A MESSENGER WITH A MESSAGE

 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! - Romas 10:15

Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

MESSAGE :

The whole of the Bible and everything about Christianity is summed up in the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ arises naturally from believers' love for God and the appreciation of all that He has done for us, is known as evangelism.

The New Testament Bible stresses the importance of evangelism, and provides important guidance as to how it should be done. Matthew 28:19 spells out the great commission.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

The focus on envangelism is the proclamation of the good news of the coming of the Kingdom of God, including forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Daniel 10:6, describes the perculiar features of the original messenger (Jesus Christ) as follows:
"His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude".

The fiery face and the fire in His eyes represents the countenance of a no nonsense Judge, the voice of a multitude symbolizes peoples, nations, and languages of the world. There is no place on the surface of the earth where His message will not be heard. Another thing the passage talks about is the Lord's feet, how they appear like brass when on fire. Brass signifies strength. Jesus feet are said to be polished brass. This indicates that His feet are empowered to trample upon His enemies.

If you are truly located in your place of authority in Christ Jesus, the only place your enemies can be is under your feet. Like Jesus, your feet need to be empowered so that when you trample on serpents and scorpions, you will not be hurt. To do this, you must empower your feet as God's messenger with evangelism. Every soul you win for God's Kingdom turns your feet to be as strong as the Lord's so that you can easily have victory over your enemies.

How many souls have you won to the Lord since the year began?

PRAYER POINT :
Father, please make me an effective soul winner in Jesus' name.

PRAYING OR MURMURING.

 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. JAMES 4 : 2.

READ : LUKE 15 : 25 - 32 :

25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

MESSAGE :

In Christianity, prayer is generally defined as a solemn request for divine intervention or an expression of thanksgiving addressed to the Almighty God. It is therefore clear that prayer is not synonymous with murmuring, protest, demand, or complains. A proper understanding of the art of prayer and the type of prayer that brings result is very important in Christianity.

Let's consider some biblical examples of prayer. While describing the way he prayed under a particular circumstance, the Psalmist in Psalms 42 : 4 says he poured out his soul to God. The phrase, "I pour out my soul" describes the soul like it is liquid. Depending on the situation, some prayers can take on a casual form while others may wear a garb of seriousness. The intensity of your thanksgiving prayer will differ in a case where you experienced a hitch-free trip compared to when you met with several difficulties during the trip but eventually arrived safely. The Psalmist in Psalms 130 : 1 - 2 talks of calling unto God out of the deep. Somebody said that this was Jonah's prayer in the belly of the fish. When there is no imminent danger, and you are in the comfort of your air-conditioned bedroom praying, that kind of prayer will be sweet, smooth and leisure-like. But the one in the belly of a fish such as Jonah's case would definitely be different. Jonah would have been very aggressive and desperate and must have prayed like a drowning man.

In 1 Samuel 1 : 13 - 18, when Hannah was praying, only her lips moved. Some people have used this as an excuse to engage in silent prayers. But the truth is, although she was not making a sound, it does not mean that she was not praying aggressively. We could compare this to a situation where an eight-day-old baby boy is circumcised and he is in pains. He cries out in agony and he continues to cry until his voice pales out, yet he will continue crying. Hannah must have cried to the extent of losing her voice. There is an extent to which you will pray and you will realize that you have gotten God's attention. What kind of prayer takes place in your family? How desperate are you? If you can pour out your heart to the Lord without being so mindful of grammar or who may be nearby, or who is looking or not looking at you, you will get His attention.

At the end of the day, what is important is getting answers to prayers and not whether you appear to men as being prayerful. I have often stated that whatever progress and achievements are visible in the RCCG today; they are by the grace of God and the prayers of the saints. As you engage Heaven in aggressive prayers this season, you will receive divine attention in Jesus' name. Call on Him!

PRAYER POINT : Father please, teach me to pray genuinely from today in Jesus' name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : LEVITICUS 8 - 9 AND PSALMS 119 : 161 - 172.

ARE PERILOUS TIME HERE?

THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 Timothy 3:1

Read : 2 Timothy 3:1-5

1 THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Message

Several passages of the Bible describe the prevailing atmosphere of the period now as 'perilous times' .The Bible reading for today, gives some important details about event that will surround the arrival of this period. This period is going to be the final epoch or history , marked by the coming of Messiah and the establishment of God's Kingdom. The Bible tends to tie the terms 'last days' and 'perilous time' together, pointing to the period between Jesus Christ's first coming and the consummation of all things at His return.

Thus period will also be marked by increased godlessness, false prophets, doctrine of devils, persecution, wickedness, war and apostasy. Are perilous time here? The Bible says truth will be watered down and sound doctrine will be replaced with fables. In church at Ephesus as recorded in Revelation 2:1-7, the Lord singled out a sect within its walls which beloved and preached that holiness was no more truly possible.

