DRY BONES OR LIVING BEINGS?

Dear Friend,

I am so glad to be able to reach you with this word of hope that will transform your life. Whatever you do in the coming weeks, I want you to make time to read this Ezekiel 37 series; I know it will encourage you.

Let’s get started. I’ve learnt that the experiences and situations we go through ultimately bring about the results we imagine. How do you perceive your current situation? As dry bones or living beings?

Ezekiel 37(KJV)

1 The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones.

The hand of the Lord is powerful. This hand touched a blind man and he received his sight. In these hands lie blessings and curses, mercy and judgment. The Psalmist said it does ‘valiantly’. This hand is capable of any and everything; As little as my hands seem, many times, I am amazed at the things they can do. I know they look like God’s but I think He’s are grand! I say this because Ezekiel could have been on a mountain or even a plain until that moment the hand of the Lord took him and of all places took him to the valley of dry bones. Friend, it doesn’t really matter where you are or how you got there, I want you to know that God’s hand can reach you.

Isaiah 59:1a (NASB)
Behold the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save.

2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry.

Ezekiel said that God caused him to pass by them on all sides. Sometimes there are situations you observe from afar but you’re not in the midst of it yourself, like being among dry bones but not dry yourself. Have you ever been there.

I declare that you will not become dry, God will send rain in due season to refresh you, you will experience the blessings of the Lord, where there’s been lack I speak abundance and darkness – light. You will not grope in the dark even if you’re around folks who are; God will give you insight on how you can improve your situation. Maybe , what you are going through is such that you’ve termed “very many – very dry”, Friend, I want you to know that it isn’t too many or much that God can’t handle neither is it so dry or dead that God can’t make it green or alive again.

Romans 8: 28 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose for them.

Psalm 34(NKJV)
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
20 He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.

3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.”

You may ask, is this a trick question? God is Omniscient; He knows all things including my answer; so why would He ask me questions? Friend, God will not take any glory in asking you a trick question you can’t answer. God asks questions to prod you to think and sometimes to establish a basis for what He’s about to teach you. Answers are products of our imagination, what we think, basically the things on our minds. Our imaginations often spring from the things we know – information and there are many sources of information.

Many times, our answers are designed to take us into our next level. In any level of education, before you are moved up a grade, you are required to sit down and answer some questions – we call them exams. For every question, there is a right answer and God help you if you don’t answer them correctly. You fail; and at times are given the chance to retake or remain where you are; sometimes you’re awarded a mark for giving a logical answer. If you were to answer this same question God asked Ezekiel, will the basis of your answer be faith, fear or ignorance? How have you been answering the questions God has been asking you lately? Ezekiel answered correctly and as a result was released to prophesy; if he hadn’t , would God have moved on with the programme? Selah!

4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!

Everything God has made responds to words. God said to Ezekiel, speak to the dry bones, and tell them to hear the word of the Lord. The word of the Lord is the word of faith.

Romans 10:8b (KJV)
The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

The Word of the Lord is like fire; and as a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces, it is sharp, it is powerful, it’s like a two-edged sword, it can cut. The word of the Lord is truth and stands against every lie there is.  So watch what you say especially when you’re going through. Make it a habit to regularly speak the word of faith – that word you’ve heard from the Lord.

More in this series

• Change is coming 1
• Change is coming 2
• It will come together 1
• It will come together 2
• You have a hope and a future

DON’T CRY

Luke 7 (NLT)
11 Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him.
12 A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.
13 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said.
14 Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.”
15 Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16a Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God.

A cry is an expressive response to distress or discomfort. For this woman, her distress was not only that she is going be left alone but that her only son who would have grown to protect and provide for her has just gone. He was the reason she has been able to carry on after the death of her husband; He was her pride, her joy, her hope; in fact, her everything. The prayers of most parents are for their children to live to bury them not otherwise and this woman probably prayed this prayer but it seems that her prayer was unanswered and the bearers are now ready to carry her dead son to the sepulchre.

The pain of separation consumes the widow from within; Thoughts of how she’d be treated by the other women in town rings through her mind. No husband, No son, no one to call her own, “Can I bear this all alone?” she thinks? To make matters worse, she perceives the aroma of his favourite meal being prepared by the mourning women and she contemplates waking him to eat but realizes she cannot because he’s dead. Immediately, tears begin to fall from her eyes but suddenly and amazingly she hears a voice whisper tenderly in her ears “Don’t Cry”.

Jesus arrived at this town called Nain which in the Greek is translated “Beauty, Pleasant” and in the Hebrew “Abode, Habitation” but at that time something unpleasant had just happened and a solemn removal was also taking place. Did you catch it? The boy had died in a pleasant place and is being carried away from where his habitation was supposed to be.

I told you a few weeks ago that a gate serves as a demarcation between two areas; a gate will either lock you in or shut you out and I keep wondering what would have happened had the bearers gone a far distance beyond the gate but thank God, Jesus came right on time!. He was right there at the gate, he wasn’t late. Friend, no matter what your circumstance is I want you to know that Jesus is at the gate, he won’t arrive late. Even if it seems He’s late and your stuff’s gone beyond the gate even down to the grave, Jesus will get there, resuscitate it and raise it. Shout Amen if you believe it. He did it for Lazarus, He can and will do it for you!

The scripture tells us that a large crowd was with this woman but will you agree with me that Jesus came just for her. It doesn’t matter how many folks are flocking with you, I want to let you know that Jesus can still spot you in the midst of a crowd and as a matter of fact, He has. As we read further on, verse 13 records that Jesus’ heart overflowed with compassion. Aren’t you pleased to know you have a compassionate God? He is not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, He knows all our affairs, He cares and He is always near to wipe away any tears. Amen.

Afterwards, Jesus walked over to the coffin, touched it, and the bearers stopped. Did you see that? Friend, I don’t need to know who’s about to make away with your stuff but I want you to know that they will Stop! They cannot continue to cause you aggravation or pain, they must cease. Your sickness will stop, those creditors will cease to harass you, that trouble will discontinue in Jesus Name!

In Luke 8, there is an account of a woman who had a persisting problem, an issue of blood, until she made contact with Jesus. The scripture says “Immediately her issue of blood stanched” it stopped! I command every “Issue” in your life to Stop, Right Now!

So, Jesus raised the boy. He who was dead sat up. God has a way of causing dead things not only to live but to have being, Acts 17:28. God will revive every dead thing in your life, they will sit up, they will become active and they will talk: they will have an expression, make a sound, call for the attention of many and bring glory to His name. If I were you, I’d take a quick break just to Praise God for that…. Hallelujah!

After the boy talked, Jesus gave him back to his mother; this signifies complete restoration. God will hand back to you what originally has been or is rightfully yours. Never mind who snatched it off you or what they did along the way, the good news is that it’s coming back to you. Praise the Lord!

Related Journal:
Cry out!

WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE? (Part 2) – I’M CROSSING OVER

Exodus 32(KJV)
26Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.

Last week, I shared with you, an attitude or if you like a posture we ought to assume when it seems like we are encountering delay. Today, I’m taking it little bit further and we’ll learn what it means to be on the Lord’s side.

When we hear the phrase ‘Taking Sides’, we of course would consider the fact that there is more than one side and then we’d go on to think of words like adversary, opponent, antagonist, controversy, dispute, argument and perhaps terms like complainant and defendant. When one is taking sides, they are supporting a group against another, they are positioned on one side in conflict with the other and they have an agenda and opinion that cannot concur with opposite sides.

