Sunday, 31 March 2013
ENCOUNTERING THE RISEN/RESURRECTED CHRIST
INTRODUCTION:
Today we are celebrating foundation of our faith. THE RISEN CHRIST. If Christ have not risen our faith is in vain. This is not historical fiction but a fact and reality. We shall be looking at various ways in which we can encounter the risen Christ.
1. THE PERSON MUST MAKE SEEKING THE LORD A PRIORITY:
John 20:1 (KJV)
Ps 63:1 They must make it a priority, first thing on the list of to do in planning, punctuality and pursuit.
2. THE PERSON MUST BE PASSIONATELY ZEALOUS ABOUT IT:
One should not be careless or carefree about it: “if the Lord needs me, He will look for me and pursue me.” Encountering Christ must be a matter of zealous commitment and not a matter of sheer convenience. John 20:2
3. THE PERSON MUST HAVE A SUSTAINED HUNGER FOR THE LORD:
(unlike the disciples who went back...) John 20:10-11
4. THE PERSON MUST POSSESS DOGGED DETERMINATION: John 20:11 (KJV)
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulcher…
Mary sought him with determination and tears. What has your Christian experience cost you? Do you have a story to tell of the tears and scars of seeking him in loneliness, abandonment and cold and in the face of jeering of friends and foes that you would not find him and that you would come back empty - handed or that there is nothing to seek further than the napkin and the linen?
The last we determined to stay put with him, was it not to have a testimony and evidence of diverse kinds of breakthrough? It was not that we wanted Him. What we wanted was the gifts He could give. The Lord is looking for those who are seeking Him not what he has to offer.
5. THE PERSON MUST BE HUMBLE AND BENDABLE, MUST BE READY TO BOW WHERE OTHERS STOOD STRAIGHT: John 20:11
We must learn to forget about ourselves, our status, pedigree, degrees, etc and bend low, be broken to see Him that is declared the risen Lord.
6. THE PERSON MUST BE HUNGRY BEYOND RELIGION & THE SUPERFICIAL MATERIALISM OF TODAY'S CHRISTIANITY. John 20:12-13 (KJV)
7. THE PERSON MUST BE EXPECTANT: John 20:14-17 (KJV)
Conclusion:
Why are you weeping/ today? What kind of prayer brings tears to your eyes. When last did you seek the Lord with tears and weeping, knowing that without his presence you are nothing.
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
SOME WAYS THROUGH GOD SPEAKS TO US.
We will continue on our study on the different ways through which God speaks to us. Our last study is based on these three ways:
1. THE BIBLE: The Bible which is the inspired, inerrant and the infallible Word of God - Josh 1:8 (KJV), Deut 31:26 (KJV), Josh 23:6-8 (KJV), Isa 8:19-20 (KJV), Isa 8:19-22 (NLT)
2. THE INNER WITNESS
i.e. your regenerated spirit: The Holy Spirit communicates to man’s regenerated heart/spirit 3. DREAMS This is a sequence of images that appear involuntarily to the mind of a sleeping person, sometimes with a mixture of real and imaginary characters, persons and events. Job 33:14-17(TLB), Gen 20:3 (KJV), Gen 37:5 (KJV), Matt 1:20 (KJV), Acts 2:17 (KJV)
Today we shall continue in examining the following ways, which are;
4. PROPHECIES
A spiritual experience in which a message is sent by God to human being through utterance under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The message may contain a reference to present or future events, but it is often simply a warning, encouragement, or piece of information for direction. Act 13:1-2; 21:11(KJV), I Cor 14:3(NLT, KJV), 1 Cor 14:3-4 (Easy – to – Read Version)
5. VISION AND TRANCE:
A state of profound spiritual experience in which a person is less aware of normal external realities but more open to spiritual experience. It is about a spiritual state in which one receives divine messages and one in unaware of the environment and unable to respond to stimuli. Vision and Trance are no human imagination. In trance, there may be no physical alertness and consciousness; but there is mental and spiritual alertness that aid/promote the understanding of the vision. Num 24:2-4(KJV), Num 24:16(KJV, NKJV), Acts 10:9-12(NKJV), Acts 22:17-18(NKJV)
6. CONSCIENCE
the innate sense of right and wrong in moral choices; conscience in one of the faculties of the mind. Rom 2:15(KJV), Rom 2:14-16, Rom 2:14-16(NCV), Rom 9:1(NCV, NLT)
Living conscience, Good conscience, purged conscience – Heb 9:14, I Tim 1:9(KJV)
Conclusion: Prayer Point:
* God's will is to speak directly to us without an intermidiary. Therefore, let us create a conducive environment for Him to speak to us.
* God speaks directly and more often to us through our conscience. Therefore, let your conscience keep on living to hear Him constantly.
* Oh Lord, revive my conscience, let your blood wash my mind and my heart.
