tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66241388989273340562024-03-19T05:11:16.334+01:00Oh that i had a thousand tongues...From the eyes of a real but flawed individual who has been made flawless by the perfect sacrifice...Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-91456449182146293122013-07-12T07:08:00.000+02:002013-07-12T08:18:02.681+02:00Believing is worship!<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Believing is worship!</b></h2>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshipped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.<br />20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said,“Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.<br />23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, 24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. 25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went out into all that land.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i><b>Matthew 9:18-26 (NKJV)</b></i></i></div>
<i>
</i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
I’m not sure why the Holy Spirit led me to this scripture this morning but He did and I thought to share some of the insights I received while I studied:<br />
<br />
<h3>
1. Believing that God can turn a situation around in your favour, irrespective of how bad things look or seem, translates to Worship –</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i>… While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and <u>worshipped Him</u>, saying, “<u>My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live</u>.”… (Matthew 9:18)</i></blockquote>
Bible refers to the man as being a “certain ruler”. He wasn’t named. He was a ruler alright but not important enough to have his name mentioned. It wasn’t about who he was. It was more about what he represented. About the principle Christ was going to use him to teach His followers. It was about his attitude.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this unnamed ruler had just lost his daughter. She had just died. She wasn’t in critical condition or in a coma in some hospital, she was dead. Scripture records that he left his dead daughter at home – he didn’t take her to the morgue. He didn’t bury her immediately. He went straight to Jesus and (wait for this), he worshipped!<br />
<br />
What do we do when we face dead or dying situations? What do we do when it looks as though our marriage is dying? Where do we place that organ that the doctors have certified dead? What is our attitude to the seemingly insurmountable problems that we encounter in our lives?<br />
<br />
For this unnamed ruler, scripture records that he <u>worshipped</u> Jesus saying <i>“My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” </i>. You may ask how this was classified as worship. Afterall all he did was invite Jesus to come to his house and lay hands on his daughter abi? There was no singing of slow songs or calling different high sounding titles of God. The very act of believing that Jesus was able to re-open a chapter that was closed was attributed to him as worship!<br />
<br />
Again, remember that if the girl was <b>dying</b>, it may not have been such a big deal. But she was dead. Pause and think about it. The ideal thing would have been to prepare for her funeral and tag her death as “God’s will” but this unnamed ruler believed that because Jesus was the Beginning and the End, he had the final say and it was not over until it was over. The Bible called this attitude, WORSHIP!<br />
<br />
<h3>
2. Worship brings God into situations</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>So Jesus arose and followed him</u>, and so did His disciples (Matthew 9:19)</i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i><u>When Jesus came into the ruler’s house,</u> and saw the flute players and the noisy</i></i></div>
<i>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>crowd wailing, (Matthew 9:23)</i></div>
</i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Scripture records that Jesus arose and followed the ruler to his house! I do not think there was anywhere in scripture where Jesus followed a person to his house and there wasn’t some kind of miracle. Worship brings God into your house! Into the situations you are facing! Into your life! And when the Almighty steps in, things are bound to change!</div>
<br />
Matthew 9:24, records that Jesus, immediately He got into the house, set right to work. The man had only asked that Jesus lay hands on his daughter but Jesus began to deal with other issues the man had in his life. Bible records that Christ put away the “noisy crowds”. Those people and situations who never encourage you. Who are quick to “mourn” with you rather than believe with you. Who tell you to “be realistic” rather than believe God. Christ helped the unnamed ruler put them away. It was after this that Christ ministered to the ruler’s daughter.<br />
<br />
When you worship, God comes in and deals with not only your pressing needs, but also less obvious situations that could have impeded you in one way or the other.<br />
<br />
<h3>
3. Worship brings forth the supernatural</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went out into all that land.</i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>(Matthew 9:25-26)</i></i></div>
<i>
</i></blockquote>
