FIRE FELLOWSHIP

One of the implications of the Lord's personality of Fire is for fellowship. But how can we attain that level of fellowship without becoming fire ourselves? And that's reason He made us "flames of fire" (Psalm 104:4).
His personality as a Consuming Fire is broad spectrum. The Fire that can consume the enemies, the Fire that consumes other strange fire, the Fire that will consume in judgment...and then the Fire for fellowship. The way 'Deep calleth to deep', so does 'Fire calleth for fire.' One will be missing out on this level of fellowship if he doesn't carry the fire of God. This was the kind of fire relationship Elijah enjoyed. It makes the Father so close. Your fire attracts His Fire (His person). This is why no earthly fire or enemy's fire can hurt you.
Look at this: The 3 Hebrew children carry fire. When Nebuchadnezzar threw them into fire, something happened...The Fire of fire (God) came down. The fire the Hebrew boys carried attracted His Fire. And because He is the Fire-in-Chief, fire bowed to fire.
All these small-small witches flying around and you are scared; it is because fire is low or out around/in you. The day you enter the fire level of fellowship, and you catch fire; no one can carry fire in his bosom and not be burnt...no enemy will ever try and attempt to come near you again.

(This is a brief summary of the teaching: *THE CONSUMING FIRE by Dr. Bukola Williams)

SOME AIRLINES (LIVES) DO NOT CRASH

This is a parable with meaningful lessons at the end.

I know some airlines around; Arik Air, Dana Air, Aerocontractors, etc. Some that used to be have become grounded; others have had their operational licenses seized because of air crashes. These ones are physical airlines, so not surprising.

But, I know some airlines that can neither be grounded nor crash. I am talking about “Philipian Airline”, the one that was carrying Philip the evangelist from one place to another (Acts 8:9). It was powered by the Holy Spirit and evangelical unction. No enemy can stop this type from reaching its destination.

Then there is “Elijahn Airline” from the name ‘Elijah’, the one that can fly with its wheels freely and combusts raw fire. It was this type that Elijah boarded to Heaven (2 Kings 2:11). It was powered by fire and anointing. No demon can see the chariot and airline of fire and want to cause air (destiny) crash.  That demon will be burnt to hell.

Another one is “Enochian Airline”, the one Enoch flew direct to Heaven, no stopping or refuelling (Genesis 5:24). This one was powered by righteousness. Indeed, “Righteousness exalteth a nation” (Proverbs 14:34a).

And then the all-potent “Messiah Airline”...This is the one that Christ cruised to Heaven. All the demons and their master satan buried their heads in shame as it took off. It was mission accomplished after He defeated death, satan and sin. It was powered by who He is, His personality as God; ‘the I am that I am’.

What am I saying? Whenever you fly in say Arik airline, and you know whom you belong; just relax in His arm and tell your family you are boarded on Messiah Airline. No gravity can pull down that airplane. Glory! If the Heavenly airlines never crashed, we cannot crash in Jesus’ name!

When Elijah went to Heaven via “Elijahn Airline”, some people gathered and informed Elisha that it was possible the plane might have crashed and casted Elijah on some rocks and mountains. By the time they were done searching, they found nothing. It simply cannot crash!

“And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send. And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.”  (2 Kings 2:16-17)

There is no way a life built up in fire will crash!

Let us take a look at the peculiar characteristics of these spiritual airlines;

-          Elijah: fire and anointing

-          Enoch: righteousness

-          Philip: Spirit-filled and evangelism-driven

-          Jesus: God

God says we represent Him here on earth, and so we “are gods” (Psalm 82:6). If we can indeed be committed to God’s purpose for our lives here on earth; live a Spirit-filled and evangelism-driven life; live in righteousness, and carry fire and His anointing, then nothing can stop us in the flight to our divine destiny here on earth and eternal destination in Heaven. And this is the message I wish to pass across.

Many lives, destinies and dreams are crashing due to sin and loss of focus. Many whose fire have gone down and out are under satanic influence and demonic manipulations; their destinies have been stolen and hence the future is empty. Their lives have literally crashed aboard the carnal aircrafts of worldliness and sinful pleasures.

