referred to above belonged to Israel by divine promise. On that ground God commanded them to "Arise and possess it." The beauties of the plain of Jericho, noted for its countless flowers, the wealth of Canaan's corn-fields, olives, vineyards, and mountains out of which they should "dig brass," spread themselves before the eyes of Israel. The brooks of water, and depths that spring out of valleys and hills, were before them. Only one thing was requisite to the enjoyment of their portion they must "Arise" and possess. Arise, believer, and enter into the blessings wherewith God has blessed us in Christ.
Israel saw their place of blessing, but river Jordan temporarily barred them out. They obeyed the word of the Lord by going forward and allowing God to deal with the difficulty. Each of us has his own difficulties in the path to claiming our possession— I pray that help will come from above.
"Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you," is a deeply practical word, but mere beholding the corn-fields did not translate to eating their fruits nor gazing on the mountains to digging out their wealth. The only condition giving by the Lord for actual possession was that they should enter, and have foot-hold on the land which He had given them. The eye directs the foot, and the further the foot goes the more the eye sees.
All is ours in Christ; but real possession becomes the portion of those who by individual contest, step by step, have won ground. God is for us. Be strong, and of a good courage. Win in the strength God gives. Get direct from Him; shun that second-hand knowledge which never avails in the day of difficulty, nor gives strength in the hour of conflict. A wise path is a prosperous one, and the prosperous path is acting wisely on the straight line of obedience to the distinct instructions of the divine word. No deviation is lawful — "Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left."
Welcome to our Month of Divine Possession. My prayer is that we shall be in the Place of His will for us, receive the Power He gives to us, that we will possess our promised possession in Jesus mighty name, Amen.
Jesus is Lord!!!
‘Sogo Adelaja
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