ACCESSING THE REALM OF GLORY

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

Sometimes we often become too familiar with the presence of God upon the life of a servant of God or in a place of worship and we begin to lose all that would have been in our favour. Take some time to thank God for the privilege of encountering Him in some lives and places. Do something to show your gratitude.

CONTEMPLATION                              

“Many are struggling to worship because they can’t see or

hear spiritually. They are trying to access the realm of worship

in the flesh, and this is not possible. Until we respond to

the call like John, we will never be able to enter the throne

room. “…Those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit

and in truth.” FFPW p92.

It is a waste of time trying to encounter God by your intellect. “God is a spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” any man who disciplines himself to allow the word gain access into his being will one day be given extraordinary access into the realm of glory.  The difference between a passive worshipper and a passionate worshipper is the degree of glory they are in fellowship with. Some are limited in worship because they only respond to a planned order of worship, but there are others whose worship is a divine response to a divine call. Every man who is continuously in the presence of God has a sweet advantage ahead of others in all aspect of life. Make the Holy Spirit your sweet and active companion and you will too begin to take the lead over others.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

You cannot encounter new degree of glory except your hunger exceeds your present realm of glory.

No one, church or body is responsible for the degree of glory made manifest in your life. It is up to you.

If you have lost respect and admiration for people and places that once stirred up excitement in your spirit chances are, you have become insensitive and full of yourself. Jesus was the fullness of the godhead bodily yet He held in high esteem the ministry of the prophets before Him. A greater or a peculiar anointing is not a license to disrespect others. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho L. Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

CREATE THE ATMOSPHERE AND GET THE RESULT (PART 2)

TEXT: Exodus 33:7-11

Thank God for those who put you on your toes, without them you may not have developed extra wisdom and sensitivity. They are your training ground for the real battle.

CONTEMPLATION

Some times in life we are more concerned about pleasing others to our own detriment. This is when we are too nice to a fault. It is wrong for you to always allow some people have their way only when such actions always leave you frustrated and unfulfilled. We surrender to the will of God not to the will of man. If the Lord is stirring you up to excuse yourself from a place or group of people do not try to play nice, walk away. If the radio station will not play edifying music play your own music. Choose where you want to be and dwell on the things that will take you there.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

You may not be responsible for who your parents are but you are responsible for the children (result) you give birth to. Therefore be careful what impregnates your mind.

Joy is by choice, so is sadness. Choose right. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

TRANSFORMED BY LOVE (PART 2)

TEXT:  James 2:14-18

God is so real and reachable, let’s not complicate the issue.

“Our legalistic approach to worship is one reason why some

people see God as a stern, unapproachable, and unappeasable

being. The Father’s arms have been stretched wide open all

the while to welcome them into the family, but they could not

see it because some sanctimonious folks got in the way.” FFPW pg. 107.

It is an opportunity for any one of us to demonstrate God’s love to many who feel unworthy and condemned. Many who have distanced themselves from God and the church would have turned out to be worshipers with great passion if we would just let them know God’s love. You have the privilege to correct their misconception about God by simply giving them a welcome reception.  It is wonderful to stand up and preach to the crowd but it is possible a good number are there because somebody helped to create an irresistible atmosphere conducive for worship. You do not have to be given an office or position to positively influence people to become hungry for God.  A few of the most outstanding manifestations of the move of God I have seen have been stirred up and sustained in an atmosphere saturated by love. It only takes someone who is determined to walk in love with a strong contagious influence to step into such a place and before long the whole atmosphere will be taken.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

Most people are running around looking for a place saturated with the love and presence of God but the last thing they want to do is to help create that atmosphere.

If after a fellowship of believers everyone hurries away, then true love and fellowship is missing in that place. Daily Devotional by -Rev Igho  L.Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

TRANSFORMED BY LOVE (PART 1)

TEXT: James 2:14-18

One outstanding factor common to every individual who have made extraordinary impact in the lives of many is love. Mother Theresa, Billy Graham, Oral Roberts and many others touched the lives of many because they were motivated by love. What is your motivation?