Throughout scripture, you’ll see men and women assert their position; you’ll hear Joshua say “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”, and Ruth “Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God”; you’ll even come across Jesus saying to His disciples “Let’s go over to the other side”.

In the text above, Israel, God’s chosen people had just committed idolatry and Moses, just coming down from the mountain poses this question to them “Who is on the Lord’s side?” and the same time tells them how to respond “let him come unto me”.

It’s amazing how the scripture records that Moses stood at the gate of the camp whilst asking this question. We know that one of the functions of a gate is to make a demarcation between two areas; Moses was in other words saying, Folks; your action will prove your conviction; if you come to me then I’ll know you are on the Lord’s side. Can you see the correlation between this and James’ writing?

James 2

14. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
15. So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

If you read the rest of Exodus 32, you’ll notice that everyone who didn’t cross over to Moses was slain, they died. Death, whether physical or spiritual is the result you get if you are not on the Lord’s side ; you start living a half-life, a life of gradual decay; you keep losing energy until you have none left. But a person on the Lord’s side Lives – They live by faith! They hear the word, believe in it, they talk it, walk it and act upon it; that’s why they make it through.

I want to encourage you to act like the Levites today, separate yourself from the crowd, cross over and slay anything that does not agree with what you do.  Believe God, when He says It (whatever you are believing Him for) will happen; be it  your healing, finances, relationship, marriage, fruit of the womb, long life, whatever it is. Put some attitude to your belief, lift your prophetic finger, point towards whichever direction you need to, make your position clear and speak! I’m crossing over, play time is over, I’ll quit saying “I can’t afford this” I’ll start saying “my needs are met according to God’s riches in glory”

I know someone reading this is scared they’ll die soon – No, you won’t! If you believe God’s word that says through Him your days will be many and years will be added to your life. Maybe your fear is not surviving this credit crunch – God delights in the prosperity of his servants and whatever God delights in, he brings to pass – you will not go under! You’ll cross over! Over to the winning side, over to the Living side – The Lord’s side.

More on this series:
Who is on the Lord’s side? 1

YOUR HOUR IS NOW

Dear Friend,

I was recently spending time in God’s presence and I heard a word for you. That word simply says that “Your hour is now”. Have a good read.

You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favour her, yes, the set time, has come. Psalm 102:13 (NKJV)

One evening, my dad sat me and my sister Peace down to teach us how to read the clock and tell the time. It was a ‘blessed’ day. I vividly remember the passion and the holy anger he had as he taught us and I’ve been thinking if my dad was so concerned that we understand how the clock functions and at the same time be able to tell the time by reading the clock, how much more God?

The scripture says in 1Chronicles 12:32 that the sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel should do. These people had some sought of knowledge perhaps by reading the books, by discerning or just by being sensitive to the move of God during their time; whichever means they used, the key thing is that they understood the times and they knew what to do. You see, if you don’t have an understanding of times, you will not understand seasons and you will miss your hour of visitation because the hour is within time, and seasons proceed from time.

Have you noticed that Jesus our model and example did nothing except his hour had come? During the wedding at Galilee, his mother was trying to hasten him to perform a miracle before his time, and he answered her “My hour has not yet come”. His brothers during the feast of tabernacles urged him to go to Judea for the festival. “You can’t be famous when you hide like this! Go where more people can see your miracles!” they scoffed but again He answered them “My hour has not yet come”. Jesus, in His own time went to the festival and as He preached, the Jewish leaders sought to arrest him; but no one laid hands on him, because his “hour had not yet come”. Are you gaining something out of this? I want to let you know that when it’s your time, doors will open of their accord and no one can do anything to hinder it. Could it be that the reason why you’ve been struggling is because your hour has not yet come? Here’s what Galatians 4:4 says: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son”.

Moses prayed in Psalm 90:12, Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. This is another way of saying, Lord; give me an understanding of the times that I live in, so that I know what to do as each day unfolds.

The set time is a moment or season marked out, set apart for a definite purpose. It is appointed, fixed, set for you to experience God’s blessings; it’s a time of favour. It’s a moment that must not be missed. Do you get it? So your understanding of times will determine how you apply your heart to wisdom, simply put the actions you will take.

Ladies have regular monthly visitors. I’m I right sister? I’m sorry brother, if you need a deeper revelation, turn to the book of Biology from chapter nine onwards. If a lady does not know the time of this visit, it is bad and if she knows the time but does not know what to do, it is equally bad and a preventable disaster can occur.

Do not run ahead of God. He’s never late; His word declares that He will make all things beautiful in his time. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you into believing the lie that it’s never going to happen for you anymore because it’s too late. Your hour has come and it is now , This is your due season , your set time of favour ,you will be healed, you will marry , you will have kids ,you will pay off that debt, you will buy that car, you will buy that house, you will get that job, your unsaved will come to know Jesus. If you believe it, say it out loud – My hour is now.

Esther 9:1
Now, in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed.

Did you notice the first word in this passage, ‘Now’! The Lord’s decree over your life is about to be executed. The hand of the Lord will be upon you to bless and upon your enemies in judgement. Your hour is now!

Jeremiah 52:31
Now it came to pass in the thirty seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month that Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign , lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison.

A prison is a place of confinement; it’s a place of limitation where liberty is minimum or in many cases absent. The scripture says that God made the evil king Merodach favour Jehoiachin and released him from prison. God will do the same for you; He will make people who don’t even like you to help you.

I declare today that you are loosed and set free; this is your hour of visitation, your time of refreshing, your year, and your due season to experience the Lord’s favour, the appointed time for your blessing. Your hour is now.

ORDER MY STEPS

Dear Friend,

I hope you’ve been enjoying reading this journal. Proverbs 14:12 says that there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Our steps determine the way we take and our ways are headed towards the direction of our thoughts, our thoughts, ideas and understanding produce beliefs-a trust. In order to trust Jesus, lean on his understanding and walk in his ways, we need to take a step and that step needs to be ordered.  Have a good read.

PSALMS 119:133

Order my steps in thy word And let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Every journey is made of steps; big steps, little steps with big feet or small feet. The truth is that some folks with big feet, who ought to be taking big steps, end up taking little steps and those with small feet take big steps. Is this shocking to you?

A step according to the Macquarie dictionary is:

• A movement made by lifting a foot and setting it down again in a new position as in walking.
• A movement or proceeding as towards some end

I love these definitions so much because they teach me that each step I take ushers me into a new position towards my expected end. Therefore, every move I make and every step I take should be the right one to enable me to reach my end. Are you getting this?

I want you right now to think about a step you recently made – Selah! Think about it.  Now think about the position you’re in? PAUSE II. Is that really where you are supposed to be? Could you have been in a better position if you had taken a shorter step or may be longer one? Oh but how could you have known which step to take? Did your guess work or flop?

I can’t but imagine the psalmist taking this little exercise, pondering on how different things could have been for him if he had let God order his steps prior to the writing of this verse.

The word “order” in this verse is the Hebrew word translated firm, kept, steadfast, stable, established, set up, fixed, secure, enduring , directed aright, prepared, arranged and guided. Does this sound like what you need?

Psalms 37: 23 says that the steps of a righteous man are ordered (appointed) by God. Another meaning of the word order is “command” and you know sometimes we just need that order; that command, that gentle force from God to walk in his ways even when we don’t understand it, or we don’t feel like it. I guess that it’s in these times that you need to tell God to swerve you, to move you in the direction you need to take your steps towards.

