Divine Visitation

                                                             Divine Visitation

                        Our texts are taken from John 21:1-14, Genesis 45, 1^st Kings 5:1-8

In the gospel reading (John 21:1-14), Jesus reminds us of how much we need HIS direction in our lives; especially in difficult situations. Following HIS resurrection from the dead, the disciples had no one to direct them and decided to go back to their old way of life before they met Christ.  You see brethren that was why they labored day and night and still had nothing to show for it. It was because they had already been elevated from mere fishermen to fishers of men (Mathew 4:19).  We are sometimes like these disciples, going back to the world after we have been saved by Christ, only to discover that we don’t fit in anymore. They were rewarded for their diligence and patience by the LORD with a bountiful catch (153 fishes). When you rely on the LORD’s direction in your life, your testimony becomes extraordinary. It is my prayer that every disappointment and barrenness in your lives will give way for your testimonies. In Jesus Name.

The encounter between the prophet Elisha and the Syrian army in (1^st Kings 5:1-8) is proof that the grace of God is always available to us when it matters most. And in any situation that we may find ourselves, God’s grace is sufficient to sustain and to save us (2^nd Corinthians 12:9). Many are passing through a time of crisis; for some it’s a sort of wilderness experience where everything goes bad before it can get better. Whatever the situation you find yourself, know that it is only temporary and that joy will come in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

It is the will of God to bring us to a place of inner peace, for Jesus is the Prince of peace. So every sickness, barrenness and Afflictions should be placed at the feet of Christ on Calvary’s mountain. For by HIS stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5) and by HIS blows we are made whole. The woman with the issue of blood suffered for 12 years until Jesus showed up and changed her situation (Luke 8:43-7). I decree in the life of everyone that reads this: it does not matter how long you have struggled as long as you are willing Jesus is able to resolve all things in your life. Jesus.  Zacchaeus welcomed Christ into his home and he was restoration. Brethren all we have to do is to reach out to the LORD and HE will save you.

The last verse, Genesis Chapter 45 is not just a story about Joseph but it is a lesson on persevering against all odds. It’s all well and good for us to have faith but this passage of scripture makes us realize that Patience is the greatest virtue of all. Even when no one believed in his dream; neither Father nor brothers, Joseph endured slavery and it was only when he entered into Prison did his promotion come. Many of us need go through the wilderness. We sometimes need to patiently wait on the LORD for what HE has promised. Imagine that the lives of millions in Egypt depended on Joseph promotion from Prison to Ruler. If Joseph had given up his dream, then the Egyptians would have died of starvation. He would never have reunited with his family and the Nation of Israel would not exist today. My challenge to every one today is to find your God given destiny and persevere until it comes to pass. If only you will patiently wait on the LORD, believe in your dreams and work to make it a reality, then the world will pause to hear you speak. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers; he was falsely imprisoned but his gift became his key to the palace. Do not neglect your God-given talent but rather develop it and be patient. Many believe and wait on the LORD without hard work, such people need understand that hard work is a proof of your faith (James 2:20). Without hard work, your faith is meaningless and without substance.

Finally, divine visitation is only available to those who have an obedient heart, a listening ear and a willing attitude towards God. For us to receive from HIM we must change our attitude towards the things of the LORD. We must put God first in all things, we must also willingly put to death on the cross of Calvary, the nature of sin. For God is holy and demands holiness from those who seek intimacy with HIM. We must be willing to put aside our pride and hold on to the garments of Christ like the woman with the issue of blood.

A Hurricane is Approaching

                               

