The Holy Sprit is a Personality, the third person of the Trinity(1 John 5:7). He is not a feeling, neither is He a thing or a mere influence. The Holy Spirit is the believers seal for the ultimate day of redemption(Ephesians 4:30); He is the believers Helper who abides with us forever(John 14:16); He is the believers Guide and Director masterfully guiding us into all truths and also showing us things to come(John 16:13); He is the believers Comforter in times of trouble, sorrow and pressure(John 16:6-7); He is the Anointing that works signs and wonders through the believer(Acts 1:8); The Holy Spirit is the One that introduces the unbeliever to Jesus Christ the Savior(John 16:8-9); He is our Liberator and the greatest Change Agent of all times(2 Corinthians 3:16-18); He is the Believers Motivation and Inspiration(John 7:38); The Holy Spirit is also the Prayer Generator within the believer(Jude 20). The Holy Spirit is the greatest Resource Person in the world,and He is much more than the aforementioned.
Leadership experts simply define leadership as influence. Great leaders are influential people mobilising people towards a cause. However, not all great leaders are good leaders e.g Hitler. The Holy Spirit is not just a great leader, He is an entirely good one mobilising people towards the worship of the only true God and His son Jesus Christ. The challenge for the christian is to allow more of this wonderful leadership(or influence) of the Holy Spirit, thereby becoming an effective witness of God to his or her world. The underlisted points are crucial in experiencing more of the Holy Spirit:
1. Be mindful of Him always: This is a major key in having the Holy Spirit influence us the more. In worship, be conscious of Him helping you to glorify God better. When you kneel to pray, be mindful that He is there to help you pray. When you at a crossroad, say a quiet prayer to Him. When you are in trouble, consult Him. It is disheartening that many believers live their lifes as orphans when the very reason the Holy Spirit was given is to assist us in this present world. Scripture reference: John 16:7
2. Be filled with the Holy Spirit: It is interesting that the Apostle Paul drew an analogy between drunkenness and being filled with the Spirit. In the USA, when a drunk driver is arrested the first thing the policeman does is to assess the alcoholic content in his system. This is to establish a DUI (Driving Under Influence) charge. Apostle Paul said we should not be drunk with wine, but we should be filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words, be under the intoxicating and hilarious influence of the Holy Spirit(Acts 2:11-13). We have to deliberately yield our lives regularly to the Holy Spirit as an alcoholic will yield himself to the next bottle of alcohol (Please read Ephesians 5:18-20 and Romans 6:19).
3. Guard your relationship with Him: Any meaningful relationship particularly among male and female married couples must be guarded and maintained. In other words, both partners should be careful to please each other and not take one another for granted. The Holy Spirit is a gentle personality and can be grieved. Such behaviors like flagrant disobedience, bitterness, anger, malice, coarse jesting, etc reduces the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Scripture reference: Ephesians 4:25-32
CONCLUSION: The unbelieving world cannot receive the Spirit of God (John 14:17). They have a contrary spirit influencing and leading them. What spirit is ruling your life? If it isn't the Spirit of God, repent and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, and freely receive the Spirit of God that will eventually lead you to eternal life in Christ Jesus
Friday, October 16, 2009
Mountain Moving Faith
“So Jesus answered and said to them, Have faith in God. For assuredly I say to you whoever says to this mountain:, Be removed and be 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." (Mark 11:22-23).
The above verses is one of the most profound statements of Jesus about faith. Mountain Moving Faith (MMF) is a force that produces change and delivers results. Jesus was saying in essence that with faith you can remove the mountain of sin, barrenness, unproductivity, stagnancy, spiritual blindness and deafness, sickness, poverty, etc. In other words every negativity in our lives can be eradicated with our faith in God.
Below are attributes of Mountain Moving Faith:
1. MMF renames situations and conditions: God in trying to get Abram demonstrate MMF told him to change his name from Abram to Abraham even when he was childless. Abraham means the father of nations. Before Jacob became a nation, he was re-named Israel. MMF is a God kind of faith that calls things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17b).
2. MMF is like a loaded or cocked gun aimed at a target: The Word of God is the bullet that is loaded in the arsenal of the heart of the believer. The mouth of the believer is the trigger that fires the shot aimed at a particular target. The target could be a mountain of stagnancy, sin, barrenness, sickness, child rebellion, etc. MMF is not aimless, pointless and targetless. ( Mark 11:24, Romans 10:10, John 15:7).
