Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 84

Be Strong and take Courage

Isaiah 51:7-8 "Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation." 

There is that subtle conflict that faces a man doing his best to follow the ways of righteousness and order his life according to the laws of God. Deep in his heart he knows that what he is doing is the correct thing. It is the lasting and eternally profitable thing to do. But then the rest of the multitude around him are making fun of him as if he is the stupid one.

They make him feel as if he doesn't know what he knows. They deride him as if he's behind, he's backward… he's outdated. The pressure often comes from the fact that he is alone and they are a multitude. He alone sees the value of what he is standing upon; all the others see value in something else. Worse still, the multitude can readily point to the benefits of their own way but he has to tell one long, lonely story of someone else, somewhere who benefited from this his own righteous way. And he and his principles look unreal, unreliable and in all sense unreasonable. That is the problem. That is the pressure. That is the source of the "fear" that God was talking about.

Yes, the righteous way is a lonely way. The godly route is a narrow route, it doesn't accommodate the multitude. It doesn't, most times, accommodate "colleaguing"! It doesn't allow conferencing! No! It doesn't allow comparisons and competition with mates and acquaintances. Those that must go that way must look straight on . . . focussed, only on Jesus and His demands. And that is a real pressure on mortal minds like ours.

Many times we wonder if God "understands" this pressure. Many times we wish He will just allow us go the multitude way . . . and, as God, still brings His will to come to pass, after all He can do all things. Can He not? Why doesn't God work through the normal easy way of least resistance that the world and her multitude normally advocate? Simply because, God is not a man! And he is not like the sons of men that will eventually buckle under pressure! He knows the way of the multitude is the way of man . . . slippery and untrustworthy! He knows that one day, these same confident boasting crowds of men will come around to repent and say "I'm sorry, I goofed, after all, I'm only a man". So instead of bending to our cry to save us from the pressure of shame and kindred resistance, He simply looks us in the face and says . . . .

Isaiah 51:12-13

"I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?"

Who are you . . . that you should be afraid? I think that is where the problem is. I think that is the real issue! Most righteous men do not realise who they are. They probably know the value of the principles they try to live by, but they do not know the real value of being a righteous man! That's why God asks the question . . . "who are you? Or better still . . . "who do you think you are?" Let's get the question is simpler English . . .

Isaiah 51:12-13 – Bible in Basic English

"I, even I, am your comforter: are you so poor in heart as to be in fear of man who will come to an end, and of the son of man who will be like grass? And you have given no thought to the Lord your Maker, by whom the heavens were stretched out, and the earth placed on its base; and you went all day in fear of the wrath of the cruel one, when he was making ready for your destruction. And where is the wrath of the cruel one?"

Are you so poor in heart? Are you so unaware of the riches of Grace available to the righteous man? Are you so in disconnect from the reservoir of divine resources available in God and available to whosoever follows Him? Why are we so poor in heart? . . . And has so undervalued our heritage? Why do we fear the multitude . . .? and shrink under their mockery and reviling? Is it not because we have lost sight of who we are and lost sight of who our God is? Is it not because we have forgotten His antecedents? The Fear of man is poverty of a kind, a poverty of the heart!

Our poverty in heart is a reflection of our poverty of memory. The simple matter is that we forget. We forgot our Red Sea and the "standing wall of water" for us to pass! We forgot that He did it again in Jordan by another way . . . So He can be trusted to do it again and again in a million and one ways, if He says so! We forgot the Manna which our fathers freely ate and knew not how it came! We forgot the water flowing from the Rock inside an acclaimed Desert! We forgot the pillar of cloud by day, for shade; and the pillar of fire by night, for protection!We forgot, we forget. That's the problem. We always forget! And so we focus on the wrong things and fear the wrong person!

Why fear man if you fear God?! Why succumb to Man's pressure if you have yielded to God's command?! Why shrink under the multitude's reproach, if you have accepted God's assurances?!