Just by a touch from Jesus, she who was dead arose! Why? Because her father worshipped! Worship brings forth the (super)natural! Because worship causes the Almighty to step into the life of the worshipper, things begin to turn around. Scripture is replete with illustrations of the power of worship – from the children of Judah (2 Chronicles 2:22) to Paul and Silas in jail (Acts 16:25), worship has always moved God to show up!<br />
<br />
The bible records that the report of what Jesus had done for the ruler went out into all the land! Worship births the unprecedented!<br />
<br />
I do not know what situation appears to be dead or dying in your life. Have you received a negative doctor’s report? Is it a child that seems to be lost to the spirit of addiction? Is it your marriage that appears to be falling apart? Has the world said you will never be married because of your past? Is it that secret issue that causes you to cry when you are alone? Dare to believe like the unnamed ruler, that Jesus can turn things around! Say to Jesus, come and lay hands on this and it will come alive! He will count it to you as worship and step in.<br />
<br />
Pray with me<br />
<br />
Father, <br />
<br />
Thank you for our lives. Thank you for your word. Thank you for the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
Lord, today we dare to believe you for that seemingly impossible situation. We thank you because we know that with You nothing shall be impossible. Like the ruler in the scripture, we call out to you Lord – Lay your hands on this dead situation and let it live.<br />
<br />
Give us a heart of continuous worship that we may worship you all the days of our lives.<br />
<br />
Thank you for the testimonies that you have already started working!<br />
<br />
We love you Lord.<br />
<br />
In Jesus name we have prayed, Amen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ps. If you have never confessed (with your mouth) Jesus as your Lord and personal savior, now may be a good time. Romans 10:9 is very clear - <i>… if t<u>hou shalt confess with thy mouth</u> the Lord Jesus, and shalt <u>believe in thine heart</u> that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…</i><br />
<br />
Think about it and make up your mind quickly! The time is short. You may say this prayer (please feel free to use your own words. God actually prefers your words :) )<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Lord Jesus, I believe that you died for my sins, and God raised you from the dead. I am very grateful for your love. Today, I confess you as Lord over my life! Come into my heart today. I declare I am born again and I will serve you forever! Thank you Jesus!!!</i></blockquote>
<br />
Once you have prayed “the prayer” please find a church that believes in the bible and be planted there! You may e-mail me on ngozilee1325@yahoo.com and we could discuss. God bless you!!!!Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-8083208222200924762012-06-25T17:50:00.000+02:002012-06-25T17:54:57.406+02:00Your Account in God's BankVery early this morning, I felt a leading to spend time in God's presence. As I worshipped, He spoke in his characteristic manner. He had actually spoken this to me a few years ago, so I knew the message was not just for me. My prayer is that this message will not be flawed by the flawed vessel who is now attempting to deliver it.
<br />
<br />
The Lord led me to Psalm 50. Powerful scripture. The entire psalm is loaded with so many truths and profound revelations but i will narrow this down to the portion God spoke about.
<br />
<br />
<i>“Gather My saints together to Me,
<b>Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice</b>.”</i><br />
Psalm 50:5 KJV
<br />
<br />
<i>“<b>Sacrifice</b> thank offerings to God,
fulfill your vows to the Most High,
and call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”</i>
<br />
Psalm 50:14-15 TNIV
<br />
<br />
"<i><b>Let the giving of thanks be your sacrifice to God</b>,
and give the Almighty all that you promised.
Call to me when trouble comes;
I will save you,
and you will praise me"
</i><br />
Psalm 50:14-15 GNT
<br />
<br />
"<i>Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
<b>And</b> call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."</i>
<br />
Psalm 50:14-15 KJV
<br />
<br />
He said to me "Child, thanksgiving and praise are the currency of heaven". Each time you praise, worship or just simply thank me,you are depositing money into a Spiritual bank. In the day of trouble, all you need to do, is draw from this bank account. The more you praise, worship and thank me, the higher your balance is in the account."
<br />
<br />
Psalm 50:15(KJV, and TNIV)interestingly starts with the word "and". This is to show a connection between verse 14 and 15. Scripture is saying Thank God whenever you have the opportunity. Whether He has responded to that long term prayer request or not, thank Him anyway. Thank God at every opportunity you have. When people ask how you are doing, reply by blessing God. When people ask how an exam went, reply by blessing God. Thank God lavishly for little things.
<br />
<br />
For thanksgiving to become a sacrifice it should be done even at the most inconvenient times. Wake up at 3am and just sing, dance and thank Him. Thank Him even though you hurt from the death of your sister in that terrible air crash. Thank Him for that miscarriage. Thank Him even with the hurt of the divorce still stinging, Thank Him when it does not make sense to thank Him. Then, your thanksgiving will be a sacrifice.
