FAMILY RESTORATION

The family consists of parents (Husband and wife) and usually children, in a house hold. The family unit may be with or without relatives, friends, and servants. The family is the oldest and most basic of human institutions. God created it. Why is the family Important? The family is God’s plan for husbands and wives to team up with Him in the continuing work of creation by conceiving children and propagating godly offspring within the union of their marriage (Genesis 4:1, ..now Adam slept with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant . . . she gave birth to Cain, and she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have brought forth a man!” , (Ps 127:3). (Malachi 2:15).

The family is the building block of every nation

The Family is a spiritual unit, the center of growth, development, teaching and learning about God and godliness for the attainment of mature adult character. It is the place for effectively modeling the truth. (Joshua 24:15 . . . as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord). It is a place of love, encouragement and shelter from life’s storms. For the purpose of functioning according to God’s plan, the family has a built-in authority structure, roles and responsibilities of the members are clearly spelt out.
The husband is leader to the wife and the parents are leaders to the children. All leadership is a form of service rather than of tyranny, and these domestic leadership roles must be fulfilled in love (Eph. 5:22–6:4; Col. 3:18-21; 1 Pet. 3:1-7). Parents must teach their families how to know God and walk with him (Det 6:7, Ex 10:2, Titus2:4-5, Prov 22:6, Eph 6:1-4 .

Children are to learn to take care of themselves and take care of others in the family. Children must be instructed (Gen. 18:18-19; Deut. 4:9; 6:6-8; 11:18-21; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4) and must be encouraged to take the instruction seriously as a basis for their living (Prov. 1:8; 6:20). Parents must discipline their children, that is, provide directive and corrective training which is necessary to lead children beyond childish folly to self-controlled wisdom (Prov. 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15, 17). Just as there is purposeful, loving discipline in God’s family (Prov. 3:11-12; Heb. 12:5-11), so there must be in the human family. Households became the units of Christian commitment in New Testament times (Acts 11:14; 16:15, 31-33; 1 Cor. 1:16).
The fitness of candidates for church office was assessed by observing whether they had led their family well (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 12; Titus 1:6). The Bible lists several genealogies, all recorded by family units, showing the family as central and fundamental to the development of people, communities and of nations. It is therefore one of God’s greatest resources for communicating truth and effecting change in any community as there is no better place to learn the essential principles of life and nowhere can the truths of God’s Word be more effectively taught and modeled.

CHRISTIANITY; IDEA OR CULTURE? PART ONE

The world,  over the centuries have been visited with different ideas and institutions. These ideas have influenced and shaped the way people think and live in relation with their environment. Some have made people better or even in some cases made people threats to their environment.

Religious radicalism is an offshoot of an idea from religious fanatics. This trend have become a source of worry and concern all over the world. Mind you I said religion! Religion is a concept, a thought line a mental belief and not the nature of man. A lot of questions have been asked, and are still in the minds of people about what Christianity is? Who Jesus Christ really was, and so on. We shall try to explain some truths about Christianity in simple language and style. So what is Christianity? The Word Christian is derived from the word Christ. Christ is a Greek word meaning; anointed one! Anointed Savior…Therefore the early followers of Christ Jesus were described by the nomenclature “Christians”, obviously because of their way of life; which was a replica of the life of Jesus Christ. Christianity therefore is the way of life of the Christ. It is the nativity of Christ…Acts 11:26 NIV:and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. When Jesus started teaching, His teachings were solely based on the kingdom of God or heaven. He came with the message of a kingdom, a people; unique culture, a different way of life. Not an idea or concepts… Idea or ideology is simply the line of thought of a person that is or can be transferred from one person to another. Ideas can be wrong, right, and can be improved, and so on. But culture which is the way of life of a people it’s more of the nature of the people can’t be changed! For instance; language, race, etc.,  are perfect examples of cultural make up of a people. Nobody chose to be fair skinned or back skinned. Time can never change the British from speaking the English language or change their skin colour. Every British who has lived within the confines of the culture will behave in the same manner and express the same values. There are ideas in cultural settings, but these are not the strength of the people. Because ideas do change… Jesus in the book of Mathew chapter six began to teach His disciples how to pray and at same time introduced to the kingdom of heaven or God. The kingdom of God is the kingdom of His Christ. The way of the Lord, the life of the Father (Zoe). Mat.6:9, KJV:After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10:Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Rev.11:15,KJV:And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. He also introduced the fatherhood of God to them that believed in Him; making it clear that the kingdom is not some kind of ideas that promises utopia that is a mirage. Christians are people who believe in the fatherhood of God through the Lord Jesus Christ, and also partake in the divine nature of God, because of the Scriptures which forms the basis of the culture of the kingdom of God. He came to give us a relationship and not religion. Religion is the concept or idea of man on how to reach God… yes, religion worked to an extent, but failed in establishing a family relationship with God. Jesus Christ did away with religion and gave humanity the privilege to meet God one on one. The Bible is not a big book full of great ideas, but rather the Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit of God to us. 2Tim3:16, KJV:All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: The kingdom of God was never spoken of in the Bible until Jesus introduced it to His disciples. It wasn’t an idea He was talking about, but a culture and life of a kingdom. Luke 8:1, KJV:And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, The life of Jesus Christ was not different from what he taught, He didn’t have a message and led another kind of life. He came to fulfill the kingdom of God on earth. A kingdom of health, prosperity, love, liberty etc. Acts 1:1, KJV:The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Christianity is not a practice, it is not an idea or an opinion, but a life of the grace of God. Just like the fish does not struggle in the water, it’s naturally adaptable to its environment, so are Christians in the new life in Christ. Like a new born whose food is the milk from his mother, so we should desire the sincere word of God. 1Pet.2: 2 KJV:As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: The only guarantee of growth in this kingdom is by the Word of God…the word of God leads, etc. PS. 119:105, KJV:The word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

