ASK GOD FOR HELP (PART 2)

ASK GOD FOR HELP (PART 2)

TEXT: Psalm 121:1-8 (KJV)
¹

 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
²  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
³  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
⁴  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
⁵  The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
⁶  The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
⁷  The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
⁸  The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Too often we want to be in the driver seat of our lives, we want to be able to say I did this and that by me but all of that is foolishness. There is no way we will be able to accomplish anything tangible without God. Without God at the center everything will fall apart. Only God can give lasting and peaceful victory. If you are going through any challenge today don’t be too proud that you cannot ask God for help. Some of us would rather continue to struggle than humble ourselves and ask for help. Destroy every trace of pride and even go as far as calling someone to trust God with you for solution. Too many people are suffering and dying in their pride. What most of us do not know is that God want to get the glory as touching that challenge you are battling with. Swallow your pride and let God glorify his name. You would have made greater progress if you have taken time to acknowledge openly that you need God to help you. The word of the Lord in Psalm 124:8 says, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” As you go into this day don’t be ashamed to trust in the Lord. Give him his rightful place and you will be amazed what will follow.

GOD IS GOD (PT. 5)

GOD IS GOD (PT. 5) 

TEXT: Matthew 1:1-7 (KJV)
¹  The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
²  Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
³  And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
⁴  And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
⁵  And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
⁶  And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
⁷  And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

It is amazing the way God see things and how He chose to respond to people and issues. If men were God not too many of us will be considered for certain benefits and glories. Sometimes, some sanctimonious religious folks seem to be greatly offended that God is gracious to those they have written off. But the truth is that God is God and he will always do that which pleases him. He is not alive to please us but we are alive to please him. When you consider those he allowed to be part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ you are just amazed. In our legalistic way of judging people somebody like Rachab the famous prostitute of Jericho should not be included in the genealogy of the messiah. It would have been very easy to hide it because she is a woman and her name need not appear because up until this point no other woman was mentioned. But God has nothing to hide, He is not man, God is God. Another surprise inclusion is in verse six “
⁶ And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; .” it is not easy to comprehend that God bless a relationship that started in adultery with the great and wise king Solomon and still went on with his plan to bring salvation to man through such impure ancestry. We must be careful not to be quick to run to conclusion on people or issues. God has not lowered his standard of holiness and if he makes someone or something holy then it is holy. Just let God be God.  

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 7) JULY 28^TH

TEXT: Daniel 10:7-14 (KJV)
⁷  And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
⁸  Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.
⁹  Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
¹⁰  And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
¹¹  And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.
¹²  Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
¹³  But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
¹⁴  Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

This is one passage of scripture that many still find difficult to understand. They cannot understand how the evil spirit that rule over the kingdom of Persia was able to stop an angel of God from carrying out his assignment. But a careful study of our text will reveal to you that not all angels have been assigned to the same responsibility.

There are angels assigned to deliver divine messages from God and there are others that have been empowered to fight battles. The angel that was withstood by the prince of Persia was one of the angels assigned to deliver messages. But when that angel was met by the prince of Persia which must be one of the fallen high ranking angels that are known for battle, it became difficult to penetrate through but by the continual prayer of Daniel heaven responded to a call for divine intervention by dispatching the great angel in charge of battle Michael. It was Michael and his angels that defeated the devil and all the angels that rebelled against God in heaven, so when Michael showed up the prince of Persia got more than he asked for. One lesson here is that when you sense a delay to an answer to your prayer it will become necessary to ask for divine help to fight the battle to release your breakthrough. You only need a breakthrough when there is some form of hindrance. Cry to God and all will be well.

AMBITIONS AND SUBMITION (4)

AMBITIONS AND SUBMITION (4) 

TEXT: Proverbs 15:20-22 (AMP)
²⁰ A wise son makes a glad father, but a self-confident and foolish man despises his mother and puts her to shame.
²¹ Folly is pleasure to him who is without heart and sense, but a man of understanding walks uprightly [making straight his course].
²² Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished.

Prov. 24:6.