Our poverty of heart is often also a poverty of faith and confidence in God! We believe men more than we believe God. We fear more than we have faith. Meanwhile, Fear is faith in the opposite direction. Fear and Faith are equal and opposite. Faith says, "I believe God is able to do what He has promised. Fear says, "I believe the Devil is able to do what he has threatened. Fear is the exact reciprocal of Faith. As Fear is increasing, Faith is decreasing. As Faith wells up in the believer's heart, Fear ebbs out from his thoughts and emotions! As you feed your fear with the words of men, you starve your Faith of the Words of God. So, really, its up to the righteous man to decide what to allow to fill his mind. So, let's do a turnaround today! Lets give honour to WHOM honour is due and fear to WHOM fear is due! Let's change the focus of our heart and redirect the thoughts of our meditation. Let's dwell on the law of God hidden in our hearts. Let's dwell on the righteous principles we already know. And the fear and the reproach of the multitude will soon lose their pressure on us.

Isaiah 8:12-14 "Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."

Originally published under the title the "Poverty of the Heart" by Gbile Akanni (Gleanings – www.livingseed.org)

Deuteronomy 31[6]  Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.  Let God do A New Thing in your life.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Annual Holy Ghost Congress – themed "A New Thing" will hold Dec. 12th- 17th 2011.  As part of the yuletide events try something different to set the tone for the holiday season by attending. You can join online to be strengthened in your spirit.  See Trailer below for details.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Christmas Season Fanfare on Sunday et al.

Another jolly season is here and many are making preparations to spread tidings of joy in remembrance of the Saviour that was born. Even those who do not see Him as the only way to salvation can revel in social activities and attend services – to embrace the positive merry mood, applaud theatre and music production performance, hear the very best choral and poetic renditions, exchange gifts, light trees etc.  Some will of course add the usual humanitarian touch for flavour as they share food boxes and presents to the poor orphan.

The climax is the 25th. … this year, a Sunday …  except that some are concerned that our reunions, feasts, outings and get-togethers conflict with normal humdrum morning and evening devotion  – even as churches outdo themselves to make the Christmas Sunday a day not easily forgotten.  Many on that day will say our worship is in Spirit and not bound by days, location and venues, and elect to, and perhaps rightly so, elect to enjoy the company of family and loved ones.  Those who sacrifice minutes of kin camaraderie for devotion will not expect to be confronted by anything of much gravity and will instead be compensated with the Pastor's very best performance.  If there is a day that happiness of members count – it is this day.

Granted, it spoils the mood to bring to fore that our appointed modern holiday seasons and worship rituals have mostly pagan origins.  These are like consistent and regular  "lite" viral inoculations to confer immunity against any invading deeper truths.   The challenge therefore is always to restore truths and leverage evangelism to achieve the opposite of what the god of this world planned i.e.  be religious as you shop, browse, eat, dance and be merry for this is the season of joy.

Proverbs 23 advises on what to do with the turkey knife at high-status events.

Proverbs 23[1]  When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: [2]  And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. [3]  Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

Our ways are deceived because our measures are often wrong. Indeed our worship is in Spirit but it is also in truth. Our scorecard is God's commendation.

2 Corinthians 10[18]  For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

For example, Jesus said of the church in Sardis – they were reputed for being alive whereas they were dead.  Everyone knew of their church meetings  …  the excited crowds singing unto the Lord at a fourth jam-packed service … all this, while Jesus holds His nose.  The stench of decay is not completely deodorized by the hype of the jamboree. The few at the Sardis Christmas service who receive spiritual life from the shortest message preached on any Sunday only wait for that growing word to be choked at the banquet planned later in the evening.  The error of the church in Sardis is still with some today … please read the Open Heavens Devotional "Wrong Measures, False Results".   Traditions ossified by literature like the "Christmas Carol" have embedded the thinking  that spending, consumption and mirth is the model of the "generous "spirit.

Some financial advice – do not spend to impress.  This is hedonism if not plain waste. Christianity is typified by moderation … and really you do not need another gadget even if Apple thinks so … stick to your budget … the borrower is servant to the lender.

