HYMN: JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL

FEB. 28TH.  

MEMORY VERSE: The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him (Nahum 1:17)
TEXT: Psalm 37:39, 40;2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Revelation 7:17
The universal recognition of a personal dependence upon the infinite God has no doubt made this appealing hymn the best love of the more than 6500 texts of Charles Wesley. Written shortly after Charles’ “heart-warming” experiences at the Adlersgate Hall in London in 1738, this text has since brought comfort and inspiration to countless numbers during “the storms of life.”
The simple yet vivid language of this hymn gives it a special quality. Some have called it the “finest heart-hymn in the English language. Also the exaltation of Christ is truly noteworth in such picturesque terms as “lover,” “healer,” “fountain,” “wing,” and pilot.” But possible the greatest appeal of these lines is the assurance they give of Christ’s consolation and protection through all of life and then for eternity.
There is no authenticated information as to what particular situation caused Wesley to write this text. A frightening storm at sea that he experienced while also has been mentioned of a bird flying into Charles’ cabin for safety, while another incident is given of his hiding under a hedge after an attack by an angry mob opposing his ministry. Still others see this text as a picture of Wesley’s own life as a young man as he struggled to find his peace with God before his dramatic Aldersgate conversion experience. How important it is that we learn the truth taught in these words!
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly. While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high! Hide me, O my savior, hide – till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide. O received my soul at last!
Other refuge have I none – hangs my helpless soul on thee. Leave, ah, leave me not alone; still support and comfort me! All my trust on thee is stayed – all my help from thee I bring. Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of thy wing.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in thee I find. Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick and lead the blind just and holy is thy name – I am all unrighteousness; false and full of sin I am; thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with thee is found, grace to cover all my sin; let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within. Thou of life the fountain art – freely let me take of thee; spring thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.

KEY POINT: Remember to fly to Christ for refuge whenever the “storm of life” becomes overwhelming. He alone is our refuge and the one true foundation of life. “AMAZING GRACE; 366 INSPIRING HYMN STORIES FOR DAILY DEVOTION”

THE GLORY REALM

FEB. 27TH.  

TEXT: Psalm 8:1-9King James Version (KJV)
8 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

The natural realm is only a starting point; there is more in the realm of the spirit.

CONTEMPLATION
When man was created, he was born into a realm of glory. It was a realm of divine intimacy with the Father. It was a realm that made him the envy of the angelic beings. Though he was on earth, he was beyond mere mortal because he was made in the image of the immortal; though clothed with flesh made from earth.
He walked in the realm of glory until iniquity was found in him, that was when he lost the covering glory of God. The absence of the glory became the beginning of nakedness, shame, and misery (see Genesis 3:7, Romans 3:23 and Revelation 3:17).
He who was born immortal now has to taste the cruel sting of death (Rom 3:23) and this was how the cry for a redeemer (one who will pay the debt and help restore man back to the place of glory) began.
The greatest need of our souls is the need to return back to the realm of glory. Many are busy chasing after money, fame, prestige and other frivolities of life, thereby settling for the shadow instead of the substance.  
The realm of glory is the place we truly belong. Any life outside the realm of glory is nothing but a fish outside water.  True satisfaction in life comes from being where God expects you to be; fulfilling His agenda for your soul (see Proverbs 32:8).
It is very possible to succeed in your personal pursuit only to fail in the ultimate goal of life.        It is possible for our individual visions to be interwoven, but it is an error to devote your life to helping others fulfill their dreams while yours is unattended to (SS 1:6).
Every man must diligently bear his own burden (Galatians 6:4-5 Philippians 2:13 “Work out your salvation…” Amplified version).
PRACTICAL ISSUES
There is a place where the law of sickness and death cannot operate.  It is a place where darkness has no power to dominate. It is a place of unusual divine insight and sensitivity. It is the place of divine intimacy where the voice of God provides for you divine leading and guidance.  It is the glory realm. Where are you?
The glory realm is the place of eternal bliss and confidence. This is the place where sin cannot molest. It is the place of divine intimacy and contentment.
Take out your writing material and begin to record your journey from this moment and you will be amazed the progress you would have recorded at the end.

THE GLORY OF GOD’S PRESENCE (PART 7)

FEB. 26TH

TEXT: Numbers 11:25 and 1 Samuel 10:9-11Amplified Bible (AMP)
25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took some of the Spirit who was upon Moses and put Him upon the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied [praising God and declaring His will], but they did not do it again.

1 Samuel 10:9-11Amplified Bible (AMP)
9 Then it happened when Saul turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. 10 When they came to the hill [Gibeah], behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came on him mightily, and he prophesied [under divine guidance] among them. 11 Now when all who knew Saul previously saw that he actually prophesied now [by inspiration] with the prophets, the people said one to another, “What has happened to [Saul, who is nobody but] the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

There are realms of glory to which only those who have been called and selected by God can access. In the book of Revelation chapter 4, when John saw the heavens open, he was unable to partake in that realm of glory until he heard the call asking him to come up. This is worship reserved for only those who are invited to partake in this dimension of glory. The word of God tells us that when John responded to this call, he was only able to do so in his spirit. He went in his spirit. Not all can access this realm of worship. In Numbers 11:25, we were told that Eldad and Medad were not at the tent of meeting but yet they prophesied. How is this possible? When God told Moses to select those who were to partake in this divine dialogue, both of them were chosen. But for some reason that the Bible did not tell us, they could not make it to the place of meeting, but because they were chosen to be part of the divine dialogue, when the grace to function was released on the 70, they got their own portion.
Like in the case of these guys, when you are selected by heaven to share or walk in a particular dimension of glory, things will begin to work in your favor. When Saul walked into the midst of the prophets, because he was already anointed by the prophet Samuel, several things began to fall in place for him. The glory of God came on him and he began to prophesy. For everyone who dwells in the place of deep and intimate fellowship with God, as you progress in your walk with the Lord, the day will come when you will be ushered into a greater dimension of glory. Psalm 42:7 tells us so. God deeper with God and as you do, certain things will begin to work in your favor. Shalom!

