Jesus Christ, the reason for the season (Matthew 1: 18 - 25)

Jesus Christ, the reason for the season (Matthew 1: 18 - 25)

Many people celebrate many things. Some celebrations don’t even have a theme. If our team has won a match we celebrate, if we lost, we drink to excess in order to forget. In all of the occasions we think the reason is more important than the means.

As we discussed last week, some people say they don’t celebrate Christmas for so many reasons, so they left one end of the spectrum and went to the other end.

Psalms 137:1

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. 3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 4 How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?

As I view it, they still celebrate, only they do it by abstinence. Christmas has been the talk of the town for weeks . It is always at this season.

Luke 2:13

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

One deeply thought out phrase that caught my eyes was from one of my professors. According to him, there is only one Christmas, the rest are anniversaries. To me this is conclusive for both celebrants by celebration and celebrants by abstinence.

Ecclesiastes 7:2

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

On a particular day, Christ was born. The rest is history. So to those who celebrate in December, January, March or April, they are just anniversaries. To be on a safer side, I celebrate Christ everyday. By that I cannot miss the birthday.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

So when you celebrate by celebrating or celebrate by abstinence, remember Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. Be it the virgin birth that caught your attention, or Joseph’s encounter with the angel, or Isaiah’s prophecy that came to pass, Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. The most important though should be his salvic work by which many people are redeemed and their lives and eternity redefined for ever.

1Corinthians 15:1

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Are you redeemed? It calls for a deep thinking as Joseph did may be you will personally rediscover the truth.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. God bless you.

Do you celebrate Christmas? Luke 2: 8-20

Do you celebrate Christmas? Luke 2: 8-20

A lot of people celebrate Christmas and several others don’t. Some people have other things to celebrate on the same date every year. All the same December 25^th is a day of celebration all over the world. Some don’t even bother what is celebrated. They just celebrate. Very few people know what and why they celebrate during Christmas. So do you celebrate Christmas?

Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke’s account of the birth of Christ indicates that shepherds were watching over their flock in the field. This made many scholars argue that Christ was not born in December which happens to be cold. Nobody would stay in the cold to watch over the flock. Arguments on dates, time and season have their own place in getting the facts right. The fact still remains anyway that Christ was born on a date, winter or summer and this for the whole world.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

To me Christmas is for both saints and sinners because saints are actually sinners turned around. How would anyone know whether the sinner, drunkard and whore of today would not be the saints of tomorrow?

Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Moreover, as someone observed, strangers are just friend we never met before. So keeping a very positive attitude we feel that everybody should celebrate Christmas.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

All the same there should be moderate celebration, not the point of people destroying themselves. Apparently this is the sad aspect of Christmas celebration and in fact many other kinds of celebrations. People just destroy themselves, through excessive drinking and fighting.

Proverbs 23:29

Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. 35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

From the first Christmas, many people have been involved in celebrating Christmas, shepherds, angels, kings and commoners. At least some pay lip service to the just born king. Even when he was full grown there still those calling him Lord without doing his bids.

Matthew 7:21

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

So those who know what they are celebrating should do it with a purpose and remind others what celebrating Christmas is all about. God bless you

Christmas is coming (Isaiah 9:1-9)

Christmas is coming (Isaiah 9:1-9)

So what? It always come anyway. Too much ado about Christmas. Really? I think yes but I think not. If you have heard the story of Christmas, then you will appreciate the importance of Christmas. But it comes every year. Truth but not everyone witnesses it. Many people that witnessed Christmas last year are not around to witness this one. Sadly also but real, many other ones witnessing this Christmas will not see the next one. I pray for you that you will see the next Christmas. You will enjoy many more Christmas in good health and in wealth.

Isaiah 9:3

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

Known facts about Christmas include the fact that Christmas is a time weird things happen. Up till now it hasn’t stopped being weird and I don’t think it is going to stop.

Isaiah 7:10 Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. 13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

There would always be surprises in different forms.

Christmas is a time of fulfilled prophecy. For example the victory over sin and Satan prophesied in Genesis 3 is fulfilled at Christmas.