 6. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

I have found out that often when people are missing it and they are being corrected they will say “I know what I am doing.” This is often the case with those who are full of themselves. They would have saved themselves from unnecessary troubles if they will be wise enough to just consider the warning but allow their ambition to drown the voice of reasoning. A part of verse 21 of our text says “Folly is pleasure to him who is without heart and sense...” Do not let your ambition make you a laughingstock. Open your heart to the counsel of those God has positioned over your life in various ways and save yourself from unforeseen ridicule. Verse 22 of our text says, “Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished.” 

An African proverb says, “What an elder can see while sitting a young man cannot see even when he climbs a tree”. But another proverb says “we are able to see beyond our age and experience when we stand on the shoulders of elders.” Don’t allow pride cut you off from the great plan and purpose of God for your life. Life is full of ups and downs, if for any reason you experience a fall or setback, you will need the help of those who were instrumental in helping you get to the height you once attained to be able to climb back into relevance. But if you have destroyed the ladder by which you ascended to that place it will take a longer time to get back to where you have fallen from. Examine yourself today and quickly strengthen every important but weak relationship and save yourself the trouble of the evil day. Begin with your relationship with God and then your fellow man.  

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 6)

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 6) 

TEXT: Daniel 8:15-19 (KJV)
¹⁵  And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.
¹⁶  And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
¹⁷  So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
¹⁸  Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.
¹⁹  And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.

Today in our study about the ministry of angels we shall be looking at the category of angels created to deliver divine messages from the heavenly Father. This group is believed to be led by the angel Gabriel. Any time there is a word being delivered by an angel it is often Gabriel or one of the angels working with him. From Abraham to John in the book of Revelation there are several encounters of angels of this category. Without them there would have been so much confusion and frustration for many. They were very prominent in the life of Daniel as can be found in the book of Daniel. On several occasions they showed up to make the difference for Daniel. The birth of Samson and the kind of child he would become were given by angels belonging to this category. Gideon was visited by one of such angels to tell him the plan of God; to use him to bring about the deliverance of the people of Israel. It was the angel Gabriel that visited Zachariah and Mary to announce the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. They are the ones who run to and fro the earth to publish the good news of the birth of Jesus and they are still very much at work.  

GOD IS GOD (PT.4)

GOD IS GOD (PT.4) 

TEXT: Matthew 20:6-16 (KJV)
⁶  And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
⁷  They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
⁸  So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
⁹  And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
¹⁰  But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
¹¹  And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
¹²   Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
¹³  But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
¹⁴  Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
¹⁵   Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
¹⁶  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

God is God and there is nothing anyone can do about it. He said “I am the LORD I change not”. Sometimes in our zeal without knowledge we foolishly question the decision of God that we think is not in conformity with our finite understanding of life. Sometimes our words are just like that of these overzealous fellows; see what they said in verse 12, “... These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day (KJV). Like them, many of us equate the length of time of years we have spent on the assignment as reason to be entitled to special treatment and benefit forgetting that the position is only a privilege. If you were assigned a responsibility like others then you must be careful not to abuse the privilege. Take note of what they were angry about, “and thou hast made them equal unto us,” Like these fellows, those who have been in a system for long tend to form a clique that abrogates to themselves certain powers and right. That is why when someone outside their clique is recommended for certain benefits or position, they will fight against it. But the truth is that since the owner is not in any kind of partnership with them their protest is only a tempest in a teacup. He has made up his mind and that is the end of the story. When God says “Yes” nobody can say “No”. Keep your eyes on God for He has the final say.

WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER (2 Timothy 2:15-22)

WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER (2 Timothy 2:15-22)

Take some time to look at yourself considering your hope and dreams from childhood before corruption crept in and you will see that there is much more buried in you than what you have settled for. You were not designed to struggle in life but it is only in the understanding of the divine plan of our heavenly Father that we are able to walk in that glory. There is more to your life than this.

CONTEMPLATION

The truth remains that we may never be able to get back the full privileges and potentials of the first Adam but in the second Adam(Jesus) we have the awesome opportunity to walk in the spirit and power. If Enoch without the redemption of Christ was able to obtain an extraordinary testimony that he pleased God then we are without excuse. We are able to and we can truly walk the extraordinary life if only we would surrender our will. The only reason why most Christians still struggle to walk in the supernatural is because they intend to eat their cake and have it. You can only hold one staff of office at a time. Whenever you are holding on to the staff of the flesh it means you have dropped that of the spirit which empowers you to walk in the supernatural. The problem has always been the use of our free will.

