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SHE WAS CALLED BARREN

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As the season for the commemoration of the birth of Christ draws near, let us reflect on the miracles the news of his birth brought to the world and Israel at that time. One example worthy of note is the divine visitation of Elizabeth, the woman the bible describes as one people called barren (Mathew 1 vs 36)

Elizabeth was the wife of a well known scribe called Zechariah. Their family was a very respected one in her community but she was without a child. And she was mocked for that. Her mockers disregarded her status in the society. It was not a good time for Elizabeth. She lived with that stigma.

But hers is probably one out of many more in her time. There were those who at the time of Christ’s birth were born blind, some lame, some born and discarded because of certain diseases they were born with which they lived with it for a while. These ones had to live with the stigma for as long as they could.

But there will always be a day for sunshine. The dark clouds will not forever cover the sky. Not only did God visit Elizabeth, she gave birth to one of the greatest prophets recorded in the Bible.

 “Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet” (Matthew 11:7,9)

A way maker. Permit me to say, a highly ranked steward in the realms of the Spirit whose existence was prophesied:

 “In those days John the Baptist came preaching . . . For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight” (Matthew 3:1,3)

God is aware of what we pass through. He knows the burden we bear and has made plans on restoring us completely with a greater package than we can ever imagine. We are here for a moment. There is always a season for our manifestation. A time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3 vs 11)

Here is the best news; Jesus has given us the key over every problem. The key to even change divine calenders and protocols. We can now call into existence things that be not as though they were and they will actually be.

Therefore, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I decree over every situation in your life that is bringing you pain and shame to be reversed immediately. You are healed in Jesus Name. You are restored in Jesus Name. It is well with you. Victory is yours

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CLEAR-CUT FOLLOWER

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As the country counts down to the next election, parties are beginning to execute their campaign plans. This is usually the time loyalty is measured by participation. It is very difficult to identify with two rival parties at once. The consequence can be collosal. Betrayers are dealt seriously with sometimes. Party members must represent their parties everywhere within the short time left for campaigns. Such loyal members are “clear-cut” followers.

Politics is not the only place where commitment is emphasized. In the body of Christ it is of utmost importance. It is a demand. God expects this of us. In Ephesians 5 we find Paul Instructing the Church On what to do live up to expectation. He began by demanding that they imitate Christ. They must be practical with their faith. That includes staying away completely from certain habits that misrepresents Christ. The Church must not condone it.

‘But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people” – Ephesians 5 vs 3

A little stain can spread all over a white garment. Knowing how dangerous it is it should not be condoned. Paul went on to warn against false teachers and preachers who cover uncleanliness in their congregation. He reminds us in verse 6 of the obvious consequence of disobedience;

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

Are you a clear- cut believer? Are you as practical as you are expected to be? The door is wide open and you can be committed to doing exactly as the word of God instructs. Heaven rewards hardwork

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THE TWO BASKETS OF FIGS

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When God Chastises…

Our Father in Heaven is an epitome of a perfect parent. He is indeed perfect in all ramifications. An earthly father disciplines his child because he hopes that by so doing he would be correcting him. But because of his imperfections as human he does sometimes forgets the purpose for chastising the child. In such a situation the child is abused eventually. But God wouldn’t do that to his own.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget, I will not forget you” – Isaiah 49 vs 15 – 17

So Why Does God Chastise Us?

When we disobey God something terrible happens to our Soul. It dies. Sin is Death. Now this is a loss to Heaven, and it is one God doesn’t take lightly. Yahweh is particularly concerned about those he for one reason or the other brought close to himself as he did with Israel. Such he disciplines whenever they disobey so as to raise them from their ashes stronger and better.

Chastisement shakes the Soul up and out from the weakness of the flesh and improves the man.

We are tested through fire so as to enforce consistency in holiness without which we can do nothing. Then we are released.

The prophesy of the two Baskets of Figs as recorded in Jeremiah 24 throws light on God’s methodology of chastisement. God came in a vision to his messenger Jeremiah with a prophesy for the future of Judah. This was immediately after Nebuchadnezzar had carried away Jeconnah the Son Jehoiakim; King of Judah, and the officials of Judah with the craftsmen and smiths from Jerusalem and had brought them to Babylon. One of the baskets had in it ripe and beautiful figs, the other one had bad figs.