Let the occasion be one for evangelism, focusing on God, giving and spiritual uplifting.  Go against the grain … seek God in a different way – let it be a time for urgent restitutions.  Know that careful and elaborate preparations have been made by the enemy of our soul to see that once again, the god of this world ravages the souls of men.   I recently read ( I recommend you read the linked essay ) of a new evangelical spectrum – from "hyperfundamentalist" to "indifferentists" which I suspected to be recasting what in the book of Revelation Christ termed "Hot – Lukewarm – Cold".  Perhaps what many call a balanced conservative middle-ground positioning was what was commanded to be spewed out. We can determine to be "scalding" in showing the love of Christ and in our giving in the season. It is a wonderful opportunity for many to know Christ as Lord and Saviour. Christ waits to welcome the sinner home.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Annual Holy Ghost Congress – themed "A New Thing" will hold Dec. 12th- 17th 2011.  As part of the yuletide events try something different to set the tone for the holiday season by attending. You can join online to be strengthened in your spirit.  See Trailer below for details.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Letter to Sister Abby's Daughter

It does take guts to go completely against the grain by encouraging those uniquely gifted to serve God … remaining single – without sounding like Mother Superior.

We forget, all too conveniently, that Christ was single as well as the most prolific of contributors to the New Testament, Apostle Paul.  I published a related article by Brother Gbile on a different Deliverance from Earthwardness . Abby writes to her daughter …

Daughter dearest,

I have not written in a while, you know a proper letter, fold the paper and put it in an envelope (matching envelope please) seal the envelope and place the stamp (correct postage ) in the right hand corner of the envelope (and not up-side-down), letter!  I like the world of instant, Blackberry messengers, facetime, twitter, and facebook …but a letter…this will be one of the many I will be writing…it is my pledge to you  (nay to myself).

I was at the grocery store today and on offer were instant oats in all varieties and flavours. I settled for the long cooking one, nothing like soaking the oats in water with a pinch of salt (the way your Nana taught me) and then on low heat, simmer, the smell, the warmth…and then poured into a bowl and sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar. It's the preparation….

And now to your question, 'Mother give me 5 reasons why I shou1d remain single?' It's the preparation

I remember the words of the old Diana Ross and the Supremes song 'you cann't hurry love, you just have to wait….' I may not have 5 reasons but I do know, that you are beautiful, and a treasure and a gift, God's gift…I know this, but do you know this, do you believe this…at this time of your life you are being divinely prepared, all that you are and even going through is preparing you for LIFE…whether as a single young Lady or a married one

Are you enjoying the preparation or enduring you…are you being the best you? You for your Lord and You for yourself. Your singleness is a gift….a wonderful gift of God's grace…a time for you to know You, discover you, love you…..and don't get me wrong I am not saying that you cannot be YOU in a relationship, but so many women go into a relationship looking for the other person to 'define' them. I long for you Child to embrace your singleness and for the Lord's Glory to come through… in every area, the vocation you chose, your creativity, in play and recreation, even in the hard places of life.

Another November, for it was in November my husband died and I too died, died to my ideal life but then came alive again … .and I went on 'exeat' to Chelsea yesterday. Popping into my favourite shops, the shop windows are such a delight, not shopping ( I lie, I did buy one or two things)  just browsing on Kings Road, hopping on the bus at the Duke of York Square  and off again, I treated myself to a cuppa (chai latte with soya milk extra hot and a sprinkling of cinnamon), I bought myself lunch at the Stockpot and I wondered if 'Johnny English' was showing yet at the Odeon for I will come and see it alone and laugh alone!!!!! I wondered in Anthropologie bought some soap and browsed through some books, a title grabbed me 'the Happiness project' hmmm wonder what that is about? In the middle of musings and browsing it occurred to me I have been a single woman for 15 years; having been previously married for 17 years. Almost half and half, can I honestly look at my 17 years of being married and claim they were better that the 15 years of being single….NO, not better, both gifts…it was Elizabeth Elliot through her writing, (some of the books are no longer in print) books like 'Loneliness' 'Let me be Woman' that I discovered (funny I read most of her books when I was married, that 'singleness is a gift'…. and daughter dearest I pray you will fully live, embrace and appreciate your 'gift'

With all my love always

Mum

(this letter was first posted to http://www.milkandhoneymedia.co.uk/5-reasons-you-should-stay-single/  and is written by Abby Olufeyimi . Abby is the Parish Pastor of Builder's House (The Redeemed Christian Church of God), a church plant and community outreach of Jesus House (RCCG), England)

"O that my heart was pre-conditioned to seek Thy face!  O that my reins would evermore long for Thy presence!  O that my mind, my thoughts and imaginations are perpetually fixed on Thee! And my words, my deed, my daily traffic, all completely centred on You." Prayer by Brother Gbile Akanni.