CONTEMPLATION

Buried in the heart of every man is the desire to be recognized and celebrated but not many are willing to pay the price for it, which is self-denial. The truth is that if you would let the Lord express His love for others through you, you will dwell in abundant grace, blessings and power. That you are approachable, friendly and lovely does not make you unholy or less anointed. Many houses of worship want to rise to prominence but only few bother to create the atmosphere that will make the difference.

  “In an atmosphere saturated with love you are not motivated

by religious sentiments but by intimacy with God. In an

atmosphere of intimacy people reach out to God (in a vertical

flow) and to man (in a horizontal flow) as they worship joyfully

and willingly.” FFPW pg. 106.

There is more that the Father desires to accomplish through us and sometimes the only hindrance to us walking in this realm of glory is our unwillingness to love at all cost. Your life can be sweeter and better if you are willing to do something about it.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

Consider and list out the lessons on love from James 2:14-18. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries.

TRANSFORMED BY LOVE (PART 1)

TEXT:  James 2:14-18.

One outstanding factor common to every individual who have made extraordinary impact in the lives of many is love. Mother Theresa, Billy Graham, Oral Roberts and many others touched the lives of many because they were motivated by love. What is your motivation?

CONTEMPLATION

Buried in the heart of every man is the desire to be recognized and celebrated but not many are willing to pay the price for it, which is self-denial. The truth is that if you would let the Lord express His love for others through you, you will dwell in abundant grace, blessings and power. That you are approachable, friendly and lovely does not make you unholy or less anointed. Many houses of worship want to rise to prominence but only few bother to create the atmosphere that will make the difference.

  “In an atmosphere saturated with love you are not motivated

by religious sentiments but by intimacy with God. In an

atmosphere of intimacy people reach out to God (in a vertical

flow) and to man (in a horizontal flow) as they worship joyfully

and willingly.” FFPW pg. 106.

There is more that the Father desires to accomplish through us and sometimes the only hindrance to us walking in this realm of glory is our unwillingness to love at all cost. Your life can be sweeter and better if you are willing to do something about it.

PRACTICAL ISSUES:  Consider and list out the lessons on love from James 2:14-18. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

THE GIFT OF FRIENDS.

TEXT: PROVERBS 18:23-24

Our scripture for today reminds us of the need to celebrate the gift of friends. There are some who do not cherish the blessing of having friends until they encounter some alienation. We all need friends and must acknowledge it. There are people who say somebody is their friend but let the person do all the visiting and calling. When they are having an event they want others to show solidarity but when their friends need them they will come up with excuses. A friend must show himself friendly. Celebrate the gift of friends and your life will become colorful and pleasant. Take time today to let your friends know that you appreciate them. Do or say something that will encourage them and strengthens your friendship. Let your friends know that you are not a fair weather friend and you will be amazed the blessing that will follow.

Do not make your friends feel that you are better than them and much more advantaged. There are things you need that only that person can give you. You must try to make the person feel appreciated and loved. The gift of true friends will keep you and help you through life’s challenges, do not cut off your life line, do all you can to increase it. If you have any opportunity to add to your friends please do, only be careful enough to find out if the two of you can walk together. Amos 3:3. Thank God for all your friends and ask God to help you improve your friendship.  Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y.

THE GIFT OF FRIENDS.

TEXT: PROVERBS 18:23-24

Our scripture for today reminds us of the need to celebrate the gift of friends. There are some who do not cherish the blessing of having friends until they encounter some alienation. We all need friends and must acknowledge it. There are people who say somebody is their friend but let the person do all the visiting and calling. When they are having an event they want others to show solidarity but when their friends need them they will come up with excuses. A friend must show himself friendly. Celebrate the gift of friends and your life will become colorful and pleasant. Take time today to let your friends know that you appreciate them. Do or say something that will encourage them and strengthens your friendship. Let your friends know that you are not a fair weather friend and you will be amazed the blessing that will follow.

Do not make your friends feel that you are better than them and much more advantaged. There are things you need that only that person can give you. You must try to make the person feel appreciated and loved. The gift of true friends will keep you and help you through life’s challenges, do not cut off your life line, do all you can to increase it. If you have any opportunity to add to your friends please do, only be careful enough to find out if the two of you can walk together. Amos 3:3. Thank God for all your friends and ask God to help you improve your friendship.  Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y.

