Fulfilling God’s Purpose? II - Thursday 11, February 2016

Fulfilling God’s Purpose? II - Thursday 11, February 2016

Memorise: And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. – Genesis 2:15

Read: Genesis 1:26-28 (KJV)

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Bible in One Year: Mark 10:46-12:40; Job 20:1-19

MESSAGE:

At the very beginning of creation and before the fall of man in Genesis chapter three, the instruction given to humanity can be safely classified into three categories. Category one is to cultivate the land and to keep it. The words “subdue”, “have dominion”, and “rule” are all pointers to what is required to effectively keep the land as steward-kings of God’s creation. Category two is the institution of law with the purpose of teaching people to live under authority. The third category is the institution of marriage to expose people to the principle of love and teach people to live for someone other than themselves. From that very beginning, God made it very clear that He is not abandoning us to ourselves to figure things out all alone. He wants us to use everything we have to serve Him and humanity, therefore manual labour or service at this level was not the result of the fall, rather it was part of God’s original purpose for humanity. The truth is evident in Genesis 2:15-18, which says:

“15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

The starting point of fulfilling God’s purpose for anyone therefore, is to be productive. Since we are discussing the very first set of instructions to humanity, obedience to God must necessarily start from here. A true believer is to provide for his near relatives and his immediate family at the same time. It is not by choice; failure to provide for one’s family is equal to denial of the faith as stated in 1 Timothy 5:8:

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

This is the major reason why believers must be busy doing something worthwhile in life. If a Christian is unable to care for his family, such a person will be unable to love and care for others. The Bible says that such people are worse than infidels. Now it is possible to be in such a state temporarily due to several reasons, but it must not be accepted as permanent status. A faithful Christian will soon find favour with God and man that will pull him or her out of such despicable situation. I therefore prophecy into the life of anyone in such a situation reading this devotional today, the Great Provider will transfer you from poverty to abundance today in Jesus’ name. For those that are looking unto God for profitable ventures, receive it now in the name of Jesus. From this day, you will begin to fulfill God’s purpose for your life in the mighty name of Jesus.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to fulfill my purpose in Jesus’ name.

Fulfilling God’s Purpose? I - Wednesday 10, February 2016

Fulfilling God’s Purpose? I - Wednesday 10, February 2016

Memorise: See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. – Jeremiah 1:10

Read: Jeremiah 1:1-10 (KJV)

1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

2 To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Bible in One Year: Mark 9:14-10:45; Job 19:13-29

MESSAGE:

Several passages of the Bible confirm the fact that every human being was originally created by God and born into this world to fulfill God's purpose. Colossians 1:16 says;

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"

There is nothing like an afterthought with God. Everything He does is purposeful and deliberate. Not only that, He has everything to the minutest detail, precisely tied to time.Ecclesiastes 3:1 says;

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

From Adam and Eve, to Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and all the prophets and Kings in the Bible, they all were precisely programmed to come and go according to God's ultimate plan. There is no randomness with God; all things that have ever happened on earth and in heaven were ordered according to His unsearchable wisdom. Acts 15:18 says;

"Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.”

For example, John the Baptist was selected by God to prepare the way for the Lord by announcing His arrival, confronting the sinfulness and rebellion of that generation and by preaching repentance of sins. Jeremiah's purpose as a prophet of God was clearly described in Jeremiah 1:1-10. These two prophets were able to fulfill God's purpose; they did not at any time jettison their responsibilities. John the Baptist perfectly prepared the way for the Lord without taking upon Himself any additional responsibility beyond that which was ordained from heaven. Immediately he identified Christ, he made it public, he was ready to decrease and stay in the shadows as Jesus began to increase. Bible scholars have several interpretations about the real cause of his death, but at the end, Jesus declared him as the greatest man that ever lived. His greatness must have been tied to the fulfillment of God's purpose for his life.

Jeremiah on the other hand was deliberately setup by God as the national prophet to the nation of Israel in his generation. It was a period of apostasy and God was determined, after many unheeded warnings, to deal with the children of Israel according to their doings. Jeremiah was set over the kingdom of Israel to root out, pull down, destroy, and throw down. He was also permitted to build and plant. The Bible confirmed that though Jeremiah wept much for his beloved country, he faithfully discharged his duties without fear or favour.

God has also setup each of us for His purpose in this generation. Are you fulfilling God's purpose for your life?