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

For those who loves Christmas story and who practice the lessons of Christmas, they shall never be subject to sin and Satan anymore.

Hebrews 2:14

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Christmas is a time of love. Real love greater than the love between husband and wife. I mean the kind of love that you practice when you don’t even see anything to gain from it. Take God’s love for an example.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Follow closely is the time of gifts. Even those who don’t appreciate the spiritual significant of Christmas like its social aspect. We give gifts, cards, cash, parole etc. God started that gift giving at Christmas. He gave his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Then Jesus Christ followed suit by giving his life for the remission of human sins including yours and mine, past present and future.

Eph 4:7

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Christmas altered history for ever. The dating system changed for ever by the life of one single man, Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

The future generation is altered for ever. You can now chose eternal life with God.

As you celebrate Christmas this year take a good look at the benefit of Christmas and let God realise its purpose in your life. God bless you

My Prayer for you

Psalm 20

¹ May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
² May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and grant you support from Zion.
³ May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.
⁴ May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.
⁵ May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

⁶ Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.
⁷ Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
⁸ They are brought to their knees and fall,
    but we rise up and stand firm.
⁹ Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us when we call!

Love is a seed. (I Corinthians 13:1-13)

Love is a seed. (I Corinthians 13:1-13)

I love you. I love you so much. I love you with all my heart. I love you to bits… How many times have you heard those words? Uncountable times I guess. Are they true? Yes some are genuinely true to a large extent. Between one extreme to the other, there was a time such love did not exist. There was a time it became so intense and hot. Also there might be a time it would fade away. So we have heard someone loves somebody to bits today only to rescind those words and even hate the other intensely like Amnon hated Tamar whom he proclaimed to love earlier.

2Samuel 13:15

Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

What happened? Nothing. It is just that love is a seed. It needs to be discovered, planted, cultured and nurtured. Then it will grow up to an acorn tree. Otherwise it could go undiscovered, unused and wasted.

1Samuel 18:1

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

Before David and Jonathan met we did not hear about their love for each other. As soon as David appeared before Jonathan’s father (Saul), the seed of love was sown. They both nurtured and culture it until it blossomed. It became so strong that even in death, David and Jonathan were still one. In other words, the forces of love took over and the effect was compelling.

Songs of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

I Corinthians 13 list some characteristics of love. They include endurance, generosity, faith, trust and ability to grow. We could place our love against this checklist and see if it tallies well. Jesus Christ can help you to activate true love today in your heart if you give him a chance. He would literally pour tons of love seed in your heart to enable you fulfil God’s purpose, that is you destiny. Like Paul said this tiny seed of love is even in your heart now, and it can grow if you agree with your creator.

Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Any love that is genuine will wait when waiting is necessary. It will endure the test of time.

Love also gives. In fact love that has nothing to give has to be examined critically to be sure it is love.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

True love is disciplined that it would not be jealous, envious, selfish or devilish. True love is others-ward. True love will think of others first. It prefers others to itself. According to the Lord Jesus Christ in John 13. That is love at its best.

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Today someone has to think on sowing the seed of love. Sow the seed of love in someone’s life. Nurture it as well and watch it grow. That is when you are fulfilling the laws of God and of nature. Good enough God’s word has declared in Genesis 8 that seed time and harvest time will never cease. Sowing the seed of love has to be forever. Keep sowing love and you will reap love along the line. God bless you.

Everybody’s language (Psalm 19:1-14)

Everybody’s language (Psalm 19:1-14)

The biblical account of language formation is that before the incident of the tower of Babel, the whole world spoke one language.

Genesis 11:1

And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.

This should not be difficult to believe because up till now nature still speaks only one language and everybody understands it. Whatever language you speak, don’t you understand when the sun sets and the stars appear in the sky? Do you not guess correctly what if on the other hand it suddenly becomes dark at noon with gentle breeze rocking the trees and the thunder roars from the sky? What language do they speak? How come you understand? Even when the next person is African and you are Irish, both of you know exactly what to do when nature speaks because you perfectly understand.