An Open Letter To Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna State Governor.

Dear Governor,

I would have loved to send you this letter privately and quite earlier than this time. In December 2015, the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ impressed in my spirit to write you and let you know of the impending calamity that would befall you if you do not recognize the Lordship of Jesus. I was actually in Kaduna for a crusade in December, but didn’t have the chance or rather felt it wasn’t very necessary; I have askGod's forgiveness.

Mr. Rufai, it is not a secret that you have made up your mind to go against the God of heaven and earth through your recent bill on religious activities, but have also forgotten that your mission is ultimately suicidal. It is therefore in your best interest to stop on this adventure and ask for God’s mercy.

Please don’t ’thread the paths of Pharaoh of Egypt and Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who hardened their to their own detriment.

Meditate on these below Scriptures:
Ps. 2:1-12, Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? :The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, :Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.: He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. :Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. :Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. :I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. :Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. :Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. :Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. :Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. :Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

By now you should know that no goat stands against the Lion and expects to be safe, except by the mercy of the Lion. Be of a wise heart, relent and repent of your sinister bill. The hand of the Lord Jesus is over the land of Kaduna and no man can change His agenda; not you nor your cohorts. Be warn!!!

GAINS IN PAINS

Pain isn’t new to man. Every human being have gone through one form of pain or the other. Pains of the loss of a loved one, of injuries, heartbreak, illness etc. Most times the time of pains are times loneliness; a season when the sufferers feels forsaken and rejected.
Nobody enjoys pain and no one desires it. I would say, it is painful to be in pains. Sometimes physical pain can lead emotional pain; and other people’s pain can become another person’s pain. For example, the pain of a sick relative can create emotional pain for people, and so on.
Now, how possible is it for us to derive gains in pains? Does pain bring gain? We shall take a look at some Scriptures that encourages us in times of trouble. Temptations abound in the world; people are going through hard times, many have lost hope concerning their tomorrow. Cases of suicidal deaths are in the increase. Young and old people are caught up in the of hopelessness.
John 12:24 says; Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Imagine the loneliness the corn feels when planted in the soil…for the corn to bring forth, it has to firstly die. It is left alone beneath the ground, it suffers heat, obscurity, and darkness. But at the end it comes out better; with visible success and attention.
Our Lord Jesus suffered the most humiliating form of pain and death. The tell us that for gain (joy, glory) set before Him, He endured the cross. Heb. 12:2, 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. Before and on the cross, Jesus Christ was already feeling the pain, and also felt forsaken. Luke 22:42, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done…44, And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
This Scriptures admonishes to take a cue from our Lord Jesus, bearing in mind that our pains shall produce for us an exceeding weight of glory.2Cor. 4:17, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
I am not in any way saying we should go about looking for pain to prove a point. We are saying in the event of pain, there certain attitude we must have, and that’s hopeful and joyful heart.
Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. The night period is the time of loneliness and pain. This quote is only used to explain the period of pain. But joy shall surely come!
Personally I have gone through hard times and great pains, I have felt alone and forsaken, but truth is that those pains gave way when their time was up. Every issue has its own time of expiration; all we have to do is to have patience and wait on God. Rejoice in the Lord over the expiration of the pain. James 1:2-4, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4:But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