CREATE THE ATMOSPHERE AND GET THE RESULT (PART 1)

TEXT: Exodus 33:7-11.

Thank God for the progress you have made so far in your walk with God and be grateful for where He is taking you. Your progress no matter how small is worth celebrating.

CONTEMPLATION

If you plan trying to get the attention of men you will struggle to feel the presence of God. “Our precious time, strength, and God-given resources are

spent on that which will add to our reputation, name, and

prestige rather than on what will further the course of God’s

kingdom. Instead of being moved by the urging of the Lord, we

want to move the Lord to validate our agenda.” FFPW pg. 96.

We are responsible for the atmosphere around us. The lack of the presence of God in our lives is often a result of our insensitivity to the influence we allow into our lives. It our responsibility to choose our friends, the TV or radio program we watch or listen to, the book or magazine we read, the places we go to and the room we create for anything in our hearts. Even the Lord stands outside knocking and waiting until you choose to open (see Revelation 3:20). The anointing of God on you is the amount of the content of His presence you choose to carry each day. It is our duty to get rid of sin and every other thing that may not be sin but they help to quench the fire of God in us (See Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:19).  

PRACTICAL ISSUES

When our excuse for not living a victorious life is the church we attend or certain individuals, we are only admitting that we have lived our lives with careless concerns.

Take out sometime today to list out the 10 things and people you spend your time on/with and  judge for yourself if they are helping or slowing you down in accomplishing God’s agenda.

Make up your mind to let some people or things go and stand your ground even when it hurts. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

CREATE THE ATMOSPHERE AND GET THE RESULT (PART 1)

TEXT: Exodus 33:7-11.

Thank God for the progress you have made so far in your walk with God and be grateful for where He is taking you. Your progress no matter how small is worth celebrating.

CONTEMPLATION

If you plan trying to get the attention of men you will struggle to feel the presence of God. “Our precious time, strength, and God-given resources are

spent on that which will add to our reputation, name, and

prestige rather than on what will further the course of God’s

kingdom. Instead of being moved by the urging of the Lord, we

want to move the Lord to validate our agenda.” FFPW pg. 96.

We are responsible for the atmosphere around us. The lack of the presence of God in our lives is often a result of our insensitivity to the influence we allow into our lives. It our responsibility to choose our friends, the TV or radio program we watch or listen to, the book or magazine we read, the places we go to and the room we create for anything in our hearts. Even the Lord stands outside knocking and waiting until you choose to open (see Revelation 3:20). The anointing of God on you is the amount of the content of His presence you choose to carry each day. It is our duty to get rid of sin and every other thing that may not be sin but they help to quench the fire of God in us (See Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:19).  

PRACTICAL ISSUES

When our excuse for not living a victorious life is the church we attend or certain individuals, we are only admitting that we have lived our lives with careless concerns.

Take out sometime today to list out the 10 things and people you spend your time on/with and  judge for yourself if they are helping or slowing you down in accomplishing God’s agenda.

Make up your mind to let some people or things go and stand your ground even when it hurts. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

MORE THAN SILVER AND GOLD

TEXT: Proverbs 2:1-8.

 “When people come to the end of their personal achievements and pursuit, it suddenly dawns on them that there is something more. They have gotten all they set out to achieve yet they are not fulfilled. By the time they got to the pinnacle of their obsession, it only reveals how empty the whole thing has been, and like a mirage it disappears when it seems to be within their reach.” (pg. xvii).

CONTEMPLATION

There is more to life than money, fame and accolades. Some things only have seasonal value but there are a few that are highly sought after and esteemed in season and out of season. Our preoccupation all depends on what we hold so dearly to in our heart.

“Any accomplishment devoid of the true longing of our spirit will always leave in us a feeling of dissatisfaction and vainness.” (Pg. Xviii.) The latest car, fashion, building design, electronics, etc. will soon lose its glamour and fame.   But a heart continually flooded with the glory of God is always the envy of all because it dwells in true peace and prosperity (see Isaiah 26:3).

Whatever decision of life you are contemplating, it will be an error to jump to conclusion without asking God if it will help fulfill His purpose for your life. When the heart of a man is very desperate for fame and fortune it will often ignore the various warning signs flashing before him and will listen to just what he wants to hear (Proverbs 16:25).