But I know some airlines that do not crash. If you want to reach your destiny, then fly aboard the airline of holiness, integrity, the fear of God, truth, and divine purpose...and with fire in your life, no witch or enemy can stop you.

THE TESTIMONY OF RAHAB, FORMERLY KNOWN AS RAHAB THE HARLOT

Joshua 2:1-21; 6:22-25

Rahab was not an ordinary prostitute, but a professional one. Her house was strategically located around the city wall, perhaps close to the entrance of the city so that visitors can come in promptly.

She was known in the city as a prostitute. The king of the land even sent for her when he learnt spies had visited the city of Jericho. The king could predict where the spies would lodge, presuming they were “unclean” men. Rahab must have been disowned by her father for such a ridiculing professional she had stuck to. Her household never wanted to be associated with her. She was living on the edge of Hell.

And then, many young people had been brought low and down by her prostitution. She did not have a good testimony with the people. They never spoke well about her. In their opinion, she was at the edge of Hell, and nothing good could come out of her.

One day, something happened; Rahab opened her door to the messengers of the gospel of faith and peace. “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31).

She realised judgment was coming on the land and the only way of escape was to embrace righteousness. “For when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness” (Isaiah 26:9b).

She received the two (2) spies. And then she made the greatest decision of her life – she confessed the Lord as God and accepted the message of salvation.

“For the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath” (Joshua 2:11b)

It was a confession that birth redemption in her life.

Her life changed almost immediately. Though she lied to the king before, but there became no more need to lie. She welcomed no more guests for harlotry but became charged with the mandate of saving her household.

“Thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee” (Joshua 2:18).

It was a fulfilment of the scripture after all; “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

The scarlet is a red coloured attire. In Rahab case, it symbolizes the redness of blood which is a reflection of Jesus’ blood that was shed on the cross at Calvary. It is good to understand that Christ the Lamb had been slained from the foundation of the world though not fully made manifest until Calvary (Rev. 3:8). So, His blood spoke better things on Rahab’s behalf...Glory!

Rahab’s life was changed. Harlotry was gone; iniquity was confessed and forsaken. The scarlet was hanging there as a sign of her redemption and covenant with God. Rahab decided to help others find the truth, and her family and household became her mandate.

She shared her testimony with her family and told them about the judgment that was coming on the land. Her people saw the genuine changes in her life. They concluded that if Rahab can become saved (with all her past life), God can save them also. Her family accepted God and moved into her house. Her house that used to become a haven for iniquity, alcohol, smoking, etc, became a house of prayer, studying of God’s word, even as they prepared for the Day of Judgment on the land.

Those who used to know her in the past perhaps would want to visit her again for iniquity. They would get there and ask for “Rahab the harlot”. But they were told, ‘she is no more here, for she is dead and now risen with Christ in God.’ Halleluyah! They were told they were seeking for ‘the living among the dead’, because Rahab was dead and now alive in God.

“Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place” (Genesis 38:21).

Rahab’s past life was gone and God gave her a new life; she had new joy, and her family were joyous to have her back. It was like she was lost, but became found. When Judgment came on the land, Rahab and her family were saved. They made it with God’s people to the Promised Land where she lived till today. “And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day” (Joshua 6:25). She literally made it to Heaven!!! It will be amazing to see Rahab, the former harlot in Heaven. She repented before it was too late.

God made a covenant with Rahab, she became was mentioned among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11; “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31).

Friend, God is able to break the yoke of sin and wickedness in your life if only you will turn to Him in sincere and genuine repentance. He will forgive you and give you a new identity. You will find yourself sharing the message and testimony with others also. You will find yourself fulfilling destiny like Rahab. And you shall escape the judgement that is coming on the world, sinners and disobedient. If you will take the step to give your life to God, that could be the turning point in your destiny and eternity.

SIN AND PRAYERS

THE ENZYMATIC EFFECT OF SIN IN THE PRAYER REACTION

“Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth” (John 9:31).

A chemical reaction can either be accelerated or inhibited. Prayer is a spiritual chain reactionary process that begins from asking to receiving. Prayer can either be accelerated by spiritual virtues (such as faith, seed/sacrifice, etc), and it can also be inhibited by sin. Sin is an inhibitory enzyme that alters the many phases of prayers.