See your harvest of joy even in that painful situation you find yourself. Just like a farmer who goes to sow with tears, but in the end returns with joyful harvest. Your health shall spring forth speedily, and your light shall rise from obscurity in Jesus’ name.
The Lord Jesus didn’t allow the pain make Him lose grip on the glorious future. Even when He felt forsaken, He did not give up. Mark 15:34, And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
But He didn’t ask to be brought down from the cross; He endured to end. May the Lord give you grace to ensure till the end. At the end He will establish you, and make you stable. 1Peter 5:10, But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

THE LAST DAYS

So many things have been said about the last days, mostly according to biblical accounts. I must agree that according the Scriptures we in the last days as against many people’s beliefs that we are in the end time. Careful study of the Scriptures reveals that we are in the last days which will culminate into the end of time. Jesus Christ speaking to His disciples in Mat.24:4-8, 4:And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5:For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6:And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7:For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8: All these are the beginning of sorrows. Now, from the above Scriptures and the state of world at present we can only but agree that world has entered into the last days which Jesus called;“beginning of sorrows.” The world is presently facing her hardest times in history; economic and political turmoil is threatening to bring the world to her knees. The corruption in the world is a source of worry to many, but the truth is that these things must be for a pointer to humans. 2Tim.3:1-4,This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2:For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3:Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4:Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5:Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.6:For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,7:Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. The above passage corroborates with what Jesus said in Mathew 24, and confirms that what the world is facing now is beginning of sorrows; which is also the last days events. The Bible didn't only talk about the days of sorrows, but also spoke about a time of advantage in the last days. Jesus has given us assurance in verse 6 of Mathew 24. It's a time of security for those who believe in Him. 6, And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. This season is a time of peace for believers according to the Lord. It is a time when the world seeks peace but rather finds chaos. Jesus speaking to His disciples in John 14:27 said; Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The verse before the above Scripture talks about the Holy Spirit, explaining how peace can be found. It can only be found through the person of the Holy Spirit of God, because He Spirit of peace (sound mind). 2Tim.1:7,For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. The promises of God to us in these times are enormous and quite glorious… in Isa.60 from verse 1, the Lord spoke of the coming days and what they hold for us as His children. 1: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 2:For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen uponthee. 3:And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. The Last Days Move: In as much as many are aware of the fact that we are living in the last days, we should also be aware that we are living in the best times of the Church of Christ. A time where the power of God is made available for the last days harvest towards the end-time flight (rapture). Joel 2:1, Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2:A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. Act 2:16-18, But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17:And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18:And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: The prophecy had come in the verse 28 of Joel chapter 2 speaking about the last days move of the Holy Spirit. The Pentecost isn't coming the second time but many shall receive a stirring up, and those that shall come to the knowledge of Christ shall be baptized in the most dramatic ways. This season shall see massive salvation healings a d demonstration of the power of God. Amazing financial miracles shall be recorded in the life of many that have given themselves wholly to the Lord. Yes there will be persecutions, but for the glory ahead; we shall endure and win in the end. 1Pet. 5:10, But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE PART 2

The word of God is one of the fiercest weapons against Satan, he cannot withstand the word. It neutralizes darkness, and reveals the truth. The bible calls it the sword of the Spirit. It is the only offensive weapon in the armoury which makes it a great companion. Hebrews 4:12, for the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Our Lord and Master dealt with the Satan severally by the power of the spoken word. Rev.12:11. …and they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony. Satan and his demons can’t understand the power of the word. It keeps them in a retreating position because it’s too powerful for them to handle. Our fight is in the unseen realm; our enemy is an unseen one,Hecreati we need proper spiritual guidance before embarking in a battle. Ephesians 6:12 for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 2Corinthians 10:4, the weapons of our warfare are not canal, but mighty in God, pulling strongholds… We need the ministry of the Holy Spirit if we must prosecute this war unto victory. The Holy Spirit is the master of the spiritual realm, He knows the weakness of the enemy and He is always ready to help us if only we rely on Him. 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat was faced with a great army from enemy nations, he was afraid because physically he could not go against such a great army; so he enquired of the Lord, and by the Spirit of God, he was guided on how to win the battle. He gathered all the singers and players of instruments of music and they praised the Lord of host; and God laid an ambush against the enemies of Israel. I was at vigil one night when a song of battle and victory was raised in worship of the Most High. I knelt down in worship: a few seconds after, I saw a man (in the spirit) dressed like a Roman soldier with a shining sword in his hand. I was afraid and quickly asked him why he was coming towards me? He said “I have not come against you, but have come to put an end to this war.” This experience brought to my memory the encounter Joshua had with the Captain of the host of the Lord in Joshua 5:13-14.14…and he said, Nay; but as the Captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, what saith my lord unto his servant?