These were the Nicolaitans and the Lord said He hated them. Can the Lord hate those who claim to be His followers? This may be surprising, but the Lord hates every preacher and teacher or false doctrines. This is a warning for those in the teaching ministry systematically veering off the path of sound doctrine. Teaching cunningly devised fables and philosophies of men. Be very conscious of what comes out of your mouth. Cross check facts and perceived revelations with the Holy Spirit so that you may not lead any astray. The Lord hate false preachers. Anyone who teaches you that you can continue to sin, since after all we are human beings, and will still make Heaven, is heading for hell and wants to take you along. Watch out brethren, perilous times are here! People will deny the power of God, meaning that there will be widespread practical atheists. You will hear some say things like; God is not as wicked as to fry His children in fire for minor sins and so there is no hell fire', some also say that salvation is by what you are able to do; by works.

Idolatry is being openly practiced in some churches today because somebody spoke against Exodus 20:1-5, proposing that there is nothing wrong in making images of God, Jesus, Mary and the apostles and using them to connect to God. Backslidden pastors, ministers or workers are teaching false doctrines of mercy that is contrary to Romans 6:1-2. All these are taking people to hell in their millions. In what ways are your actions contradicting your teachings and messages? Such contradictions turn you into a false preacher!

Prayer point :

Father, please don't let the dangers of this perilous times sweep my feet away in Jesus name.

BIBLE ON ONE YEAR : Leviticus 4:1-5:13 and Psalms 119:129-144

PROOF OF LOVE.

 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. JOHN 15 : 13.

READ : JOHN 21 : 15 - 19 :

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

MESSAGE :

The Bible teaches Christians to love God. The Bible also teaches that such love should be expressed in worship and practical service. One of the most important lessons that the Bible teaches on love is that love is unconditional, and that the ultimate test of love is sacrifice. Therefore, any declaration of love that is devoid of sacrifice is questionable. The Bible strongly in agreement with the fact that Love is sacrificial.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

When you are genuinely in love, making sacrifices for the one you love will be a thing of pleasure and not a burden. Jacob was in love with Rachel and asked her father what he must do to marry her. Rachel's father told him to serve for seven years and he willingly did so. Because of love, seven years where like seven days to him. When he was delivered, he yet agreed to serve another seven years for his heartthrob ( Genesis 29 : 18 - 28 ). No price is too much to pay for the one you love. If you truly love your wife, you will pay the price of faithfulness in the midst of pressure to be unfaithful to her in your work place, or even in the ministry. Some husbands are yet to demonstrate their love for their wives by sacrificially giving to her. If your relationship with your wife is all about convenience- you do things for her only when it is convenient, then you owe your wife big time. Wives of such husbands should demand of their husbands the debt of sacrifice.

Sacrifice helps to gauge your Love for God. We can say God loves us exceedingly because He was prepared to part with His only begotten son. If you say you love God, you will be ready, like Paul was, to spend and be spent for Him. Some questions I often asked people are; can you serve the Lord for 14yrs without pay? Can you serve the Lord on the rural areas with no social amenities? Can you serve under an uneducated man of God when you are well educated? Can you leave certainty for uncertainty in the name of vision and revelation? What do you have to show for your love for God? Where is the Sacrifice in relationship with the Lord?

PRAYER POINT : Father, please help me to fully appreciate Your sacrificial love to me.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : LEVITICUS 1 - 3 AND PSALMS 119 : 113 - 128.

SIGNS OF THE LAST DAYS.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. MATHEW 24 : 11.

READ : 1 TIMOTHY 4 : 1 - 2 :

1 NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

MESSAGE :

The Bible tells us about the things that will happen to mark the end of this world and the beginning of eternal life. Beginning with the rapture, there will be extreme joy for those that will be found on the Lords side, while there will be extreme pain and sorrow for those that will be found on the devils side. As the curtain begins to be drawn over the activities of this world, the trumpet will sound. Then, Jesus Christ will appear physically in the sky with overwhelming glory, to raise the dead, judge the world, destroy opposition to God, and consummate His everlasting kingdom. Believers form the Bible says prepared for His return, waiting with eagerness and joy, but rapture didn't happen. It was with this in mind that the disciples ask Jesus questions about what would be the signs of the last days in Mathew 24 : 3:" the disciples come unto him privately, saying,Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