1.      Sin can make prayers not to be heard by God

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight” (Prov. 15:8)

“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).

See also: Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 1:15, Micah 3:4, John 9:31 (Please read).

2.      Sin can make answers not to come even though God heard

“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:3)

“Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:28-29)

3.      Even when prayers were heard and answers given, sin can become an obstacle and prevent prayers/answers from manifesting in the person’s life. It is not because the person did not pray or that God did not hear or answer, but sin comes in and interrupts the prayer-receiving process, thus holding up the answer. This is the case where many keep praying for answers that have been released from above but being held up by a “prince of persia”.

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22).

We know that lack of faith is also a factor here, but the Bible says that “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Roma. 14:23b)...lack of faith is also sin!

Sin is a destructive enzyme with satanic acidic profile; it eats up destinies and destroys the hope of eternity in Heaven. It may look little but it has stopped spiritual men, brought down giants and mighty men, and sent great men to Hell.

In the wilderness, all the conspiracies against Moses failed, but one “little anger” was big enough to bring him down and disqualify him from the land of promise. The way to avoid the effect of sin in one’s life and eternity is to avoid the way of sin (Prov. 14:12).

CONFESSION

-          Lord, for whatsoever sin – known or unknown (mention the known) that have hitherto been an obstacle in my prayer life, I confess them and obtain mercy and forgiveness today in Jesus’ name.

-          I pray for a release of every pending answer and hanging blessing/manifestation/expectation that sin and its manipulation have held up in my life in Jesus’ name. Let every suspended covenant be released and receive divine activation.

Friend, there is a need to ask God to search our inward parts should there be any “wicked” ways therein. It may be bitterness in a disguised mild form; may be disobedience and perhaps unfaithfulness in tithing, prayers or evangelism. Once it is sin, it is sin. There is no small sin.

And when sin is brought down (overthrown and forgiven), nothing can hold you down. And in this realm you enjoy supernatural release of all that is yours.

May this be the beginning of release; of power, fire, anointing, grace, glory, and lifting. I wish you a week of supernatural release. Maranatha.

(TreasuredHouse Int’l. Ministries, THIM, www.drwilliamsbukola.blogspot.com)

ALL THINGS WORKING FOR YOUR GOOD

The word says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

It did not say ‘some things work together for good’, or ‘many things work together for good’, or ‘few things work together for good’, or ‘good things work together for good’...it says ALL THINGS, including the things that seem to be tough, tight, bad, unfavourable, etc.

Even when the enemies would plan it for evil, the same thing will bow to God’s word and in the end turn around and ‘work for my good’. And when it appears like things are happening the way I did not plan, I can be at peace knowing fully well that those things will in the end collaborate with God’s word for the fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose for my life. And when I have to wait and it seems things are not working, I can confess boldly thus, ‘Everything is working for my good’. Glory!

I just have to;

1.      love God (give Him my life and living for Him faithfully and in holiness)

2.      Abide not in my own selfish purpose but His eternal purpose.

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Eph. 1:11)

When you are in God’s will, then all things happening around including government policies etc will in the end work together for your good. Glory.

THERE IS A KINDNESS WITHOUT REWARD

Kindness is good and a needed virtue. However, any act of kindness that compromises a heart of integrity, is not worth it. Any kindness you offer that puts your eternity at risk is no longer kindness, and we have to be careful. Don't render those helps that stain your testimony before God. We should be careful about going all out making people say good things about us while God is not pleased with us. There are some things that are good acts, but deeply they are godly.

A touching testimony of a woman who worked in a government hospital and gave government drugs to the poor/needy/less-privileged free of charge BUT WITHOUT PERMISSION. She was kind and should not be guilty from human perspective...but God had this against her: 'She "stole" those drugs'. Fearful God! But she was being kind and helped the poor? Who then can make it one keep asking? But some have made it, and God wants us to make it, and this is why He makes us hear these words.

Then became clear the decision of the WISE virgins not to give out (share) part of their oil to the foolish virgins. It appeared like they were not kind people; looked like they didn't want to help others at some points; sounded like they were being too hard and overly righteous...BUT, how could they have been so "kind" at the expense of their eternity?