<br />
<br />
Scripture records that after you have offered your sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, you can call on Him in the day of trouble. What does this scripture pre-suppose? That there surely will be a day when trouble will come knocking. It may be a sick loved one, it may be a failing marriage, it may be the need for children, it may be the need to pass an examination, it may be just about anything, but scripture is explicit. That day will come. Your success or failure, your joy or sorrow, your lifting or casting down in the day of trouble will depend on how much you have accumulated in your spiritual "praise and thanksgiving account".
<br />
<br />
My message is simple - Praise and Thank God at every opportunity you have. Praise God on facebook, praise God on Blackberry, praise God on twitter. Do not become too like the world. You are afterall not of this world. Stand out, dare to be different, dare to load your account in God's bank with enough to keep you in the day of trouble.<br />
<br />
Let us pray.
<br />
Father, thank you for the generosity of your promise in Psalm 50:14 and 15
<br />
We give you praise for your word.
<br />
Give us the grace to thank you at every given opportunity.
<br />
Give us the grace to live lives of worship and thanksgiving.
<br />
Give us the grace continually load our Spiritual praise accounts.
<br />
Thank you because we are confident that on the day of trouble, you will deliver us.
<br />
Thank you for everything in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">If you have read this message and you have not yet given your life to Jesus, please remember that Christ is the only way to eternal life. You may e-mail me on ngozilee1325@yahoo.com, I will be glad to discuss the Christian faith with you and eventually lead you Christ. God bless you!</span></i>Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-31333342490870188812011-08-03T19:12:00.001+02:002011-08-03T19:15:13.145+02:00Judge Not<em>This poem really blessed me. No matter how many times i get to read it, i get blessed all over again.<br />Be blessed.</em><br /><br />______________________<br />I was shocked, confused, bewildered<br />As I entered Heaven's door,<br />Not by the beauty of it all,<br />Nor the lights or its decor.<br /><br />But it was the folks in Heaven<br />Who made me sputter and gasp--<br />The thieves, the liars, the sinners,<br />The alcoholics and the trash.<br /><br />There stood the kid from seventh grade<br />Who swiped my lunch money twice.<br />Next to him was my old neighbor<br />Who never said anything nice.<br /><br />Bob, who I always thought<br />Was rotting away in hell,<br />Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,<br />Looking incredibly well.<br /><br />I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?<br />I would love to hear Your take.<br />How'd all these sinners get up here?<br />God must've made a mistake.<br /><br />'And why is everyone so quiet,<br />So somber - give me a clue.'<br />'Hush, child,' He said,<br />'they're all in shock.<br />No one thought they'd be seeing you.'<br /><br />JUDGE NOT!!<br /><br />Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.<br /><br />Every saint has a PAST...<br />Every sinner has a FUTURE!<br />Now it's your turn... Please Share this poem if you feel it ok by you.Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-29565736334571513532011-04-15T04:31:00.000+02:002011-04-15T04:32:20.461+02:00Word!THE CENTURION AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS<br />by Max Lucado<br /><br />The day began as had a hundred others—dreadfully. It was bad enough to be in Judea, but it was hell to spend hot afternoons on a rocky hill supervising the death of pickpockets and rabble-rousers. Half the crowd taunted, half cried. The soldiers griped. The priests bossed. It was a thankless job in a strange land. He was ready for the day to be over before it began.<br /><br />He was curious at the attention given to the flatfooted peasant. He smiled as he read the sign that would go on the cross. The condemned looked like anything but a king. His face was lumpy and bruised. His back arched slightly and his eyes faced downward. “Some harmless hick,” mused the centurion. “What could he have done?”<br /><br />Then Jesus raised his head. He wasn’t angry. He wasn’t uneasy. His eyes were strangely calm as they stared from behind the bloody mask. He looked at those who knew him—moving deliberately from face to face as if he had a word for each.<br /><br />For just a moment he looked at the centurion—for a second the Roman looked into the purest eyes he’d ever seen. He didn’t know what the look meant. But the look made him swallow and his stomach feel empty. As he watched the soldier grab the Nazarene and yank him to the ground, something told him this was not going to be a normal day.<br /><br />As the hours wore on, the centurion found himself looking more and more at the one on the center cross. He didn’t know what to do with the Nazarene’s silence. He didn’t know what to do with his kindness.<br /><br />But most of all, he was perplexed by the darkness. He didn’t know what to do with the black sky in midafternoon. No one could explain it.