3. MMF does not disregard the facts of a situation, it simply do not accept ownership: A fedex mail (that demands signature of the recipient of the mail) is undeliverable until it is signed for and received. Likewise the negative doctor's report may carry your name, but if you continuously deny ownership it will eventually return to sender. Until you sign for a baggage that needs your signature, it is never yours. Stop signing for satanic baggages! MMF declares let God be true but every man a liar (Romans 3 4, Romans 4:19-20.
4. MMF employs the staying power of patience until results are delivered: MMF is a waiter or waitress that waits on God until He performs. MMF knows that once the need is classified as the will of God, it is deliverable! MMF is resolute, stubborn, determined and unwavering. It is ready to wait forever trusting in the faithfulness of God. (Luke 18:1-8, Hebrews 6:12, 1 John 5:14-15, Romans 4:16-23).
5. MMF operates on the wings of divine love: MMF is activated by the love of God in the heart of the born again Christian. The Bible says even demons believe in the power of God (James 2:19), but because they are evil they cannot create good. The human nature is inherently evil, and do not please God. Being born again is accepting the divine love nature in the person of Jesus Christ into one's heart (1 John 5:1-5). Anyone who claims to be a Christian and hates his brother is an enemy of God. To operate MMF effectively, the love of God must be bubbling in one's heart (Galatians 5:6).
The above verses is one of the most profound statements of Jesus about faith. Mountain Moving Faith (MMF) is a force that produces change and delivers results. Jesus was saying in essence that with faith you can remove the mountain of sin, barrenness, unproductivity, stagnancy, spiritual blindness and deafness, sickness, poverty, etc. In other words every negativity in our lives can be eradicated with our faith in God.
Below are attributes of Mountain Moving Faith:
1. MMF renames situations and conditions: God in trying to get Abram demonstrate MMF told him to change his name from Abram to Abraham even when he was childless. Abraham means the father of nations. Before Jacob became a nation, he was re-named Israel. MMF is a God kind of faith that calls things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17b).
2. MMF is like a loaded or cocked gun aimed at a target: The Word of God is the bullet that is loaded in the arsenal of the heart of the believer. The mouth of the believer is the trigger that fires the shot aimed at a particular target. The target could be a mountain of stagnancy, sin, barrenness, sickness, child rebellion, etc. MMF is not aimless, pointless and targetless. ( Mark 11:24, Romans 10:10, John 15:7).
3. MMF does not disregard the facts of a situation, it simply do not accept ownership: A fedex mail (that demands signature of the recipient of the mail) is undeliverable until it is signed for and received. Likewise the negative doctor's report may carry your name, but if you continuously deny ownership it will eventually return to sender. Until you sign for a baggage that needs your signature, it is never yours. Stop signing for satanic baggages! MMF declares let God be true but every man a liar (Romans 3 4, Romans 4:19-20.
4. MMF employs the staying power of patience until results are delivered: MMF is a waiter or waitress that waits on God until He performs. MMF knows that once the need is classified as the will of God, it is deliverable! MMF is resolute, stubborn, determined and unwavering. It is ready to wait forever trusting in the faithfulness of God. (Luke 18:1-8, Hebrews 6:12, 1 John 5:14-15, Romans 4:16-23).
5. MMF operates on the wings of divine love: MMF is activated by the love of God in the heart of the born again Christian. The Bible says even demons believe in the power of God (James 2:19), but because they are evil they cannot create good. The human nature is inherently evil, and do not please God. Being born again is accepting the divine love nature in the person of Jesus Christ into one's heart (1 John 5:1-5). Anyone who claims to be a Christian and hates his brother is an enemy of God. To operate MMF effectively, the love of God must be bubbling in one's heart (Galatians 5:6).
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Living life by design
To live life by design is to simply follow God's blueprint for one's life. "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). Living life by design is to discover God's purpose for one and to commit to accomplishing that purpose. It is simply to follow the path that God has earmarked for you (Ephesians 1:11, Romans 9:11).
Living life by design is also to constantly and consistently follow God's principles. This is different from when you live life always depending on chance occurences. When you live by design you can almost always predict what the outcome will be. When you live by chance, you live in the realm of maybe or maybe not. God showed His ways(His principles) to Moses and His acts (miracles) to the Israelites(Psalm 103:7). Moses was always creating miracles because He was operating divine principles while the Israelites always had to wait for miracles, and when the miracle creator(Moses) wasn't forthcoming in the wilderness they resorted to other gods - the molten calf - because they refused to learn God's ways(His principles).