“The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you’” (Matthew 25:8-9).

This indeed made them truly WISE. It would be kindness to help the other virgins with oil, but it would be a kindness that would make them miss the return of the bridegroom. They were friends and friends should help friends, but sometimes this word ‘NO’ could save one from eternal regret. May God give us the grace to say ‘NO’ when we have to, no matter who is involved.

We find ourselves in such situations today; when we have to help a loved one/friend/family member, and we can only do that by allowing some compromises in eternal principles. Very tight situations! This is like they say, “Between the devil and the deep blue sea”. This is the point they tell you we are 'wicked, heartless, without feeling, etc' simply because you chose to protect what matters most - eternity. But it is a protection that is worth a lifetime. It is God’s  grace we seek daily, for by the arms of the flesh can no man prevail. May His grace carry us through. Amen.

(The Greatness Series @TreasuredHouse. www.drwilliamsbukola.blogspot.com)

BORROWED AXES

MADE-IN-HELL GOODS (2)

“And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed” (2 Kings 6:1, 5).

Let us examine closely in critical study what happened here as God opens our eyes to the trend of Christianity the “new age” church is adopting. Firstly, I ask; ‘What was the source of the axe in the scripture above?’ It was borrowed! And where was it borrowed from? What was the limitation and effect of attempting to use a borrowed axe for God’s work? These are many questions the Lord shall be opening our eyes to in this brief teaching. And then again, why should a son of the prophet (a man of God in our days) borrow an axe for God’s work? I thought the word of God says He has made us His battle axes? “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms” (Jer. 51:12).

It all began with a desire to grow and expand.

“And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell.” (2 Kings 6:1. 2)

It was not a bad concept at all. God also desired the church to grow as more people are being saved and added to the fold. You will agree with me that Christianity has grown over the years with much people being added to the Lord. Many ministries, churches, outreaches have sprang up, and this in itself is a manifestation of covenant.

“In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you” (Zach. 8:23).

The earth is ‘being filled with the knowledge of the glory of God’ like Habakkuk prophesied (Habbakuk 2:14).

Now, the enemy cannot stop the church from expanding. The church ever marches on and the gates of hell are predestined never to overcome. Since the enemy cannot stop the church from expanding, he switched strategy, and this is where he made head-way. And what is this strategy? BORROWED AXES!

And with this, we can see answers to the questions poised above? Brethren, look around and you will see that many of what is being employed today to “drive” the work of God are borrowed axes. These borrowed axes include borrowed (spiritual) powers employed by some to do the work of God. These powers were manufactured in Hell, and have been borrowed by many to work the work of God.

There are borrowed lifestyles, borrowed practices, borrowed dressings and dress-styles, borrowed hairstyles, borrowed strategies, etc, all borrowed from the world and had their origin in Hell: Made-In-Hell.

This is the source of the strange gospel of prosperity without its foundation in holiness. This is the source of many worldly virtues that have been brought into the church all in the name of liberty. Unfortunately, these borrowed axes have replaced God’s original battle axe of holiness, righteousness, balanced gospel, revival, etc. These latter are the original battle axes of the Lord, but have been replaced by strange axes: prosperity seminars replacing revival meetings and prayer meetings, and youth picnics replacing youth meetings and retreats.

No one talks about Sunday schools anymore...they seem to have become obsolete and old-fashioned. We claim we are now wiser and better Christians even when it is obvious we have forsaken the Old Landmark.

But the results are coming and everything looks flashy, and these further deceive us to think we are on the right path. We often forget that “flashiness” has never been a fruit of the Spirit, and that the devil himself is a “flashy old man” who disguises like an angel of light. But alas, the flashy messages, flashy testimonies (without integrity), flashy programs, flashy TV and radio adverts, flashy billboards, etc, will not open the gates of Heaven...only a life lived by the will of God will.

Rick Joyner said, in the book, The Final Quest, '...darkness is growing very great on the earth; unfortunately only very few people can see vision'!

It is shocking the rate at which faith and grace has been “modernized” and worse still, we claim it is a new revelation of truth we have discovered.