PRACTICAL ISSUES

Is it true that at the end of your present pursuit you will feel fulfilled?

How many people do you know that has true fulfillment at the end of a similar pursuit?

At the end of this pursuit do you think anybody will still see God glorified?  If all that will be noticed is your fame, fortune and accolades please think again. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

THE GLORY OF GOD’S PRESENCE (PART 3)

TEXT: Psalm 16:11

“When our heart is prepared for a new realm of glory, it will

become sensitive to both hear and see things by the instrumentality

of the Holy Spirit. The prerequisite to access the

realms of the Spirit is not the aspiration in the heart of a man

but the condition and passion of that heart.” FFPW pg.174.

CONTEMPLATION

The realm of glory we walk is in various degrees, that is why we see different kinds of manifestations in Ezekiel 47, the Lord gave the prophet one of the most unusual experiences which I believe is a type of the realms of glory we occupy.  The water that came out of the threshold of the temple is similar to that shown to the apostle John in Revelation 22:1. When we walk in continual fellowship with God there will be a continual rise of this river of God until we have an overflow. It is the overflow of this glory from our lives that causes others to be healed, delivered and saved when they come in contact with us. You do not know the degree of the glory that is available to you until you begin to see the manifestations of God in divers forms. God is determined to transform lives through you, please do not look down on yourself. Beloved, the glory of God’s presence can be yours if you will go after it with all your heart. 

PRACTICAL ISSUES

- Be determined to step into the glory today and trust God to be glorified through you for all to see.

- No move of God is reserved to an individual; anyone who is willing to go deeper will be able to manifest a greater degree of glory. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

SUBMERGED IN POWER AND GLORY (PART 2).

TEXT: Mark 9:7-23

It is important to celebrate every little manifestation of the presence of God in our lives and meeting. It is not our right, it is a glorious privilege.

CONTEMPLATION

I wish I can give you a formula to help you know what to do to attract a particular desired degree of glory but that is only possible in the world of magic. What we have is greater than magical acts. However, the truth remains that any man who is in continual fellowship with God never ceases to amaze his generation. To fellowship with God is to commune with wonder and glory and no man coming from such fellowship comes empty. From scriptural and contemporary accounts, when some mortals are visited by angelic beings they struggle to stand on their feet. The reason why they struggle to stand is because when such angles visited they came wrapped up in the awesome glory of God. When a man spends quality time in the presence of God similar things happen and people fall under their ministration or by mere contact with them. When this happens we say the man is anointed. Your time of fellowship is a time to be submerged in the power and the glory of God. Do not joke with it.

PRACTICAL ISSUES  

- If your fellowship with God is intact nothing will become too hard for you to handle.

- Men and demons respect the anointing more than any title, credentials or position. Go for the presence of God.

- Find some time to be alone with God today and take note of the things He brings to your attention. You will be amazed what will come out of such moments. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries.

HIS PRESENCE IS EVERYTHING. (PART 2)

TEXT: Exodus 33:12-18.

The story is told of a little girl who had cerebral palsy and was unable to move. The parents knew the report of the doctors but they chose to fill her room with presence of God by playing messages of faith continuously. One day they heard a noise coming from her room, when they got there she had gotten up and to the amazement of all she said “By His stripes I am healed.” You are what you hear and believe.

CONTEMPLATION                                     

The first time most of us encountered God the passion and satisfaction of our souls was just to be in the presence of God. But today some of us have become too sophisticated to crave for more of God. 

“I know of places where the people started with a strong

hunger and total dependence on the Lord, but after a few successes

they became too confident and began to trust in their

wisdom, methods, gifts, and skills. They suddenly felt they

knew what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. As long as

they were still getting results here and there, they failed to see

the need to passionately seek God.” FFPW p100-101.

If you celebrate the gift of God over the presence of God you are probably more concerned about glamour and the recognition of men than in the glory of God. Do not exchange your gold for brass. They do not have the same value.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

 There are worship houses and individuals who started out in the spirit but are now in the flesh because they wanted to be acceptable, sophisticated and politically correct. They have left their first love.