Prayer Point: Father, please give me wisdom, knowledge and boldness to discharge my duties in this world without fear or favour in Jesus' name.

Victory through Praise - Tuesday 9, February 2016

Victory through Praise - Tuesday 9, February 2016

Memorise: 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. – 2 Chronicles 20:22

Read: 2 Chronicles 20:21-24 (KJV)

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.

23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.

Bible in One Year: Mark 7:1-9:13; Job 18:20-19:12

MESSAGE:

Victory is generally presented in the Bible as an act of God. From Genesis to Revelation, God is always presented as the source of all victory, which He grants to those who obey His commands and put their trust and confidence in Him. Wherever you turn to in the Scripture, the principle holds true.

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” - Colossians 2:15

In essence, God has destroyed the value and quality of our enemies and has also put their failure, disgrace and shame in open display for all to see. Victory is always presented in the Bible as achieved by God without human intervention. This reality makes it absolutely necessary to praise God whenever we are confronted by the enemy, knowing that victory is assured in Jesus' name.

The Bible also presents praise as a spiritual language that can reach beyond the intellect to touch the heart of God. Whenever God wants to do something really supernatural, He calls for an army of musical warriors, to bombard the stronghold of the enemy. Such was the case in the time of Jehoshaphat King of Judah who deployed divine warriors, an army of worshipers, to march into battle with musical instruments in their hands and songs of praises in their mouths. As they praised and worshipped God, he rose on their behalf and completely destroyed all their enemies. 2 Chronicles 20:22 says:

“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."

What I know for sure is that if you praise God, His enemies cannot stand by. Some 30 years ago, we went to Otukpo town in the middle region of Nigeria for a programme, with some students. I planned to talk on divine healing. Then, we began to praise God so intensely that the glory of God descended and I forgot every other Scripture I had planned for the next sermon except Luke 1:37. Suddenly, there were clusters of students kneeling and praying in tongues though they had never heard of the Holy Ghost baptism before. Others joined them praying in tongues and the end of the day I could not preach. Go ahead now, praise God until you bring down His glory today?

Key Point: As you worship God today, He will arise and scatter all your enemies in the mighty name of Jesus.

Deliverance through Prayer - Monday 8, February 2016

Deliverance through Prayer - Monday 8, February 2016

Memorise: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. – James 5:16

Read: Acts 12:1-8 (KJV)

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Bible in One Year: Mark 5:21-6:56; Job 18:5-19

MESSAGE:

If children of God would take time to study the Word of God and pay great attention to His person, ways, attributes and commandments, the world would be a much better place. Prayers will be answered quickly and Christians will revel in the glory and favour of God. We will partially know the reason(s) behind God’s actions and what to do at any time to move His hands in our favour. By the grace of God, anyone that is conversant with the history and development of the Redeemed Christian Church of God will agree, without any doubt that God has constantly revealed His mind to us in the place of prayer. May His name be praised forevermore in Jesus’ name.

A careful study of the story of Hezekiah in Isaiah 36-38 reveals two important factors that lead to God’s deliverance through prayer. The first is recorded in Isaiah 37:20, where Hezekiah asks God to deliver Israel for His own sake and not theirs:

“Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.” - Isaiah 37:20.

God responded by saving them for His glory. There is no greater and stronger foundation for our salvation than this. It is by His grace and it is accessible to all human beings without any qualification. It is open to the poor as well as the rich; it is open to men and women of all ages, race and background. Not because we deserve it, but to show that God is a merciful God who delights in showering blessings on His children.

The second factor is found in the same story. Hezekiah first prayed for Jerusalem’s existence that was being threatened and God graciously answered and saved Jerusalem, again he prayed for mercy and elongation of his own life and God answered too. In both cases, God’s deliverance came in direct response to a humble and desperate prayer. God will always respond to the desperate requests of His children because Jesus is our sinless high priest who makes it possible for us to approach the throne of grace with confidence.

The New Testament reveals a similar pattern in the book of Acts 12:1-8;

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” - Acts 12:5

The Lord answered the prayer of the Church with the miraculous deliverance of Peter. Here again, God answers the desperate prayer of His people for the glory of His Name. I therefore decree, as you make your request known to God this day, He will answer you by fire with signs following in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let me ever suffer any kind of defeat in Jesus’ name.