Not digressing, the potency of the Word of God cannot be over emphasised; it is the everlasting power of God in creation, it extinguishes all forms of darkness. Ignorance of the Word of God is ignorance to the power of God available unto us. 

Satan and his cohorts thrives in darkness, but the Word is the emission of light. Light drives away darkness, invariably making Satan vulnerable. I hereby admonish us to continuously acquaint ourselves with the Word and be apt to speak the Word in season and out of season. Take your stand against the enemy by the Word you speak by faith.
Culled from Unlocking your Glorious Destiny by: Kennedy Joseph

PREY OR PREDATOR

The righteous is as bold as the Lion. Prov. 28:1

I am an average viewer of the popular TV documentary program; “Animal Planet.” This program reveals how animals relate with one another. It expresses a typical food chain in the animal kingdom where the strong prey on the weak. There you’ll see the cunning, the fast, the mighty, strong, and the bold making their statements through their various characteristics. An in-depth research on this system will reveal to us through the Scriptures that even man is also caught up in this tussle of supremacy in his environment. Gen. 1:26 reveals that man was made in the image of God and given dominion over his environment. He was made the ruler of the earth. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Everything submitted to man's authority until there was rebellion. When man rebelled against God, everything under his control rebelled against him(man). Man was chased out of the garden and striped off his authority. Man became a prey to sickness, lack, death, etc. The man’s place was taken over by Satan who ruled the earth with evil, and kept the sons of men under bondage of sin and punishment. Though God was disappointed with man, never relented in trying to get man back to his original place. The Bible says that through his blood, Christ reconciled man back to God. His death and resurrection dealt the final blow against the enemy of God and man. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more aabundantly John10:10. Man through the blood of Jesus Christ has been restored, and now occupies the great position as sons of God. As sons of God, we now have authority over satan and demons, sicknesses and diseases, lack and despair and so on. Now man has received power and authority over all through Jesus Christ. Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. Luke9:1 Man has taken his pride of place with God, and he is sitted together with Christ in the heavenly places far above principalities and powers…he rules the earth and relates with the heavens. The Bible says; we shall decree a thing on earth and it shall be established in heaven. It says we should resist the devil and he shall flee; it’s the weaker one that runs from the strong. Therefore, be aware that the devil has no power and authority over us. Have you ever seen a serpent whose head is cut off? It still wiggles around though powerless. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:1Peter5:8. The Bible says like a lion; it’s ’a pretentious appearance, a deceitful outlook. Now who is the true lion? Jesus Christ of course! And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. Revelations 5:5, and if He is Lion, then we are also and that makes us predators over the impostor (Satan). Hallelujah!