The same two important questions that whole world still asks till date are; when shall there things be? What shall be the signs? Fortunately, the Bible does it beat round the bush about the first question ( when),Jesus clearly states that nobody knows exact time except the Father. Note the Jesus preceded the answer with warning, 'Take grass that no man deceived you'. Never believe anyone that gives you a date or timetable for the second Coming of Jesus, no matter how advance the mathematical theory may seem. Jesus however, spoke extensively on the signs of the last days; the Bible has enough information to help Christians make adequate preparations for the second coming of Christ. Mathew 24 : 1 - 5 speaks volumes and 1 Timothy 4 : 1 says :

"NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"

The key things to look out for are there; false prophets, lovers of self, wars and rumours of war, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, persecution, betrayal, iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold, some shall depart from the faith, seducing spirits, doctrines of devils,hypocrisy. All these are presently happening hat an alarming rate all over the world. Children of God should pay special attention to false prophets with teachings that are contrary to the Word of God. Any teach in that cannot be substantiated with the Bible belongs to the devil; avoid them and their messages like a plague. Be warned.

PRAYER POINT : Lord Jesus. Please send the fire of revival to keep me burning for you till Your Second Coming.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : EXODUS 38 : 21 - 40 : 38 AND PSALMS 119 : 97 - 112.

REJECTED OF THE LORD?

 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.- Psalms 51:11

Read: Proverbs 1:24-29

1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:

MESSAGE :

Rejection is a terrible form of punishment that God sometimes uses to call the attention of His backslidden children to quit their sins and immoralities. Therefore, experiences and feelings of rejection are to be dealt with through the prayer of forgiveness and perseverance.

In many cases in the Bible, God’s rejection came as a shock because everything seemed normal until a sudden calamity struck as a result of the departure of God’s Presence. Such was the case with Samson and the nation of Israel. The reality of God’s rejection dawned on them by the terrible defeats that they suffered in the hands of their enemy. Judges 16:20 says:

“And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.”

All houses appear to have strong foundations until they go through the test of storms. In Matthew 7:24-27, the Lord talked of two houses; one built on the rock and the other on sand. Both appeared quite strong and promising until the floods came, one collapsed while the other stood firm. Do not wait till the day of the storm to discover your status with God, check yourself today and do everything possible to reconcile with God if need be.

In the same vein, all children are the same until they commit an offence. While the bona fide ones are immediately corrected and disciplined, the bastards are left on their own. A child left to himself is doomed. If God does not correct you for wrong speech, reaction and conduct, it simply means He is not your Father! When last did God cane you for wrong doing? May you never be above correction!

That God calls you does not mean He cannot call you something else. As our Creator, He has that right. Matthew 15:21-28 says,

“the children’s bread shall not be given to dogs”

and Revelation 22:15 says :

“dogs have a place outside”.

This means that no matter how much a dog is loved, sooner or later, it will end up outside and the gate of Heaven will be shut against it.

Do you feel as if the gates of Heavens are shut against you? Do you feel as if you are shut out of God’s blessings? It could mean that you are a ‘dog’. Why not accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour today? Why not reconcile with your Maker?

PRAYER POINT :
Father, please, cast me not away from Your Presence in the Name of Jesus.

BETHEL: HEAVEN’S GATE

And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Beth-el. Genesis 35:15

Read: Genesis 35:1-7 (KJV)

1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

5 And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

6 So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him.

7 And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.

MESSAGE

Bethel is the house of God, a place where God dwelled with His people. Over time, the Bible redefined the true place of worship to be the heart of man. Today therefore, Bethel could be said to represent the house of God, the true place of worship, or the dwelling place of God. The Samaritan woman by the well asked a million-dollar question from Jesus about the location of the heavenly approved place of worship. Jesus answered by saying that the time has come when the location is not of utmost importance to God anymore. John 4:23 says:

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”

The realization that man is the dwelling place of God should be taken seriously by every Christian. Several passages in the Bible confirm this truth. 1st Corinthians 6:19 says:

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

The freedom and liberty granted to Christians at conversion does not translate to ownership and absolute authority over ourselves as some erroneously think. Brethren, you are not your own, you belong to God your creator, you owe your allegiance to Him and you will do well to live your life with that consciousness. This will help you to be conscious of what you do with your body. It will help you to avoid anything that could abuse the body such as sexual immorality, indecent exposure, drug abuse, alcoholism, etc. it will also help you to watch what you consume or take into your body such as literature, audio and video contents. Realizing that your body is the temple of God will also affect the type of company that you keep and where you go.
More importantly, 1st Corinthians 3:17 says:

“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

Children of God should avoid doing anything that can defile them. In addition to the things mentioned above, engaging in any form of cosmetic reconstruction of the body in order to change or improve one’s complexion, sexual orientation, or appearance, is a defilement of God’s temple.

Prayer Point:

Father, please let Your fire wake me up to my responsibility in Christ.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Exodus 30:22-33:6 and Psalms 119:49-64