Commissioned by the Holy Ghost - Sunday 7, February 2016

Commissioned by the Holy Ghost - Sunday 7, February 2016

Memorise: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. – Acts 13:2

Read: Acts 13:1-4 (KJV)

1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Bible in One Year: Mark 3:13-5:20; Job 17:6-18:4

MESSAGE:

Fasting is a Biblical practice whose interpretation in the Old Testament was slightly different from what it was in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, in addition to being a means of prayer and supplication, fasting is also synonymous with mourning, shame and lamentation. The practice typically took place when a crisis or other significant event became more important than eating. However, the New Testament presents fasting purely as a means of prayer and supplication devoid of mourning, shame or lamentation. As a matter of fact, Jesus taught us to fast without giving neighbours any clues, which means we should look clean and happy as always while fasting.

“16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” - Mathew 6:16-18

The above passage forms the basis and model for fasting in the New Testament Church. Fasting is therefore a means of seeking the face of the Lord for divine intervention in human affairs. It is such a powerful weapon of spiritual warfare that Jesus told His disciples that some level of miracles may not be possible without adding fasting and prayers. That is probably the reason why apostles of Jesus Christ took fasting and prayer seriously after the physical departure of our Lord Jesus Christ. Right from chapter one of the book of Acts, fasting began to feature in the activities of the disciples, and each time, God responded with great miracles, signs and wonders.

Fasting was especially used by the apostles whenever they wanted God to commission them or needed special instruction or direction. Obviously, the apostles old and the church at Antioch spent quality time in worship, fasting and prayer, earnestly seeking the Lord's will as they opened themselves to divine direction. Their effort was honoured by God through the power of the Holy Ghost as they received answers to their request by physical manifestation of the power of God in their midst. The apostle would not have been able to do much without the commissioning power of the Spirit of God.

Prayer Point: Sweet Holy Spirit, please don't let me do anything without your direction and commission in the name of Jesus.

Revival by the Word of God II - Saturday 6 February, 2016]

Revival by the Word of God II - Saturday 6 February, 2016]

Memorise: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. – 2 Timothy 4:2

Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV)

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Bible in One Year: Mark 1:1-3:12; Job 16:18-17:5

MESSAGE:

Revival by the Word comes through total obedience to the Word of God. It is for this reason that the scripture admonishes us to preach the Word, which is to propagate the Gospel and spread the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are to be instant in preaching the Word because we do not have the luxury of time or planning for a convenient period. We must be prepared to preach the gospel always without regards as to whether it is convenient or not. Romans 10:17 says:

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Faith comes only by hearing the Word of God. The conscience of men becomes activated through the hearing of the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At the hearing of the Word of God, the corrupt and sinful mind of an individual begins to do self analysis internally. A decision is then reached by the help of the Holy Spirit, personal conviction takes place in the mind and sorrow for sin and repentance follows immediately. All these would not be possible without the act of preaching the word. To this end Romans 10:14 says

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"

The big question here is how shall they hear without a preacher? Our appointed duty is to preach the Word, the Holy Spirit Himself will take over from there. It is important to note that God is not only asking us to preach the Gospel, He is concerned about preaching the right content and applying the right manner in our preaching. We are specifically expected to reprove and rebuke the evils in the life of the people by the Word of God. This is where many in the body of Christ today are falling short of the glory and expectations of God. Sound doctrine and healthy teachings as accurately documented in the Scriptures must be preached always without fear.

We must bear in mind that our principal assignment is not only to populate the Church buildings; we have a greater duty to prepare the people of God for heavens through correct and unbiased presentation of the truth in the Word of God. By this the people will be exposed to the truth that sets free from sin and all unrighteousness. It is this freedom from sin that leads to peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, followed by the release of abundant blessings from above. As you make up your mind to live in obedience to the Word of God and take every opportunity to share the Gospel with at least one person daily, the glory of the Lord will become manifest in your life in Jesus name.

Prayer Point: Father, please empower me to preach your undiluted Word always in Jesus' name.

Revival by the Word of God I - Friday 5 February, 2016

Revival by the Word of God I - Friday 5 February, 2016

Memorise: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Read: Nehemiah 8:1-10 (KJV)

1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.

4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.