… No one even tried. One minute the sun, the next the darkness. One minute the heat, the next a chilly breeze. Even the priests were silenced.<br /><br />For a long while the centurion sat on a rock and stared at the three silhouetted figures. Their heads were limp, occasionally rolling from side to side. The jeering was silent … eerily silent. Those who had wept, now waited.<br /><br />Suddenly the center head ceased to bob. It yanked itself erect. Its eyes opened in a flash of white. A roar sliced the silence. “It is finished.” (John 19:30 NIV) It wasn’t a yell. It wasn’t a scream. It was a roar … a lion’s roar. From what world that roar came the centurion didn’t know, but he knew it wasn’t this one.<br /><br />The centurion stood up from the rock and took a few paces toward the Nazarene. As he got closer, he could tell that Jesus was staring into the sky. There was something in his eyes that the soldier had to see. But after only a few steps, he fell. He stood and fell again. The ground was shaking, gently at first and now violently. He tried once more to walk and was able to take a few steps and then fall … at the foot of the cross.<br /><br />He looked up into the face of this one near death. The King looked down at the crusty old centurion. Jesus’ hands were fastened; they couldn’t reach out. His feet were nailed to timber; they couldn’t walk toward him. His head was heavy with pain; he could scarcely move it. But his eyes … they were afire.<br /><br />They were unquenchable. They were the eyes of God.<br /><br />Perhaps that is what made the centurion say what he said. He saw the eyes of God. He saw the same eyes that had been seen by a near-naked adulteress in Jerusalem, a friendless divorcée in Samaria, and a four-day-dead Lazarus in a cemetery. The same eyes that didn’t close upon seeing man’s futility, didn’t turn away at man’s failure, and didn’t wince upon witnessing man’s death.<br /><br />“It’s all right,” God’s eyes said. “I’ve seen the storms and it’s still all right.”<br /><br />The centurion’s convictions began to flow together like rivers. “This was no carpenter,” he spoke under his breath. “This was no peasant. This was no normal man.”<br /><br />He stood and looked around at the rocks that had fallen and the sky that had blackened. He turned and stared at the soldiers as they stared at Jesus with frozen faces. He turned and watched as the eyes of Jesus lifted and looked toward home. He listened as the parched lips parted and the swollen tongue spoke for the last time.<br /><br />“Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit” (Luke 23:46 NIV).<br /><br />Had the centurion not said it, the soldiers would have. Had the centurion not said it, the rocks would have—as would have the angels, the stars, even the demons. But he did say it. It fell to a nameless foreigner to state what they all knew.<br /><br />“Surely this man was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54 NIV)Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-88043496642589958362011-02-14T21:27:00.004+01:002011-02-14T21:29:42.309+01:00Such LoveI wasn’t going to do a post today.<br /><br />I have not done any all year and I certainly did not think that the Holy Spirit would speak to anyone through this message He spoke to me a few weeks ago. But I feel led to share in the simplest of terms.<br /><br />Today is valentine’s day. Like last year, I have had no special activity – work. Home. Worship. Clean my bathroom (ok, that’s a special activity) and now I am doing this post. I pray that at least one reader is as blessed as I have been since I discovered the secrets the Holy Spirit showed me in the following passage of scripture:<br /><br /><em>…And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight-- if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister….</em><br />Colosians 1:21-23 (NKJV)<br /><br />The message is simple. To the one who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Saviour, he has reconciled you to God and has personally presented you to Him as HOLY, BLAMELESS and ABOVE REPROACH. <br /><br />His voice to me was crystal clear – irrespective of what you have done. Of who you think you are. Of the mistakes of the past. The mistakes of the future. Of your evil thoughts. I, Jesus present you not only as Holy but blameless. Not only blameless but beyond reproach in God’s sight!<br /><br />For me ,this revelation was profound! It meant that it didn’t matter how many times I fell. It didn’t matter how often satan brought my past sins to my mind. It didn’t matter whether I felt worthy or not – I was worthy in His sight!<br /><br />I speak to someone today. <br /><br />Someone living with the guilt of an abortion. <br /><br />Someone living with the guilt of a murder. <br /><br />Someone living with the guilt of a lie.<br /><br />I speak to someone whose Spiritual life seems stunted as a result of a vicious circle of sin and repent. I speak to that one who loves God but finds that it is a struggle for Him to stay afloat in the sea of righteousness.<br /><br />I speak to that man who when he raises up his hands to worship; the accuser shows up with his past. I speak to that one that seems unworthy to approach our worthy God.