   “We are all created with a free will but only the will that is

continually yielded to God experiences true liberty and glory.

Adam was the crown of God’s creation, but he lost the full

weight of the glory intended for him by disobedience.” FFPW P102.

As you conform more to the divine agenda of heaven for your life you will gradually become engulfed with the glory of God. Don’t stop, keep pressing until you make it over to the promise land. Shalom!

CONTEMPLATION

Your will has always been your will until you surrender it partially or completely.

The much of God we see in a man is the much of the man that is in God.

Any man can walk in the supernatural when they choose to break camp from the dominion of the flesh.

-          REV. IGHO Y

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 6)

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 6)

TEXT: Revelation 4:1-8 (KJV)
¹  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
²  And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
³  And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
⁴  And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
⁵  And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
⁶  And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
⁷  And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
⁸  And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.  

A careful study of the scripture will reveal to you that the ministry of angels is in multi-dimensions though with a great degree of specialization; angels have specific functions and assignment in their service to God. Today we will dwell on angels that are assigned to create an atmosphere of worship. Whenever there is a glimpse into the throne of God in heaven the worship of angels around the throne will be seen or heard about. You cannot talk about the throne of God without worship being offered to the Almighty God who lives for ever and ever. Other angels worship but the angel with this responsibility will lead others when it comes to worship. They know how to stir the atmosphere for worship (It is believed from scriptural evidences that the fallen angel Lucifer was in charge of this group of angels before iniquity was found in him). These angels like all others before the throne cannot help but cry Holy, Holy, Holy continually as they behold the glory of God. Pointing to us that those who desire to come before the throne of God must have a clean heart. This is the reason why so much holiness is required of those who lead the worship in our various churches and meetings. According to the scriptures God inhabits the praises of his people, but before he will come such praises must be from sanctified vessels. It is the duty of angels that are assigned to create an atmosphere of worship to help stir the hearts of men to become prepared for the moment of divine visitation. In a worship atmosphere that is saturated with the glory and presence of God this category of angels are mightily at work. When they are there the singing and the playing of the musical instruments becomes mightily inspired and unusual things begins to happen. They are the ones seen in our text for today.  

AMBITIONS AND SUBMITION (3)

AMBITIONS AND SUBMITION (3) 

TEXT: Psalms 20:6-9 (AMP)
⁶ Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.
⁷ Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.
⁸ They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright.
⁹ O Lord, give victory; let the King answer us when we call.

Not many people know how to combine great potentials or talent with a sweet personality. Too many people become too ambitious and over confident because they possess certain gifts or potentials. Instead of trusting in God with a wholehearted devotion and submission, they become swollen headed about their abilities or skills.

Many who started under the tutelage of one leader or a mentor suddenly become proud after a few successes. They suddenly realized that they are too sophisticated and intelligent to take counsel from their leader or mentor. Driven by an unchecked ambition to fulfill their dreams they take rash decisions that may look wonderful for a while but after a while the whole thing falls apart.

If you catch yourself becoming too important or big to heed to the warning of those who played a significant role in helping you gain relevance you will soon run into trouble. It is lack of wisdom to cut off from those who contributed to help make you what you have become. Verse seven of our text says, “Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.” Don’t put your confidence in what you can do or what you have, they can fail you. Keep a humble disposition before God and man and you will succeed in keeping trouble away. 

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 5)

 ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 5) 

TEXT: Acts 8:26-35 (KJV)
²⁶  And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
²⁷  And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
²⁸   Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
²⁹  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
³⁰  And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
³¹  And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
³²   The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
³³  In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
³⁴  And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
³⁵  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

The passage of today is a continuation from our last devotion on angels. Looking at the text for today, from our previous study on angels we also looked at Hebrews 1:14 which says “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” and then went on to say it is not the duty of angels to preach salvation to the lost but that they direct people to the children of God who are assigned to this responsibility. This is the reason why the angel had to appear to Philip to carry out this awesome assignment. We were also told that once the angel did his part he then urged Philip to his own task. It was our conclusion that this should make us realize that it is a waste of time waiting for God to send an angel to do the work that has been assigned to us. When there is a need to minister to a soul the Lord may see the need to send an angel to lead us to the soul that is in need of salvation. Not all of us are that sensitive but until we respond the angel will keep urging us in that direction.