Psalm 19:2

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

We cannot overemphasis arguments of biblical creation. Look at the order in the universe. Examine the complexity of some of the tiniest parts like the DNA. It wouldn’t look like the result of haphazard collaboration of chance. Does it? No, it is more the handiwork of an intelligent creator.

Psalm 14:1

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Psalm 19 only declares what everybody takes for granted. The heavens, the sky, the sun, the moon etc., we call them by different names according to our languages but we understand perfectly what they stand for and what they do. We feel their absence and we can tell heir importance.

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Jeremiah 31:35

Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: 36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

In their universal languages, they point to this intelligent creator - God. Or do you think they speak of chemical reactions? I think they demonstrate intelligence, purpose and order.

Isaiah 45:5

I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. 7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. 8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. 9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? 10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? 11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. 12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

People can put up arguments, scientists can perform experiments and make observations and arrive at conclusions. The wisest conclusion will identify the finger that wrote the lines and the mind that taught the elements their universal language. The element of the earth speak distinctly about God’s laws, testimony, statute and commandments. If we imbibe his referential fear we avoid his judgement. All these are clearly written upon the universe and the starkest illiterate can read it. Can you understand the language of the universe?

John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Observe them, believe them, obey them and it shall be well with you. God bless.

The windows of God on earth (2 Kings 7:1-16)

The windows of God on earth (2 Kings 7:1-16)

How does God work out his miracles? How does he accomplish promises and prophesies? Messages of God’s exploits and blessings can only be given ‘as you see it’.

Psalms 118:23

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

And to be candid, no two God’s miracles are the same. So the perspective today is from God’s providence on the earth.

Haggai 2:7

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

The passage we read was a continuation of a long history of famine and suffering is Samaria. The city was besieged by their enemies making it difficult to do their normal daily business. Obviously, their reserved provisions at home got finished hence their suffering. When the matter got to the king, his reaction was to avenge his anger on the man of God. At that point, God spoke through his servant that there would be a sudden release of abundance.

2Kings 7:1

Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. 2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

By the power of God behind that passage, I decree a sudden release of abundance upon your life in the name of Jesus. It might be helpful to remind you that God owns both the heaven and the earth. He doesn’t need to create something in a hurry in order to fulfil his will. He has everything in abundance, and that on this earth.

Psalm 50:7

Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God. 8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me. 9 I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. 11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. 13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: 15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

To the secular mind, this is nonsense. So the high chief confronted the man of God.

But God has his windows on earth already. None of the provisions we receive drop from the sky. They are on earth but heaven decrees the direction they should go.

Proverbs 23:4

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

May heaven direct abundant blessings to you in the name of Jesus. All we are advised to do is to believe God and his prophet and it shall be well in Jesus name.

2Chronicles 20:20

And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

God bless you.

The courage to continue (Hebrews 11:31-40)

The courage to continue (Hebrews 11:31-40)

Continuing is not a necessary question when all things go well. We enjoy the accolades, the gold, the silver or the trophy and the standing ovations. In fact one gold medallist once said the cheering of the crowd fires her up. What a great energy to tap into.

Matthew 24:32

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

It is nevertheless another ball game when the table turns around. When there are persistent foes and resistant friends. In the hall of faith of Hebrews 11, many names written in gold passed through hell to get there. Only God gave them the courage to continue.

2Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

What I am talking about does not even respect position or anointing. In fact in many cases they are tailored made. So it is designed to size you. Remember Elijah the fire man? He wished himself dead at a particular point.

1Kings 19:4

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

When the strength is sapping off and it seems you might snap the next minute. Faith can fade, returns on risk might diminish without its fruits. The vision of the other end might be the only thing that can pull you through.

Hebrews 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. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

You may need a daring courage to continue when the chips are down. You could pray now for the courage to continue when your strength is tested.

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

At the point of testing it might not be faith that would be so strong. It might not be love that is so binding, it might be the vision at the other end. So get the bigger picture.

Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 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. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

It might as well be the unrelenting prayer of those who sympathise with your cause. In the meanwhile you might pray now for God to give you a reservoir of strength in the day of trial.