And one thing about the borrowed axe is that it sank deep. The same way, these borrowed axes (lifestyles) have so seamlessly fitted into the church pattern and programs so much so that we now live with them as normal things. It does not matter what anyone says, it is God’s counsel that prevails. Where is the source of tattooing among Christians today? How about politics in the church? The funky and celebrity hairstyles and dressings even among ministers...worldly music and dances in the church...all these are Made-In-Hell and borrowed by the church. Sadly, Hell now loans out stuff to the church. We were supposed to win the world to God, but it seems like the world is winning us over to its god, satan.

Today there is politics in the church and ably backed up scriptural...but I ask, in ‘Heaven, where God dwells, is there politics?’ NO. There is politics in the world, and even the church in its choices of leadership and posting of ministers to places of assignments adopt political sentiments premised on earthly connections. Mentorship has now become ‘spiritual godfatherism’; in this way many have taken the place of God in the hearts of men. Borrowed axes!  

Finally brethren, borrowed axes (strategies) may achieve some result. The son of the prophet was achieving result until problem arose. The same way, though these modernized trends of Christianity may be getting results, but what will matter in eternity are not results but rewards.

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12).

Everyone appears to be working, some with borrowed axes, and yet others with the Lord’s battle axes...but the time is coming when every man’s work shall be tried, and while some axe head will float, some will sink...and certainly borrowed axes will sink. May our work not be in vain. May God in His grace and mercy count me, my family, and you worthy of His eternal glory. Oh Lord, help even me, that after preaching the gospel, I won’t be a castaway in Jesus’ name. Amen.

FALSE TEACHERS AND THE FALSE GRACE REVOLUTION

* Michael Thomas Sambo wrote what the Lord said to him during one of his visits to Heaven. The Lord said;

“In these last days false teachers will arise and they are already operating in the world. These bring damnable heresies into the church, denying godliness and holiness. Many shall follow their ways. The way of truth, righteousness and holiness shall be evil spoken of. But, go and say it out. I will stand by you. Tell man I still love him. Tell him my standard is high” (Pages 94 & 95)

He says we should be careful and watchful of false teachers. These words are confirmatory of the scripture.

There is this strange teaching that says grace covers both past and future sins and thus “teaches” people that they can sin and still rejoice because Jesus at the cross forgave their sins both past and future. Below are some heresies from a global and fast-rising and “celebrated” grace preacher.

• No longer a need to be concerned about God’s Judgment
• Repentance and confession of sin is never necessary
• The Moral law has no bearing on Christians today; it was abolished with the Ceremonial law
• Repentance means “Only to turn around”
• Once saved, always saved belief

So in other words, according to this (false grace) preacher, a Christian can accept Christ and live a life of sin and for the flesh because he/she is already forgiven and there is no need to live “holy and blameless” as the Apostle Paul admonished us to do in 1 Thessalonians 4:7: “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.  Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God., who give his Holy Spirit it you.” [ESV]   

He teaches a gospel devoid of Biblical repentance and based on mental assent, as he implies his heretical once saved always saved belief. He teaches ‘just pray a little prayer and you're forever saved while in your sins’. This is deception. He brushes off the vital necessity of turning away from wickedness by misapplying the meaning of repentance and therefore doesn't teach saving faith and its accompanying crucifying the flesh (Gal. 5:24).

These are heresies!!! Many are being swept away by these teachings, hence rejoicing in iniquity because they have been taught about a grace that has overthrown judgement.

The Bible says;

 “Little children, let no man deceive you” (1 John 3:7a)

 “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)

May God deliver us from false teachers and illuminati preachers who have converted the grace of God into a platform for sin to thrive. They talk about grace and never mention sin. They sound like we shall remain here forever; never talking about rapture, Hell or Heaven. It is altogether the strategy of the enemy. But, the church is marching on. May the Lord have mercy on our souls.

And Jesus said to Michael Sambo,

“In these last days false teachers will arise and they are already operating in the world. These bring damnable heresies into the church, denying godliness and holiness. Many shall follow their ways. The way of truth, righteousness and holiness shall be evil spoken of. But, go and say it out. I will stand by you. Tell man I still love him. Tell him my standard is high” (Pages 94 & 95). 