Basket A: The Good Figs

This basket represents those taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. They are those God is very interested in. If you notice in Jeremiah 24 vs 1 they include men and women with divine gifts who God had burdened with certain skills for the future of Israel. He raised Nebuchadnezzar to move them to Babylon where they will be preserved though they are being chastised by God. (Jeremiah 24 vs 5 – 7)

Babylon was not for everyone a place of hopelessness or bondage. To some it is simply a safe passage into their destiny though physically it looks like suffering. There in Babylon they were preserved

Basket B: The Bad Figs

This basket has in it those marked for destruction. (Jeremiah 24 vs 8). God describes them as “very bad”. You understand that there are fruits that even though are bad still has parts that can be eaten. Those can be declared useful. But these ones are so bad that they can’t be eaten, said Yahweh. They included the King of Judah Zedekiah and his princess, and the rest of the people who were not taken into captivity. They would have probably thought they were better off than the people taken into captivity. The people in this container are condemned to damnation. (Jeremiah 24 vs 9). Their choices in life put them in that basket. They are the stubborn ones who has continuously challenged God and blasphemed his name.

Beloved child of God, when you pass through trials it is for your own good. Sometimes it is God shaking your systems to shake off your inner weaknesses. Hold on tight to Christ. The season will be over soon. It is well with you.

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ONE JEALOUS GOD

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Understanding God’s Do’s and Don’t

Am not sure how this message will be received in a time like this when Grace is the sermon from almost every pulpit across christian communities and Live Streams on TV’s and social media platforms. God is presented as a soft and considerate creator who overlooks Man’s weakness. I have heard a preacher say “It doesn’t matter if you sin or not. It’s that simple. Jesus has paid for your sins and he did so in advance”. So congregants come to Church with the mindset that the sins they plan to commit after service is forgiven already. And so Jesus has bought us over with his blood. Grace has got us all covered. Does it then mean Yahweh has discarded his own words or swallowed them like we often say? Is his commandment obsolete? Not at all. His principles are still the same.

God’s Laws Are Forever

After God released his people Israel from bondage in Egypt he read out his expectations to Moses which became laws that should guide them. This is today known as the Ten Commandments. It became pertinent to provide rules and regulations as man would be lost without them and would challenge his creator. He would also forget to worship his maker who protects, defends and provides for him.

The Mosaic Law

To begin with, concerning the Law, Jesus cleared the air about his position when the scribes confronted him.

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Preceding his birth are prophecies and establishments that pointed towards the purpose of his coming. Worthy of note is God’s plan especially concerning the methodology of worship. Jesus would after resurrection become the recognized high priest, one whose priesthood would be by the order of Mekizedek, and of the tribe of Judah.

Some aspects of the law will be modified such as the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Jesus understood that God The Father still remains the Power that be whose principles must be adhered to. He remains still the God of all flesh and a very jealous one at that.

Though Christ’s death meant we could sin against God and be forgiven, it is not an excuse to sin freely. To correct that impression quickly, Christ gave instances of punishments that would be meted out to those that would fail to meet up with God’s standards. For example, the story of the Rich and Poor man points to a similar kind of Justice that was obtainable under Moses.

The difference is the time of it’s execution. While offenders were punished instantly under Mosaic Law, under Christ the Soul that sins and dies in sin is condemned and would be thrown into hell. While Grace and Mercy buys you more time to become better and to take advantage of the opportunity Jesus offers us to paradise, it is not a guarantee that you will automatically enter into eternal rest. Now this is why Paul advises us to:

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” – Philippians 2 vs 12

Like the early Christians and Apostles we must get to work and diligently improve ourselves with Heaven on our minds. God still is dishing out judgement on wickedness.

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THEY DON’T KNOW

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As a young child twenty five years ago, seeing revelations in dreams were strangely normal. I would wake up from a trance and not know that I have been in one. Sharing these experiences with my family was like telling them tales by moonlight. You know I wasn’t so smart in school so it didn’t make sense that God would chose me or even reveal himself to me. So I stopped sharing the things I see with them. But one revelation startled me so much that I ran to my mother to tell her what I saw;

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” – Hosea 4 vs 6

The Angel in Armour

The Spirit of God took me up into the sky and dropped me on a thick white cloud. The cloud was wide enough to carry two adults or more, and was thick enough for the weight of as many humans as it can carry. While seated on the cloud my eyes caught a gathering of people digging what look like a ditch. They were very focused on what they were doing. They kept digging until all you could see is nothing but darkness. By then an Angel dressed like a Roman centurion was squatting next to me. He was huge. He pointed at the people and shook his head.

“They are looking for answers where there are none. Go and tell them the truth” said the Giant.