To live by design the following is imperative:
1. Become a life long learner of God's principles:God told Joshua to meditate on His Word day and night, and then he(Joshua) will make his way prosperous and have good success (Joshua 1:8). Apostle Paul told Timothy, "Meditate on these things, give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all" (1 Timothy 4:15).
2. Vision: Can be defined as the blueprint of the future implanted by God in a man's heart(Ecclesiastes 3:11). The Holy Spirit within us reveals glimpses of our future to us as we engage Him actively in prayers and meditation (John 16:13-14, 1 John 2:20,27). The visions and dreams of today are the realities of tomorrow.
3. Obedience to God's Word: Many who live by chance do so because they fail to commit and hang their entire life on the Word of God. They think God's laws are grievous and hard, and they choose to follow their own lustful ways. God supplies His grace to us to enable us live by His principles.
4. Redeeming Time: Time is our most precious resource in this world simply because it is irreplaceable. Once a day is gone, it is gone forever! And no one has forever to live in this world. Every man's opportunity is limited to his lifespan. Life is too short to engage it in frivolities and wantonness. The Bible tells us to buy up each opportunity because the days are evil(Ephesians 5:15-16, Amplified).
CONCLUSION: Our lives are a gift from God, what we do with our lives is our gift back to Him. Live purposefully, make God your life partner by accepting Christ into your life if you have not done so. Your effectiveness is multiplied as you make God your partner.
Living life by design is also to constantly and consistently follow God's principles. This is different from when you live life always depending on chance occurences. When you live by design you can almost always predict what the outcome will be. When you live by chance, you live in the realm of maybe or maybe not. God showed His ways(His principles) to Moses and His acts (miracles) to the Israelites(Psalm 103:7). Moses was always creating miracles because He was operating divine principles while the Israelites always had to wait for miracles, and when the miracle creator(Moses) wasn't forthcoming in the wilderness they resorted to other gods - the molten calf - because they refused to learn God's ways(His principles).
To live by design the following is imperative:
1. Become a life long learner of God's principles:God told Joshua to meditate on His Word day and night, and then he(Joshua) will make his way prosperous and have good success (Joshua 1:8). Apostle Paul told Timothy, "Meditate on these things, give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all" (1 Timothy 4:15).
2. Vision: Can be defined as the blueprint of the future implanted by God in a man's heart(Ecclesiastes 3:11). The Holy Spirit within us reveals glimpses of our future to us as we engage Him actively in prayers and meditation (John 16:13-14, 1 John 2:20,27). The visions and dreams of today are the realities of tomorrow.
3. Obedience to God's Word: Many who live by chance do so because they fail to commit and hang their entire life on the Word of God. They think God's laws are grievous and hard, and they choose to follow their own lustful ways. God supplies His grace to us to enable us live by His principles.
4. Redeeming Time: Time is our most precious resource in this world simply because it is irreplaceable. Once a day is gone, it is gone forever! And no one has forever to live in this world. Every man's opportunity is limited to his lifespan. Life is too short to engage it in frivolities and wantonness. The Bible tells us to buy up each opportunity because the days are evil(Ephesians 5:15-16, Amplified).
CONCLUSION: Our lives are a gift from God, what we do with our lives is our gift back to Him. Live purposefully, make God your life partner by accepting Christ into your life if you have not done so. Your effectiveness is multiplied as you make God your partner.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Entering God's Rest
"For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience." Hebrews 4:10-11
Entering God's rest is operating in a worry free zone. It is having God's peace in the midst of trouble, it is trusting in the midst of threats(Psalm 46:1-5). It is being stable in a rocking world, and sleeping like Peter a day before his supposed execution in the hand of wicked King Herod(Acts 12:6).
Entering God's rest is also entering into His promises. God's plan when He was delivering the Israelites from Egypt was to bring them into Canaan, a land of rest flowing with milk and honey. Entering into God's promises starts in the regenerated mind of the believer. You must first take a hold of the promises in your mind before actualizing them literally. God sent the 12 spies to go spy the land so that they will first conceive of the promised land in their minds before entering into it literally(Numbers 13:1).
Entering God's rest makes Him move on our behalf. Until we are totally trusting and resting in Him, God doesn't act. He doesn’t act when we are in a state of worry and anxiety. He said,"Be still and know that I am God."(Psalm 46:10). God moves when we are totally helpless and leave things fully in His hands. The paradox of God is that it is only those things that are fully entrusted to Him that are secure.