When you’re ordered you’re sent to or held back from something until the right time. No wonder David always prayed to be kept: kept back from, preserved, guided, ordered, warned and instructed. He understood that if God appointed and anointed his steps iniquity would not come upon him; iniquity meaning naught, vanity, trouble.

Let’s just recap. A step involves a lifting up and setting down of the feet. If there’s a mishap in this simple activity it will result in a fall – this is not God’s desire for you so ask the lord today to order your steps for a firm and lasting pace.

GOD’S WAY

Dear Friend,

Previously, I’ve shared with you the benefits of trusting in the Lord and leaning on His understanding. Today, we’ll be looking at how walking in his ways can deliver us from evil and lead us to our expected end. Are you ready for this?

PROVERBS 3:5-6

5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
6. In all your waysacknowledge him,
   and he will make your paths straight.

The word “Way” in the King James Version of the Bible is mentioned 608 times while the plural “Ways” occurs 205 times in 198 verses and they both in many cases refer to one’s direction, manner, character, habit (way of life) and action.

In Isaiah 55:8-9, we see God making a clear distinction between our ways and His ways. It’s amazing that before God talks about His ways, He mentions something about His thoughts. Psalms 92: 5-6 makes a correlation between God’s thought and His works and here’s what I’ve been pondering on : Had God’s thoughts  not been deep, profound, unsearchable, His works would probably not be great. Likewise, if our thoughts are still simple (foolish, silly, seducible), we cannot attain much in life; we will not achieve our purpose.

Our lives, our ways are headed towards the direction of our thoughts. If what we imagine is not concrete enough to sustain us in our journey then we need God’s help, we need to know what He’s thinking. Here’s what Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

An expected end is a destination, final/closing stage, finishing line, last part, conclusion, it’s an ending. Every journey takes  a while to end and sometimes hard to complete therefore during this journey (life), God has made  provision for  us that all we need to do is acknowledge him and  He will direct, smoothen; make easy the paths that we walk on for our own good.

One of the inventions of this age that I admire so much is the satellite navigation system. According to Psalms 32: 8 , God wants to guide you and instruct , teach, and guide you in the way that you should go but just like the satellite navigation system will not help you if you don’t engage it during your journey, God won’t. He’ll be waiting till you involve him so He can lead you forth in the right way that you may enter your habitation – your territory – resting place – just another term for “your expected end“(Psalms 107:7).

You may say , well , I definitely haven’t been walking in  God’s ways and I’m far too gone – That’s not true beloved because, just as the satellite navigation system can re- route you from where you are  when you’ve missed the prescribed route , so can God re – direct  your way to get you to your expected end .

If you’ll be meek enough today and submit your ways to Him, God will guide you and teach you his way (Psalms 25: 9 ). He knows the way that you ought to take, trust Him today to be your guide.

Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

GOD’S UNDERSTANDING

Dear Friend,

Today, I’ll share a word titled God’s understanding with you. I’m so excited about this word which is going to revolutionize your life. I pray it’s a blessing to you.  Have a good read.

PROVERBS 3:5-6
5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

As human beings, we are in constant pursuit of knowledge and understanding. We attend various institutions to learn and understand the appropriate course of action to take on a particular incident within different fields. For example, we may attend a stock broker seminar to learn the undergirding principles of managing investments for clients or go to church to know and understand God better, etc. Hence, we are able to analyse a situation and then apply our skills, knowledge, intelligence, ideas – our understanding whenever challenged to.

Philippians 4:7 says that “the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”. This suggests to me that besides God understanding, there are other kinds of understanding which possibly will include human understanding.

Human understanding is a natural ability to comprehend, perceive what is meant, grasp the idea of something(s).However, there is the supernatural understanding of God which surpasses our intellectual faculty, intelligence, enlightenment, senses, ideas and thoughts. Isaiah 40:28 says “No one can fathom this understanding” which means this kind of understanding defies interpretation and explanation.

The psalmist in Psalms 119:34 said “Give me understanding”. In essence, he was saying: Give me insight, discernment, the ability to distinguish, perceive and know and to consider diligently. I think this should be our heart cry today, Lord give me understanding.

Psalms 119:104 says “Through Your precepts I get understanding” denoting that all the knowledge, skills, information we need to tackle life situations is in God’s precepts, His laws, His Word, The holy bible. Verse 130 of Psalms 119 also supports the above text by saying: “The entrance of your word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

The word simple here is a Hebrew root word which means foolish, silly, and seducible. As you may have noticed, these are character traits often exhibited by us humans. God is not foolish neither is He silly nor seducible but we sometimes are therefore we need His understanding.

For a moment, I want you to consider laying down all your ideas before God, search the scriptures, get God’s supernatural understanding , lean on it and watch your life change for the better.

TRUST IN THE LORD

Dear Friend,

My heart is filled with so much Joy as I send you this journal because I know that God will speak to you through his word today, Read on and have a blessed day.

PROVERBS 3:5-6

5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

This passage of scripture opens up with the word Trust which is a result of one’s faith, assurance, confidence, dependence, reliance, belief, and hope in another.

Trust is a very delicate subject that is handled with so much care whenever mentioned or discussed due to the above- stated factors involved. It is often seen as risky and thus creates fear in the hearts of many causing them either to never trust or to partly trust.  No wonder the scripture encourages us to trust in the Lord with all of our heart.

2 kings 17: 14-20 and Psalms 78: 21, 22 records the consequences of not trusting in the Lord. The descendants of Israel were rejected and punished just because they did not place their confidence in God their creator and sustainer. Sad, very sad.

I wonder how many believers are living their lives not trusting God, not believing that he who has begun the good work in them is faithful to complete it.

Brother Job was being tried and tested yet he put his hope in God (Job 13:15) because he believed just like David that God will never forsake or leave him destitute (Ps 9: 10), he would experience God’s goodness (Ps 27:13) and the fulfilment of God’s will (Ps 37:5) for his life.)

There is prosperity (Prov 28:25) and safety in trusting God (Ps 125:1, Prov 29:25). When you trust in the Lord, you’re blessed, covered, hidden, protected, never shaken, never moved.

I am reminded of a hymn I always sang as a child

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word
Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know “Thus saith the Lord.”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

Oh how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood
Just in simple faith to plunge,‘neath the healing cleansing flood!

Yes, tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking, Life and rest and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Him, Precious Jesus, Saviour Friend
And I know that He is with me, Will be with me to the end
(Louisa M. R. Stead)

O for grace to trust him more in your education, career, relationship, finances, your plans, etc.

God has made his sufficient grace available to strengthen and enable you to trust him more, I encourage you to withdraw as much as you need and trust him today even concerning that situation challenging you now.

Life’s questions, convictions, and answers

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”They answered, “Some say you are John the Baptizer, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”He asked them, “But who do you say I am?”Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” Matthew 16:13-16

This passage records a dialogue Jesus had with his disciples at a certain location. This is useful as you sometimes have to navigate crossroads that:

• Challenge your understanding of certain things  
• Test your faith or conviction
• Cross-examine you and contest your testimony as a witness

What do you do in those moments when life demands a response from you? Have you got a witness statement? Do you have an answer, rebuttal, or defence? How can you contribute to or become the solution to the dilemmas around you?