Let me share this experience with you. I remember some years back when I was one of the pastors in a local church, as the minister for prayer and counseling, on this particular day I was leading the closing prayer of a three days fasting and prayer at the church. The church was filled to overflow and while rounding up the prayer my attention was drawn to a young man who fell under the power of the Spirit at the door. When I later spoke with him to find out what had happened, he said he had been involved in robbery with a gang and suddenly saw the need to depart from that evil lifestyle. In trying to break free he then sense the need to go to one of the mega churches in town hoping to see the pastor to confess his sins and be prayed for. He said when he got there the pastor was very busy attending to several persons but in his determination to have a change he waited from about 7:00AM till about 5:00PM. When it seems all hope was lost he felt an urge to leave the place in search of help. He said immediately he came out of the place, as he walked to the junction of the street wondering which way to turn suddenly somebody came and told him what direction to follow. He said when he got to a point where he was confused somebody suddenly showed up on a motorbike and said to him what direction to follow and then zoomed off. At some other points it was somebody in a moving vehicle or someone standing somewhere close by. Now all of this sounded strange and in my curiosity I asked him if these persons that showed up were seen by others he said he is not sure and that they don’t seem to be ordinary because they would always show up when he needed help and without him asking them they will point him to the next direction to follow. It is amazing because the route he took was a very busy one with people and a lot of activities yet he directed until he showed up in front of the church building where we were having the fasting and prayer meeting. He said when he arrived there was no access to come in because the place was filled to overflowing. Just as he was trying to take a look suddenly the power of God overshadowed him and he found himself on the floor at the entrance door.

 Beloved, our God is seriously at work reaching out to souls and there are millions of angels at work around us trying to bring souls to the kingdom of God. The Lord is in need of faithful men who will do His bidding. May the Lord find you worthy to assign his angels and this awesome responsibility in Jesus name. Amen.

GOD IS GOD PT. 3

GOD IS GOD PT. 3 

TEXT: Matthew 20:6-16 (KJV)
⁶  And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
⁷  They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
⁸  So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
⁹  And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
¹⁰  But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
¹¹  And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
¹²   Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
¹³  But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
¹⁴  Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
¹⁵   Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
¹⁶  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

A careful study of our text will reveal to you that anger and envy does not allow any man to maximize opportunities. If these fellows who felt they were given an unfair treatment were wise they would have taken time to first consider the condition and agreement behind their engagement on the job. If they did they would have approached the issue differently.  They would have seen the need to start by appreciating the man for hiring them from idleness and for giving them the opportunity to make some money for that day. Then they would have gone ahead to thank him for paying them as they bargained. After this it could have been wise for them to acknowledge the generosity of the man and his willingness to help others before they go on to plead with him to consider them for some increment since they were the ones who bore most of the burden of the work. From the man’s statement in verse 15 it is obvious that he could have granted their request because he has the right to do whatever he wants with his money. But an arrogant confrontation will not only offend him, it will make him avoid such disgruntled fellows in the future. The same applies in our relationship with God. If we want life to be blissful then we must stop speaking and acting as though God is depending on us to succeed. Thank the Lord for his love and mercies as you serve him with gratitude today and always. 

THE PLACE OF GLORY (Luke 9:28-36)

THE PLACE OF GLORY (Luke 9:28-36)

 Kathren Kulman remain 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 became obvious they have had a foretaste of the glory they are now encountering. They are all human being 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 dream, vision or direct prophetic declaration, He is able to fulfil in due season. Don’t 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.

-          REV. IGHO Y.