The following highlighted areas are areas of our lives that we need to be careful to enter into His rest:
Our Future: Are you worried about the future? Are you afraid what the future portends for you and your offspring? Hear Him who holds your future: " For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."(Jeremiah 29:11). Other apt references: Proverbs 23:18, Psalm 37:4-5
Our Finances: The Lord spoke to me at the onset of the economic meltdown that He is the one that holds the sun in the firmament, and therefore He is able to hold me up from falling financially. The same also applies to you. King David said in Psalm 37:19 that the righteous will not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Our Health: In addition to living circumspectly, God is our Healer. "... And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days."(Exodus 23:25-26). Other apt references: Exodus 15:26
Your eternal destiny: Are you afraid whether you will make it to Heaven or not. Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and enter into His rest in this area. Also, receive grace to overcome your pet sin (Titus 2:11-12). Apostle Peter said, "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation."(2 Peter 2:9). Jesus Christ said "Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom."(Luke 12:32)
We are enjoined to labor to enter into God's rest. We are to diligently lay hold of His Word like a bulldog will lay hold of a bone without letting go. It is those who are tenacious that experience God's rest. Remember, all things are possible to him that believes.
Entering God's rest is operating in a worry free zone. It is having God's peace in the midst of trouble, it is trusting in the midst of threats(Psalm 46:1-5). It is being stable in a rocking world, and sleeping like Peter a day before his supposed execution in the hand of wicked King Herod(Acts 12:6).
Entering God's rest is also entering into His promises. God's plan when He was delivering the Israelites from Egypt was to bring them into Canaan, a land of rest flowing with milk and honey. Entering into God's promises starts in the regenerated mind of the believer. You must first take a hold of the promises in your mind before actualizing them literally. God sent the 12 spies to go spy the land so that they will first conceive of the promised land in their minds before entering into it literally(Numbers 13:1).
Entering God's rest makes Him move on our behalf. Until we are totally trusting and resting in Him, God doesn't act. He doesn’t act when we are in a state of worry and anxiety. He said,"Be still and know that I am God."(Psalm 46:10). God moves when we are totally helpless and leave things fully in His hands. The paradox of God is that it is only those things that are fully entrusted to Him that are secure.
The following highlighted areas are areas of our lives that we need to be careful to enter into His rest:
Our Future: Are you worried about the future? Are you afraid what the future portends for you and your offspring? Hear Him who holds your future: " For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."(Jeremiah 29:11). Other apt references: Proverbs 23:18, Psalm 37:4-5
Our Finances: The Lord spoke to me at the onset of the economic meltdown that He is the one that holds the sun in the firmament, and therefore He is able to hold me up from falling financially. The same also applies to you. King David said in Psalm 37:19 that the righteous will not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Our Health: In addition to living circumspectly, God is our Healer. "... And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days."(Exodus 23:25-26). Other apt references: Exodus 15:26
Your eternal destiny: Are you afraid whether you will make it to Heaven or not. Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and enter into His rest in this area. Also, receive grace to overcome your pet sin (Titus 2:11-12). Apostle Peter said, "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation."(2 Peter 2:9). Jesus Christ said "Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom."(Luke 12:32)
We are enjoined to labor to enter into God's rest. We are to diligently lay hold of His Word like a bulldog will lay hold of a bone without letting go. It is those who are tenacious that experience God's rest. Remember, all things are possible to him that believes.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Overcoming Discouragement
The dictionary defines discouragement as losing spirit or morale. It also means being deprived of courage and confidence. Discouragement comes when needs and expectations are unmet; when troubles and trials comes; due to lack of spiritual fulfillment; through demonic activities, etc. Discouragement (if unchecked) makes people victims of afflictions and underacheivement in life (Proverbs 17:22, 15:13). Notable men of God such as Elijah, John the Baptist, King David and even Apostle Paul all suffered at some point in time from discouragement. Though discouragement happens to all, many never come out of the valley of discouragement. Below are some tips to overcome this monster called discouragement:
1. Submit to Jesus: Hear Him: " .....In this world, you will have troubles, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). Bring Jesus onboard of your boat if you haven't done so. Your boat will not capsize if He is in there with you. He is the true Burden-bearer, and the very present Help in trouble (Psalm 46:1-5).
2. Count your blessings: Stop focusing on your losses. We all have this habit of focusing on what God has not done and fail to see the numerous blessings He has bestowed on us. Take a sheet of paper and itemize like David did in Psalm 103:1-5 all the blessings, both big and small God has bestowed on you.
3. Give Encouragement: It is a spiritual law that the best time to give something is when you lack that thing. Find someone to pour encouragement into and you will be pleasantly amazed how quickly your spirit will be lifted. Sow the seed of encouragement today and reap the harvest of joy and fulfillment. (Proverbs 11:24-25, Luke 6:38).