I’m grateful to God that Peter was perceptive and responsive. Unlike the other followers, he wasn’t caught up in the fast or first response race which didn’t produce the right answer.  There are some scenarios where he’d been noted to be obnoxious and presumptuous but not here.  He was able to wisely give an objective view based on his understanding.  Like most people, Peter wasn’t perfect; in fact, he messed up quite a few times, but he knew to latch onto the grace provisioned by Jesus and consequently was restored.

Friend, the good news is that the same grace is still available to you right now. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been – Far country, Sodom and Gomorrah, Lodebar, Gehenna,  or even the belly of the fish at the bottom of the sea, it reaches and can pull you out. No, you haven’t gone too far out of God’s range because His mercy and love extend to the heavens, His faithfulness reaches to the skies. His justice is like the highest mountains and his fairness like the deepest sea; He preserves both people and animals (Psalm 36:5-6). Aren’t you glad that God is a preserver and keeper who has no intentions whatsoever that any perish or languish? You can come on right home. There is a place for you under the shadow of his wings, why don’t you come and take cover?

Jesus said, “In the same way there is more joy in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God than over 99 good people who don’t need to.” Luke 15:7

Peter who was one among 72,12, and 3 had at this juncture worked with Jesus for a long time. It is evident he wasn’t in it just for the fame or benefits. Besides being agile and proactive, he was hardworking, and I believe that is one of the reasons he was always the first to be mentioned in the trio – Peter, James, and John, who were in Jesus’ inner circle. Friend, it’s not enough to be counted, you need to stand out, and to stand out,  you need to go the extra mile. Learn, grow and practice through service.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

I am also grateful for second chances because we learn about Peter’s response after Jesus repeats the question. I believe in the gospel of election, but It is also possible that the other disciples had a similar impression about Jesus being the Messiah and Son of God but hesitated to speak up. Scripture categorises those who shared others’ opinions as – ‘they’. Each had the potential to share their conviction but only one dared to.

Jesus thereon distinguishes between inspiration and perspiration and attributes Peter’s revelation to the Father. In essence, he points out that the arm of flesh will fail as flesh and blood were not responsible for the answer. It is good practice to draw from the experiences and knowledge of other people but not at the expense of a personal conviction. Friend, if Jesus were to ask you the same question he asked the disciples, what would your answer be? Is your prayer, thanksgiving, praise, and worship based on a revelation or testimony? Be inspired and gain understanding.

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding. Job 32:8

Would you say this prayer with me? Breathe on me Holy Spirit and give me understanding. There is much value in thinking before speaking and  Peter shows that you don’t necessarily need to understand the full picture to make a valuable contribution; in any case, inspiration is the gamechanger. Would we have this account if he had joined the bandwagon? Selah! lt’s ok to break the flow and not go with the crowd. What people deem popular belief started with someone. Your personal belief may soon become popular if you firmly hold unto it.

Peter was a custodian of an insight that would later shape the church institution. The name Peter means a strong stone and rock, and his epistle depicts you as a living stone being built ( 1 Peter 2:5). Friend, do you have any idea who you are and what you carry? Why are you holding back? Start practicing! Do something!! Share your conviction!!!

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Ephesians 2:10

Friend, you’re a masterpiece and there’s so much passion, power, promise, potential, and purpose in you but until you maximise and release them, you will remain anonymous or second-best. Make up your mind today to not only have an answer but also be a solution.

Daily Bread

Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

This scripture brings back a lot of memories. It’s quite a familiar text and memory verse. As I made breakfast this morning, I reflected on the following:

Give us: Signifies the requesters’ confidence in the grantor’s capacity and capability to provide for them and theirs. What is your faith level? Do you believe God has, can, and will supply all your needs? Then ask!

Today: James notes in his book that no one but God knows what will happen tomorrow. Jesus further encourages us not to worry about tomorrow given that today has enough trouble of its own. Some people in planning ahead have lost focus of the present. There are areas you need God to come through for you now, today, and not tomorrow. What are those things you need an immediate response on? Is it your accommodation, utility, health, or job situation? Petition God for it, today!

Our daily bread: The Manna was a daily household provision that expired at the end of every day except on the Sabbath Eve when an additional portion was allowed. Jesus said, “tomorrow will worry about itself” which suggests He is well aware of it but more committed to providing what you need for today. Like me, you probably have a big list that needs to be prioritised and streamlined. Zoom in on your ‘daily bread’ – whatever that is.

God can do whatever, even now!

As we finish off what is usually deemed the month of new beginnings and approach a different season, I want to remind you that God is on track with his plans for you and has you exactly where you need to be. Perhaps the month hasn’t turned out the way you anticipated or it somewhat did, but you’re hoping for more.

If anyone can relate, it’s Martha. During her one-to-one with Jesus after He seemingly turned up late for his on-call shift, She said: “If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died”. I have a feeling that this might be your stance about now – if you had given me that job, business deal, loan, connection, or treatment? Or if my ‘heifer’ weren’t plowed, then this situation wouldn’t be as complex or complicated.

It may seem that all hope is lost right now; however, it’s important to take hold of your thoughts, words, and actions. Are they full of faith or fear? Do they engender hope or despair? Are your assumptions optimistic or pessimistic? Selah!

I love the fact that in the midst of the loss,  pain, anger, frustration, disappointment , exhaustion, and mood swings, Martha had a ’knowing’ and perspective that things could turn, and for the better.  She said:

But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask him for. John 11:22

Herein is today’s reflection:

But I know: This speaks of faith – a confident assurance and expression [verbalization] of something expected in spite of the current evidence. The ‘But’ contrasts the present experience and introduces an alternate reality or possibility. It counters the status-quo by motioning the new.  Why don’t you put those words into the atmosphere? I maybe sick but I know, might be broke but I know, may have fertility issues but I know!

For I know Him [and I am personally acquainted with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him until that day [when I stand before Him]. 2 Timothy 1:12

And we know [are convinced] that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. Romans 8:28

Even now: I imagine Martha drew from the same leaf Pa Abraham did when: He believed and hoped, even when there was no reason for hoping, and so became. Rom 4:18. I believe his condition was so hopeless and dead no virility drug or therapy could help, hence the account that “he believed the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist”.

You may be dealing with a ‘dead’ or ‘buried’ situation like a loved one in coma or in the mortuary, homelessness, or hysterectomy but God can still  turn it around, even now. Release your faith by decreeing that things will change for the better, the circumstances nothwithstanding. It’s never too late, God can step into your now and create something new this very moment… at once … in a flash …. tout de suite…. straight away…instantly… immediately…even now!

I will make you well again; I will heal your wounds, though your enemies say, ‘Zion is an outcast; no one cares about her.’ I, the LORD, have spoken.” Jeremiah 30:17

The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him and he revived. I Kings 17:22

God will give you: What an amazing perspective to have especially when something has been taken from you. Do you believe that God will take or give? It was during his most trying time that Job shared that “The LORD gives and takes away. May his name be praised!” Whilst there’s some truth in this concept, Job maintained an attitude of praise and obedience. No wonder his narrative ended with: “The LORD blessed the latter years of Job’s life more than the earlier years”.

He received more because God gave more. God has always been and will continue to be in the business of giving, but if you do not believe that about him then it may not be your reality. Do you believe God will restore [ give you back] your life, finances, womb or whatever your desire? Then say it! God will give me perfect health,  supply all my needs, and multiply my seeds.