                          A  HURRICANE IS APPROACHINGFor we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living GOD. (Hebrews 10:30-31).
Brethren, it is with a heavy heart that I bring you this message, it is an urgent call from The LORD to HIS Church to put its house in order. For we are about to enter a period of tribulation and Judgement. By Judgement I mean a season of cleansing. The Church is to undergo a cleansing that is so terrible that there are no words to describe it. People of God, the return of the Master is at hand, and The LORD is seeking a people who will serve in Truth and in Spirit. The following is an account of what The LORD revealed unto me and has commanded that I share it with the Body of Christ. The reader not to ignore the contents of this message and please pass it around. May The LORD bless us as we do HIS WILL? Amen. It is the hour of reconciliation.On the twelfth of September 2015, the Word of the LORD came to me. I saw a great number of the dead littering the land. They were from all the nations of the Earth; from Africa to Europe and even Asia and the Caribbean were represented. The bodies were emanating some sort of weird smell and I noticed that this smell was infecting those living. This plague did not have any cure and the World governments could do nothing. A population of One hundred million was reduced to twenty thousand in the blink of an eye. There is going to be a great storm worse than anything this world has ever seen. People dying from strange ailments, unimaginable epidemic that would leave many homeless. Brethren, this is a call for reconciliation with our GOD; (Colossians 1:22) says “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in HIS sight, without blemish and free from accusation”. This message is not just to the unbeliever but also to the Saints of GOD; we need to draw near to HIM to ensure that we weather the storm.
“Where are the WATCHMEN? Those who are supposed to be watching over the House of GOD? Why have MY prophets become so untrustworthy? Will I still find Faith when I come?”(Luke 18:8)
Brethren, the time for reconciliation is now, The LORD wants HIS Church to be at alert and to intercede. It is a genuine call to prayer and just like the people of Nineveh in the book of Jonah cry out to GOD and HE will hear us. (Psalm 50:15) says “and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Finally, we should not neglect to pray for one another and also for our dear country Nigeria. It was revealed that the crisis rocking the Northern part of the country, would spread to the major cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt, if we do not pray for Nigeria, who will? Beloved of Christ, we are in a season of war: both spiritually and physically. The Word of GOD encourages us to put on our armour (Ephesians 6:13) so that we can stand our ground on the day of evil.

Brethren, will stand your ground and hold the fort on the battle is won? May The LORD enable us by HIS Spirit to stand our ground till the victory is won in JESUS name? Amen.For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living GOD. (Hebrews 10:30-31).
Brethren, it is with a heavy heart that I bring you this message, it is an urgent call from The LORD to HIS Church to put its house in order. For we are about to enter a period of tribulation and Judgement. By Judgement I mean a season of cleansing. The Church is to undergo a cleansing that is so terrible that there are no words to describe it. People of God, the return of the Master is at hand, and The LORD is seeking a people who will serve in Truth and in Spirit. The following is an account of what The LORD revealed unto me and has commanded that I share it with the Body of Christ. The reader not to ignore the contents of this message and please pass it around. May The LORD bless us as we do HIS WILL? Amen. It is the hour of reconciliation.On the twelfth of September 2015, the Word of the LORD came to me. I saw a great number of the dead littering the land. They were from all the nations of the Earth; from Africa to Europe and even Asia and the Caribbean were represented. The bodies were emanating some sort of weird smell and I noticed that this smell was infecting those living. This plague did not have any cure and the World governments could do nothing. A population of One hundred million was reduced to twenty thousand in the blink of an eye. There is going to be a great storm worse than anything this world has ever seen. People dying from strange ailments, unimaginable epidemic that would leave many homeless. Brethren, this is a call for reconciliation with our GOD; (Colossians 1:22) says “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in HIS sight, without blemish and free from accusation”. This message is not just to the unbeliever but also to the Saints of GOD; we need to draw near to HIM to ensure that we weather the storm.
“Where are the WATCHMEN? Those who are supposed to be watching over the House of GOD? Why have MY prophets become so untrustworthy? Will I still find Faith when I come?”(Luke 18:8)
Brethren, the time for reconciliation is now, The LORD wants HIS Church to be at alert and to intercede. It is a genuine call to prayer and just like the people of Nineveh in the book of Jonah cry out to GOD and HE will hear us. (Psalm 50:15) says “and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Finally, we should not neglect to pray for one another and also for our dear country Nigeria. It was revealed that the crisis rocking the Northern part of the country, would spread to the major cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt, if we do not pray for Nigeria, who will? Beloved of Christ, we are in a season of war: both spiritually and physically. The Word of GOD encourages us to put on our armour (Ephesians 6:13) so that we can stand our ground on the day of evil.

Brethren, will stand your ground and hold the fort on the battle is won? May The LORD enable us by HIS Spirit to stand our ground till the victory is won in JESUS name? Amen.