<br /><br />My message to you is His message to me (and to you through the scripture): You are worthy. You are worthy to come boldy to the throne of the Master for he has presented you irrespective of your actions; blameless and holy in the sight of His father. <br /><br /> When you show up in God’s presence, all He sees is the blood of the lamb! The precious and spotless blood that was shed for you and for me!<br /><br />God not only sees you as holy, He sees you as blameless. You are His child that can NEVER be blamed for any of your atrocities – I didn’t write it! Scripture has it!!<br />You are also above reproach. Above shame. Above disgrace. You are perfect in His sight!!!!<br /><br />This takes faith to believe. Some real faith….<br /><br />Shall we then continue to sin that grace may abound? God forbid!!! This perfect love that transcends human understanding is humbling. It makes even the toughest of persons melt when it is deeply understood. Study the scripture and ask God to speak to you through it. Then and only then can you harness the power in the perfect love of God!!!<br /><br />Happy valentine’s day. <br /><br />Pray with me. Especially if you want to partake of this love. Give your life to Jesus. Say from your heart:<br /><br />Dear Jesus,<br /><br />Thank you for today.<br /><br />Thank you for your love.<br /><br />Thank you for all you are to me.<br /><br />I ask today, that you come into my heart.<br /><br />I ask that you become my Lord and my personal savior.<br /><br />I desire to enjoy and partake of your love. Come into my heart today.<br /><br />I acknowledge you as LORD.<br /><br />Thank you because I am born again!<br /><br />Alleluia to your name Jesus.<br /><br /><em>If you said this prayer, please send me an e-mail on ngozilee1325@yahoo.com. I will give you information that will aid you in your new life with GOD!!! Take Charge!!!</em>Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-62340948612115923722010-09-30T23:12:00.001+02:002010-09-30T23:32:04.937+02:00Sure secret to victory<em><br />8 Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.<br />9 And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand."<br />10 So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.<br />11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<br />12 But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.<br />13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.</em><br />__________________________________________<br /><br />The Lord prompted me to study the book of Exodus a few weeks back. He has been speaking since I started. I have decided to share one of the many things that He brought to my attention. I pray that this blesses you as much as it has blessed me! <br />As I read the portion of scripture reproduced above, a number of things concerning warfare jumped out at me.<br /><br />1. <strong>Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim</strong> - There is a constant battle in the realm of the spirits. This is irrespective of whether you believe in “such things” or not. At this point in scripture, it was the Amalekites. After this victory, there were series of other battles. The battles never ceased. They will not cease. The born again child of God is however guaranteed of something greater than victory in all battles - Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37)<br /><br />2. <strong>And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek -</strong> In warfare, the choice of soldiers who will fight alongside with you is probably one of the most important decisions anyone can make. Scripture is replete with instances where only “the best” men were chosen to go to battle against enemies - <strong>When Joab saw that the battle line was against him before and behind, he chose some of Israel's best and put them in battle array against the Syrians (1 Chronicles 19:10)</strong>. When the odds seem up against you. When it looks as though the marriage is over. When it seems as though the wayward child will never give his heart over to God. When it seems that the sickness may take the life of that loved one. When it looks as though that evil pattern is beginning to repeat itself in your life – who do you confide in? Who do you warfare side by side with? Who is your prayer partner? Years ago, the LORD taught me that it was better to warfare alone than to warfare with the wrong people! For effective warfare, you need the BEST people. People who love God and understand deep spiritual strategy!<br /><br />3. <strong>Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand</strong> – For victory in warfare, we MUST stand on the hill. A hill signifies an ascent. There must be some form of upward mobility. Psalms 15:1, 24:3, 43:3, 99:9 and various others speak about the hill of the LORD. This hill represents a state of holiness! Holiness is a weapon. A very powerful weapon. There are various stages of warfare. The fiercer the battle gets, the more important it is for climb the ladder of holiness. Moses stood on the hill. His victory was certain! What prayer seems un answered in your life today? What battles have you been fighting over and over again for years? What problems seem to defy solutions? Ascend the hill of the Lord today. The Bible records in Psalm 24 that when you do ascend this hill, you will receive a vindication from God!