I, the LORD your God, will make up for the losses caused by those swarms and swarms of locusts I sent to attack you. Joel 2:25

His divine power has given us everything we need to experience life and to reflect God’s true nature through the knowledge of the One who called us by His glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3

Whatever you ask:  This connotes that there is no limit to what you can have provided you ask for it.  If it is in the earth realm or beyond even to highest heavens, God owns it all. A cattle on a thousand hills, silver or gold, or  the glory of lebanon, they’re all his. Jesus encourages us to ask:

Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for —believe that you have received it and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

The good thing about this is that you are not constrained by your ask list or prayer points. Why? Because God can do exceedingly more than you can ask or think; hence,  often supersedes whatever you ask. So what are you going to ask for?

I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” 2 Chronicles 1:12

He asked to live a long time, and you promised him life that never ends. Psalm 21:4

The end of the month is not the end of the world, God can do whatever you ask even now. #hollaapraise #fulfilmentcomes #privatejetcometh

The coming good times!

One day Kish’s donkeys strayed away, and he told Saul, “Take a servant with you and go look for the donkeys. 1 Samuel 9:3

So far in this series, we have discussed that life happens to all kinds of people, the benefits of having somebody or people to journey along with, and why pursuit is critical to accomplishing anything significant. Today, we’ll look at one of the triggers God often uses to align people with purpose – Missing things.

You may have come across the saying that your strength lies in the area(s) of your test. Similarly, I believe that those places where people tend to struggle, experience shortfalls, or have delayed fulfilment, are pointers to their callings, capabilities, or graces. In other words, their ‘power plants’.

Let’s talk about Pops Ab for a moment. He was a father of none as far as men could see, but God saw and said he was the Father of many. Now, it took a while for the spiritual reality to manifest in the natural, but it in the fullness of time, it happened. Isaac was born and he begat the tribes from which the nations are birthed. What shall we then say about Aunt Han who was long bullied and ridiculed for her infertility till she could no longer speak audibly? But when God turned it around, she testified:

Those who were well fed are now starving, and those who were starving are now full. The childless woman now has seven children, and the woman with many children wastes away. 1 Samuel 2:5

I want you to pause right now to pray and prophesy those words into your life: Wherever there’s been lack, there’s superabundance, where you were delinquent, there’s endowment, and in or through your weaknesses, strength emerges. #hollaapraise #fulfilmentcomes #privatejetcometh 💃🙌🕺

So then we can be confident that when things are seemingly missing or misaligned, all things work together! For Saul, the donkeys had to stray so he could connect and make acquaintance with the most powerful figure of his time – who by the way, was Aunt Han’s baby, receive counsel about his present and future, do and be things that he never would have. Friend, are you getting this?

We’ll explore this further but for now please note that there is a greater purpose for your challenges than you know. The ‘missing donkey’ is only a ploy for your divine appointment and upliftment. I encourage you to praise, pray, and prophesy through this season – this too shall pass. You will testify! Your mouth will be enlarged over your enemies!! Your head will be lifted in honour!!! If you believe and receive this, #hollaapraise because #fulfilmentcomes 🙌🙌🙌

That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times (MSG).

For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory about to be revealed in us (YLT).

For I am certainly persuaded that the afflictions of this time, are not worthy of the glory which shall be shewed upon us (BB). Romans 8:18

Pursue!

So Saul took one of the servants and travelled through the hill country of Ephraim, the land of Shalishah, the Shaalim area, and the entire land of Benjamin, but they couldn’t find the donkeys anywhere. 1 Samuel 9:4

Successful people are in constant quest and pursuit.  Some are in search of opportunities, insights, and methods, while others are on the lookout for mentors, partners, and proteges. They engage in a cycle of continuous professional development – they never stop discovering or searching, little wonder they are always innovating and growing.

The above text shows that Saul took action after mobilizing his team. He realized that lost things are meant to be found much like the broken need be healed, or the ruined, restored.  To emphasize the significance of pursuit, Jesus launched the A.S.K method during a coaching moment with the disciples. Here’s a breakdown of the method:

• Ask (A): You won’t always be handed things on a platter. What you request or ask for is usually what you are given.
• Seek (S): Making an effort or attempt at something automatically moves you from inactivity towards a journey of endless possibilities. Seekers are always finders; even when their expectations are seemingly unmet, that in itself is a learning.
• Knock (K): Between you and your next level is a door. A knock indicates your readiness to be allowed entry, passage, or exit.

For many, their ‘deliverance’ or breakthrough is wrapped in their pursuit (ASK) and not a prayer meeting. I encourage you to proactively activate and facilitate your restoration. Do not leave things to chance, pursue! Pursuing is a recurring process – you may not find what you are after immediately, but you will, eventually.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

We all need somebody!

So, Saul took one of the servants and travelled through the hill country of Ephraim, the land of Shalishah, the Shaalim area, and the entire land of Benjamin, but they couldn’t find the donkeys anywhere. Finally, they entered the region of Zuph, and Saul said to his servant, “Let’s go home. By now my father will be more worried about us than about the donkeys!” But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honour by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.” 1 Samuel 9:4-6

There are some journeys you need not travel alone. Many projects require a team in the same way certain business ventures involve partners. No man is an island, we all need somebody. We need family, spouses, friends, colleagues, associates, acquaintances, sponsors, mentors, partners, and supporters, to aid on those occasions we appear a little short, vice versa.

I’m grateful that Saul heeded his Dad’s advice to take someone with him otherwise he may have discontinued the search and returned without any results. Imagine all the opportunities he would have missed had the servant not been with him?

There are 2 great lessons here:

1. Leaders do get discouraged. They are human and need support and encouragement every now and then. Be nice and love on them.
2. Leaders don’t always have the answers. Followers often extend their strong networks and mastermind the strategies their leaders execute. Never underestimate your ability to make a valuable contribution regardless of your position or location. You have something to offer!

You need folk with the ‘let’s go’ attitude in your life. People who won’t dessert you in your moments of despair. Individuals with a growth mindset who won’t stop at anything until you become the best version of yourself. I mean those who understand purpose and will continue to prod you towards its fulfilment. Men and women who can advise you on the right way to go. Persons of good repute.

I believe people are one of the greatest assets in life. They can make or break you so be careful how you select and treat those in your circle. #hollaapraise #fulfilmentcomes #people #networking #growthmindset #motivation #teamworking #collaboration #forming #storming #norming #performing #adjourning #leadership #followership #strategy #project #letsgo

Related journal:
Life happens

Life happens…

There was a wealthy, influential man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land. One day Kish’s donkeys strayed away, and he told Saul, “Take a servant with you, and go look for the donkeys. 1 Samuel 9:1-3

Just as rain falls on the just and unjust, life happens to all kinds of people: wealthy and poor, influential and inconspicuous, handsome and unattractive, tall and short, etc. There are seasons or ‘one days’ in which assets are lost, a pandemic strikes, a partner strays, a child leaves, a loved one falls sick or dies. Usually, these are unexpected or unprecedented times that require a great deal of strength and courage to navigate.