The Cost of Discipleship

                                          

       When purchasing a car, we not only take into consideration the initial cost of the vehicle but also the running cost (Service charges and cost of fueling the car). So is our walk with The LORD. Often times, Christians are of the opinion that once we have accepted the Lordship of Christ, we do not have any obligations to HIM or the BODY of Christ. This has been the case in many Churches and which has prompted this piece.

           Jesus said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 NIV).This means that it is the duty of every member of the BODY of Christ to spread the Good News and talk about the redemptive sacrifice that Jesus Made for the sins of the world; it should not be left to the Church alone. We are to make Disciples of other people and the cycle goes on. Let me explain something, Salvation begins when we accept Christ but that is only the beginning. Our Spirit is saved but our mind must undergo a metamorphosis-this can only be achieved through the Word as written “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV) .This is because Man is a Tripartite being (Spirit, Mind and Body); the part of us that is “born again” is our Spirit, (The real Us), The Mind has to be renewed because it is the center of all our activities. For instance, both good and bad ideas come from the mind. It must be fortified from sin by continuously studying the Word. Our bodies will be saved on the day of The LORD. It shall be transformed from its corrupt form to an incorruptible one (the same body that Christ retained after HIS resurrection).

       If we must follow HIM, we must deny ourselves (Separation from the World), take up our Cross (Live the life of a Christian Soldier) and ultimately commit to Christ for LIFE. (Matt.16:24). It is not a life for the lukewarm, it requires patience, an enduring Spirit and a commitment to Holiness. When we consider the words of Christ it makes sense, if we must decide to follow Christ or not, the decision is now. Why? Anytime from now The LORD will return and we cannot stand before HIM with an unyielding Heart. Brethren, the life of a Disciple is a life of sacrifice, a call to lay down our lives for Christ; in the same way that Jesus laid down HIS life. We cannot expect to possess God’s Kingdom without paying a price. The Apostles did, they laid down their lives so that we could receive Christ today. The question is are you prepared to do the same? It is that sacrifice that sanctifies us, protects from Sin and secure our place in GOD’s Kingdom.

       Finally Brethren, There is a reward promised by The LORD to those who lay down their lives for HIM. In (Matthew 19:27-28), HE promised that when HE had been glorified, the Twelve Apostles would sit on Twelve Thrones and would be made Judges over the Twelve Tribes of ISRAEL. How much more would HE do for us if only we were willing to pay a price?

      The Church of Christ is about to pass through Tribulation and it will require faith and endurance to be able to overcome. GOD intends for the Church to be perfect for the Bridegroom and this cannot happen unless we are willing to kneel before Christ. Brethren as we approach the End of the Ages: many Christians will deny Christ, many will become lukewarm and will hate the things of GOD. Most importantly, there also will be a huge number of Martyrs who having laid down their lives for Christ are given shelter under the Altar of the most High in Heaven. Where would do you belong? Choose wisely!

Let US Pray: Heavenly Father, may we learn from Jesus on the need to lay down our lives for others. May we store up great treasures in Heaven.  May we lay down our lives for the Church and make Disciple of all Nations starting from ourselves. As we experience trials, persecutions and challenges in our daily lives; may we not weary but rejoice for our salvation is near. IN JESUS NAME. AMEN 

Jesus Yesterday, Today and Forever!

                                       

         Imagine the above headlines saying Jesus Christ, the Son of God comes on world-wide state visit. Picture Jesus with an entourage coming in a cloud of glory bearing gifts but only for today. You may think that the above scenario is too simplistic and too repetitive to convey any meaning. Maybe, but that is what is needed in the body of Christ today, a gospel that is pure and without additives (Ephesians 4:25 NIV). We need to be focused on the most fundamental element missing in our lives today and that is, JESUS!

        We all live very busy lives. This means that we no longer spend time with the LORD anymore. We do not pray, fast or seek HIM on a daily basis any more. This has resulted in a Luke warm Church that is lacking in the Truth and Fear of the LORD (Revelation 3:16 NIV). When the King of Glory comes, will HE find you faithful? (Luke 18:8 NIV). Are you living for Christ EVERYDAY? Or are you only living for the moment? We need to live as if our lives depend on it and if as a Christian you are struggling with sin, this is the time to seek HIS help. HE is willing and able to save you but only if you are willing to let go and trust in HIM. SIN is a poison to your Spirit and impedes the flow of God’s goodness and blessings to your life-get rid of it. (Proverbs 20:27 NIV)

Brethren, that is not all, when you finally put off the “Old Man” of sin (Romans 6:6 NIV) then Jesus can be your Yesterday- for HE will give you a New beginning; Today- for HE will cover you with HIS Grace, shower you with HIS Mercies and clothe you with HIS Goodness and Forever- for HE will give you a New Destiny.