COVENANT RELATIONSHIP

This topic is one that is of great importance to us as Christians and children of God. If we grasp the mystery behind this subject, then we will have no problem understanding the plans of God for us. The world is full of diverse relationships, alliances and so on. We have relationships between parents and children, co-workers, business partners, nations, friends, etc. Some of these relationships are deep, while others are shallow. Now what is relationship? It is an association of two or more people with a common goal and views. It is relating in oneness. Not every relationship is firmly rooted and doesn’t have much at stake. People go into relationships today and the next day they’re breaking it by their attitude and value system. We have been able to define what relationship is to an extent, now what is covenant? It is an agreement, usually formal between two or more persons to do or not do something specified. It is either written or verbal, many times accompanied with a token or seal; which stands as a binding element between the parties involved.. Covenant is the strongest form of agreement between two individuals or more, between nations, between humans and God or god’s. After the fall of man, God had sought after men whom He might have relationship with that He might establish His covenant with man. He looked around and found Abram and began a relationship with him. Gen.12:1-2, The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's home, and go to a land that I am going to show you. 2 I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing. We can see here how God began a relationship with a man (Abram) and also gave him an insight into what he should expect; the blessings involved. God gave Him His word which is His bond. God exalts His word above His name. But Abraham had to present a token also which is a blood seal. Gen. 17:11, "And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. The blood is the strongest element in any covenant, it signifies life. The bible says; the life of the living is the blood. Lev. 17:11, For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Blood covenant is the strongest of all agreements. A friend of mine once told me that his family at one point decided to align with another family to form a stronger unit, they had to enter into an agreement which involved the slaughtering of a goat as a seal. Since the fall of the first man God had initiated relationship with men, but none had the potency of creating an eternal seal of relationship between God and man. When Jesus Christ came, His purpose was to establish an eternal relationship between God and humans. Jesus Christ was God in the likeness of man, reconciling man back to God through His blood as the seal an everlasting seal. Adam was man in the likeness of God, but Jesus Christ was God in the likeness of man. It is therefore important for us to know what a great relationship we have with God the father through faith in the redemptive work of the blood of Jesus. What is our part in this relationship? Our contribution to this relationship is faith. Faith in what the Lord had done is all that is required of us. As many that believe to them he has given the power to become the sons of God. John 1: 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Jesus told his disciples that anyone who does not drink of His blood wouldn’t have a part with Him. John 6:53, Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Therefore our life in the relationship with our heavenly father is through the blood of Jesus Christ. Without the blood, we have no life in us and we do not belong with Him. The scripture becomes our culture. We now think above, our minds becomes like the mind of Christ. We become spirituality minded… we become delivered from religion and given a relationship. We become one with Christ, His bride by the dowry of the blood. Now we can also see the importance of the Holy Communion; which is one of the greatest ordinances instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ. As long as we partake in the Communion, we declare and observe the potency of the covenant. We partake of it in remembrance of the Lord and to affirm His love and lordship over us. Through Jesus, we are now related to God by blood. We are now sons and daughters of the Most High.

The Wisdom of God

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18 NLT

Young Messiah

Tells

the story of Jesus Christ at age seven as he and his family depart Egypt to return home to Nazareth. Told from his childhood perspective, it follows young Jesus as he grows into his religious identity.

DOES GOD CHANGE HIS MIND?

For sometime now I have been thinking and pondering over this question, and I know some of you have had the same thought. In this post, I will try to explain to you some of the answers to the question above. Firstly, what is change of mind? It is a decision to reverse an earlier decision. To decide against an earlier decision. Can God really make a reverse on His decision? The Bible says in Mal.3:6,“For tI the Lord do not change; utherefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. Definitely God cannot change, His unchangeable, but changes thingsNum. 23:19,God is not man, that  lie,or a son of man, that he should change his mind.Has he said, and will he not do it? has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? The two scriptures above proves that God does not change. But a critical look at the Scriptures, you will agree with me that they talk about God's ability to do what He has decided to do, and no one can stop Him. They prove His sovereign nature as ELOHIM. But remember also that God had in time forgiven men of sins and decided against His decision to punish them.Jonah 3:10,10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. When a man humbles himself and repent before the Lord, the Lord will look down on Him with compassion. But if anyone is full of pride and do not humble himself before the Lord, the Lord will repent of his blessing. The Lord resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
God cannot change, but does change His mind in circumstances that proves His love. King Hezekiah is another good example of God's nature of love and kindness to those who humble themselves before Him.

Revival in Lagos, Nigeria- National School of Ministry

There is an imminent wind of revival blowing at this season of the earth's history. God has released a fresh wave of His presence on earth, but few are ready to move in that direction. It is not out of place to announce that the enemy of the Truth is gathering his cohorts to counter God's agenda; but also that he is very ignorant of the capacity of God's people at this time. Come April 2016, a mighty ignition shall take place in the city of Lagos; where the Lord shall pull His sevants together to cause a mighty stir in the spirit for the last-day's onslaught on the kingdom of hell. It is not another jamboree, rather a concocted and orchestrated plan of God for His sons to arise and make changes. Therefore, it is my sincere request that you make yourself available for such a time as this. God bless you!