Whatever experience you seek after, be careful not to miss the presence of the Lord. Daily devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

THE PLACE OF GLORY

TEXT: Luke 9:28-36

Kathryn Kuhlman remains one of the most anointed vessels of God that ever lived. I once read about how she came out of an airplane and as she greeted the band boys who came to welcome her with music they all fell under the power of God. It was a foretaste of the glory to come in that meeting.  Wherever God is taking you, there should be some manifestations to herald it. Begin to rejoice in hope.

CONTEMPLATION 

If you listen carefully to most people with undeniable evidence of the presence of God while they minister; you will hear them say words like, “when I was praying” or “... as I spent time in the presence of the Lord...” I heard, the Lord told me..., I saw..., My eyes were opened...” it becomes obvious they have had a foretaste of the glory they are now encountering. They are all humans as you are. When you have a glimpse into the glory that is to come, it builds in you a confidence that something good will happen for sure. Whatever God revealed to you through dreams, visions or direct prophetic declarations, He is able to fulfill in due season. Do not give up.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

- There is a great difference between a mere dream and a divine visitation from God. What do you have?

Every dream, vision and prophecy must line up with the promise in the word of God, therefore in all your getting, get understanding.

- If you can find any man whose life is consistent with the word of God and the glory that is to be revealed, stick with him and your troubles shall be few. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

THE GLORY OF A TRUE SERVANT (PART 3).

TEXT: 2 Kings 3:11-12.  

It is common to speak of the glory of a king and not many of us are careful enough to see the glory of a servant. There is a glory that goes with a servant who has faithfully served his master. It all depends on whose servant you are. One who serves the president of the United States of America is not in the same level as one who serves a local government chairman. The servant of the Most High God is not in the same level with the servant of your village idol. The glory that goes with the master is the fragrance that goes with the servant. The servants of God are called the anointed of God because they have the fragrance of God on them as it rubs off on them in the cause of tarrying in His presence. In 2 kings 3:11 Elisha was described as the one who poured water on the hands of Elijah, this is an example of true service, not only did he get rewarded for it, it was also confirmed that the word of the Lord was with him. The word had to be with him because of the kind of service he gave his master; Elijah would often be stirred to share deep and important things with him. This kind of blessing does not come by reading a book or by requesting for special prayers. It is a kind that you provoke, that is why Isaac requested for Esau to go hunt down an animal, prepare it for him to eat before he will bless him. There is a glory that goes with the servant that renders such service.  Many people today have not been able to attract this kind of glory because they are too full of themselves. Too many are in a hurry to make it in life so they are unable to provoke the blessing that glorifies a servant. When Jesus finished his work, he was bold to ask the Father to glorify him with the glory he had with the Father before he came on his earthly mission (John 17:5). When a servant lifts up his master, kings will be forced to come down for him (2 Kings 3:12) Many servants are leaving their masters without the much needed glory that will dignify them. What about you? What do you carry?. Daily Devotional by Rev.Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

THE GLORY OF A TRUE SERVANT (PART 3).

TEXT: 2 Kings 3:11-12.  

It is common to speak of the glory of a king and not many of us are careful enough to see the glory of a servant. There is a glory that goes with a servant who has faithfully served his master. It all depends on whose servant you are. One who serves the president of the United States of America is not in the same level as one who serves a local government chairman. The servant of the Most High God is not in the same level with the servant of your village idol. The glory that goes with the master is the fragrance that goes with the servant. The servants of God are called the anointed of God because they have the fragrance of God on them as it rubs off on them in the cause of tarrying in His presence. In 2 kings 3:11 Elisha was described as the one who poured water on the hands of Elijah, this is an example of true service, not only did he get rewarded for it, it was also confirmed that the word of the Lord was with him. The word had to be with him because of the kind of service he gave his master; Elijah would often be stirred to share deep and important things with him. This kind of blessing does not come by reading a book or by requesting for special prayers. It is a kind that you provoke, that is why Isaac requested for Esau to go hunt down an animal, prepare it for him to eat before he will bless him. There is a glory that goes with the servant that renders such service.  Many people today have not been able to attract this kind of glory because they are too full of themselves. Too many are in a hurry to make it in life so they are unable to provoke the blessing that glorifies a servant. When Jesus finished his work, he was bold to ask the Father to glorify him with the glory he had with the Father before he came on his earthly mission (John 17:5). When a servant lifts up his master, kings will be forced to come down for him (2 Kings 3:12) Many servants are leaving their masters without the much needed glory that will dignify them. What about you? What do you carry?. Daily Devotional by Rev.Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

THE GLORY OF A TRUE SERVANT (PART 3).