Enjoy related video by John Piper …

John Piper interview from women's katoomba convention from kcc on Vimeo.

Worship of Angels – Do not do it.

On a short trip with my wife and kids in the UK and with much time on my hands I find myself often seated browsing the TV stations especially the religious bouquet seeking inspiration but instead finding myself perturbed … it seems a family film at the local Odeon will be more settling and I have asked my little boy to chose a safe film for all of us to see.  But in my spirit I am led to warn about an ongoing and prevalent worship of angels that has flooded the networks…worship of who?

I will not be the first to be alerted and personally hindered from false worship.  John the faithful disciple of Christ who was trusted to receive and share the Revelation of Christ, the last book of the Bible, also a rare example of unusual stability and longevity as a Christian worker. Worship of angels is genuinely heartfelt, comes from a well meaning heart and is closely associated with truth as angels can reveal truth … but it is not worship of God.  If John needed correction, you and I may as well.

Revelation 22[7]  "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." [8]  I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. [9]  But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"  (NIV)

In the last days, worship of angels will become very prevalent.  Angels are powerful superhumans with awesome intellect, talent and in touch with deep wisdom.  They can be so impressive, like the erring John we can believe we are in the presence of God. More scary is the truth that a third of them are fallen and employed by the anti-christ.

I saw a documentary on a late music icon strong on religious themes linked to several spiritual gurus and heard many of his devotees convinced that his birth and death years ago was accompanied with signs.  His spell-binding talent, unusual performance success and interest in the paranormal suggests  an angelic "entertainment" presence of a different dark kind. But then there are awesome gatherings where revelation, deep truths, amazing wisdom and intellect combine to create another worship experience …these "intellect and wisdom" angels reveal impressive truths.  In addition the love of money – and the obsession with financial "success" will facilitate bowing before the knees of mammon….a busy angel known to have a very large and growing following.

How then can we recognise worship of angels? True children of God will be hindered, warned and not allowed to worship angels.  There are many things that only serve us excellently well such as money, music, the arts, intellect and wisdom that are not sinful but should not be permitted to keep out the presence of God … any adulation in the absence of God can be angelic worship. The presence of the Lord either in the Old and New Testament either before Isaiah, Abraham, Ezekiel or John is often accompanied by a:

sense of God's holiness and man's sin, the cleansing and the atoning blood of Christ that gives access to the throne of mercy as opposed to a feeling of anything goes.
desire for sacrificial service, submission and obedience conflicting with our agenda and natural leanings. "Here am I send me, use me Lord for your glory" is our cry…a sense of assignment and commission.
forgetting of self (achievements and disappointments) and eyes lifted up to God, filling us with a sense of the gratitude, glory, joy and majesty associated with admission into eternity.

John was impressed, shown wonderful things and heard deep truths, but warned not to bow at the feet of the angel revealing the truths … reminded to "Worship God".

Lord, as you hindered every false worship for John – helping him, help me to worship you in Spirit and in Truth, and not be impressed into deception. Expose the worship of angels that your children may please you.  Do something new in my life as I worship God.  Amen

 

 

Enjoy Video below by John Piper.

John Piper interview from women's katoomba convention from kcc on Vimeo.

Deliver Me From Earthwardness by Gbile Akanni

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Bro. Gbile Akanni

Lord, I found my passions going the way of the earth. Earthy desires, like those of the men of the earth, conspire to make me heavy towards you. Earthly attachments, earthy longings, earthward attractions still show themselves in my natural mien. I seem to battle, some of the time, with a force of gravity pulling me towards earth's activities and earth's concerns and earth's matters. When Lord, would I actually be free to soar the realms above? Beyond sinful lusts and worldliness, I found a general mental earthwardness that makes me yet more comfortable with the men of the earth than with the eternal beings above.

Why is it that I prefer to talk with men than to commune with God! Why do I feel it an uphill to go plunge in the labour of prayer and intercession for the things of Thy kingdom? Why am I more relaxed, capable of consuming precious hours in the fraternity of humans than to spend a mere day alone with God? Why should I rather more easily plunge into hours of discussion with my wife, chatting with my brethren, disciples and men than to sit alone and have HIM come pour into my soul instead?