PLANNING FOR SUFFERING BY EVANGELIST BILLY GRAHAM

Plan for Suffering

Our life has its beginning in suffering. Life’s span is marked by pain and tragedy, and our lives terminate with the enemy called death. The person who expects to escape the pangs of suffering and disappointment simply has no knowledge of the Bible, of history, or of life. The master musician knows that suffering precedes glory and acclaim. He knows the hours, days, and months of grueling practice and self-sacrifice that precede the one hour of perfect rendition when his mastership is applauded. The student knows that years of study, privation and self-renunciation precede the triumphant day of graduation and honors. Yes, there are clouds of suffering for each one of us, but God says, “I come to you in the thick dark cloud of suffering,” By faith you can see His blessed face in the storm. God has His plan and purpose in all suffering. Daily Prayer Heavenly Father, help me to remember that none of my suffering is in vain. Through it teach me more of Your love and comfort.

Kirk Franklin: Gospel Songs and Singers Left Me Insecure

Gospel artist Kirk Franklin says the gospel genre and the players involved has left him insecure. In a series of tweets, Franklin highlighted what 20 years of music ministry looks like: "Can't sleep. The greatest gift God has given me past family and salvation is songwriting. I sit in rehearsal blown away at these songs..." "Songs given to me not based on my goodness but HIS. To be in a genre full of the best singers in the world and not being able it like them.." "Has always left me insecure. So I'm only here because He loaned me these songs. I'm thankful to come to your city, and do these songs...." "We're working hard. Production, movement, ministry, it's there. Thank you Lord for these songs. I'm sitting here tonight knowing the truth.." "It's only grace that I'm here for over twenty years. You love me, but you don't need me. May I never get that twisted. Bless this tour. Amen" The tweets reflect Franklin's "20 Years in One Night" tour, happening around the United States through mid-April.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE PART ONE

Spiritual Warfare Part 1

There is no gainsaying that we are at war and have eternal enemies militating against the plans of God for our lives. Our battles are not with physical enemies, but with spiritual elements deter- mined to destroy God’s purpose for our destiny. We must not be ignorant of the activities of the enemy; the devil, but must oppose him in all forms of manipulations. The devil has nothing good to offer to anyone and must be treated as a persona non grata in our affairs. He is nothing, but a thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of this age, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. It is imperative for us to be aware of this, and be spiritually alive. 1Peter 5:8, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil is as a roaring lion,  about, seeking whom he may devour. Our opponent is not a gentleman and must not be treated as one. He is a slimy trickster with loads of wickedness under his sleeves. But we must also know that; he is a defeated foe. We are fighting an adversary whose back is on the ground already. We must understand the operations of the devil, and his arsenals for us to be able to checkmate him. We must also understand our position and the arsenals at our disposal in prosecuting these battles.
Nothing happens in a man’s life without permission either consciously or otherwise. Like I said before, the enemy is a trickster who being darkness can mimic the light to deceive ignorant folks. He may come subtly and gain entrance into people’s life to enslave them. One of the tools the devil uses against multitudes is ignorance; he will do all he can to make people unaware of his operations in their lives through manipulation centered on their ignorance. . 2:11, “lest Satan should get advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” A man who lacks knowledge will be at the mercy of anything presented to him. Children of God know your foe and know him well. There are two types of ignorant people; the one that is not saved and ignorant of the saving grace of the blood of Jesus Christ; who is a puppet of the devil his master and the one who is saved, but does not know his left from his right. A Christian must know that he is on the winning side and must not let his guards down. He who breaks the edge the serpent will bite. We must be vigilant at all times and be battle ready in all instant. The devil has a legal right in the life of an unsaved soul, he has an opera- tional permit to steal, kill, and destroy such a soul because that individual is not protected. But the believer is God’s property; the expression of His love bought by the sacrifice of the precious blood of Jesus Christ and given authority to trample over serpents and scorpions. Luke 10:19, behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Hosea 4:6, my people parish for lack of knowledge. This means, God’s people lose value due to ignorance. An ignorant believer may not recognize that there are spiritual forces against him, therefore may have a carefree attitude concerning evil operations around him. He would say; “at least I am born again and old things have passed away.” Did your enemy also pass away? The moment you switch allegiance and pitch your tent with the Lord; the enemy becomes mad at you. He feels you’ve betrayed him and would launch multiple attacks on you. The battle becomes fiercer! You become a target to the enemy, because you are a threat to his agenda on earth. Please know that you have been equipped and made ready to dislodge the horde of the devil. You are like dynamite, but if the enemy would succeed to make you believe anything different; he will be most joyful.

Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to stand the wiles of the devil. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of GOD: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…”
Culled from the book: "UNLOCKING YOUR GLORIOUS DESTINY"

UNLOCKING YOUR GLORIOUS DESTINY

Identify Your Potential(s) 

Every man is created for a purpose, and the purpose of every man is to bring pleasure to God. Firstly, God made all things for
His pleasure… we are all created with specific functions on
earth; functions to bring solution to a decaying, and disturbed world. No man is made useless or without a potential, gift, or talent. I have seen people with great speaking skills, but can’t sing a note. We are all made uniquely for the purpose of making profit through the service(s) we offer to the world. Your talent places you in the position of honour. It makes you a sought after, and ultimately brings glory to God. Your destiny is directly connected to your potential, and to attain your purpose in life, the follow-ing factors must come to play:
i The use of time
ii Training
iii Vision
iv Capacity building
Invest in time, and improve the quality of what you have. Train yourself
to improve your gifting. Be up and doing, that you might be found useful when needed.
A man’s assignment is to first of all identify his giftings; that is his
honour, then locate himself in the place of honour(a place of relevance). Your honour is your talent while your place of honour is your target market. Every product has its own market. For example, every television
show has its own target audience, so is your talent. A size nine shoes is not manufactured for everyone who can wear shoes, but for those it fits.
“You are a miracle waiting to happen”
Build your capacity;
We must know that every destiny must go through trials, temptations, or persecutions as the case may be. There are two things we must bear in mind in this journey:
(a) We may be having problems due to the fact that we are in the wrong location.
(b) We may be going through trials due to the fact that God is testing our faith or strength.
Putting these two factors in mind, we would be able to identify timing, location, and transfer.
You really don’t need the whole world to applaud you before you can function in your talent. Jesus said: “I am sent to the lost sheep of Israel” that was His place of primary assignment. Start from your small Jerusalem, but have a global picture (the bigger picture). Jesus had a constituency but on the long run, reached the whole world. He started with Andrew!
“Start small, but think big”
Many worldwide brands with great loyalties started in the tiniest form you can imagine, but are now sought after everywhere in the world. They remained consistent, focused, and have improved with time. There’s nothing big that did not start small.
“See yourself on that global stage from that your tiny room and
you’ll get there.”
“You will excel the most in your location of honour.”
“You increase in everywhere you are appreciated. ”
Delicious food does not last long in the hand of a hungry man. So you must not try to impress people to recognize you. People will only get attracted to what appeals to them. Jesus said: “when you enter a place and you are not welcomed, dust your feet and leave”. Your rejection is not your failure, but a function of people’s ignorance or prejudice.
Jesus went to Nazareth and could not perform any miracle because the people failed to recognize his powers.
“Your functionality is a function of your personality not peoples
acceptability.”Jesus did not loose his powers because they rejected Him. He remained as powerful as ever, and performed great and mighty miracles after that episode.
As a singer, and a teacher, I have been to places to minister and felt like the ground should open up and swallow me due to the coldness of the people, and I have also been to other places where I felt like; “this meeting should not end.” “Different strokes for different folks.” to be continued! Culled from Unlocking your Glorious Destiny by: Kennedy

Joseph

Meeting Spiritual Needs

Christian missions is unique in the aggressive movements of history. Christianity in its pure form has no “axe to grind,” no system to foster, and no profit motivation. Its job is simply to “seek and to save that which is lost.” Nothing more, nothing less. The words “apostle” and “missionary” mean the same thing: “One who is sent.” The word apostle is from the Greek; and the word missionary is from the Latin.

The New Testament is a book of missions. The Gospels tell of Jesus’ missionary accomplishments, and the Acts tell of the missionary endeavors of the apostles. The disciples were launched into the world by the power of the resurrection, and the Gospel made its impact upon the world’s people. Peter went to Lydda, Joppa, Antioch, Babylon, and Asia Minor. John went to Samaria, Ephesus, and to the cities on the Mediterranean. Thomas journeyed to far away India. Paul, the peer of all early missionaries, used the roads Rome had built to take the Gospel through the Empire. Today the need for missions is greater than ever before! The world is shrinking in size but expanding in population. We live in a world of conflicting, confusing beliefs! We live in a world of complex problems! But, more important, we live in a world of dire spiritual need.
Daily Prayer
Father, help me to be a light in this world of darkness, ready for each opportunity to share Your love with those whose spiritual needs are great.