4. Practise self talk: This is one proven strategy to beat discouragement unknown to many. King David spoke words of encouragement to himself, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of My countenance and My God." (Psalm 42:5,11 ; Psalm 43:5). Speak faith-filled words to yourself.
5. Understand God's modus operandi: God's intention is to build character and stability in you. Raw gold is passed through intense heat before it comes out as pure gold. Every good product passes through a process. Your challenges and unpleasant situations are intended by God to bring out the juice in you. Remember: No squeeze, No juice. Please meditate: 1 Peter 5:10
CONCLUSION: Don't stay for another minute in the valley of discouragement. Come up to the mountain of strength and encouragement. The sun will shine on you on the mountain!
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
1. Submit to Jesus: Hear Him: " .....In this world, you will have troubles, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). Bring Jesus onboard of your boat if you haven't done so. Your boat will not capsize if He is in there with you. He is the true Burden-bearer, and the very present Help in trouble (Psalm 46:1-5).
2. Count your blessings: Stop focusing on your losses. We all have this habit of focusing on what God has not done and fail to see the numerous blessings He has bestowed on us. Take a sheet of paper and itemize like David did in Psalm 103:1-5 all the blessings, both big and small God has bestowed on you.
3. Give Encouragement: It is a spiritual law that the best time to give something is when you lack that thing. Find someone to pour encouragement into and you will be pleasantly amazed how quickly your spirit will be lifted. Sow the seed of encouragement today and reap the harvest of joy and fulfillment. (Proverbs 11:24-25, Luke 6:38).
4. Practise self talk: This is one proven strategy to beat discouragement unknown to many. King David spoke words of encouragement to himself, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of My countenance and My God." (Psalm 42:5,11 ; Psalm 43:5). Speak faith-filled words to yourself.
5. Understand God's modus operandi: God's intention is to build character and stability in you. Raw gold is passed through intense heat before it comes out as pure gold. Every good product passes through a process. Your challenges and unpleasant situations are intended by God to bring out the juice in you. Remember: No squeeze, No juice. Please meditate: 1 Peter 5:10
CONCLUSION: Don't stay for another minute in the valley of discouragement. Come up to the mountain of strength and encouragement. The sun will shine on you on the mountain!
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
Saturday, April 4, 2009
How to hear from God.
God communicates with His children through the still small voice(1 Kings 19:11-12), inner witness of the Holy Spirit(Romans 8:16), visions(Acts 10:9-10), dreams(night visions), audible voice(Isaiah 30:21) and through circumstances(Acts 4:31),etc.
We can understand Heaven's communication system a little bit by looking at modern day telecommunications. At your TV/Radio station, a transmitter sends information to a converter, which converts the information to higher frequencies (that enables data to travel fast and far),and throws it into outer space(transmission channel). This information is received by TV/Radio sets receivers which in turn converts the high frequency data to usable forms of sound and video.
Heaven's communication works in like manner, the Holy Spirit is the transmitter conveying information from Headquarters at a divine speed which is received into the regenerated spirits of men. The mind of man is the converter relaying the message sent in an understandable and usable manner. The challenge to hearing from God is usually with our receivers(human spirits) which are not properly tuned to the right frequency. Below is how we can better tune our receivers:
1. Be born again: A person's capacity to hear the voice of God is greatly enhanced when he/she receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. His dead spirit is revived by the Holy Spirit which now indwells him/her. John 1:12, Romans 8:16.
2. Develop your spirit man: Regular fellowshipping with the indwelling Holy Spirit through Bible study and meditation, heartfelt worship, prayer, church attendance, etc helps the christian to discern the Holy Spirit's voice, promptings, impulses, impressions, etc from that of the devil and his own natural thoughts. Hebrews 5:14, 1 John 2:27.
3. Renew your mind daily with the Word of God: The more your thoughts align with God's thoughts, the easier it becomes to discern His voice distinctly. Our minds can either be a barrier or facilitator in hearing God depending on what we preoccupy it with. Romans 12:2, Romans 8:5-8.
4. Be obedient: God will only lead those who are willing to follow His promptings. Psalm 25:9,14
5. Overcome the fear of failure: There will be moments in your learning process that you will mistake your own natural inclinations as His leading. Don't get discouraged and stop the process. Continue till you can recognize that still small voice distinctly. Proverbs 24:16, Hebrews 10:39.