Proverbs 24:10

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

If you faint in the day of your test then your strength is small because you did not build a reservoir of strength for a raining day. Remember the ten virgins? The distinction between those who were wise and the foolish was the reservoir of oil or the lack of the foresight. May you not fail in the day of your testing. When the chips are down may you have the courage to continue. God bless you

Hope for a crippling situation (Acts 3:1-26)

Hope for a crippling situation (Acts 3:1-26)

The healing of the crippled beggar was done by the power of Jesus Christ working through the apostles. The miracle was accomplished through faith in the name of Jesus.

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Inability to walk is a great set back in one is suffering from lameness. You can’t go where you want when you want. You depend on people all the time. Thank God for technology of electric chairs at push buttons. This has reduced the immobility of the lame but it cannot take it totally off.

Thank God for the faith of two men that removed the set back in the life of the lame man after forty years of his life. It must have been a difficult time for him.

Acts 4:22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

No wonder why he was happy and he became the center of attraction in the church. This in turn gave Peter the opportunity to preach Christ again.

Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

In life there are crippling situations. These are continuous set back that money cannot rectify.

1Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

2Kings 5:1

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

Money can help people to do lot of things in life but there are still few problems that money cannot solve. You only need to look around and several examples will present themselves.

Just as the lame man’s ankle received strength, to day I speak to every crippling situation in your life to receive the touch of God in the name of Jesus. The most pathetic, persistent, consistent crippling situation in life is sin. No matter how highly educated, sophisticated and fine, sin continues to abase humanity and reduce them to zero. No amount of wealth, education and care can help either. It is a near impossible situation.

But there is hope.

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Jesus is the hope for every crippling situation in life. As peter said faith in Christ did the wonderful works in the life of the lame beggar, faith in Christ will wrought a wonderful work in your life as well. All that is necessary is repentance and faith towards God. There is a cure for every crippling situation in anybody’s life.

What is it that humbles you all the time? Is it sickness, weakness, sin or any spiritual condition you cannot discuss with others. Why don’t say in the name of Jesus you crippling situations in my life receive the touch of God in Jesus name and it shall be so.

Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

God bless you.

Be my guest (Matthew 22:1-14)

Be my guest (Matthew 22:1-14)

In the parable of the marriage dinner the king was celebrating his son’s wedding. Wedding time is a happy time. Just like the Prince’s wedding we witnessed a while ago. The whole world was involved except those at loggerhead with the Queen and Great Britain. It was a display of affluence. So attendance list had to be drawn. You have to be called to get to the venue.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

In the case of the king, those on the attendants’ list blatantly refused to come and mistreated the messengers. Since all things were ready, food, drink etc. The king had to throw open the invitation. Everybody please come rejoice with me. Among those who came there was one who did not put on the dressing code for whatever reason. He was thrown out.

Matthew 22:11

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

There is going to be a real wedding

Revelations 19:7

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Invitations are being circulated now. Have you got your invite? Are you going to be there in the marriage supper of the Lamb? All is invited.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Your dressing code is the righteousness of the son of God, Jesus the Christ and his Spirit.

2Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Romans 4:6

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

There is punishment for refusal.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Escape the judgement now.

Revelations 20:10

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Be my guest.

And indeed the assignment of all Christians is to invite the whole world to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Are you doing it?

2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Let us pray

You will never walk alone (Luke 10:25-37)

You will never walk alone (Luke 10:25-37)

The parable of the good Samaritan teaches us to love our neighbours as ourselves. The question need be put: how do we love ourselves? This is important since it determines how to obey Christ’s command. The man that fell victim of robbers may actually think he loves himself enough but the incident prooved a kind of lacking the principles of life that underscore love for oneself. What did he commit or omit that warrant this? He walked alone. He should have learnt a lessons from others like Elijah.

1Kings 19:3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

Elijah walked alone. He fell under depression and nearly commit suicide which would have rubbished all his exploits and ministry.

John the Baptist was alone in prison and almost doubted his Lord, his only message and the prurpose of existence.

Matthew 11:2

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Even when Jacob was left alone he had a serious nightmare that altered his perception of living. Only God’s mercy saw him through.