*(Michael Thomas Sambo has been privileged to be taken to Heaven and Hell by Jesus on many occasions. For more information, you can get his book: Divine Revelation of God’s Holiness and Judgement)

THERE ARE ARTICLES RELATED TO THIS. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ THEM UP ON MY BLOG AS THEY WILL HELP YOU APPRECIATE THIS ONE MORE:

1.      ANOTHER HERESY LET LOOSE!

http://drwilliamsbukola.blogspot.com/2013/01/another-heresy-let-loose-end-time.html?spref=tw

2.      ABOUT DIVINE REVELATIONS

http://drwilliamsbukola.blogspot.com/2013/02/about-divine-revelations.html?spref=tw

3.      DESPISING THE LORD’S VISIONS AND HIS WORD

http://drwilliamsbukola.blogspot.com/2013/02/despising-lords-visions-and-his-word.html?spref=tw

THE HIJACKED DESTINY; AN ALTERED ETERNITY

When you see the devil using the tool of worldly music to fulfil his agenda, he is using his talent and many people are not aware of this. The devil was created to be the head of the Heavenly choir before pride entered him and he fell. And the Bible says that “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29), so it happened that when the devil was deported and excommunicated from Heaven, he retained this gift of singing. And now he is using this gift in a perverted manner and sending souls to Hell.

Let me state that the devil does not have the power to create gifts. “All things were made by God” (John 1:3). But, only good gifts are from God; “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). So where does bad stuff come from? The devil! He perverts every good thing God made.

God made music, the devil has perverted it and now we have secular, carnal, sexual, all worldly music. God made sex for marriage; the devil has perverted it and introduced pre-marital sex, extra-marital sex, gay sex, lesbian sex, etc. And the purpose of the devil is to use these media to send many to Hell.

Look at these worldly musicians; the devil lies to them making them feel he is the creator of music. He sings apparently beautiful songs to them; he gives them inspirations; he promises them fame and money, and lures them into a covenant of soul-tie. They believe him and sell their souls to him only to join him in Hell when they die.

It is important to realise that every gift you have is given to you by God and not the devil...but when you now use that gift in a way that breaks the heart of God, the devil has taken over your gift and is perverting it. You are now helping him to enlarge Hell. All these musicians that admit their talents are of God; that is very true. But that it is of God does not make it pleasing to God. God gave you a good voice, and you now sing in night clubs and worldly parties where people dance half naked and immorality is high...stop saying you thank God for what He is doing for you. God did not give you that gift for you to use it that way; the devil has hijacked your gift and you are serving him.

Look at it this way; you create an e-mail account for your good use, then a scammer hacks into your account and hijacks your proceedings. This is exactly what has happened to many young people. Your account is the gift, and the devil hacks into many people’s lives and hijacks their gifts. Someone gifted in dancing will now start dancing satanically-inspired dance steps and in parties. Those who have gifts of writing will now begin to write pornographic lyrics, songs and movies. Those who God gave the talent to sing will now begin to sing erotic and sexually-intriguing songs. And there will be musical videos of half-naked women singing and dancing, alcohol, etc. What a hijacked destiny, and this is a reflection of an altered eternity.

Whatever gift God has given us is for us to use positively, to glorify God, to help many people find real life, peace and happiness and to help us and them make Heaven. Any gift that you use to make people fall into sin and to miss Heaven, you will give account of that gift to God. You can still get it right now and God can help you do that. May God work in us to channel our gifts in a positive dimension and an eternal direction. Amen.

THE “QUIETNESS” OF THE DEVIL

There is an unusual character of the devil which we must never take for granted...he can sometimes be a patient devil. He knows by experience that patient pays, so he adopts the strategy of patience when haste fails him. The Bible says he looks for “opportune time” (Luke 4:13, RSV). There are times he waits so patiently not because it is typical of him, but as part of his schemes to get his work done. Sometimes one wonders, if the devil as fake and evil as he is can be patient, why do Christians get so impatient in waiting on God?

Many times he is there and patiently waiting so much so that except for spiritual discernment people may not know that the devil is behind what his happening. He can sometimes be quiet away from his renowned fierceness and aggressive nature, while other times he becomes patient in contrast to his hurriedly character.