TEXT: 2 Kings 3:11-12.  

It is common to speak of the glory of a king and not many of us are careful enough to see the glory of a servant. There is a glory that goes with a servant who has faithfully served his master. It all depends on whose servant you are. One who serves the president of the United States of America is not in the same level as one who serves a local government chairman. The servant of the Most High God is not in the same level with the servant of your village idol. The glory that goes with the master is the fragrance that goes with the servant. The servants of God are called the anointed of God because they have the fragrance of God on them as it rubs off on them in the cause of tarrying in His presence. In 2 kings 3:11 Elisha was described as the one who poured water on the hands of Elijah, this is an example of true service, not only did he get rewarded for it, it was also confirmed that the word of the Lord was with him. The word had to be with him because of the kind of service he gave his master; Elijah would often be stirred to share deep and important things with him. This kind of blessing does not come by reading a book or by requesting for special prayers. It is a kind that you provoke, that is why Isaac requested for Esau to go hunt down an animal, prepare it for him to eat before he will bless him. There is a glory that goes with the servant that renders such service.  Many people today have not been able to attract this kind of glory because they are too full of themselves. Too many are in a hurry to make it in life so they are unable to provoke the blessing that glorifies a servant. When Jesus finished his work, he was bold to ask the Father to glorify him with the glory he had with the Father before he came on his earthly mission (John 17:5). When a servant lifts up his master, kings will be forced to come down for him (2 Kings 3:12) Many servants are leaving their masters without the much needed glory that will dignify them. What about you? What do you carry?. Daily Devotional by Rev.Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

SUBMERGED IN POWER AND GLORY (PART 1) .

Text: Mark 9:7-23

One most interesting and fascinating experience I have encountered in private or public worship is that moment when suddenly you are submerged in an avalanche of glory and you begin to fall. You try to gain control and “Boom!” you hit the floor. It is glorious and your life is never the same.

CONTEMPLATION                

Often when we invite God to our moments of worship we forget that when He truly shows up our frail being does not have the power to stand in His awesome presence. But like He did with Adam in the cool of the day, such moment is meant to be a time of spiritual empowerment and systematic update of the man He created. As you make use of a computer it is required of you to do software update once in a while in order for it to remain relevant and meet the needs ahead. The heavenly Father knows that there is no way the man He created could become fully like Him the day he created Adam. That would be too much power for a creation of His to handle. Therefore, at the cool of the day when Adam would have become exhausted from work as he administered the earth, it became appropriate for God to refresh him. It was an empowerment for the assignment ahead. After such encounter, nothing was a problem too big for Adam to handle the next day. 

“Our times of worship are actually times of spiritual

renewal. They are opportunities for us to be transformed as

we encounter the awesome glory of God, but not many get

it... The manifest glory of man was meant to be greater than

that of the angels, but after the fall mortal man could not

stand the presence of angels.” FFPW p104

Whatever challenge you are facing will change for good if you will just keep your fellowship with God real and fresh.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

Until you approach worship as an intimate relationship all you will have is mere religious activities.

When was the last time you got submerged in the glory of God?. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho. Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

SUBMERGED IN POWER AND GLORY (PART 1) .

Text: Mark 9:7-23

One most interesting and fascinating experience I have encountered in private or public worship is that moment when suddenly you are submerged in an avalanche of glory and you begin to fall. You try to gain control and “Boom!” you hit the floor. It is glorious and your life is never the same.

CONTEMPLATION                

Often when we invite God to our moments of worship we forget that when He truly shows up our frail being does not have the power to stand in His awesome presence. But like He did with Adam in the cool of the day, such moment is meant to be a time of spiritual empowerment and systematic update of the man He created. As you make use of a computer it is required of you to do software update once in a while in order for it to remain relevant and meet the needs ahead. The heavenly Father knows that there is no way the man He created could become fully like Him the day he created Adam. That would be too much power for a creation of His to handle. Therefore, at the cool of the day when Adam would have become exhausted from work as he administered the earth, it became appropriate for God to refresh him. It was an empowerment for the assignment ahead. After such encounter, nothing was a problem too big for Adam to handle the next day. 