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 4)

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 4) 

TEXT:  “Acts 8:26-35 (KJV)
²⁶  And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
²⁷  And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
²⁸   Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
²⁹  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
³⁰  And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
³¹  And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
³²   The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
³³  In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
³⁴  And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
³⁵  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  ”

There are encounters that are undeniably a strong manifestation of the ministry of angels. Not many of us today still believe in the ministry of angels. When angelic beings appear they are on a mission in response to the command of our heavenly Father. It is true that angels are messengers of God but there is a message they are not qualified to give because it has been given to us to proclaim; this is the message of salvation. That is why Hebrews 1:14 says “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” that is why in our text for today when the angel appeared to Philip he gave him the information needed for the job to be done and he was out of the way. A study of verse 26 will reveal to you the detailed instruction that the angel gave to Philip. The first thing for him to do was to “Arise” this was followed by “go” and then a well clearly defined information followed and as we follow the story it was just as it was told him. Once the angel did that and Philip complied, his job was almost over. This should make us realize that it is a waste of time waiting for God to send an angel to come do the work that has been assigned to us. When there is a need to minister to a soul the Lord may see the need to send an angel to lead us to the soul that is in need of salvation and until we respond the angel will keep urging us. But when we fail to obey the prompting of the angel the Lord may send the angel to someone else who is willing to obey. When someone is willing and obedient to the promptings of the Lord it is very possible that that individual will enjoy the ministry and presence of angels. That could also be the reason why certain lives and meetings are flooded with the supernatural and extraordinary manifestations of the presence of the Lord. When we walk in obedience to God there will be evidences of the presence of angels in our life and activities. Remember, angels are real.     

AMBITIONS AND SUBMITION (2)

AMBITIONS AND SUBMITION (2) 

TEXT: Philippians 2:5-11 (AMP)
⁵ Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]
⁶ Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,
⁷ But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.
⁸ And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!
⁹ Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

One of the names and titles of our Lord Jesus is Lion of Judah but in a sharp contrast he is also known as the Lamb of God. In other words, he is both the Lion and the Lamb. There is a lot to learn from the scripture of today. When he submitted himself to the will of the Father to die on the cross he became the lamb but it was his death as a lamb that empowered him to become the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev 5:5). Too many of us are far from God’s divine plan and purpose because we do not know how to submit to the will of God when we are required to manifest the nature of the lamb. If you do not know how to submit and become a fool for God, his wisdom will not be seen in you. If you do not know how to let the will of the Lord prevail and let go some things, His strength will not be made perfect in your weakness (see 2 Cor.12:9 in the Amplified version). You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. There are times we need to swallow our pride for God to have his way. If you cannot submit to the will of God you will not qualify to reveal his glory. It takes the grace and wisdom of God to be able to combine and walk in the nature of the Lion and the Lamb. Let God have his way and watch what happens. Make the right choice today.

. ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 3)

10. ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 3)  

TEXT: Hebrew 13:1-2

1.      Let brotherly love continue.

² Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertain angels unawares. KJV.  Also read Genesis 18:1-15.

One Bible Character to whom our text for today was a strong reality is Abraham and his wife Sarah. From them we learn true faith and hope against all hope. A careful study of their lives will reveal to us the need to take God at his word and the need to wait till we see it come to pass. In Genesis 12:1-3 the call and promise of God to Abraham was given and as we read,  it became very clear to us that our God is true and faithful to his promises even when we are unstable and unfaithful. From the life and story of Abraham it became clear that often than not, that the presence of Angels in our lives is in keeping to the promise of God. The activities of angels are always around and about the word of God. It is either the annunciation of or the reminder of a promise of God. Whenever people are praying about a promise given by God they begin to activate a response from heaven that may trigger the release of angels. The appearance of an angel to Cornelius in Acts was an answer to prayer and Peter was then moved to do and experience that which he least expected as he preached and witness the release of the Holy Spirit on the gentiles. When the Lord along with two angels appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:1-15, it was to fulfill the word given in chapter 12:1-3, 17:15-21. One very important lesson we must understand hear is that angels will always act and speak in conformity to the word of God and if any is in doubt he or she should please study the word of God to see if it is so. Angels really do not respond to the word or call of man but rather, they respond to the word and command of God. Study the word, pray the word and live the word and angels won’t be far from you.    