For Abraham, the devil planted Hagar in that family and waited patiently for 10years for his seed to yield fruit. And once there was an opportunity, he suggested to Sarah and Sarah suggested to Abraham, and today it is history. It looked so much like the devil was innocent and had nothing to do with the whole thing but that’s him for you.

When Joseph was visiting his brothers on the field, suddenly some of his brothers said “let us kill him and lie to our father then we will see what becomes of his dreams” (Genesis 37:20, Paraphrased). It takes discernment to know that someone was behind those words, and it was the devil. See what he said, ‘kill’ and ‘lie’...these are his traits;

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10a)

“He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44).

So, when they were talking about killing and lying about Joseph, it was simply the faces of his brothers, but the voice of the enemy.

And if you notice, someone spoke out and spoke life; he said “let us not kill him. Shed no blood” (Genesis 37:21, 22). And another person spoke, “what profit is it if we slay our brother and conceal his blood?” (Genesis 37:26). It was Judah that spoke this other time. Now, remember that Christ came from the tribe of Judah...I perceive He was the one speaking out here from the loins of Judah. He could no longer hold His peace, and He spoke to bring to nought the suggestion of the devil that Joseph should be killed. Glory!

Still about this unusual quietness and calmness that the devil employs most times against believers; there was a day that the sons of God gathered together to fellowship with God, and they had a quiet guest – the devil. He was so quiet and not talking so as not to draw attention until God exposed his presence and he found there was no place to hide anymore.

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou?” (Job 1:6, 7a).

We must become alert and sensitive to this strategy of the enemy. He is aggressive, always in a haste to get his targets, but sometimes and especially against believers he tries quietness and gentle whispers and suggestions. He quietly fights what is good and sometimes you may not be quick to know he is behind it. He suggests that ‘no one is perfect and that a message you heard is too tough and the pastor was taking on you.’ In this state he makes suggestions that appear to be good. He even came through Peter and suggested to Jesus that dying was a bad idea. But thank God for Christ, he turned back and beheld it was the face of Peter, however He knew it was the voice of the enemy, and He responded; “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 6:23). These were the same words that Jesus used to him in the wilderness; “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan” (Luke 4:8a). He knew the voice of the devil so much so that He cannot mistake it.

Some issues happening in the church and in our lives that we often ignore and tag in some cases as “holy quarrels, holy anger, etc” might just be the other side of the enemy. May we grow in discernment. May we never give place to the devil. May God expose all his works and antics of deception in the church and in our lives. 

The quietness of the devil does not reflect stupidity...it is trouble waiting to happen. Let us be watchful as we keep praying. May the Lord help us in our preparations and readiness, and may we get home (in Heaven) safely in the end. Maranatha.

SET ON DIVINE SPEED & BREAK EARTHLY SPEED LIMITS!

So, Ahab rode a horse and someone called Elijah overtook him?! Does not sound new, but I was wondering...

The horse a king will ride upon is not an average speed horse; should be something with amazing speed. So, I decided to find out some stuff.

There are different breeds of horses with different amazing speeds. One breed, the ‘thorough bred race horse’ can run at 49 km/hr. Then comes the ‘quarterhorse’ smashing an amazing 76 km/hr. Some of these horses can hit 13.6 metres/secs. Infact, one horse called ‘Secretariat’, the great race horse hit a world record of 16.764metres/secs.

Now, if I should attempt to literally extrapolate things; Usain bolt’s record is at 9.58 secs for 100metres. If the horse above were to run 100 metres, it should cover it in say 6 secs. It means that there are amazing horses with amazing speeds...and I believe King Ahab would have ridden on one of the best and fastest horses; horses that could beat the fastest man on earth presently. To imagine that King Ahab was ridding upon one of the best horses in his kingdom and was outrun by a man with just two (2) legs is interesting.

Elijah; he rose from the place of intense and fervent prayers; he was far behind King Ahab who was ridding upon a royal horse presumably of heightened speed. Ahab began that journey long before Elijah, but when God set Elijah in motion, he overtook Ahab.

“And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel” (1 Kings 18:46).