“Our times of worship are actually times of spiritual

renewal. They are opportunities for us to be transformed as

we encounter the awesome glory of God, but not many get

it... The manifest glory of man was meant to be greater than

that of the angels, but after the fall mortal man could not

stand the presence of angels.” FFPW p104

Whatever challenge you are facing will change for good if you will just keep your fellowship with God real and fresh.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

Until you approach worship as an intimate relationship all you will have is mere religious activities.

When was the last time you got submerged in the glory of God?. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho. Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

HIS PRESENCE IS EVERYTHING (PART 1).

TEXT: Exodus 33:12-18.

The story of Charles finny visiting a factory and the presence of God causing such deep conviction that brought the workers to their knees pleading for the forgiveness of their sins reveals to us that our God is much more than words. Whatever degree of the manifestation of God’s presence you carry is a privilege. Be thankful for it and God will smile on you.

CONTEMPLATION 

                                                                                                        

Until you are confronted with extraordinary opposition that makes nonsense all of your abilities, you may not understand why Moses said except your presence go with me I do not want to leave this place. King David understood well that the only reason he was chosen ahead of his elder brothers was nothing but the presence of God attracted upon him in the place of intimacy with God. That same presence gave him victory over the Lion, Bear and the giant Goliath. He fought and won several wars on his way to becoming the king of Israel and throughout his reign he was able to subdue all his enemies because of this presence. He was only able to escape the plot of King Saul and others with evil intention because of the presence of God. In all your getting please get the presence; God’s presence is everything. Whatever you seek can only be a blessing when the glory of God is in it.

      “A blessing without the presence of God is a curse. Check

out Lot, the nephew of Abraham who thought he was very

smart when he chose the well-watered valley of Sodom and

Gomorrah over the divine covering he had abiding with

Abraham and you will see better (Genesis 13:8-11).

Lot thought he got a blessing when he settled for Sodom

and Gomorrah, but it was a curse. He later had to run out of

Sodom for his dear life, but by this time his wife had become

a pillar of salt and his daughters later committed incest with

him (Genesis 19:15-38). ” FFPW pg.99.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

When Lot settled for the well watered valley of Sodom he thought he got a blessing. It was an assessment based on face value. (Genesis 19:15-38) If your passion for anything exceeds your passion for the presence of God it will become a problem. Daily devotional by Rev.Igho.Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

FOCUS ON JESUS

TEXT: (Hebrews 12:1-2)

                                                      

To focus is not primarily the function of the eye but an assignment of both the eye and mind; the staying of the mind on something. The eyes can be fixed on something but then it may be an empty gaze. The mind also can be left to wonder though the individual is hearing but not paying attention. Stay your eyes and mind on the Lord and you will not have to deal with the avoidable troubles of life.

CONTEMPLATION

If you are having trouble getting direction from the Lord chances are that your focus is wrong. It is possible you have allowed your mind to wonder by not controlling the various influences that are around you. It is by a predetermined purpose and effort that anyone is able to continually abide in the presence of the Lord. It is a more serious business to get more than one person to focus on the same thing with a high level of passion. It all depends on the motivation and drive of each person.

 “When you see a group of people express themselves in

worship, you can have an insight to what they know, believe,

and adore. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 6:22 that “the lamp

[light] of the body is the eye…”5 and if our eyes are focused on

Jesus, who is the light of the world, we can never dwell in darkness.

The more we focus on the Lord, the more we become

like Him.” FFPW pg.114.

To all true lovers of Jesus, just the mention of the name “Jesus” is enough to stir up a strong passion to worship. If you are with the right crowd worship should not be a struggle.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

What are the foreseeable challenges in Isaiah 26:3 to any worshiper?

Sometimes the reason people cannot see the Lord or encounter Him through us is because we talk too much about ourselves and less of Him. List the various subtle ways we are guilty of this.