GOD IS GOD PT. 2

JULY 9^TH

TEXT: Matthew 20:6-16 (KJV)
⁶  And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
⁷  They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
⁸  So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
⁹  And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
¹⁰  But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
¹¹  And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
¹²   Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
¹³  But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
¹⁴  Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
¹⁵   Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
¹⁶  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Life is a personal race with a divine purpose and graces assigned to every man. It is distraction and waste of time to focus on someone else. In every given assignment we must learn to be content with the will of God for our lives. The Lord has the exclusive right to involve us or any other person. Most of us seem not to be troubled when others are assigned to help make our work easy until the moment of benefit or reward comes. Why do we get angry when others are being blessed just like us? It may be true that it took you ten years before you got a car but it doesn’t follow that the other person have to wait for ten years. If we have the Spirit of God, we would not be angry with the progress of others. When we are envious we always want to find fault with the progress of those enjoying the favour of God. We seem to forget that others suffered to make life easy for us. Make sure that you do not allow the evil heart of envy and greed rule your life. Thank God for His mercies upon your life and rejoice for his grace upon others and you will be a better man. .

Glory Realm Devotional

By Rev. Igho L.Y

HIS PRESENCE IS EVERYTHING (Exodus 33:12-18)

HIS PRESENCE IS EVERYTHING (Exodus 33:12-18)

The story is told of a little girl that 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 noise in her room and when they got there she has 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 concern 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 that 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.

- REV. IGHO Y. 

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 2)

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 2)

TEXT: Hebrew 13:1-2

Let brotherly love continue.

² Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertain angels unawares. KJV.

 We must be careful how we  

In the year 2012 I was in Germany for a music fair and had to travel a little distance that involves taking the Bus, Tram and Train. I did not have much cash on me so I chose to look for the cheapest was to move around and also eat quality food. In the morning of the third day I got down on my knees to ask God for some leading and help before a set out. I left my hotel for the Bus stop and met a lady who said she is from Ghana and she explained to me how to get around and how things work. With that I was able to make my way to the music fair. I during lunch I decided to walk around and see more of Frankfurt, I had walked some distance picked up a few items and then felt the need to go back to the venue of the fair then I realized that this is going to be a long distance. Just as I was contemplating a man walked up to me from the direction I was heading and spoke to me in English in a very friendly manner with some compliments and then went on to ask some questions to get familiar. He then offered to show me around and amazingly said I know a place where you can get good food at a good rate. He then took me to the university cafeteria which was along my route and offered to get a tray for me stood on the cue, explained to me the food on display, their prices and then went on to place the order as he communicates with the attendant in Dutch. He carried the food to a table where we sat down to talk as I eat. He refused to eat, he just sat there to see that all is well. I asked him for his phone number he said I should not worry about that. I asked him if he is on Facebook and for his email he said he had none. But he finally gave me an address to contact him with but this too got missing in a way I cannot explain. He then asked to see the tag hanging on my neck which had some instructions written in Dutch, after which he said do you know that with this your movement around Frankfurt for the duration of the fair has been paid for? I was so amazed and at the same time angry that I have spent some money for that which I have paid for but then I became grateful and relieved that I won’t have to spend anything on transport again. He walked me back to the exact spot where we met, showed me the way to the music fair and said good-bye. It took a long time for me yet I have not been able to figure out what really happened.

Beloved, our scripture for today tells us not to be forgetful in entertaining strangers because you just can’t tell when you may be dealing with an angel. And I want to believe that it implies that your attitude to strangers also has a way of attracting supernatural help to be rendered to you by strangers. In other words, those who wish to attract angels to their lives should also be willing to be the angel of others. 