Genesis 32:23

And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Let us compare all these examples to Paul’s transfer to Caesarea. The chief captain literally flooded the road with soldiers to go with Paul.

Acts 23:12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

Acts 23:22

So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me. 23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; 24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

Later in life Paul wrote his letter to the Hebrews and underscored the importance of fellowship.

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

It is easier for the devil to corner you if you walk alone. Even our Lord Jesus Christ never walked alone. Check up his account. If he goes to have personal prayers, he returns to fellowship. When he engages in personal prayers there are always multitudes of angels around.

So who do you walk with if you don’t want to walk alone?

Walk with Jesus.

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Walk with God the father.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Walk with the Holy Spirit.

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Walk with men of like mind.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Walk with your bible as well. Your bible is a living word of God.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

If you do all these, you will never walk alone and you will not fall victim of the prying devil. God bless you.

The winning strategy (II Chronicles 20:1-30)

The winning strategy (II Chronicles 20:1-30)

Jehoshaphat was facing one of the greatest crisis in his life. It was a near impossible situation. He nevertheless acknowledged God the omnipotent. Recognising his helplessness, Jehoshaphat acknowledged God’s omnipotence and sought him through fasting and prayers. He fasted and prayed. He asked others to do the same. God responded through prophecy and assured him of victory. Subsequently, Jehoshaphat’s fear disappeared, faith increased and he gave thanks to God. God is a master strategist, partnership with him can never fail. It will produce amazing positive result.

Proverb 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Are you facing any near impossible situation? Acknowledge God, follow Jehoshaphat’s strategy and you will surely smile.

Mar 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

By Jehoshaphat’s actions, it is clear that he depended on God. He could have sought help from stronger nations. He could have called magicians and astrologers of his time like other kings did. He could have just muster his soldiers and go to war anyway. He showed his dependent on God by asking him for help.

Later when prophesy came through one of the Levites, Jehoshaphat followed the instructions to the letter. He moved when he was asked to move. Any winning strategy must take instruction from God. The bible is God’s instructions to all humans irrespective of colour, collar, and calling. Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Do you want to win? Follow the instructions.

John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Take the winning instructions with you. Always read the label. The bible is God’s label for winning in life. Read the label first.

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

When you have won, remember to say thank you to God.

Luke 17:13

And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

One cannot help but admire king Jehoshaphat. He started from the church when it was difficult, he ended with thanksgiving in the church when he won. Some would have said goodbye church, I have got what I wanted. Some would have called a party and resorted to a binge drinking as a result of the victory. A winning strategy will always give glory to God. Remember that victories could be reversed and had been reversed in the past.

1Samuel 30:16 And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah. 17 And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled. 18 And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.

Let us give glory to God to seal the victory. That is the crux of a winning strategy. May this strategy work for you. God bless you.

SERVICE UPDATE

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Positive Prayer, Positive Thinking, Positive Result (John 17:1-26)

Positive Prayer, Positive Thinking, Positive Result John 17:1-26

1Chronicles 4:9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

The evening before Jesus’ crucifixion he prayed that his disciples will be a holy people, separated from the world and sin for the purpose of worshiping and serving God. They must be set apart in order to be near God, to live for him and to be like him. This sanctification is accomplished by their devotion to the truth revealed to them through the Holy Spirit. The truth is both the living word of God and the revelation of God’s written word. (LSSB)

John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

There is no doubt that anyone reviewing the activities and achievements of the disciples will agree that they succeeded in the tasks Jesus left with them. I think this is as a result of this prayer. Jesus knew that the disciples had enemies and that there would be many more enemies, he just focused on the positive and released the necessary strength for them to be able to withstand the coming pressure. They achieved all he prayed for. Positive prayers works wonders.

John 17:25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Praying like Jesus is the utmost form of praying for result. Focus on the positive. Ignore the enemy when you are talking with your father in heaven. By this there will be no distraction. There would be no fear of attack, oppression, opposition and repression. You are busy with your father. Talk positive and learn the language of heaven.

There is no doubt anyway that such prayer is a direct result of the abundance of the heart.

Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

If you think positive and dwell on the positive, you will doubtless produce positive prayers. This will give you positive result as Jesus himself.