8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 26:68-28:20; Job 16:1-17

MESSAGE:

To have the full understanding of the term "revival by the Word of God", we need to carefully consider the various interpretations of the Word of God in view of the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the Word of God implied both a word about God and a word from God. In effect, the word of God refers to what God says, and at the same time describes God, His essence and attributes. The New Testament on the other hand, presents the Word of God as a person, the second person of the Trinity. Jesus Christ or Lord, who was with the Father from the beginning of creation. The New Testament presents the Word of God as follows:

" 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” - Colossians 1:16-18

The special ability of the Word of God to revive is based principally on the fact that He is the source of all things in heaven and earth. Since all things were created by Him, the power to revive is embedded in His creative power. God spoke all things into being by the power of His Word. Since the power to create is greater than the power to repair, it is well within the power of the Word to revive a corrupted creature at will.

To this end the Bible says the Word of God is living and active, He has the power to quicken and animate anything He chooses. The Word is able to examine and judge those who hear him, He does not fail, but always accomplishes the set purpose. The Word of God is in fact a weapon of warfare That is able to penetrate and deal with material objects such as joints and marrow, and even the immaterial world such as the soul and spirit.

This passage further confirms that there is no hiding place for any creature before the Word as all things are made bare and completely exposed before Him. Furthermore, the thoughts and intents of the heart of men are correctly discerned and decoded by the Word of God.

Dearly beloved, I admonish you to stop playing games with God. Ask for forgiveness, renewal, revival and rededication today. He will answer your prayers beyond your wildest dreams. He will revive you by the power of His Word and give you a new beginning of joy, peace, and prosperity. You will also reign with Him in heaven in Jesus name.

Prayer point: Father, Please revive me by the power in your Word in the mighty name of Jesus.

Revival through Prayer - Thursday 4 February, 2016

Revival through Prayer - Thursday 4 February, 2016

Memorise: After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight – Hosea 6:2

Read: Hosea 6:1-6 (KJV)

1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.

6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 25:31-26:68; Job 15:22-35

MESSAGE:


Prayer is a divine mechanism that God gave to Christians as a means of communicating with heaven. It is also a very powerful weapon for spiritual warfare. A man who has a fervent prayer life walks with God; no journey can be more blessed and productive than the one taken with the Almighty God through prayer. Simple prayers offered for individuals, the local community, the nation and the Church were responsible for much of the great miracles and moves of God in different parts of the world in history. The Bible in James 4:2 says,

“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”

This passage states clearly that we could so much desire a thing to the point of killing for it, but this does not guarantee that we will get that desired thing. The only thing that guarantees our getting a lasting blessing is to ask in prayer. When we speak of a revival, it must be clear to all that there is never such a thing as a revival if it does not start with prayer. Every revival in history came to be as result of prayer. The great revival under Jonathan Edwards in the eighteen century kicked off with his famous call to prayer. David Brainerd, Charles Finney, the Wesley brothers, the great revival of 1930 in Nigeria, and the one that gave birth to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, all started with prayer. As a matter of fact, every true awakening and revival always begins with prayer. The big question therefore is; do we need revival now?

Taking a cursory look at happening around the world, we will see clearly that what the world needs now is revival, more so when we consider happenings within the body of Christ. Things have deteriorated so badly, both the laity and clergy have departed from the path of holiness and truth. Today, the fruit and gifts of the Spirit are only evident in the lives of very few Christians. Many genuinely born again Christians are not living in sin but they are cold and operating far below expectation. The only solution to the problem of the Church now is revival. We must pray that God should revive us again, break through our self-centred daily routines, and fill us with the fire of revival as of old in Jesus’ name.

God is especially pleased to answer any prayer that is focused on the revival of God’s work and God’s people. In my personal experience, fervent prayers always preceded every great move of God. Even prophecies and revelations of God must be prayed into physical manifestation. Therefore as individuals, we need revival in our personal lives, we need revival in our local communities, and we need revival in our nation. The Church of God also needs revival for renewal, rededication and spiritual empowerment.

Prayer Point: Father, please revive us again, fill us with the fire of revival for renewal and spiritual empowerment in Jesus’ name.

Revival through retreat - Wednesday 3 February, 2016

Revival through retreat - Wednesday 3 February, 2016

Memorise: Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? – Psalms 85:6

Read: 1 Kings 19:4-8 (KJV)

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.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 23:37-25:30; Job 15:17-21

MESSAGE:

All human beings have an intense desire to connect to God. One vital element that is required to connect to God is a nice quite atmosphere, devoid of daily concerns, where one can ruminate over spiritual truths. Meanwhile, it is often difficult to create such within the unrelenting activities of one's daily life. This is why a retreat comes in handy. A spiritual retreat could be defined as a sustained period of quite, uninterrupted time for a person to be reflective and receptive in God’s Presence. It offers a time to leave daily concerns, to connect with one’s spiritual self, and to be attentive to the needs of one’s soul and spirit. People seeking for a time of retreat often locate a retreat centre or a specific geographical place that offers an atmosphere conducive for quiet reflection. The search for spiritual retreats has taken many to prayer Mountains and remote solitary places.