<br /><br />4. <strong>And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed - </strong> This is the key driver of the victory of any spiritual warfare. The Bible records that when Moses hand was held up, the Children of Israel prevailed. The HS enlightened the eyes of my mind to this scripture. When our hands are lifted up to God in praise, worship and adoration, the battle goes in our favour. When our hands are dropped in murmuring, complaints and whining, the battle goes against us. Simple but powerful principle! Has everything else failed? Try worship. Try praise. Try Adoration. Try Adulation. These can NOT fail! The fastest way to incur the displeasure of God is through murmuring and complaints. The LORD killed a good number of the Israelites because of these two. When next the situation looks bleak and gloomy, resist the urge to complain. Begin to praise and worship – this would be a sacrifice, A sacrifice of praise and I bet you, the situation will turn around – it is only a matter of time! <br /><br />5. <strong>But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun – </strong>Because we are but flesh, there may be times, depending on the ferocity of the attack launched out against you, that you might get tired and weary. At this point, it will matter who you have surrounded yourself with. Moses took Aaron and Hur, men he could trust. Men who feared God. Who have you surrounded yourself with? What counsel can they give you when you are weary? Aaron and Hur where a powerful support for Moses. Bible records that they not only put artificial supports in place for his tired arm, but also supported him on each side! Friends that cannot encourage you to praise. Friends that cannot provide spiritual support. Friends that cannot refresh you when you are weary are not friends you should rely on for warfare! Warfare is serious business! You must put aside sentiments! Only the best hands will do!<br />Say a prayer with me.<br /><br /><strong>Dear Lord,<br /><br />We come before you in the name of Jesus.<br />We thank you for who you are to us. We understand that there is a war raging. We also understand that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.<br />We pray for the strength to engage the weapons of praise and worship when it matters most.<br />We pray for the grace to praise and bless your name at ALL times and in all situations.<br />We thank you for the guaranteed victory that we have in you!<br />Enlighten us! Strengthen us! Give us wisdom that the world cannot give!<br />Thank you Almighty God because we know that through our praise and worship, chains will be broken. Burdens will be lifted and captives will be set free.<br />Thank you dear Lord because in you, the victory is sure!<br />Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!<br />In the name of Jesus!</strong>Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-77187588917002125102010-09-06T18:44:00.002+02:002010-09-06T18:59:11.385+02:00September???i am not entirely sure who this note is to.<br /><br />it started on friday last week. i saw the man crushed to death.<br />a human life. squashed. like a fruit.<br />i don't think i saw life the same after that.<br /><br />a few days later was the terrible accident on third mainland bridge.<br />i hear the headless body of a man in suit was pulled out of the wreckage.<br />he was going to work. the self same way i was.<br /><br />now, i hear that Gabriel is dead.<br />cute gabriel. with a nice smile. the one who always admonished me and adviced me <br />not to respond to the annoying gimmicks of my landlady.<br />that gabriel. barely 30. is dead.<br /><br />and for the first time in my life, i really asked God Why.<br />Why were all these things happening?<br />Why did Gabriel have to die?<br />Why did the mans death have to be so bloody<br />Why?<br /><br />its barely one week into the month of septemeber....<br />and all these deaths.<br />Although i don't know most, i feel as though they were my friends.<br />my heart goes out to their family members....<br /><br />as i prayed today, fearing that i may be next to mourn, i heard the word of the LORD:<br /><br />No evil shall before you,<br />no plague shall come nigh your dwelling<br />The destroyer has been restrained, <br />becuase you have the blood on you!<br /><br />Don't i just serve an awesome One?Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-20293518955512675172010-09-01T20:34:00.005+02:002010-09-01T20:52:10.579+02:00Akukwo nke di m IIDear you,<br /><br />I am back again.<br />I don't know what triggered this feeling. But tonight i miss you like really bad....<br />God spoke a few months ago. He said you were here NOW!<br />For some reason, i can't see you yet but i know He never lies.<br />Thanks for being here.<br />Thanks for responding to the call of God.<br />Thanks for everything you are (and will be)<br />Thanks for letting me be your better half.<br />Thanks for letting me be your helpmate.<br />Thanks for loving me - flaws and all!<br />Thanks for loving me the way only you can.<br /><br />God says you are here.<br />so i speak to you as though you are here.<br />you are blessed.<br />Your territory is blessed.<br />You are the seed of Abraham therefore the Lord is your shield and exceeding great reward!<br />Your finances are blessed!