AMBITIONS AND SUBMITION (1)

AMBITIONS AND SUBMITION (1) 

TEXT: Psalms 16:5-8 (AMP)
⁵ The Lord is my chosen and assigned portion, my cup; You hold and maintain my lot.
⁶ The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good heritage.
⁷ I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
⁸ I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

It is very good for one to desire greatness in life but it is much more important to understand and submit to the will of God. It can be very dangerous to be overambitious in a particular pursuit. In trying to accomplish set goals we must be careful to continually cheek to see  if we are playing within the rules. It may be true that God has destined for you to have an international dimension of what you are doing but wisdom demands that you wait and cheek again and again to be double sure that it is time. Those who fail to do so have often than not stepped out ahead of God only to be overwhelmed by the harsh realities of life. When we submit to the will of God, the Lord will go before us and cause the lines to fall in pleasant places for us. The people, systems and laws that will work in your favour will fall in place awaiting your arrival. When the Lord goes before you every challenge and battle are taken care of because it is your time. No matter how ambitious you are, never ever run ahead of God.  Discipline yourself to always submit to the will of God and you will be amazed the glory that will follow.  

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 1)

ANGELIC MINISTRY (PART 1) 

TEXT: Hebrew 13:1-2

Let brotherly love continue.

² Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertain angels unawares. KJV.

I know there are those who think that all the story about the visitation and activities of angels is a hoax, but the truth is that it is very possible this same persons have already encountered angels one way or the other but because they did not see one big winged manlike creature descend from an open sky they still doubt the existence of Angels. One of the reasons it is difficult for people to notice the presence of angels is the fact that the primary mission of angels is to serve. They are not here to do the superhero thing to get the attention of men like superman and other comic characters. Rather, they are more concern about serving the purpose of their Lord and King. That’s why the word of God says they are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall inherit salvation (Heb 1:14). The word minister is same as serve. From this scripture it is clear that their primary mission is to help us inherit the salvation (the plan, purpose, presence and glory) of the Lord. The fact that they are spirits beings makes it more difficult for many to comprehend. That is why most of the time when they suddenly appear they start by saying “Fear not”. But whether you believe it or not they exist. From our text for today, in verse 1 it became very clear that love is a serious requirement. Furthermore, in verse 2 it became clear that a lovely and hospitable nature is a strong advantage in attracting and receiving angels.

Let no man deceive you, acquaint yourself with the word of God about the ministry of angels and you will be amazed what you shall discover.

GOD IS GOD (PT. 1)

GOD IS GOD (PT. 1)

TEXT: Matthew 20:6-16 (KJV)
⁶  And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
⁷  They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
⁸  So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
⁹  And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
¹⁰  But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
¹¹  And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
¹²   Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
¹³  But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
¹⁴  Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
¹⁵   Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
¹⁶  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

In life there are those who speak and act as though God need to take permission from them before He will bless someone else. Unfortunately, a good number of such person with this attitude are religious folks with a self-righteous attitude.  They measure the goodness of God by their own checklist of faithfulness. Like the first set of labourers in our text, they abrogate to themselves certain benefits using their legalistic standard. They believe that they deserve the best of everything because they have been there before every other person. They must be given special attention, seat, position, title and a bigger portion of any benefit. You dear not give them the same as others if you want peace. But like the owner of the vineyard in our passage, God does not need to take permission from any man before He releases his favour on you. When your moment comes there is nothing any man can do about it. God is God. If you are reading this today and it seems like somebody is trying to frustrate the promises of God for your life, don’t be troubled, God is always faithful and on time. Ignore the fellow and the problem and just give thanks to God for your victory. It is well with your soul. 

   

ASK GOD FOR HELP (PART 1)

 ASK GOD FOR HELP (PART 1)

TEXT: Romans 6:1-2 (KJV)
¹  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
²  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Romans 5:11-13 (KJV)
¹¹  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
¹²  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
¹³  (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law..

It is the natural tendency for the natural man to run away from God because he feels getting close to God means restriction and bondage. Everybody wants to be free to do whatever they want and they know God will not allow them to do this so they run away from God. But the truth is that what we call freedom is either in the rule of God or in the rule of sin. Romans 6:16 from The Message version says:
^“... You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it's your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do.” Why allow sin to continually dominate your life? You think it is what you want to do yet your conscience is condemning you; No! That is not freedom, call yourself to order and ask God for help. You have the power to decide who rules and reign over your life. Be bold and make a wise decision today. Romans 6:12 from the amplified version says “ Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions.” Cry out to God for help and give you true life and freedom. See John 8:36.