This is divine speed! It makes overtaking allowed in this kingdom. It does not really matter who started first, it is who takes first (in the end). Many may appear to have gone ahead and you are still “held up” in God’s presence, waiting upon Him. But when God says it is time for you to be glorified and set forth into manifestation, you will overtake those who seem to have gone ahead, and no demon or witch can stop you. That is the moment you become like a stone that no one dares attempt to stop, victimized, intimidate or frustrate...it is not everybody that can be victimized!

“And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder” (Matthew 21:44)

You are that stone! The stone which perhaps was hitherto rejected by the builders and despised by men...but “The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes” (Matthew 21:42). You are manifesting God’s glory and at the same time unstoppable. Indeed, the glory itself is a defence (Isaiah 4:5d).

Now, look at this; Jesus is the Chief Corner Stone, “Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20). And the word says ‘We are corner stones.’ When we learn to wait upon God patiently and faithfully in the place of prayers, the word and fasting, and our lives as ‘corner stones’ is defined by the Chief Corner Stones Himself, then no satan can stop us.

Remember, Elijah rose from the place of prayer and he overtook. He did not rise from the place of addicted movie watching, or excessive sleep, or persistent gists, or from sin...he rose from prayer and he was unstoppable. I think this man called Elijah should be the world record holder for athletics because he outran royal horse with a royal man (Ahab). I just believe, it does not matter the big names ahead of us, in God’s strength and His timing, we shall overtake!

“And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all” (1 Samuel 30:8)

THOSE WHO OPERATE ON DIVINE SPEED WILL BREAK EARTHLY SPEED LIMITS; NOTHING CAN STOP THEM

Go ahead and overtake...God is working inside of you! Maranatha...He is coming so soon.

THE BLESSINGS OF A MOTHER

Ben Carson was dull as a child in school and usually came first from behind (last position). However, he was blessed with a mother who believed in him and today he is a world renowned Paediatrics Neurosurgeon and a child of God. When no one believed in him, somebody did...his mother!

When Moses was born, there was a law that did not permit any male child of the Israelites to live but to be killed. But his mother believed in him, having seen that “he was a proper child, she hid him 3 months” (Exodus 2:2). The father was silent but the mother was fervent in her belief. Moses became the deliverer used by God for the people.

When Samuel was born, someone saw a priest in him and believed in him...this was his mother. “And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young” (1 Samuel 1:24). Samuel became a blessed priest of the Most High God.

By the time John the Baptist was born, the family gathered themselves together and said he was going to be named ‘Zachariah’ whereas God had told his parents what he would be called. These people were attempting to alter the destiny of the boy, but his mother stood up and resisted the people. She supported and co-operated with the counsel and purpose of God thus frustrating the agenda of the enemy through the people. “And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John” (Luke 1:59, 60). John the Baptist was the forerunner of Christ.

When Jesus was born, many things were said about Him, and his mother “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 1:19). And when a time came, even though Jesus had never performed any visible miracle at that time, his mother knew what He carried and she told the people who needed wine “whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5). She believed in Him...it turned out to the beginning of the miracles which Jesus did. A mother’s belief premised the manifestation of His divine purpose.

I find out that mothers are blessed channels for men to come forth into destiny. I pity men and women who despise and ill-treat their mothers. Many destinies have been cut short and dreams aborted because many refuse to honour their mothers (and fathers). “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise). That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2, 3). The first commandment with promise! It appears the bible is saying that it shall not be well with anyone who dishonours his/her mother (and father). The reason why some people are not making progress in the city might just be because they have forgotten and ignored their mother in the village. * If you are using BlackBerry Bold 5 and Ipad and your mother (or father) does not have a phone, not even a Nokia phone of N2000, God is watching you!

When no one believes in you, when it becomes tough holding on to what you believe about yourself, somebody just needs to believe in you – your mother, and that could birth the dawn of greatness in your life again.

Friend, I open up to you the ministry of mothers. So passionate was the mother of James and John about her children that she made a request that Jesus admitted was determinable by God. It looks like if it were in His power, because she worshipped Him first and asked, He could have done something about it.

Take a moment to intercede for that woman today; could be for her salvation, her health, long life, her heart desire, just say a word of blessing on her behalf. A woman beheld Jesus and prayed for his (earthly) mother, “And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked” (Luke 11:27). ‘Mother, you are blessed’...is someone saying that prayer? Peace.