The evidence that Christ is alive and working in our lives is by the fruit we produce (John 15:16 NIV). What is this fruit? It is the love of Christ flowing from within us which transforms everyone around us. Many of us are suffering from various problems and situations that have refused to fade. It seems each time we are very close to accomplishing something great, it is plucked from our hands. Some are even forced to question the faithfulness of God in times of tribulation. We are the ones who are tired of waiting on God and HIS Promises. Do not be afraid, there is still hope.

 LOOK UP! For your help cometh from the LORD who made Heaven and the Earth (Psalm 121:2). No matter what problems you are facing in your life, JESUS is still the same yesterday, today and forever.  HE is able to provide exceedingly and abundantly all your needs, all HE asks in return is for us to have Faith. Without Faith we cannot receive from God. For if Prayer is the Key, then Faith is the Door. When you fail to believe, you shut the Door to HIS Power. Your Faith is a channel through which God’s Power can intercede in your life. The greater the faith, the greater the manifestations of HIS Power. This then creates an atmosphere for the Supernatural to become Natural.

        I don’t know what it is you want from Jesus today? But I can assure you that HE can and HE will set you free from every worry and pain if only you believe. There is no other way.

Let us pray: Father to as many that read this message, give them strength to submit themselves to the awesome Power of Christ through Faith. Let every barrenness, poverty, affliction, disease and stagnancy give way to the Glorious Might of HIS Resurrection. IN JESUS NAME. AMEN!!!

God Bless You and Have a Blessed Week

The Narrow Way by Paul Washer

                                           Paul Washer Speaking on the Narrow Way

THE INVISIBLE FOE

                                                                              THE INVISIBLE FOE

Brethren it is great to welcome us all into the year 2015. Although it is a year of great challenges and trials for both the Body of Christ and her members; I am very confident that the LORD our GOD is mighty and able to save us from all our troubles. I would like to encourage us to pray for our beloved Nigeria especially in this period of elections and economic turbulence. May the Almighty God who delivered the people of Israel from all her enemies, deliver Nigeria also. In Jesus Name. Amen.

The topic today is titled the INVISIBLE FOE. The bible reference is taken from Ephesians 6:12. It says; “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (NIV). The scripture would let us know that we are at the center of a spiritual conflict that begun before the world and humanity was formed. It is one of the greatest ongoing conflicts in man’s history, happening in an invisible realm. This war is orchestrated by rebellious angels that are responsible for diseases, famine and engineering conflicts throughout human history. Prophet Isaiah spoke of the identity of this invisible foe in Isaiah 14:12-15; “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thy heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit”. (KJV).

Long ago before Man ever was there was an attempt by a group of renegade Angels to overthrow God. Revelation 12:7-9 gives an account of the rebellion in Heaven: “Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in Heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him”. (NIV)

The name of our foe is Satan; formerly known by his angelic name “Lucifer” which means “light-bearer or Morning star”. He was an Archangel of Praise and heralded the presence of God in Heaven. This privilege allowed him to be beautified by the Glory of the Most High. He became arrogant; according to the book of Isaiah he wanted to sit above God and take for himself the worship that was due unto God. His rebellion was dealt with by the Archangel Michael, who is the Angel of War. Lucifer lost and was cast out of Heaven together with all those who joined him. When he fell he was cast unto the Earth, the bible makes it known that he did not fall directly to the physical world. He colonized Man’s Heaven or what is commonly referred to as the Spirit Realm or Heavenlies. This is so because Man consists of Spirit, Soul and Body. The Spirit was breathed into Man by God. The soul consists of all of Man’s characteristics, Emotions, desires and memories and the body allows Man to function on the natural world. So to speak Man is a Spirit, made in God’s image living in an earthly body. We only aware of this realm when we sleep, but our spirit is fully functional there all the time. The Spirit realm influences the earth and that is why Satan chose to colonize it. Jesus came to take back Man’s birthright and he victoriously accomplished that on the Cross. Satan’s total defeat will come at the end where he and his demons are cast into the lake of fire forever.