This revelation was the most specific of all of the visions I had back then. For this time there was an instruction.

Christ offers us a way back

The world out there is seriously undersiege. Our Enemy Satan has done so much harm than you can ever imagine. He has successfully misled many. Today it’s easier to locate a witch doctor than it is to find a Church whose altar is still pure. Church members are competing with the world over supremacy, and over who patronizes babalawo or witch doctors. God’s children are running to Satan for answers. They are seeking knowledge where there is none. And while at that the Souls of many are nowhere to be found. Because they have been exchanged for silver and gold. This is why Jesus came; To bring mankind back to God. So today, as many as will receive him to them he has given the power to be called the Children of God.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” – John 14 vs 6

This is God’s Will for humanity.

What must I do to be saved?

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” – 1John 1 vs 19

By confessing your sins to God you have admitted that you are guilty of the accusations and would like to be saved. He is faithful and is just to forgive you all of them. And to clean you from all your unrighteousness.

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool – Isaiah 1 vs 18

Be encouraged. There is a reward for taking this step:

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19).

A new life in Christ is profitable. You are granted access to a very peaceful and prosperous life here on Earth and in Heaven. You can then ask of anything of your father and it will be given you.

“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” – John 14 vs 14

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YOU BELONG TO CHRIST

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When you acknowledge Christ as your lord and savior your redemption is total. After all Jesus paid for your Soul in advance thousands of years ago. He bought you with his blood knowing you will be born in Sin and may live a while in it. You belong to him.

Paul threw more light on this Truth. For indeed this is the Truth. Read:

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men”- 1 Corinthians 7 vs 23

Therefore, you are no slave to anyone. Neither is your allegiance for your fellow man. It is then erroneous to say “I am of the household of this Man or the other Man”. None of them paid for your sin. Follow the exact instructions of your calling if you are called to a specific divine assignment. See Paul’s suggestion with regards to that;

Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches – 1 Corinthians 7 vs 17

Wherever you may be divinely situated for God’s work, depend on the directive of the Spirit of God and remember always that your service is to God and not Man.

SERIES, Sermons

WHO IS LUCIFER?

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The risk in self consciousness

#series

Read to the end for a video link of a precise teaching on the time we are in and for a clearer understanding of how Satan has so much established control on Earth through the very things that mean the world to us.

In the Prophetic Declaration by Ezekiel to the King of Tyre culled from Ezekiel 28 vs 12 – 17, an insight into who truly Satan was before and what led to his sudden fall is given. In summary, his failure was because he became very conscious of the privilege God had apportioned to him. Here is a breakdown;

  • 1. He was Perfect – vs 12

The instruction to Ezekiel was to prophesy to the King of Tyre. But the prophesy spoke directly to Satan who had been manifesting in the King of Tyre as he has through Kings before him, and through as many humans as he can possess. “Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “`You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” – Ezekiel 28 vs 12. God acknowledges that he made Satan to be perfect.

2. He was given special gifts – vs 13

God ensured he adorned him with special stones. He made him really so outstanding that he was a beauty to behold. He gave his creation special attention. Read;

“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared”

3. God Anointed and Ordained Him – vs 14

When his making and adornment was complete, God Anointed and Ordained Him. This ensured he had an exalted office above the other Angels and creations. He was that fortunate. Read;

“You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones”

4. He Was Given Special Immunity – vs 15

This meant he lived over normal limitations Angels were subjected to. He was declared blameless by God. What a privilege!

“You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created ..”

What went wrong then?…..

With all these accolades, promotions and exceptional treatment came a sudden consciousness of self. He would look himself in the mirror and marvel. There was nothing else equal to him among the creations. So he was most likely popular. For indeed he was and had begun to imagine himself as untouchable. He had won followers to his side and had begun a movement with the hope of establishing a government that should eventually challenge any other. God described his creation thus;

“…untill wickedness was found in you”

Pride gave way to rebellion and he declared war against his maker. So he was chased down..

Lesson

Is this a familiar situation today? Yes! Fame and Wealth are spirits on their own. So are Titles. They are all living things, permit me to say. When a man gives attention to them, he will surely be controlled by them and consequently be remoulded into something terrible. Lucifer, as he was known in Heaven, allowed the glory he was adorned with to get to his head. This led to his fall….

“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling” – Prov 16 vs 18

As promised, click here to watch a video on this teaching.