We can understand Heaven's communication system a little bit by looking at modern day telecommunications. At your TV/Radio station, a transmitter sends information to a converter, which converts the information to higher frequencies (that enables data to travel fast and far),and throws it into outer space(transmission channel). This information is received by TV/Radio sets receivers which in turn converts the high frequency data to usable forms of sound and video.
Heaven's communication works in like manner, the Holy Spirit is the transmitter conveying information from Headquarters at a divine speed which is received into the regenerated spirits of men. The mind of man is the converter relaying the message sent in an understandable and usable manner. The challenge to hearing from God is usually with our receivers(human spirits) which are not properly tuned to the right frequency. Below is how we can better tune our receivers:
1. Be born again: A person's capacity to hear the voice of God is greatly enhanced when he/she receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. His dead spirit is revived by the Holy Spirit which now indwells him/her. John 1:12, Romans 8:16.
2. Develop your spirit man: Regular fellowshipping with the indwelling Holy Spirit through Bible study and meditation, heartfelt worship, prayer, church attendance, etc helps the christian to discern the Holy Spirit's voice, promptings, impulses, impressions, etc from that of the devil and his own natural thoughts. Hebrews 5:14, 1 John 2:27.
3. Renew your mind daily with the Word of God: The more your thoughts align with God's thoughts, the easier it becomes to discern His voice distinctly. Our minds can either be a barrier or facilitator in hearing God depending on what we preoccupy it with. Romans 12:2, Romans 8:5-8.
4. Be obedient: God will only lead those who are willing to follow His promptings. Psalm 25:9,14
5. Overcome the fear of failure: There will be moments in your learning process that you will mistake your own natural inclinations as His leading. Don't get discouraged and stop the process. Continue till you can recognize that still small voice distinctly. Proverbs 24:16, Hebrews 10:39.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Observing Heaven's protocol.
Protocol according to Webster Dictionary means a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette. Protocol infers procedure, the proper manner and conduct. Heaven has a protocol to be kept when we approach it. Whenever mortal beings satisfy or meet the requirements of Heaven's protocol, the result is always divine intervention. Below are some protocols to be observed anytime we are approaching the throne of grace:
Acknowledge the three personalities of the Trinity: God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit must be duely acknowledged everytime we approach Heaven. We dial Heaven's number by addressing God the Father in prayers, our access is Jesus the Son who entered the Holy of Holies with His own blood and is seated now at the right hand of God(the position of power), and activation or motivation in prayers is by the Holy Spirit. Matthew 6:9-13, Hebrews 7:25-28, Romans 8:26.
Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving : Heaven's Gate is the outer court which is the first port of call. We are to approach this Gate with an attitude of gratitude, and also with a mouth full of thanks to God (Psalm 100:4-5). King David knew this too well, he had thanksgiving sessions to God seven times a day, and prayer sessions three times a day. (Psalm 119:164). This indicates that our conversations with Heaven should be much more of thanking God than petitioning.
Enter His Courts with Praise: Heaven's Courts is God's throne room or inner chambers. We access His inner chambers by extoling, magnifying, exalting and talking of His attributes. King David suceeded in entering God's heart(or inner recesses) through singing His praises. God called him the man that touched my heart (Acts 13:22). King David was deliberate with his praises, always crafting words and adjectives to describe God's greatness (e.g Psalm 19:1-4).
The most powerful person on earth is not the President of the United States. The most powerful person is the born again christian who knows how to observe Heaven's protocol and get Heaven to respond on behalf of his/her family, community, country, church, etc. Let us receive grace to access God's throne room regularly in order to make our world a better place.
Acknowledge the three personalities of the Trinity: God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit must be duely acknowledged everytime we approach Heaven. We dial Heaven's number by addressing God the Father in prayers, our access is Jesus the Son who entered the Holy of Holies with His own blood and is seated now at the right hand of God(the position of power), and activation or motivation in prayers is by the Holy Spirit. Matthew 6:9-13, Hebrews 7:25-28, Romans 8:26.
Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving : Heaven's Gate is the outer court which is the first port of call. We are to approach this Gate with an attitude of gratitude, and also with a mouth full of thanks to God (Psalm 100:4-5). King David knew this too well, he had thanksgiving sessions to God seven times a day, and prayer sessions three times a day. (Psalm 119:164). This indicates that our conversations with Heaven should be much more of thanking God than petitioning.