                       THE ENEMY’S DEADLY ARSENAL  

We are urged to be vigilant because the enemy is a wandering Lion seeking for vengeance (1^st Peter 5:8. NIV). There are three ways in which the enemy attacks us. He attacks us through our thoughts; this often achieved through doubt and immoral thoughts. The enemy attacks the mind/thoughts so as to distract us from God. Doing so would disconnect us from God and we begin to rely on our abilities rather than HIM (GOD). The by products are depression and anxiety which leads to an unfulfilled spiritual life. The Apostle Paul in the book of Romans 12:12 states that “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. We are encouraged to continually renew our minds by study of God’s word. I would also encourage us to be cautious of the things we meditate upon, music we listen to, movies we watch especially those with pornographic content. These things could pollute our minds.

When it comes to words the bible makes us know that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45. NIV). Put another way, our words are products of our thoughts. This is one of the reasons why most people who think negatively or immorally never say anything positive. They must first change their thinking. Most people entertain fear, doubt and discouragement and as such can never say/do anything contrary because WHAT YOU THINK DRIVES HOW YOU LIVE.

This brings us to Action; it’s not enough to think or speak positively alone. One must be able to back it up with action. For instance, it’s not enough saying that I am going to abstain from premarital sex without actually striving to do that. We have often heard the saying “practice what you preach” (James 2:18-25). This applies to dealing with the enemy; many believers are too laid back to fast, pray and find out the will of God for their lives. That’s why many believers spend years attempting to change their situations but to no avail. It’s well and good believing God’s promises but you have to consistently for HIS will to be done. The reason for this is given in Psalm 8:4-8. God gave the Earth to Man and as such God cannot carry-out any activity on the Earth without Man’s permission (Prayer). This is the reason why the enemy can wreak as much havoc; poverty, diseases, war. When we refuse to pray then God cannot intervene; that will be a breach of the willpower HE gave to Man. God will not intervene unless we pray that HIS will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. It is for this reason that Jesus had to be born through a human mother and why He also needed the Holy Ghost. Jesus COULD NOT have accomplished HIS assignment without the Holy Ghost.

Your thoughts, words and actions must be integrated, that is your words, thoughts and actions must align. The bible lets know that for the Lord our God is ONE (Mark 12:29). This statement implies that there is an alignment between God’s thoughts, words and actions. For instance, in Genesis He states “let us create man in our image and likeness”.  He fulfilled it.

                     How to Defeat the Enemy

1. Faith  Hebrews 11
2. Discipline Hebrews 12:11
3. Prayer  Matthew 21:13
4. Living a Righteous life Titus 3
5. Submitting to the Holy Ghost John 14:26
6. Persevere/Endure   2 Timothy 2:3
7. Study the word of God 2 Timothy 2:15
8. Be vigilant           1 Peter 5:8
9. Help the less privileged Ezekiel 16:49
10. Put on your Amour    Ephesians 6: 10-18

Finally, we must be on our guard as we near the end of this age. Jesus said there will be increase in lawlessness which is a characteristic of the enemy. We must be sure to resist any form of lawlessness and must prayerfully ask the Lord to establish on earth the order in Heaven. We must pray for one another because we belong to the army of the Lord and are fighting the same enemy. We must not forsake our responsibilities but rather as good soldiers, the master may find us faithful and reward us. We must shun immorality and hypocrisy; which is current ravaging the body of Christ. We must continually show love and exhibit the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The only effective way to keep the Devil out is by living a life free of sin. The blood that was shed for us is capable of cleansing us from all sins. We must regularly confess our sins to God and also learn to forgive each other. Revelation 12:11 says that “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony”. So we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus; whatever we are going through today God is willing and able to save us. All we need to do is engage the powers of darkness and seize victory through prayer and supplications to God (1 Timothy 2:1).

The Last Revival by David Wilkerson

   David Wilkerson on the Final Revival of the Holy Ghost