Remember to share and to follow me on Twitter @OkeziePastor

Blog, SERIES, Sermons

I NEED YOU DAD

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A message of hope and encouragement

This piece may be for you. It dropped with a feeling that stirred my Soul and it screamed Abba Father. You may probably be the one because you have been in this storm that has engulfed you and you feel too lost to know what to do next. In your secret place you have often cried “I need you Dad”

You don’t want to be Peter who had to be reminded many times that he is weak and an easy target. He tried so hard to put up demonstrations to prove that he can try, and that he thinks he is not that bad. But those didn’t help. He failed. Deep in that broken heart I feel he too cried out “I need you Dad. Am so weak”

Coming home to the embrace of your own only daughter whose life you would have to use to redeem the vow you made to God. Am not sure I want to be Jephthah right now or anytime. What pain? What sorrow can be compared to that? And you had to succeed. Your calling demanded that and you felt by making a vow you would win God’s support. You were new and naive. Then your daughter runs out and all you have ever worked for is gone. I feel your pain. I feel you cried out too.

You don’t want to be the one running. It wasn’t always like this. You see, you once could call down fire. You could do miracles too. Then suddenly you feel human again and frightened because a new battle had come. You suddenly feel lonely and you felt by running you could be safe. But that didn’t help. I feel you must have cried out…”oh Dad, help me!”

The thoughts of giving all up at old age brings tears to the eyes. You waited all your life for a child. Suddenly that same voice demands that you sacrifice him. I know exactly how you feel. I know deep inside you would have whispered a prayer. “Daaad, please help me. I need you”

“I know the thoughts I thinks towards you” says Nissi. “They are thoughts of good and not of evil. To give you hope and a future”

Hear God speak to you: I see your tears. I know your fears. I will never leave nor forsake you. Your wasted years are restored. I reverse every stolen joy. You are blessed and not cursed.

Blog, SERIES, Sermons

WHEN GOD CALLS IT “A QUIT “

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Understanding the risk in self consciousness

The length of time spent actively in Kingdom work is not a guarantee that both the service and the servant will continue to enjoy divine approval and support. Yes, a man who has so far given forty years of his life to the vineyard can lose all the promises and privileges he should receive in a second. Well, God’s benevolent Spirit once said to me…

“The characters you find in the Bible are of two categories; The ones that obeyed, and the ones who were punished for their disobedience. Both categories are examples to guide you”

This wisdom has always echoed in my mind. You will be surprised to find, or perhaps really sad to learn, that the ones that began very well missed it all with just one mistake. One error can cut your journey towards fulfilment short. This is the Truth.

Moses, whose ministry we draw our lesson from in this message, gave more than forty years into vineyard service. He was so committed that today we could still project him as a patriarch of our faith. The toughness of his assignment was out of this world. He gave up everything including comfort and his family to lead Israel out from captivity and through the wilderness for forty long and frustrating years. The toughest part of the mandate was leading a people whose whole being and mentality had been moulded overtime by hardship. A people whose rebelliousness is a consequence of the evil they have had to adjust to and accept as normalcy. So to really do his task he gave up much more than any other leader or prophet has ever sacrificed in the course of their duty. This burden brought him closer to God. Deuteronomy 34 vs 10 testifies to this:

“Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face”

But he missed the final lap. When he was almost there his Journey was immediately terminated As I studied on for more insight I felt a wave of sadness for him. How can this be fair, I thought. But as I read further my eyes were opened to see the very reason why it really ended like that. Moses at a point became a Lord in his own Kingdom. Remember he began as just a messenger. But as time passed the huge responsibility got the best of him and he became conscious of the Power he welded as the leader of a people. So he could relay God’s messages his own way. He questioned God’s resolve to forgive and help his people. By so doing he dishonored God and projected himself as their Lord and Savior. Read:

“He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank” – Numbers 20 vs 11

Moses’s offence was so great that Heaven had to put an end to his journey immediately. God’s servant has evolved into a Lord and Savior. So if he could be this while still in the wilderness, he will come all out to challenge God in Canaan land. Perhaps God had seen The Serpent do yet again the very thing he did with Adam and Eve with his servant Moses. But he was proud of him for the work he did that he saved his Soul and buried his body himself so that Satan wouldn’t claim it. Praise God!

Dear Servant of God, remember to ask the Spirit to always break you and to help you stay humble and focused on the calling. The world needs to pray this way for our Enemy Satan is a roaring lion 🦁 running to and fro in search of believers to devour. Keep your gaze on Jesus.

Click here to listen to the audio of this message