Enter His Courts with Praise: Heaven's Courts is God's throne room or inner chambers. We access His inner chambers by extoling, magnifying, exalting and talking of His attributes. King David suceeded in entering God's heart(or inner recesses) through singing His praises. God called him the man that touched my heart (Acts 13:22). King David was deliberate with his praises, always crafting words and adjectives to describe God's greatness (e.g Psalm 19:1-4).
The most powerful person on earth is not the President of the United States. The most powerful person is the born again christian who knows how to observe Heaven's protocol and get Heaven to respond on behalf of his/her family, community, country, church, etc. Let us receive grace to access God's throne room regularly in order to make our world a better place.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
GOD'S STIMULUS PLAN (GSP)
President Obama just received the nod of the US House of Representatives to pump into the economy over 800 billion dollars. This is intended to revive an ailing economy by increasing spending,creating jobs, repairing infrastructures and generally revitalizing and stimulating the economy.
It is noteworthy to let you know God has His stimulus plan for you in 2009.God's Stimulus Plan(GSP):
1. Arranged for Mary(mother of Jesus) to visit Elizabeth in her 6 months of pregnancy. The baby in Elizabeth leaped (was stimulated) when she heard the greeting of Mary. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and she prophesied. GSP will divinely order your steps in 2009 to people that will stimulate your dreams, and eventually cause you to deliver those dreams. Note: If you are not constantly inspired, you will soon expire.Luke 1:39-56, Proverbs 27:17
2. Enabled Ezekiel to speak to skeletons in the valley until they receive Zoe(divine breath); These skeletons received flesh and skin on their dry bones, breath in their nostrils and became mighty soldiers. GSP will enable you to open your mouth wide and speak (and continue to speak) to dead and hopeless situations till you see a total turn around in Jesus name.Ezekiel 37:1-14, Proverb 18:20-21
3. Stimulated Abraham, a 99 year old man to receive strength to father a child. GSP will cause your weaknessees to be turned to strength, your trials to triumphs, your mess to messages,etc. Do you think it is over with you? Are you thinking your time is past? A surprise awaits you. GSP will cause you to smile and bring forth Laughter(Isaac) like Abraham did.Romans 4:19-22, Hebrews 11:11-12, Genesis 21:1-7
Remember, the God of the universe specializes in giving life to the dead(Romans 4:17). Let your faith be stimulated today so that you will please Him(Hebrews 11:6), and in turn He will smile on you in Jesus name.
It is noteworthy to let you know God has His stimulus plan for you in 2009.God's Stimulus Plan(GSP):
1. Arranged for Mary(mother of Jesus) to visit Elizabeth in her 6 months of pregnancy. The baby in Elizabeth leaped (was stimulated) when she heard the greeting of Mary. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and she prophesied. GSP will divinely order your steps in 2009 to people that will stimulate your dreams, and eventually cause you to deliver those dreams. Note: If you are not constantly inspired, you will soon expire.Luke 1:39-56, Proverbs 27:17
2. Enabled Ezekiel to speak to skeletons in the valley until they receive Zoe(divine breath); These skeletons received flesh and skin on their dry bones, breath in their nostrils and became mighty soldiers. GSP will enable you to open your mouth wide and speak (and continue to speak) to dead and hopeless situations till you see a total turn around in Jesus name.Ezekiel 37:1-14, Proverb 18:20-21
3. Stimulated Abraham, a 99 year old man to receive strength to father a child. GSP will cause your weaknessees to be turned to strength, your trials to triumphs, your mess to messages,etc. Do you think it is over with you? Are you thinking your time is past? A surprise awaits you. GSP will cause you to smile and bring forth Laughter(Isaac) like Abraham did.Romans 4:19-22, Hebrews 11:11-12, Genesis 21:1-7
Remember, the God of the universe specializes in giving life to the dead(Romans 4:17). Let your faith be stimulated today so that you will please Him(Hebrews 11:6), and in turn He will smile on you in Jesus name.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
How to receive from God
1. Sign in to Heaven's Insurance policy: Salvation gives you access to God's blessings and fullness. It is also your visa to Heaven. Just like earthly fathers pay special attention to the needs of their children, God also pays special attention to those who are His children. John 3:3-8, John 1:12, Romans 8:31-32.
2. Discover God's will for your petition: His will is contained in His Word. Plead your case in the courts of Heaven like attorneys will plead the cases of their clients before earthly judges. Search the scriptures and get 2 or more authorities (of the scriptures) to back up your claim before the Judge of the whole earth. Isaiah 43:26, Isaiah 41:21.
3. Employ the divine equation: Prayer + Believing = Receiving. Many want to believe when they see the results of their prayers. True Biblical faith is the reverse. The moment you pray and believe is when things that shifting in your favor in the spiritual. Mark 11:22-24, John 20:29.