Mount Carmel is best known as the site Elijah battled against the prophets of Baal. However, the fact that Elijah and Elisha frequently return to Mount Carmel is an indication that they were using the mountain for spiritual retreat. The overall purpose of a spiritual retreat is to be transformed in whatever manner God chooses. Withdrawing to a place of spiritual retreat is to be transformed in whatever manner God chooses. Withdrawing to a place of spiritual retreat offers a time for refreshment and nourishment of life, a time to experience a continual sense of God’s presence that could become a constant reality in everyday life. Act 3:19 says

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"

Therefore, a time of spiritual retreat is a time for sober reflection, repentance, rededication, revival and rejuvenation. The book of 1 Kings 18:20-46 showed us the structure and pattern of spiritual retreat. First, Elijah rebuilt the ruined altar to YAHWEH, symbolising repentance and rededication of Israel to God. Then, he dug a trench around the altar and poured 12 jars of water on the sacrifice, the wood, and the altar, filling the trench, symbolising the activities of the spirit. Finally, he called on YAHWEH, who answered immediately by fire that consumed the whole sacrifice, including the water, the wood, the stones of the altar. This was immediately followed by heavy rains after three and half years of drought. There was great celebration as the people rejoiced in the Lord for a time of refreshing. A spiritual retreat always leads to celebration.

A spiritual retreat is also used to pursue personal holiness and to stay connected to God. Several passages in the Gospels according to Saint Mark and Matthew, give the account of Jesus retreating to pray. This point out the importance of spiritual retreat to Christians. Every child of God, as a matter of necessity, must constantly create time for spiritual retreat, seeking the face of the Lord for cleansing, renewal, rededication, and spiritual empowerment.

Prayer Point: Father, please revive me again, that I may experience a time of refreshing from above in Jesus name.

Intimidated? - Tuesday 2 February, 2016

Intimidated? - Tuesday 2 February, 2016

Memorise: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: – 1 Peter 5:8

Read: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (KJV)

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

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.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 21:28-23:39; Job 14:18-15:6

MESSAGE:

Discouragement is usually defined as a lack of courage, a state of mind which is marked by fear of failure and loss of hope. Discouragement is one of the powerful weapon commonly used by the devil to keep children of God from fulfilling their purpose. Satan used it against the Israelites to prevent them from entering Canaan because they were intimidated by the circumstances surrounding conquering the Canaanites; the Canaanite cities were very large, well fortified, and seemingly undefeatable. These caused the heart of Israelites to melt within them to the extent that they lost faith in the Word of God, and could not act on the promises of God.

Discouragement is failure to live by faith. It usually leads to doubt, and an inability to view circumstances around us from a divine perspective. Discouragement is therefore a sinful state of mind that is unable to adjust to disappointment and unfavourable circumstances in line with the Word of God and His promises.

It is important to note that discouragement is a powerful weapon of intimidation in the hands of the devil. It usually comes whenever a person has an important objective to achieve. For example, Israel had an objective given to them by God; the walls of Jerusalem were to be rebuilt. As the people embarked on the project with vigour determination, they were faced with opposition from enemies and even the Jews. The situation became intimidating to the point of demoralisation as recorded in Nehemiah 4:10-23. At a point, some of the workers became discouraged while the wall was yet half finished, then the opposition intensified their attack using fear and intimidation as the chief weapon. All these were masterminded by the devil to make it impossible for the Jews to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem at that time. 1 Peter 5:8-9 says,

"8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

The Bible admonishes us to be sober, vigilant, and watchful, always ready to resist and confront anyone that may want to weaken our hands from doing whatever assignment the Lord has committed to us.

By the grace of God, the success story of the Redeemed Christian Church of God is being told all over the world today, but when we first started, the steps God used to bring in the results that are being celebrated were terribly criticised both within and outside church. I decree that all oppositions to your success and breakthrough will be silenced today in Jesus name.

Prayer Point: Father, don't let me ever fall for discouragement from satanic intimidation.