Make up your mind to seek the Lord today and you will be amazed what will follow. (Matthew 7:8). Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

THE FRAGRANCE OF HIS PRESENCE (PART 4)

TEXT: Numbers 6:22-27

If you have ever watched the video of Kathryn Kuhlman or read testimonies about the impact of her ministry you will agree with me that there are people who are truly extraordinary in their generation. She was a human being just like you and I.

CONTEMPLATION

When people seat with you for just an hour what do you think they will go home with?

“In the days of Kathryn Kuhlman’s meetings, so many went

to the meetings with scepticism and bias, but when it was all

said and done they left with much life and glow. The presence

of the Lord on Miss Kuhlman was just too awesome for them

to ignore. Those who were apprehensive about what members

of their denomination would say about attending her meetings

soon forgot about their concerns.” FFPW pg. 123.

When people come in contact with the glory, it does not matter what church you belong; the discrimination between one denomination and the other crumbles and they are determined to encounter the God in you.

 “To a soul with a genuine hunger for the reality of God, your

fight over liturgical appropriateness is useless. Just let them

see the reality of Jesus and that will be enough.” FFPW pg.122.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

If you belong to a place of worship where the presence of God is scarce you have a great assignment on your hand. List some of the things you need to do.

How long should a man wait to see the glory and presence of God in a place that is spiritually dry? Write out the things you think the Holy Spirit is laying in your heart as the solution. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho L. Y.;the Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

FIRST FRUIT (Part 2).

TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 26:1-4

When you obey God in first fruit it is not like giving offering though it is a form of offering. You give offering but you pay tithes and first fruit because they are not your own. They are like tax. When you obey in tax you are paying what you owe the government, it is not a donation. When a man obeys God and pays his first fruit, he activates certain blessings to be released over his life. As he comes before the man of God he is acknowledging that it is the favour of God that made the job or business possible. When the pastor brings it before the Lord and prays there is another blessing that follows the man. It entitles the man to be eligible for other favours. Romans 11:16 makes us to see that obedience to God on the first fruit will secure the rest or other part of the blessing that follows. And remember that God is to get the first and not even the second. If you put him first, then all others will be under His divine covering. It may be tough the first time you try this but soon you will come to see the benefit and awesome blessings that goes with it and then you won’t have to fear or worry. There are blessings you cannot walk into until you walk in total obedience to God. For some years now we have been beneficiaries of the uncommon blessing that comes from obeying God in first fruit. If you are disciplined and you allow God to lead you to plan to obey in the release of your first fruit you will begin to see the uncommon blessing that goes with it. God has more in store for you than you can ever imagine. Go for it; go for God and you will live to testify. Daily Devotional by Rev. Igho Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries.  

THE BIG BOY MENTALITY.

 TEXT: Mark 10:15

Sometimes it seems strange to some to show a strong desperation for God especially in the presence of others. They believe they have grown spiritually and should be able to handle every situation and as such nobody should know they are losing it. But they are very wrong because even Jesus who always had everything under control wept (John 11:35).

CONTEMPLATION

When people come before the Lord with a preconceived idea and philosophy of acceptable conduct in worship they give little or no room for the Holy Spirit to do what He intends to do in their lives. If you are too conscious of your class and standing among men it will become a problem for you to sincerely bow in worship to the Lord. Many do not want to be labelled a fanatic so they shut their hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As the Lord spoke with his disciples he made them understand that we can only access the Kingdom when we become like a child (Mark 10:15). Has it been a problem for you to sing, clap and dance in public worship? Do you feel embarrassed to kneel down or prostrate before God? If you do not know how to honour and reverence Him in public you may not know how much harm you have done to yourself.

 “ Before we got that title or position, we were sincere worshipers.

But not long after we were blessed with this lifting

we assumed the Big Boys status. This is what somebody called

“the deacon posture.” Have you observed that most deacons

and church elders assume a particular posture in church that

seems to confine them to a very formal role in worship? This

is also applicable to many pastors.” FFPW pg. 125.

Do not cut short your glory and honour, remember God is the reason why you worship.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

The greatest privilege any mortal can have is for the Almighty to call you “son”, do not trade it for anything.

If you are truly His, your spirit will easily cry out after God (See Romans 8:15), if this is not happening, it is possible you do not know Him or it may be you are backsliding. Do something about it. Daily Devotional by Rev.Igho.Y; the Glorious Fountain Ministries.