Friday, 8 March 2013
REFLECTIONS ON THANKSGIVING
WHY DO YOU NEED TO GIVE THANKS UNTO GOD?
You Need To Give Thanks Unto God Because;1.IT IS A CALL FROM GOD Psalm 118
O give thanks to God for it is a command. He has demanded nothing else from us than your praise alone.2.IT IS GOOD TO GIVE THANKS: Psalm 92:1-5
It is good to praise the LORD and make music to his name…3.BECAUSE GOD IS GOOD AND DESERVES THANKSGIVING: 1 CHRON 16:34
One of the reasons why we need to give thanks unto God is because GOD is Good to us and deserve our thanks. God is good, all the time.4.IT IS A REFLECTION ON GOD’S GOODNESS IN THE PAST Psalm 48:14
In spite of what you might be passing through, Count the number of years you have used on Earth and Give thanks unto God. God is Good.5.IT IS THE WILL OF GOD: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In spite of what circumstances and situation you might be, always give thanks because God watches over you. He is a faithful God that never forget you.6.IT IS A REFLECTION ON GOD’S EVERLASTING FAITHFULNESS Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:3
God is faithful, He never forget you and your problem.CONCLUSION
So continues to Praise and praise the name of the Lord… For He is Good and deserves our Praises.WHAT SPIRIT DOES GOD WANT TO ACCOMPANY OUR OFFERINGS (2).
1. SPIRIT OF EXPECTANCY AS YOU PLOUGH IN HOPE: Proverb. 23:18; Luke 6:38
When you give to God, He wants you to be an expectant. Don’t just give but give with great expectation because he has promises attached to giving unto Him. Therefore let there be strong faith in you when you give. “Faith is the mother of expectation and expectation is the mother of manifestation”.2. A SPIRIT OF TRUTH: Acts. 5:1-3
God does not force you to give, so when you give let’s give with the spirit of truth, no deceit, no false impression because God cannot be fooled.3. A SPIRIT OF PURPOSE: Deuteronomy. 8:18
One of the purposes of giving is to connect to God’s blessings for us. Therefore when you give purposefully it will affect what you give and how you give.4. A SPIRIT OF PURITY: Psalm. 24:3-5
Our God is a Holy God and in Him there is no filthiness, so therefore always give with a heart of purity. Give an Holy sacrifice, pleasing and acceptable unto God.5. SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE: Hebrew 11:17-19
The more painfully you give, the more abundance of blessings awaits you. God said “Test Me”. So give sacrificially to move God to the fulfillment of His Promises.6. SPIRIT OF COMPASSION: Matthew 23:23
Do not give arrogantly like the Pharisees but always give with a heart of compassion, be humble so that God himself can lift you upConclusion
“The essence of giving is the Heart of the giver.” God is not hungry neither does He need our money or substances. He asks us to give so he can bless us. He can’t give you more if you don’t let go of the ones in your custody. Happy Sunday. Stay blessedWHAT SPIRIT DOES GOD WANTS TO ACCOMPANY OUR OFFERINGS?
God deserves a good spirit in us when we bring our sacrifices. Therefore without the spirit our offerings are not acceptable. Lets look at the spirit God wants in us.
PART 1
1. A SPIRIT OF HONOUR:
We must sacrifice our substances with honour unto God. The quantity does not really matter but the quality... Mal. 1:7-8 Prov. 3:9-102. A SPIRIT OF REVERENCE:
Mal. 1:63. A SPIRIT OF FAITH:
Its not just giving to God, but giving with faith. It is your faith that makes your offering rings longer in God's hearings (Abel in Heb. 11:4b). Therefore give with faith. Hebrew 11:4, Roman 14:234. A SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE:
Giving to God is a privilege. Therefore let there be joy in you when you give. Don’t give out of sadness. Be joyous, happy and glorify Him when you give. Deut 28:47-48, Deut. 8:18, 1 Chron 29:9-175. A SPIRIT OF JOY:
Let there be Joy even when the quantity is small. This is the kind of offering God wants. If God loves a cheerful giver then He hates anyone who gives with grudges. 2 Cor. 9:76. A SPIRIT OF LIBERALITY:
When you give, don’t think you lose. You get more from God because He works in abundance.2 Cor. 9:9, Prov. 11:24, Eccl 11:1-2, 2 Cor 9:6-7Conclusion:
Think about this:
If you don’t give that which you have, will it sustain you?If you give that which you have, will it kill you?
FAVOUR: A CRITICAL KEY TO SUPERNATURAL OPEN DOOR
INTRODUCTION:
One of the priestly prayers Jehovah commanded the Israelites’ priests to pray for the people of Israel is the prayer of favour. The prayer is located in Num 6:22-27 (KJV)
Favour: What is favour? Favour in biblical parlance is the bright and shining side of the face of God towards a man.
To be favoured means to be the favourite of the person who favours you, God or man.