Why do I prefer Counselling to Communion? Teaching to Meditating on the Word? Ministry to Devotion? Why should earthly labour, even if for God, seem to be the sweeter than being with Him? Am I not earthy, earthly and earthward?

Earthly labour, earthy chores, earthly concerns, earthy cares . . . legitimate, not even sinful, seem to more easily carry the day to the detriment of returning and resting in the holy presence. Why do I go through the endless cycle of running out and running in, burning out and coming back for refill? Why do I prefer to be refreshed than to remain ever fresh? I detest this earthwardness! Lord please break it hold over me!  It was David the King that cried . . .

Psalms 119:5-6 … "O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments." 

O that my heart was Pre-conditioned to seek Thy face!  O that my reins would evermore long for Thy presence!  O that my mind, my thoughts and imaginations are perpetually fixed on Thee! And my words, my deed, my daily traffic, all completely centred on You.

While I am bound in this earthly, earthy and earthward tabernacle, Lord, may I yet daily relish the secret ecstasy of Divine communion. May I possess as my permanent possession, the joy of living, moving and having my being in you. Let the rejoicing of my heart, the merriment of my soul and the excitement of my laughter be of finding You and feeling You in the centre of my bosom. I discover a new deliverance at last.

Psalms 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

(Gleanings from livingseed.org)

A Different Army that is Coming

John 15:5 says "I am the Vine ye are the branches, ye that abide in Me, the same bring much fruit, for without Me, you can do nothing". Jesus Christ is the Vine and every Christian is a branch of that Vine. The secret of fruitfulness then is to simply to abide in Him. When we talk about abiding, if I'm going to abide in a house, the first thing I need to do is to locate the house. If I am going to abide in the Lord. Psalm 34:10 tells us that the "young lion do lack and suffer hunger, but they that seek the Lord, shall never lack any good thing".

Hebrews 11:6 also tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Therefore, if I am going to abide in the Lord, I must seek the Lord and if I seek the Lord, I will not lack any good thing. Matt. 7:7-8 assures us that if we seek we will find.

However, the Bible adds certain conditions to our seeking and finding. Isa. 55:6 tells us "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, all ye upon Him while He is near". This means there is a time when we can seek Him and find Him. Proverbs 8:17 says "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me". Some seek God when it is already late, but you must seek Him first; first thing in the morning; before you go to work, before you get married…and so on. "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:33.

Now after I locate the house, I must knock at the door. The Bible says that"…if you knock it will be open unto you."  So I want to abide in a house, therefore I seek for it, I find it, I knock the door and the door is open. The next thing is I would want to do is check if it is suitable for me or not. Psalm 34:8 says "Taste and see that the Lord is good". Many have tasted the Lord and know that the Lord is good.

Another secret of fruitfulness is to be freed from the Adamic nature, bound by the inherent dust to strive and fail by receiving a breath of life from God. Dust must return to dust, but there is a Spirit man (a breath of life) received from God that must eventually return to God.

Genesis 2[7] And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

 

Ezekiel 37[9] Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. [10] So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. [11] Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. [12] Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. [13] And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, [14] And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it , and performed it , saith the LORD.

Christian Revival is a phenomenon that transforms dust to a mighty kingdom army by the agent of the breath of God. When we speak of revival, we are not talking about meetings, but of a sovereign move of God, as seen in the Welsh revival. In the Welsh revival a nation was changed in weeks. Thousands of unsaved people, all at one time, were moved by a heavenly influence to repent. Pubs were emptied, the work place was ablaze with talk about salvation, and churches over-flowed with sinners wanting to get saved. The word 'revival' is used to explain the amazing results of an outpouring of the Spirit of God. A revival is here.

God will insist on holiness. If you are going to be revived and transformed and discover fruitfulness as never been seen, then you must be holy, abide in Him and receive that breath of life that liberates you from the curse of the dust and battles with creeping things.

A victorious and fruitful army of God is emerging. This army abides in the word of God, is strengthened to overcome and prepared to meet with Christ – Husband and Commander in Chief.