GLORY REALM DEVOTIONAL BY REV. IGHO L. Y.

THE GLORY OF GOD’S PRESENCE (PART 6)

FEB. 25TH
TEXT: Numbers 11:25 and 1 Samuel 10:9-11King James Version (KJV).
25 And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

1 Samuel 10:9-11King James Version (KJV)
9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

The problem with most us is that we have not been able to tell the difference between a mere religious gathering and a place of divine encounter. Neither have we been able to tell the difference between a fortune telling and a prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14 tells us what true prophesy will do when you hear one. Whatever does not edify, exhort or comfort you is not the prophesy the scripture speaks of.
When someone is in the place of true worship, edification, exhortation and comfort are not hard to come by. If you went in there troubled, suddenly your eyes become enlightened by the glory in His presence and you begin to see and hear divine solutions.
In a worship service, you can tell when God is speaking and giving you divine ideas. When the praise and worship in a service stops, it does not necessarily mean the end of the move of God. Those who are sensitive and open to the divine dialogue will still hear and see by the help of the Holy Spirit.
In the Old Testament, the people did not have the privilege of having the Spirit of God living in them, He only came upon them, yet, they had such outstanding results. But since we have the Spirit in us, we should produce more results than they did. We must go beyond speaking dry tongues, making empty noises without results. Walk in power and glory, and glorious results will follow. God bless you. 

THE GLORY OF GOD’S PRESENCE (PART 5)

FEB. 24TH

TEXT: Numbers 11:25 and 1 Samuel 10:9-11King James Version (KJV).
25 And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

1 Samuel 10:9-11King James Version (KJV)
9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

There is a supernatural dimension to worship that is expected to be the norm when we worship, but it is unfortunate that this is scarce to find these days. We see mega churches with sophisticated equipments worth millions of dollars, but the worship is devoid of the power and glory of God. They are more like a religious theatre than a place of divine encounter. Whatever is only capable of amusing your soul but not capable of captivating your spirit with the power and presence of God, is only an amusement park.
In the days of trouble, you do not need an amusement park, you need a place where you can hear, “Thus saith, the Lord.” This life is full of many unpredictable twists and turns, you cannot afford to be careless. Get yourself into a place where you can be truly intimate with God so you can hear and encounter Him for yourself.
If we are truly in His presence, there will be manifestations that we cannot explain ourselves. Whenever we truly worship, we experience a reverential awe that leaves in us a consciousness of the presence of God. How often do you encounter such power and glory? Do something serious about your walk with God today. Shalom!

GLORY REALM DEVOTIONAL BY REV. IGHO L. Y.

THE GLORY OF GOD’S PRESENCE (PART 4).

FEB. 23RD. 

TEXT: Numbers 11:25 and 1 Samuel 10:9-11King James Version (KJV).
25 And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

1 Samuel 10:9-11King James Version (KJV)
9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

When God took from the spirit upon Moses and imparted on the seventy, the power of God came upon them and they were beside themselves. But the Bible says that was the only time they prophesied. When somebody prophesied in the Old Testament, it was because they stepped into the presence of the Lord and the Spirit of God overwhelmed them.  Another example is the case of Saul in 1 Sam. 10:9-11(Read the passage).
From this passage, it became obvious that even in the Old Testament, when people encounter the glory of God, they are not themselves. Saul walked into the worship arena of God’s prophets and he was never the same. There is something about worship from passionate worshippers who are intimate with God. This is one reason behind the scripture, “God inhabits the praises of His people.” These prophets of old worshipped from their hearts, and as they did, suddenly, the presence of God came so strong that when Saul walked into their midst, he too was taken. The presence of God overwhelmed them and they began to prophesy. This sort of manifestation makes me wonder; with all the noise we hear today, there seems to be nothing extraordinary happening.
Beloved, please don’t settle for oratory and empty boasts, when you can truly encounter the glory of God. There is more to worship than the present empty packaging with a form of godliness, but lacking the power of God. Go after the glory and you shall encounter God like never before.

GLORY REALM DEVOTIONAL BY REV. IGHO L. Y.

THE GLORY OF GOD’S PRESENCE (PART 3).

FEB. 22ND.

TEXT: Numbers 11:25King James Version (KJV)
25 And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

The glory of God’s presence is the place where you let God take control for your soul to be overwhelmed in power and glory. Until you yield your will to the Lord, you cannot encounter the glory of His presence.
God can only take control of a life that is under His control and this is only possible when you willingly let Him have his way. Those who want to always be in control, lock themselves away from the glory realm. 
No one who claims to be a servant of God operating by his intellect can encounter this glory. Those who are more sensual than spiritual hardly have supernatural manifestations in their lives and ministry. It is only by the help of the Spirit that we get divine results.
When a man comes before God in simple trust, his eyes are opened to see beyond his natural abilities by the power of the Holy Spirit.  When something is happening around him, he can see and read between the lines. The divine communion he has with God reveals to him much more than his intellect can comprehend.
The Holy Spirit does not deal with us on the surface, but He knows and reveals the depths to us. So, except a man is having a deep walk with God, he cannot see into the realm of the spirit (Psalm 42:7). God has more in store for you, don’t stop far from the glory of His presence. God bless you.