Some people are prophetic examples of people favoured by God. I give you some examples to know what it may mean to experience God’s favour and pray for such experiences.
1. EXAMPLE 1: JOSEPH, THE DREAMER
A. He had favour with men: Gen 39:1-4 (KJV)
B. He had favour with God: Gen 39:21-23 (KJV)
C. Manifestations of Favour on Joseph’s Life
i) He had open door of rapid promotion: Gen 39:21-22
ii) His word became law: Gen. 39:2b
iii) He Prospered even in the prison: Gen. 39: 23b
NOTE: He accessed God’s favour because God was with him: desire to walk with God and pray that the Lord will walk with you.
Let your presence go with me this year/month - Ex 33:12-16
2. EXAMPLE 2: THE ISRAELITES (Through the covenant of the Passover)
A. The Promise: Ex 3:21-22 (NLT.)B. The Fulfillment and the Manifestation of Favour: Open Door of Prosperity: Ex 12:35-36 (NLT)
3. EXAMPLE 3: ESTHER
a) Through favour she became the Queen: Esther 2:15-17 (KJV)
b) Through favour she had access to the King at unusual and unlawful Times - Esther 5:1-3 (KJV)
c) Through favour she got back the lives of her people: Esther 7: 1-4, Esther 7:1-6 (KJV)
d) Through favour the decree of death was reversed: Esther 8:4-5(KJV)
PRAYERS POINTS
1. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.KJV Psalm 5:12 Lord, surround me with atmosphere of favour according to your word.
2. Psalm 102:13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. KJV Arise O God and show me favour, my time is here.
3. Job. 10:12 KJV Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. KJV Lord by your favour, preserve my life and destiny this year
4. Psalm 30:5 KJV For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. KJV
Lord by your favour, turn my night into day and weeping into joy
5. Luke 2:52 KJV And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Acts 2:47 KJV Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. KJV
I receive favour before God and man
6. Daniel 1:9 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. KJV Lord brings me into favour with/before superiors
7. Luke 1:30 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. KJV I receive favour that makes impossibilities become possible
8. Prophetic Declaration:
Numbers 6:24-26 24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. KJV
ACCESSING KINGDOM ECONOMIES THROUGH THE KEY OF FIRST FRUITS
Prov 3:9-10
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
KJV
This is the first earning and/or the first increase in the income of a child of God. Whatever falls into that category is your first fruit. It is to register your entry into God’s covenant as the PROVIDER of His people. It is an expression of your receiving God as your Source, Owner, Provider, Priority and Leader when it comes to the material side of your earthly walk.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
KJV
A.BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF FIRST FRUITS
This is the first earning and/or the first increase in the income of a child of God. Whatever falls into that category is your first fruit. It is to register your entry into God’s covenant as the PROVIDER of His people. It is an expression of your receiving God as your Source, Owner, Provider, Priority and Leader when it comes to the material side of your earthly walk.
B.SOME SELECTED BIBLE TEXTS ON FIRST FRUIT OFFERINGS Gen. 4:3ff cf Heb. 11:4.
C.THE PLACE TO GIVE FIRST FRUIT Deut 26:1-2
D.THE PROCEDURE: GIVEN WITH PRONOUNCEMENT THROUGH THE PRIEST Deut 26:3-13
E.THE QUALITY OF THE FIRST FRUIT TO GIVE Num 18:12
F.DIVINE OWNERSHIP OF FIRSTFRUITS Ezek 48:14
G.THE PURPOSE, POWER & BLESSINGS OF FIRSTFRUIT OFFERINGS
H.WHAT CONSTITUTES FIRSTFRUITS IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES
J.STAGES OF THE FIRST FRUITS
K.PASTORAL COUNSEL
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
STANDING AGAINST CONTRARY WINDS
1. Matt. 14:22-32 (NLT) – A wind that comes with trouble
2. Mark 6:47-52 (NLT) – A wind that brings struggle
3. John 6:16-21 (NLT) – A wind that makes the way/journey unnecessarily rough
4. Mark 4:35-41 (NLT) – A wind that resists advancement to breakthrough
5. Matt. 7:24-27 (NLT) – A wind that crashes homes and families
6. Acts 27:4 (NLT/NCV/NIV) – A wind that leads to detour
7. Acts 27:13-20 – A deceitful wind – deceitful favour, opportunities
2. Mark 6:47-52 (NLT) – A wind that brings struggle
3. John 6:16-21 (NLT) – A wind that makes the way/journey unnecessarily rough
4. Mark 4:35-41 (NLT) – A wind that resists advancement to breakthrough
5. Matt. 7:24-27 (NLT) – A wind that crashes homes and families
6. Acts 27:4 (NLT/NCV/NIV) – A wind that leads to detour
7. Acts 27:13-20 – A deceitful wind – deceitful favour, opportunities
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