God Knows your End

Psalm 41 [9] Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. [10] But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. [11] By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

As good as the beginning of your life, family or project may be, its end is far more important to God. It is good to start the Christian race, but Heaven is more concerned about how that race will end. Acts 15:18 says God already knows how you will end your journey right from when you embarked upon it. This is so because God is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending (Rev. 1:8).

According to Ephesians 1:35-, everything concerning you had been settled by God before the creation of the world. Some people think they are where they are today as a result of certain events which took place many years before, or as a result of the meeting of their parents. That's far from the truth! Even before God created the world, He knew and had planned that you would be born at a particular time to fulfill a definite purpose.

This is why you can never take God by surprise: He already knows what you are capable of doing throughout your life time. While coming to this world, the Lord knew that somebody close to Him would betray Him. "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me" (Ps. 41:9). The betrayal of Christ was prophesied in the above scripture.

Satan was free to choose who he wanted to do that assignment. Initially, he fixed his heart on Peter. Peter was Satan's target to fulfill that scripture but somehow, because he had become too close to Jesus, another meeting was called where the tempter was asked to pick another person for the job. Jesus prayed for Peter but it was not recorded that He prayed for Judas. Every evil plan that has you at the centre shall fail.

Have you slipped from the path of righteousness? Have you betrayed the Lord like Judas? The Lord will have mercy on you and restore you in Jesus name. Have you been a victim of betrayal in the Christian faith? That makes you more like Christ. If your most trusted friend has turned against you, hold fast to the friend that never disappoints -the Lord Jesus. He will see you through to a successful end. You will end well. Hold on to Jesus the Ending, to give you an expected end.

Thank God for sustaining me up till now. Lord, give me more grace to live for you.

Culled from Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

The Story behind "Perfect Fall Wedding : The Coming of Christ"

Get your copy at BN.com

A fourth book has typical challenges in the sense that one begins to feel somewhat jaded and must recover perspective as though indeed there is something else coming that is yet to be said as it should.  "Three" in the Bible is the number that denotes perfection …the revelation of God in the Trinity.  Four is three plus one … that which proceeds from His complete perfection and that must be His creative work.  "Four" is emphatically the number of Creation;

The fourth day saw the material creation finished (for on the fifth and sixth days it was only the furnishing and peopling of the earth with living creatures). The sun, moon, and stars completed the work, and they were to give light upon the earth which had been created, and to rule over the day and over the night (Genesis 1:14-19).

Click here to view the embedded video.

Perfect Fall Wedding is therefore perhaps more creative than previous works.  It is not a book about true or false predictions. The metaphor of marriage and a love letter from the  groom to His bride was for me the very best canvas with which the creative agenda of the Godhead could be completely and thoroughly understood.  Indeed there are  snippets in the Bible to help us deal with every challenge and truly the Bible can be a prosperity book, a government manual, a guide for ethics, a cure for social maladies and even more…but this is like Peter being shown where to find the fish but after invited to come and dine only to discover prepared bread and fish was hot and ready waiting …his fish search  irrelevant.

In my few years of teaching, and I have taught extensively the contents of this book, I have not found a picture so familiar and easy to relate to and understand and yet so compelling to tie the plans of God together as the marriage of the Lamb does –from before time into Genesis to Revelation and the after-time.  I have not found imagery so vivid to explain heaven, hell, eternity and judgment as that of a wedding.  The joy of purification, having dominion and remaining apart is no more hard to appreciate or seen as drudgery when this is understood as part of preparations. Also I have not known any other ceremony with more prearrangements, colour and style.  God created us with a style and flourish that is uniquely His – through this metaphor we catch some glimpse of it.  The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is but nothing compared to what God has laid out.

Why the obsession with "Fall" … the season of the feast of Trumpets which I have said in the Book foreshadows the Rapture.  We know the significant events in the calendar of God did not merely occur they were announced by prophetic fulfilment of feasts as given to Moses in Leviticus.  But the Bible warns us not to relax in the winter, spring and summer and expect to be set for His coming in the Fall.  More importantly a saint unprepared for Him anytime will not be prepared even at a given set time…noting that preparation is given to the Bride – a grace she receives, but cannot originate. The chosen bride will without doubt be prepared.