4. Engage the spirtual force of patience - Patience is the ability to wait actively for the manifestation of your prayers. It is staying power, and also a prerequisite to getting results after praying. Many Christians goof at this point! Remember Daniel had to wait for 21 days after his prayers were heard and responded to by Heaven. James 5:7, Hebrews 6:12,15.
5. Act as though you have the results: Hannah left Prophet Eli's presence with a smile, and also a word. To her, the word from Eli was as good as the baby she earnestly desired. Abram started bearing Abraham, the father of nations when he had no child. He gave genuine thanks to God for his desired result before manifestation day came. It is time for someone to go buy a cot before pregnancy kicks in. Romans 4:17-22, 1 Samuel 1:12-18.
6. Resist sin and every evil work: Satan will tempt you hard when he realises you are doing it right and birthing something in the spiritual. His aim is to stop the process.If you fail, quickly repent and get back into the flow. Keep your sight on the prize and pay the price. Receive grace to walk away from temptations and habitual, willful sin. Hebrews 12:1-2, Psa 66:18-19.
2. Discover God's will for your petition: His will is contained in His Word. Plead your case in the courts of Heaven like attorneys will plead the cases of their clients before earthly judges. Search the scriptures and get 2 or more authorities (of the scriptures) to back up your claim before the Judge of the whole earth. Isaiah 43:26, Isaiah 41:21.
3. Employ the divine equation: Prayer + Believing = Receiving. Many want to believe when they see the results of their prayers. True Biblical faith is the reverse. The moment you pray and believe is when things that shifting in your favor in the spiritual. Mark 11:22-24, John 20:29.
4. Engage the spirtual force of patience - Patience is the ability to wait actively for the manifestation of your prayers. It is staying power, and also a prerequisite to getting results after praying. Many Christians goof at this point! Remember Daniel had to wait for 21 days after his prayers were heard and responded to by Heaven. James 5:7, Hebrews 6:12,15.
5. Act as though you have the results: Hannah left Prophet Eli's presence with a smile, and also a word. To her, the word from Eli was as good as the baby she earnestly desired. Abram started bearing Abraham, the father of nations when he had no child. He gave genuine thanks to God for his desired result before manifestation day came. It is time for someone to go buy a cot before pregnancy kicks in. Romans 4:17-22, 1 Samuel 1:12-18.
6. Resist sin and every evil work: Satan will tempt you hard when he realises you are doing it right and birthing something in the spiritual. His aim is to stop the process.If you fail, quickly repent and get back into the flow. Keep your sight on the prize and pay the price. Receive grace to walk away from temptations and habitual, willful sin. Hebrews 12:1-2, Psa 66:18-19.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tips to having a fulfilling year
1. Have written down goals: Some Christians refuse to have goals because they are waiting for "God's grandiose vision" for the year. The Bible says - we can make plans but the final outcome is in God's hands (Proverbs 16:1-3,9). The Bible enjoins us to also write down our goals (Habakkuk 2:1-4).
2. Seek Godly Wisdom: Wisdom is the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7). Operating Godly wisdom is the way out of the crossroads you will encounter in 2009. The principal ways of accessing divine wisdom are strong desire, openness to God and willingness to obey His instructions. Proverbs 4:7-13, James 1:5-8.
3. Attempt something new: Someone once said, " The best thing that can happen to a man is to try something new and succeed. The next best thing is to try something new and fail. The worst thing is to try nothing new at all." Don't put your life on cruise control this year. James 2:18-26
4. Shake off the beast: The beast is an ally of your fallen human nature that has potential to devour your future. Apostle Paul shook off the beast that fastened itself around his hand (Acts 28:1-7). Shake off the beast of indolence, indiscretionary use of time, youthful lusts, procrastination, worldly pleasures, etc.2 Corinthians 12:7-10
5. Maintain regular contact with God - Times of devotion such as personal Bible study and meditation, private prayer and worship, etc are moments God builds spiritual capacity in us. Take in the life of God regularly and you will maintain your cutting edge throughout 2009. John 15:1-8
6. Be fulfilled: Material and financial successes, accomplishments, attaining set goals, etc are very good and desirable. But things don't satisfy the void in man, it is the person of Jesus Christ that does. Receive Him as your Lord and Savior and you will experience genuine satisfaction. John 4:13-14
7. Be fulfilled still: The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Givers are rivers and channels of God's blessings. Proverbs 11:24-25
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)