I have no idea what may have strayed from or slipped through you, but you are not alone. There is good news:

Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The One Thing

For quite a while, there’s been ‘one thing’ I need to focus and deliver on to improve the quality of my life. Unintentionally, I’ve managed to run around it like Jericho without getting through it. While pondering it this morning, a passage of scripture came to mind:

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗜 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗗, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗜 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿; 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗱𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗗, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲. 𝗣𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝟮𝟳:𝟰

Here are a few lessons from this text:

1️⃣𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Focus is essential to successfully accomplishing projects/tasks. Don’t be a jack of all trades; if you struggle to multitask, prioritize and concentrate on one thing at a time.
2️⃣𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀/ 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: These are synonymous with the ‘definition of done’ and must be identified to clarify expectations, direction, and destination. For the Psalmist, it was “to dwell in the house, to behold God’s beauty, and to inquire in his temple”.
3️⃣𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲: Focus and goals need to be fuelled with passion to enable success. This passion often drives the plan of action which sets your goals in motion.
4️⃣𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: This is the process of actualizing your goals and the culmination of everything. ‘Seeking after’ implies that you are proactive and in pursuit – making things happen as opposed to waiting to respond to things after they happen.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲: 1) Focus on and prioritize your ‘one thing’. 2) Commit to completing it within a specific time period and get to work. 3) Find an accountability partner to help assess your progress on your commitment. 4) Celebrate your success once done. 5) Testify: glorify God and encourage others too #fulfilmentcomes #hollaapraise #theonething

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱: The One Thing

Claim your Birthright – Part 1

Hello Friend,

This is a bit of a long one but let’s plow on, shall we?

Gen 25:29-34

29 One day Jacob was cooking stew when Esau arrived home exhausted from the hunt.
30 Esau: “Boy, am I starved! Give me a bite of that red stuff there!” (From this came his nickname “Edom,” which means “Red Stuff.”)
31 Jacob: “All right, trade me your birthright for it!”
32 Esau: “When a man is dying of starvation, what good is his birthright?”
33 Jacob: “Well then, vow to God that it is mine!” And Esau vowed, thereby selling all his eldest-son rights to his younger brother.
34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread, peas, and stew; so he ate and drank and went on about his business, indifferent to the loss of the rights he had thrown away.

Birthright is the right or privilege that one is entitled to at birth. In the bible, this is a favoured position belonging to the first born, and comprised a double share of all his father’s properties and assets.

After the death of the patriarch, the first born or heir would take over as head of the family and look after the family property, thus assuming responsibility of the siblings and widows. In essence, he had power and authority over the rest.

There are instances, however, where this right was diverted. The stories of Esau, Reuben, Ishmael, Shimri, and Solomon, are a few examples. Today, I want us to glean some lessons from the life of Esau.

Be careful what you do when tired
Life happens and must go on, and so jobs must be done, and callings, fulfilled. This is not without the added  complexity that change brings. I’m talking about changes attributable to health, finances, relationships, migration, work, business,  global dilemmas, and of course, a pandemic. The challenges that come with any of these are tough enough to drain and exhaust  even the strongest of people.

From the above account, we can deduct that Esau didn’t particularly have a good day. He was good at his craft, hardworking, and committed, and yet had nothing to show for it. No game! What do you do when you’ve toiled night and day, and yet there is no catch? What else can you, when it seems  your best is not good enough?

Should he have slept it off, but what if he had such a belly-aching and unquenchable hunger that only a meal could satisfy? Should he have mustered up some strength to fix a meal? But then how could he, since he had caught nothing? And what about his mom’s  kitchen? Well, considering that he wasn’t  Rebecca’s favourite, his chances were slim.  How about Dad? Isaac would mainly eat whatever Rebecca dished, so we’ve come full circle. Oh,  but there might have been neighbours. True, however could Esau have made it there, considering the nearest might have been a long way away? What if he delayed his gratification and created a unique opportunity to feed, either by plucking fruits or harvesting vegetables? Long thing I suppose, but worth exploring. With just one option left, could he have negotiated the exchange of something more trivial than his birthright? I believe, yes!  Perhaps doing laundry, tidying up, a whole deer roast, or even his favourite boxers.  Anything but the birthright. 

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19

Friend, don’t make a permanent decision based on a temporary situation. Choose right. Choose life. Choose blessings.

Know your identity and worth
Friend, I’m not sure of you noticed that in the large scheme of things, the stew  Esau had was only ‘a bite’. He may have deemed it insignificant but it was big enough a deal to alter his destiny.  Hey Sampson, did you know that a hook up with Delilah will not only affect your dignity, integrity, or vision but your life also? Dear Judah, if you had been told your pledge to Tamar will diminish your God-given  authority and influence, would you believe it? Oh Reuben, who would have thought that your romp with Bilhah would relegate you to sharing a piece of land near Moab, when you could have had the best and twice as much?

Some things are strictly off-limits, friend. As lawful as they may appear,  they are just not needful. My Late Grandpa would often remind me, usually when  I was about going out:  Don’t forget whose Grand-daughter  you are. And in case you  have a momentary memory lapse, remember that anything you do out there points back to this family. In other words, others may but you can’t. You are an ambassador and not on a solo mission.  Therefore, live up to our standards and  reputation. Truth is I didn’t always get things right but an understanding of my identity and value considerably influenced and continues to influence my behaviour and actions. Do you know who and whose you are? Are you aware of the gifting and graces on your life? Are there any unfulfilled prophecies, promises, and purposes concerning you? Selah!

A good name is better than fine perfume. Ecclesiastes 7:1a

A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1

I wish Esau knew that his one-time misjudgment would have him nicknamed for life. Friend, I wonder what you’ve been dubbed.  What are you known for? Red stuff? White stuff? Liquid stuff? Are you exchanging  your abundant life, health, and wealth for a meager bread, peas, and stew? May you perceive right to do better.

There are losses that happen by things slipping through unnoticed,  and some are more obvious , but then there are those that are deliberate as in Esau’s situation. I believe in redemptive grace and I’d like to think that Esau possibly could have regained his birthright had he repented. Unfortunately, he didn’t sooner  but rather  he “went on about his business, indifferent to the loss of the rights he had thrown away”.

You know how he later wanted it back. But there was nothing he could do to change things, even though he begged his father and cried. Hebrews 12:17

Friend, I have no idea what you have despised or lost; the word assures us that they  will be restored. But you must not carry on  business as usual. Don’t be apathetic. Repent. Identify what needs to change, assess the effort, engage relevant resources, plan, and execute accordingly.

One of the benefits of being New Testament believers is we have far more great and precious promises; therefore, more than a double share. We’ll look at this in subsequent series, God-willing. In the meantime,  know your value and choose right. 

Is there any word from the Lord? Yes!

Is there any word from the LORD? Yes, Jeremiah replied. Jeremiah 37:17b

To provide some context to the above text, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans was imminent but neither King Zedekiah nor the people of Judah cared or prepared for the transition. Perhaps this was due to his character following his takeover from Coniah who was also known as Jeconiah.

Scripture says he, his officials, and everyone else in Judah ignored everything the Lord spoke through Jeremiah. Interestingly,  he was simultaneously soliciting prayers. Exactly what many of us do – not keen on living right but desiring the good things of God. Grace! As New Testament Kings and Priests, here are a few lessons from this narrative:

TRAIN TO REIGN ELSE YOU’LL DERAIL
Had the king reflected on the leadership of Coniah, determined the reason God appointed him, carved or captured the vision, put some execution strategies in place, or even mobilized the right people to work with him, I imagine he would have had a successful reign.  Evidently, he had no mentors, neither did he have advisors nor real friends and associates, which put him in a precarious situation. Are you hearing a word from the Lord? Selah!

Unfortunately, he faced captivity just as his predecessor. Oh, that we may learn from life lessons so that affliction doesn’t rise a second or nth time.