The book is not about how to live a happily married life, but it does emphasise divine directions as it pertains to marriage ordained by God and not man.  Marriage is therefore always a spiritual and theological issue and not a civil construct. This book is not remotely new revelation – only that present day readers I suspect peep in the word nervously … finding right answers to trivial questions … rather than be given to diligent study and examine research, context and previous interpretations allowing the Holy Spirit to guide.  Also the great achievement of post-modernism  is to suggest to a world with itching ears that Biblical truths are nothing but plain fantasy. Only crazy people will believe in a millennium reign of Christ with His saints.  Existentialists will call this book – a mere piece of futurism and an escape from reality due to inability to cope with today's challenges.

The key aim of Perfect Fall Wedding is to help the preparation of the bride – the Church – chosen from the foundations of the world.  The bride will glow with joy browsing through the chapters and will keep her letter.  Many others, atheists, non Christians will feel a tug in their heart – a call to return to what has always been there – back to your husband , your maker.  But some will read and feel excitement, entertainment, annoyance, a thrill, a sense of fantasy, amusement, outright disgust, unbelief and anger –like someone devouring the contents of a letter written to another and wondering …what utter nonsense.

Isaiah 54 [5]  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Interested readers can find more details in the online information kit download.  Also Two free e-books of the author are being offered  with purchase of a copy. (To obtain the bonus e-books you will need to enter details of purchase on the online form and you will be auto-responded with download password/instructions).

(See PRWeb.com press release)

The Rapture and another Harold Camping Prediction

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Click to buy at BN.com

Many are hoping that Harold Camping will be ignored once again as he predicts that October 21 is the date of the rapture.  What is surprising is that even as has made previous predictions that did not happen, many will still take his predictions seriously.

Perhaps this is because they have not read for themselves what the Bible says about this most important event.  Most are ignorant on the prophecies and the clarifications given by Christ even as there is agreement that the signs proving the time is near are being fulfilled.

Matthew 25[13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

We remember that Camping, founder of Family Radio Network, had earlier predicted that Judgment Day and the Rapture would occur on May 21, 2011. But when spring passed without a Rapture, Camping stood by his prediction but tweaked it somewhat to say it was not a "physical" Rapture.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Is Camping doing as much harm as many imagine?  Except to the media crazed societies who find billboards more compelling than spiritual guidance or who have been told that the Bible is a "good" book of half-truths and mystic cryptic codes waiting to be deciphered. For those who would study the Bible and care to understand and love its truths, Camping's predictions will perhaps not be given the slightest attention.

Well it will soon be October 21…only three days away.

In the Introduction of the new book "Perfect Fall Wedding:The Coming of Christ" , Pastor Samuel Olonode had written :

"There are many events that will usher and mark the return of the Bridegroom. Some will take place before the Rapture and Millennium (the 1000 year reign of Christ in earth) . . . and some after. Some take place on earth and some in Heaven. The imminent return of Christ should constantly be on our mind and we should be watchful. We cannot set a date as some do, because no one but God knows precisely when.

The Rapture takes place to mark the end of the Church age. This Church started at Pentecost, after Israel rejected her Messiah and it has continued till today. For more than 2000 years now, God has been calling out saints from all over the world, those that will constitute the bride of his dear Son. Presently, there is nothing hindering the Rapture . . . so we are to be ready to meet our Saviour in the air at any moment.

As soon as the fullness of time of the Father is complete, God will order the angels in Heaven to sound the trumpet, to alert the saints on earth. The next thing is that our Lord Jesus will appear in the clouds; then the dead in Christ of all ages will arise in the mighty power of God, and be joined together with their souls receiving their glorified bodies. After this, the saints which are alive will be caught up to receive their glorified body and meet with the Lord in the air. The Rapture is for those in Christ . . . a select group who are classified as believers of all ages. These ones are those who lived their life for God and expect the coming of their Lord. Are you one of such? How often do you reflect on the coming of Christ? Are you expecting Him? Are you prepared?

The purpose of Rapture is to take away the Bride of Christ, and to deliver them from the outpouring of the wrath of God. It is also for the believers in Christ to obtain their reward at the Judgement seat of Christ. And behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev 22:12. Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10.