Proverbs 23:6

Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: 7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Positive mindset itself cannot be achieved in a vacuum. The mind will only produce what it is fed with. Just like anyone feeding on junk food suffers from all kinds of unwanted disorders, the mind that is fed on junks will suffer all kinds of negative thoughts and unwholesome inclinations.

Ephesians 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The bible recommends that we should renew our minds with the word of God on daily basis. Like one of the daily essentials. Breakfast, toileting, showering, news etc, the word of God must be built into our daily schedules and the desired results will follow.

Jos 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Do you want to pray and get results? Would you like to be spiritually healthy and wealthy? Feed your mind with the word of God, read the bible regularly, think positive thoughts based on the word of God, pray positive prayers and you will definitely see positive results. God bless you. Let us pray.

SERVICE UPDATE

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What do you believe? (II Chronicles 20:14-30)

What do you believe? (II Chronicles 20:14-30)

As it were, the world of humans is morally divided between faith and no faith. At least so it seems and so we grotesquely describe it. We hide away from what we think we cannot know and care less as long as it does not affect us directly. Occasionally we came back to reverse the no faith stand and believe in something, love, luck, religion, religious symbols, superstitions, culture, custom, popular opinion - anything. So what do you believe? Evolution? The Big bang? Aliens or some forces? Science? Philosophy? Religion? Human forces? Or nothing?

2Chronicles 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

The passage we read juxtaposed faith, the object of veneration and exploits. The people were confronted by warring enemies. It is not strange that there were wars in bible days even today, as civilised and sophisticated as humans are, there are still wars. Terrible wars. The most frightening part is that it will continue till the end of the world.

Matthew 24:6

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.

The people in question recognised their inability to face their adversary so they turned to God for help. They did the most foolish thing any general or war commander would not do. They appointed singers in front of the soldiers on battlefield. Whatever your judgement of that strategy may not matter as it worked. The enemy started blasting one another. The faith strategy worked. May your faith or no faith work for you in the day of difficulty.

Mar 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Do you think your faith or no faith strategy will save you in the day of trial?

Romans 10:8

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The outstanding counsel of the bible is that you should believe in God.

Mat 10:41

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

This is the faith that withstand the test of time and eternity. Would you like to review your stand in regards to faith or no faith?

Mar 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

Mar 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

As you believe may the light of the gospels of the Saviour Jesus Christ shine on your way in the name of Jesus. Let us pray.

Three noble characters in the book of Esther. (Esther 5:1-14)

Three noble characters in the book of Esther. (Esther 5:1-14)

We have looked at two of the three noble characters in the book of Esther. With the postures of the two characters we could agree that they are noble. They have the same mindset and work for the good of others. Both of them took risks when necessary and did all important assignments including fasting and prayer. So who could the third noble character be?

Acts 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Both Esther and Mordecai have done their parts only they depend on external, stronger, more benevolent providence to sail through. They fasted, they prayed. They believed their help will come. Even Mordecai warned Esther that if she did not take risk, help will arise from different quarters. Which other quarters could help rise for slaves in a strange land?

Esther 6:1

On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

Esther prayed for favour, she got favour. Mordecai foiled the coup and did not even ask for rewards. Haman hated Mordecai to the point that he doesn’t care for his life. In fact after making consultations he prepared Mordecai’s death bed. He only needed to cajole the king to sign the death sentence. The night preceding Mordecai’s execution date, the king could not sleep. He asked his attendants to read some records to him. The only one that interests him was the account of the foiled coup. To his amazement no reward was given to the faithful servant who saved the king’s life.

Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

As providence would have it, the day Mordecai supposed to die became the day of his promotion. The agent of honour is his arch-enemy, Haman. What a turn around of fortune. Although the book was written over a period of time, a lot happened too quickly. Most of what happened might be more than chance. Lets rehearse a few of them. At the time Vashti was rejected, Esther was available. She obtained favour both with the king’s servants and even with the king. Then Mordecai saved the king’s life but was not rewarded for a long time until when his life was on the line. The very day he was supposed to die, he was honoured for saving the king’s life. The minister that hated Mordecai and planned his death was given the assignment to honour him. Then the Jews supposed to be destroyed. The decree was irreversible. Esther arranged a trio meeting with the king, herself and Haman. In the meeting, Esther revealed Haman evil plot. Right there, it was decided that Haman himself should be hung on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai. What a nemesis, what a deserved punishment, a reversal of fortune. Then the king wrote another irreversible decree to counter the first one. Whatever the source of all these incredible but pleasant happenings is worth our note.

Psalms 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Your guess might be right. Even though God’s name was not out rightly mentioned in the book of Esther, his deeds was manifest beyond an iota of doubt. So as you have guessed right. The third noble character in the book of Esther is God. He is so noble that even when you do not out-rightly know him as you should, he still works for you, helps you and cares for you. This is amazing.

Romans 5:6

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

But now that you have known, won’t you reciprocate the love? All you need to do is accept the love and appreciate his gift.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God bless you

Three noble characters in the book of Esther. (Esther 3:1-15)

Three noble characters in the book of Esther. (Esther 3:1-15)

The book of Esther possesses unique characters among bible books. One, Esther is one of the two books named after a woman in the bible. Two, God’s name is not directly mentioned in the book, at least in many popular translations. Some of our youths read the book several times over in proprearation for a quiz competition. So many great virtues surfaced while studying the book. We will examine nobility for example in three characters in the book.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

The first noble character we would examine is Esther. At a marriageable age, despite her beauty, vulnerability as an orphan and a slave in exile, capable of being a cheap article, was a virgin.

Esther 2:3

And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: 4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; 6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. 8 So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

Although being a virgin till marriage is not considered today as important but I think it is distinct. It shows fidelity, faithfulness, patience and godliness. This is one of the qualities that recommended Esther to the palace. Are you destined for the palace somewhere? Esther was also obedient to her cousin Mordecai. Esther had faith as well. She called for fasting and prayer and took the great risk of facing the king against the law of the land.

Esther 4:15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. 17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Ester was virtuous.

Mordecai, you can guess who the next noble character in the book of Esther is. He was just himself. Although he refused to bow to Haman as a required eye service, he protected the king and exposed a dangerous coup plot.

Esther 2:21

In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name. 23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

When Esther was selected in the beauty contest, he followed up. He fasted when necessary, cried when required and feasted at the proper time. Even when he was decorated and his enemy was forced to herald him round the city as king’s honour, he just returned to his post shortly after.

Esther 6:11

Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. 12 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

What humility. By the time his nobility added up, the indigenes started changing their nationality.

Esther 8:17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

This is amazing.

Next week we would look at the third noble character in the book of Esther and summarise but before then why don’t you also pick up the book of Esther and glance through? You would find it exciting. God bless.

GRATITUDE

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL OUR FRIENDS WHO MADE IT TO THE INAUGURATION OF OUR CHURCH, PENTECOST BAPTIST CHURCH, PORTMOUTH.

YESTERDAY SATURDAY 18/08/2012. @ 12.00 PM. VENUE: HAVELOCK COMMUNITY CENTER,

324 FAWCETT ROAD. SOUTHSEA. PO4 0LQ.

WE THANK THOSE WHO COULD NOT COME BUT WERE WITH US IN SPIRIT

GOD BLESS YOU

Shinning through the darkness. Isaiah 60:1-12

Shinning through the darkness. Isaiah 60:1-12

We are all witnesses of the amount of darkness on earth today. People are groping without directions. According to the place we read, it is a great thick darkness. It covers the whole earth, everyone, everywhere, even the church is no exception. What if this terrible darkness is waiting for you to flicker your light? Will you rise up to the challenge? Who am I? did you just ask yourself that question? Well Amos asked the same kind of question. Everyone humanly speaking will ask that question. It is only human. It only buttress the point that we are humans and the assignment is spiritual. And with the amount of support promised in the passage, you have more than enough of God in you and around you to succeed.

Amos 7:14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: 15 And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

So it may not be in yourself as human. It is the divine part of you. God is in it. He initiates that your light should shine through the darkness now and give light and hope to the lost world. Since this has been established in the scriptures, you only need to activate it.

1Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Recognise the darkness and hate it. Work against it by the power of God and destroy it. Yes destroy the darkness. In whatever form the darkness appears: ignorance of the word of God and ignorance about God himself, ineptitude, carelessness and outright disobedience. Just strike through it and destroy the menace.

The bible confirms that there is time for everything. It is therefore the time to destroy the darkness in your life and environment. Go for it. There is enough back up. Heaven’s support is great enough.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

This is your time to shine the light. So rise up to the challenge and shine the light.

Yesterday we were commissioned as a church to shine through the darkness of this age and this territory. Is it in us as a small people to do it? No. It is in God who is mighty through us to do it. All we need to do is cooperate with God in doing it. It has been the same process through all ages. Whenever God wants to do something, he raises up people, anybody and empowers them. Then they begin to do exploits for him.

Ezekiel 22:29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. 30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. 31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Have you heard of Moses, Samuel, Gideon, Deborah, Samson, Esther, David, Peter, Paul, Silas, Mary, Priscilla and the rest of them? They are ordinary men and women but they did extra-ordinary things for God when they cooperated with him. You can do incredible things for God as well. As we were exhorted in the inauguration, important factors include: believe, connect with God and with others, get involved. God bless you

GRATITUDE

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL OUR FRIENDS WHO MADE IT TO THE INAUGURATION OF OUR CHURCH, PENTECOST BAPTIST CHURCH, PORTMOUTH.

YESTERDAY SATURDAY 18/08/2012. @ 12.00 PM. VENUE: HAVELOCK COMMUNITY CENTER,

324 FAWCETT ROAD. SOUTHSEA. PO4 0LQ.

WE THANK THOSE WHO COULD NOT COME BUT WERE WITH US IN SPIRIT

GOD BLESS YOU

Gold is good. (1 Corinthians 9:15-27)

Gold is good. (1 Corinthians 9:15-27)
As the medal table of the Olympic swells, nations are being separated for one another with the count of medals. It is like the saying separating the men from the boys. As we all know, the most important medal is the gold. Fortunately only one gold is available on each game. Gold is good. Gold symbolise an unrivalled excellence. Even miners dig so deep to get the raw ones. Gold are not got from the earth surface.
1Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. From the passage we read, Paul compared the Christian race to athletics, boxing and other games like the ones we see on the Olympics. Both the race for gold in the Olympic and the race for the prize in Christian journey have a lot in common. The competitors in both race have to beat all the hurdles and all the other competitors if they would qualify for gold. Everybody aimed for the gold. Nevertheless, it takes much practice, consistent self-denial, self control, self-discipline and hard work to get gold.
Surprisingly not only those who would win gold alone, according to 1 Timothy 5:6, it seems it applies to everybody.
1Timothy 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 　
Not only widows, anyone who live without self denial of certain things in life is a living dead. It is true of the race of life. Athletes for example do not eat anyhow, drink anything, sleep anywhere and rush to the stage to win gold. Do they? We listen to their interview everyday.
Even in their respective races, they follow laid down rules in order to win.
1Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. So I think there is self-control. They don’t just do anything they feel like. They know they could be disqualified. And indeed many were disqualified for one reason or the other in the on-going Olympic games. There is also self discipline just as Paul explained how he runs his race.
1Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Not to mention, hard work is a must for would-be winners of gold. This is because they have many other contestants to beat, they have hurdles to cross. They are also under time constraints. Only those who work hard enough could gain enough mastery and win gold.
Proverbs 6:4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. 5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
The prize of the Christian race is the incorruptible crown reserved for those have won the race having followed all the rules. This refers to the victory of eternal salvation which is the precious goal of the Christian life - the gold. Unlike the Olympic gold, this gold cannot be corrupted and is eternal. Do you like gold. Would you like to win the gold of eternal life in Christ the Lord? Why not say it in your heart first and follow the simple steps of inviting Jesus Christ into your life? I am very sure eternal life will be yours.
Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Gold is good, eternal gold is better. Go for gold. God bless you.