[Put first things first] Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward, build your house and establish a home. Proverbs 24:27

ASK QUESTIONS AND GET THE FACTS 
The King was smart enough to inquire of the Lord via Jeremiah. The ability to tactfully express a need or desire is a key skill. Great communicators know and make the most of this to conduct research, build customer bases, create proposals, get buy-in, close sales, win contracts, and finalize deals. It pays to seek input or clarify things whenever you are uninformed or unsure. God expects and invites us to consult with or pray to him.

Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand). Jeremiah 33:3

Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

God is always speaking and in Zedekiah’s situation had already spoken, but it was his asking that unlocked the answers. When you ask, you set the stage for a response. You may not like the answer, in any case, there’ll certainly be a word from the Lord. I learned a song long ago while in Sunday school:

God has something to say (2x)
Listen, listen, and pay great attention
For the Lord has something to say

Do you know that the popular idiom ‘the devil is in the details’ originated from the maxim ‘God is in the detail’? Is it possible you are missing him? Selah.  Pay attention! Distinguish!! Recognize!!!

ANALYZE THE RESULTS AND ACT WISELY
Most inquiries are followed by responses although some may be delayed. Zedekiah got a reply albeit not to his liking. Life will not always go your way but what you do at those difficult crossroads will impact the outcome either positively or negatively.  Rather than challenge and contend the verdict, Zedekiah could have conceded or at least cried for mercy.

For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal. Job 5:18

I will tell them, “Come back, and I will cure you of your unfaithfulness.” They will answer, “We will come back because you are the LORD our God. Jeremiah 3:22

ADMIT YOUR SHORTCOMINGS AND MAKE AMENDS
Zedekiah is not the first man or king to get things wrong.  There’d been wickeder and ungodlier kings such as Manasseh, Ahab, Nebuchadnezzar, and David who obtained mercy and changed their ways.  Instead of repenting, he and his subjects had no regard or restraints to the point they assaulted and insulted the prophet without remorse. Thus not heeding the word:

Don’t touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm! Psalm 105:15

For he who is coming against you is coming against the pupil of His eye. Zechariah 2:8b

I’m thrilled that in the midst of all this, God spoke to Jeremiah before Zedekiah sent the messenger to ask for a word. This highlights the truth that God knows your thoughts and needs, and he already has the answers before you ask.

I will answer their prayers before they finish praying. Isaiah 65:24

Did you know that negotiation is a discussion or communication intended to produce an agreement? You may not have your way but you can certainly compromise or settle for a win-win situation. Tamar, Abraham, Rachel, Jacob, Leah, Boaz, and Jesus knew this too well, so what will you do the next time life has you in a tight corner? I suggest you get a word and war a good warfare with it! #fulfilmentcomes #hollaapraise

Anything is possible

If you are unfamiliar with this passage of scripture, I’ve previously shared about it in my journal It’ll Never Happen Again. In summary, there’s a commotion because an unhappy father was venting about the disciples’ inability to cure his son.

Human expectations and disappointments
How often we take our needs to folk who can do nothing about them. We place undue expectations on parents, siblings, mentors, pastors, prophets, friends, and consultants. I am a strong proponent of doing the needful, so if you must, consult a specialist but place your hope in God. Edward Mote is noted to have penned this profound revelation in song:

“On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand”

A Neurologist could have easily and rightly diagnosed the boy’s condition as epilepsy; however, scripture reveals there was an underlying demonic cause. I’m glad the disciples’ attempts were unsuccessful so the man would connect with Jesus for a permanent fix.

Herein is hope for someone who’s recently had disappointing news – perhaps you’ve contracted COVID, or the fertility treatment failed, or it might be that you’ve miscarried yet again. Maybe you were refused credit or the re-mortgage application fell through, and your house’s about to be foreclosed. It could be that your job interview was unsuccessful, on top of that, you’re facing eviction, and to make matters worse, a special someone has walked out on you.

Help us if you can!
I suspect it was such compounding issues that drove the man to plead “please have pity and help us if you can!” What do you mean if I can, Jesus retorted! I have a feeling He was wroth, and this is observable by the tone of his response. In other words, how dare you place a ‘cap’ on my ability by asking for pity and mere help? Do you recognize you are right before The Almighty who makes something out of nothing and calls those things that be not as though they are? You may not know this but I’m about to show you that I AM the ultimate healer and the Son of God who has come mainly to undo the works of the devil. Bring the boy to me!

Fill in the blank
Jesus meant it when he said “Anything is possible”. Anything is a blank cheque. Everything is inclusive. Nothing is out of scope. This means God is able to heal you, connect you with the perfect spouse, align the right job or business opportunity, restore your finances, make you a joyful parent, sort out your accommodation problems, and enable you to buy a home debt-free. Anything is possible! Would you release those words into the atmosphere – Anything is possible! Anything is possible!! Anything is possible!!!

Don’t limit God
Sometime later, having traveled everywhere doing good, healing the oppressed, and setting the captives free; Jesus decided to hold a revival in a synagogue at his hometown, Nazareth. Whatever the issues or the magnitude, He could and would have sorted them, but Matthew recorded:

And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58

The degree to which you believe determines what and how much you receive. Could it be your lack of faith is the reason you’ve experienced little or no miracles? Selah! God wants to show himself strong and mighty on your behalf, quit limiting him. Stop preventing him!!

A long while in history, the Israelites cried out for meat and Moses was trying to analyze how God would come through.

The Lord asked Moses, “Is there a limit to the Lord’s power? Now you will see whether or not my words come true.” Numbers 11:23

Now you will see! And they saw! God showed up and showed off in his capacity as Elshaddai piling up Quails about three feet high for miles, as far as a day’s walk in any direction. He went over and above the call of duty! He knocked their socks off!! He blew their minds!!! Why? Because anything is possible!

So having established the diagnosis and cause, Jesus enquired about the history before eventually providing the cure. He wants to do the same and more for you. I hear Him say “Take the limits off me, Child! Others may have failed you but I will never fail you! What do you mean if I can? I am willing, be clean, be healed, and be restored!

Good and perfect gifts

Hello Friend, good news is bubbling in my spirit and I am excited to share it with you.

God is good and so everything he’s made and continues to make, is good( Gen 1:31, Matt 7:11, Ps 107:8-9, etc). No wonder He has good and perfect gifts wrapped up and ready for you. They’re goodies for you to enjoy – you didn’t earn them and aren’t expected to work for them. All you need to do is align and receive. What good news!

Also, with these gifts comes the bonus of clarity to dispel all forms of opacity in your life. You’ll begin to see well so you can do better. That’s got me shouting and dancing

The best news is that the Father doesn’t change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon. There is no variation, inconsistency, or duplicity with him. You can count on his faithfulness, rely on his strength, and rest in his love. He has never changed, and won’t, ever; regardless of what’s happening all around.

I have no idea what’s going on with you and the sorts of dialogue you’re having, but I would like to stand and agree with you for:

• A despatch, release, and cascade of all your desired gifts and boons!
• A flooding of God’s rivers of light! I pray your eyes, ears, and hands are open to receive what is unfolding.
• A fresh encounter that will signify and solidify the ‘invariableness’ of God in your life.

Be encouraged #fulfilmentcomes #hollaapraise

After this …

After this, I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. Revelation 19:1

For context, the previous chapter (Revelation 18) records the judgment and lament over Babylon – a wicked and unrighteous city.  Some of the doom songs and pronouncements include:

… Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!