The Rapture is the event that precedes the Marriage of the Lamb in the Heavenlies. The Raptured Church is the "Bride-to-be"—there will be great rejoicing with great angelic singing and shouts of joy as the bride arrayed in fine, clean and spotlessly white linen—the righteousness of the saints, is presented without the slightest wrinkle. After the marriage there will be a special banquet and we see the Lord Jesus breaking the bread and we will drink wine with Him who was slain for our sins—in a final communion supper. What a glorious event it will be."

As October 21 passes, I urge you to again . . . remember Christ is coming . . . be prepared . . . for you have not been appointed for wrath. Repent now. Confess your sins and return fully to the path of holiness. Soon your Husband . . . He will come . . . for you….and if He comes before then … It is also well.

Pragmatism and Fighting the Monster of Corruption

[image error]The monster has not come for games.  It has studied the battlefield and watched the protagonists closely for centuries and is deft in laying out tactics to remain unvanquished.  This monster understands well three vital things which it uses to maintain his grip.

 Pragmatism is the real religion of many professors of ethics and many are simply as motivated to material comforts and/or prominence as any other.  Pragmatism means we must do our best to secure a reasonable and practical conclusion on matters in front of us – doing of course our best given the circumstance.  Everyone bribes and can be bribed … most with money, others with honour and elevation and almost all with compliments, attention and recognition.
Morality for most is not absolute and the context will determine the case.  Every case can be argued and we need to probe the context to establish truth.  Truth can be true in a case and untrue for another – depending on who is presenting it or arguing for it.  It is the end that justifies the means ….and this creates different scenarios and possibilities – enough to sustain every evil action.  The best minds can argue decadence to be right.  Everything can be contextualised.
It seems all dread inconvenience, bad news, shame, loneliness and lack more than they fear the hell that they preach about … if they still truly believe it.  Most will only have pragmatic perspectives presented and will eschew rather than help people grapple through real ethical dilemmas.  All like good news and worship happy endings.

Corruption is not new.  Indeed at its height, the Roman Empire was the most impressive human administration the world had ever seen. Roman legislation was indeed effective and is still the basis of the legal code of many countries. Yet, many have said it was corruption that hastened Rome's downfall.  The Romans were experts in juggling a corrupt judicial system and knew how to play the cards of the law as was required.  They were the ultimate pragmatists.

Acts 24 [22]  And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. [23]  And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. [24]  And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. [25]  And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. [26]  He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

The apostle Paul suffered under corrupt Roman officials. Felix, the Roman governor recognized Paul's innocence but hoped to be bribed by Paul to secure his release – after all this was only the pragmatic solution to enable Paul have the freedoms he needed to preach and do the work of God.  An ally in Felix would also have been most helpful. What practical value will an incarcerated Paul confer? " None " says the positive pragmatist. Surely, Felix deserves some consideration for his kind intervention.

Instead of bribing Felix, Paul spoke about "righteousness and self-control." Felix expecting a more practical discussion was incensed and had Paul retained in prison.   For many what the monster demands is not money, but our services or an assent to evil or a quiet silence –  anything to secure our freedoms from the bonds of the gospel and the love of God which restrains us. But we are yoked to Christ and must do as the Holy Spirit commands …  in this our coast is supernaturally enlarged to do even more.

What is pragmatism?  This is how Steve Jobs would have defined it.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." (1955-2011)

But this is how the Bible describes the voice speaking in our hearts…Jeremiah 17 [9]  The heart is deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Paul is not perfect and surely did not plan, when his life was interrupted on the way to Damascus, for a ministry in the prisons of Rome or to be crucified like a criminal, but the bonds of the gospel to which he called himself a slave demanded it.

The monster of corruption offers a wealthier, longer and healthier life, perhaps an opportunity in the lush courts of Felix to preach …  but all that – did not affect Paul.  Perhaps even though Paul did not dent the corrupt order, he saved his destiny and his soul – continuing in a pitiable incarceration from which he penned most of the New Testament.

The monster of corruption and injustice notes the identity of Paul, isolates him from his team and leaves him alone, waiting to hear of his eventual death and ignoring his tears in the sad corridors of a dark jail as he penned his works.

To my friend reading this post – be strong and courageous; continue to stand for truth.  There is a new anointing in Christ not to be overcome by corruption.  You will laugh last…all your private tears will soon be completely wiped away.

(Adapted from a real scenario and dedicated to the reader silently and privately suffering for battling the monster of corruption)