… Woe! Woe to you, great city!

… Rejoice over her fate, O heaven and people of God and apostles and prophets! For at last God has judged her for your sakes.

… The music of harps and singers and of flutes and trumpets will no longer be heard in you.

… No workers will ever set up shop in that city, and the sound of grinding grain will be silenced forever.

… Lamps will no longer shine anywhere in Babylon, and couples will never again say wedding vows there.

It was after all ‘this’, that a new theme of praise broke out in heaven! Halleluyah! I heard a word for someone and as always, it’s good news. God has closed the old chapter of your life and has opened a new one – after this!

It doesn’t matter what your ‘this’ comprised, He’s giving you a new song instead of a dirge. The former things have passed away so put on your colourful garment of praise and celebrate.  #ihaw #thereisgoodnews #fulfilmentcomes #hollaapraise

Background Music –Fred Hammond and RFC

Your deliverance

For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. Philippians 1:19

Friend, I heard a word and it’s good news – What has happened to you will turn out for your deliverance. Deliverance is more of a state than it is an event. It is a done deal that was sealed well over 2000 years ago on the cross of Calvary. However, many are still in the process of appropriating it. Well, your time has come!

I’m grateful for Paul’s use of the phrase “turn out” which means it won’t always be like this; a shift will happen, the change will come, and things will get better. He gives us an inkling of how it will:

But then something happened!

But then something happened! For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born! What undeserved mercy! Galatians 1:15

In the preceding verses to this text, Paul talked about the man he used to be – his old pattern of living, behaviour, devotion, and religion. But then something happened!

I’m so glad there came a time in my chronicle that something happened – I came to the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus, recognized his kindness toward me by choosing and calling me while I was in my mother’s womb! Hey! Herein is my praise – what undeserved mercy!

It is by the LORD’S mercies that we are not destroyed, because His compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22

This mercy is available to all because the Lord deals patiently for your sake, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Repentance is a change of heart resulting in a change of behaviour and destiny.

That’s what happened to Paul – his story began with persecution but ended with praise. You too can get in the flow of this mercy and here’s how:

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

If you are ready to make this commitment, click on the link below and say:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your kindness and mercy towards me- for dying to save me.
Thank you for choosing and calling me.
Today I choose you and I call on you to forgive me of my past ways.
I ask you by your Spirit to help me live and walk right from now on in Jesus name. Amen!

© Heart of Worship – Tim Hughes (Instrumental by JonCynWallace)

There is good news!

Here’s what captivated me as I listened to the word this morning: in the midst of what seemed like a sad story, there was good news!

Perhaps you’ve been humiliated, deprived of justice, or even had ‘life’ snatched away from you, hang on there is good news. God has a way of healing, restoring, and making bitter experiences sweet, and he usually does beginning with the same seemingly sad story.

Now, that’s a God-spin and your Spinbot is JESUS. Plug in today and re-write your story! #Godspin #healingcomes #fulfilmentcomes #restorationcomes #lessonsfrommarah #hollaapraise #chambermoments

We Overcome!

Background Music – Overcome by Benita Jones

I Am Who I Am – God’s singular answer to your many questions

God answered Moses, “I Am Who I Am. This is what you must say to the people of Israel: ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” Exodus

God answered Moses, “I Am Who I Am. This is what you must say to the people of Israel: ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14

God answered Moses, “I Am Who I Am. This is what you must say to the people of Israel: ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14

One of the things I like about the opening phrases is the fact that God answered Moses. Life is full of paradoxes, puzzles, and problems that set us in quest for answers in different directions. I am grateful for the encouragement in this text that there is an answer!  An answer to your physical, financial, professional, social, familial, marital, emotional, spiritual or legal problem! Your case is not unsolvable neither is it impossible.

Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings but not for God; everything is possible for God.”  Mark 10:27

There are 3 fundamental lessons from God’s response to Moses:

1. PERSONALITY [I]: God is personable and relatable – He is a person and not just  a supernatural being beyond the galaxies. For we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched by the feelings of our infirmities. If you are hurt, He feels it too.

2. ORIGINALITY & IMMUTABILITY [I Am]: God is self-existing. Nothing made him and nobody can attempt to copy him. Every other god or being that tried has failed woefully – He is still top of the charts at being who he was, is, and will always be – Unchanging! Everlasting!! God!!!

3. INCOMPREHENSIBILITY [I Am Who I Am]: God is God all by himself – can’t be figured out or boxed-in. He is too much to be limited to time, space, places or things. Some know him as healer, provider or deliverer, etc. Truth is he is all that, and much more. The Psalmist said his greatness is unsearchable. At best, all we know now is incomplete, there’ll come a time when all obscurity and ambiguity will fade – when we see him face to face and will know even as we are fully known. What a day that will be!

Got questions? Great, God’s got the answers! He is the God of all flesh, nothing is too hard for him. Nothing (no thing) includes the stuff that you are currently losing sleep over. All you need to do is ask!

Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
Jeremiah 33:3

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour Me.
Psalm 50:15

I will answer their prayers before they finish praying.
Isaiah 65:24

Background Music – I am by Cece Winans

Fulfilment Comes 2

How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so? But all this has happened that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Matthew 26: 54, 56a

Have you ever been through hard times wherein you asked the classic ‘why me’ question? Well, I have and got the usual response – if not you, who then?

The events leading up to the scene above include the chief priests and the elders’ plotting against Jesus, his anointing at Bethany with the expensive perfume, Judas’ agreement to betray him, the last supper, his prediction that Peter would betray him, the Gethsemane saga which culminated in his arrest. I don’t know about you, but the mere thought that I had all this coming is enough to get me negotiating a ‘cross-xit’ with the Father and Holy Spirit. But Jesus didn’t, instead, he persevered so that scriptures and prophecies concerning him might be fulfilled.

When a zealous disciple tried to interfere with the process by drawing a sword, Jesus mentioned one of the many exit strategies he could have deployed- Legions, and then made the best purpose and impact statement I have ever heard. He said: “But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”

…and then followed with:

“But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.”

At which point, all the disciples deserted him and fled. Look after yourself, Jesus! Sounds like the tribes who bellowed ‘to your tents oh Israel’ as they left Rehoboam.

Those who’ve left you are not as important as HE who’s with you always. You might be tempted to throw in the towel, look back or quit, please don’t. I strongly believe your salvation is nearer now than when you first believed. It won’t be long till you see or take hold of that which you were promised. The furnace might be heated seven times more than usual but that’s only because the fourth man’s about to show himself strong and mighty on your behalf. Be encouraged #dontgiveup #fulfilmentcomes #itshallcometopass #hollaapraise

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36

Related journal:
Fulfillment Comes!

Every Knee Shall Bow

When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it onHis head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Matthew 27:29

Even in the midst of jest and mockery, the roman soldiers did not know they were fulfilling the prophecy – every knee shall bow.

I have no idea what or who may be taunting you right now but be assured it’s working together for your good. The twisted crown may have been for play and unintended but it’s shifted. Be it sickness, childlessness, unemployment, lack, – whatsoever may be challenging the promises of God to you, bows in the name of Jesus. I command all pseudo or mocking reverences to become authentic in Jesus’ name.

You may bleed a wee bit longer but the enemy is on his knee. The reed in your hand is turning into a rod of power. #everykneeshallbow #fulfilmentcomes#turnaround #downsideup #hollaapraise