<br />Your body is blessed.<br />The children that will come from you are blessed!<br /><br />i love you so much it hurts that my physical eyes cannot see you.<br />my prayer is that these days of waiting will serve their purpose.<br />to refine me. to make me into that woman that God has ordained me to be.<br />i fall and fail every once and again but He picks me up again and again....<br /><br />i wish you were home on Friday when i watched a man being crushed to death!<br />i thought of you for some reason.<br />I wished you were there.<br />Just to allow me be weak.<br />Just to allow me cry in your arms....<br /><br />God says you are here.<br />i believe Him.<br />He never lies.<br />Thank you. Thank you for being my testimony!<br />Thank you for being the man of my dreams!<br />Thank you for not coming until NOW.<br />Thank you cos when my physical eyes eventually catch up with my spiritual, then i would love you for all eternity!<br /><br />Hurry!<br />i miss you!<br /><br />Love always,<br />nwunye gi.Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-82973979814737656102010-07-19T09:42:00.002+02:002010-07-19T10:02:46.920+02:00...where are your eyes?......while i studied this morning, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the importance of where i lift my eyes to. As usual, i thought i should share.<br /><br />And when Pharaoh drew near, <strong>the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them.</strong> So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD.<br />Exodus 14:10 NKJV<br /><br />This passage from scripture is set at the Banks of the Red Sea. The Israelites who had seen miracle after miracle; wonder after wonder and deliverance per excellence only a short while ago came face to face with another obstacle - the Red Sea. The Bible records that the Egyptians were in hot pursuit (There will always be counter attacks by the forces of evil after deliverance). The Bible records that when the Israelites saw the Egyptians marching after them, they were terrified. it was at this point the Holy Spirit began to speak.<br /><br />In a nutshell, He said to me. What you look at matters. He said, if the Israelites had continually kept before their minds eyes, the faithfulness of God and not looked (and focused) on the enemy, the fear would never have arisen! The only reason why their fear did not cause their return to slavery was the presence of Moses who didn't shift his focus from GOD.<br /><br />This is not supposed to be a long note.<br />It is to encourage any one who might need encouragement.<br /><br />Do not keep your eyes on those symptoms. Focus rather on the healer.<br />Do not focus on that failed marriage. Keep your eyes rather on the one who instituted marriage.<br />Do not lift your eyes to the situations around you. Trust rather on the one who has the power to turn every situation around!<br /><br />Remember the words of the psalmist:<br /><br /><em>I will lift up my <strong>eyes</strong> to the hills<br />from whence cometh my help?<br />My help cometh from the LORD<br />the LORD which made the heavens and the earth</em><br /><br />It matters what you look at!<br />It matters where you place your focus!<br />Remember: Peter began to sink when he took his eyes of the Lord. <br />Keep your eyes right!<br /><br />Say a prayer with me<br /><br />Dear Lord,<br /><br />We come before you in the name of Jesus.<br />We thank you for the miracle of our salvation.<br />We thank you for all you are and will be to us.<br />Receive all our praise in the name of Jesus.<br />We come before you today with a knowing that you are LORD over our lives<br />Many times we take our focus off of you and look at the situations and circumstances that surround us. Forgive us. Help us. Heal us. Teach us.<br />Give us the grace to look only at you.<br />Give us the grace to ignore the facts and focus on the truth.<br />Give us the grace to look at you and you alone!<br />Take all the glory father,<br />in Jesus name.<br />Amen.Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-51026186763414122642010-07-12T09:27:00.001+02:002010-07-12T09:30:03.422+02:00Againand now when the promise is nearest have you forsaken me my dearest!<br />flimsy excuses. irate musings. are all that fill my ears this seasons!<br />should you desire the warmth of the beginning i will be here still threading!<br />for in the truth it is love i feel else not i shall take your nasty billings!Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-36424912376662763272010-06-28T19:05:00.002+02:002010-06-28T19:59:24.652+02:00...And he fled, naked...For weeks now, Mark 14:51 has been dancing around in my head.<br /><em><br />A young man was following along. All he had on was a bedsheet. Some of the men grabbed him but he got away, running off naked, leaving them holding the sheet. <br />Mark 14:51 (The Message Translation)</em><br /><br />The story speaks of a young man (let's call him Malcom) who followed Christ until Christ's arrest. When faced with the angry crowd, he fled. The Bible records that he fled naked!<br /><br />A part of me goes out to this unamed man.<br />A part of me wonders where he fled to and how he felt after he got to where he found refuge!<br />I bet that like Peter, he wept! Remorseful about what he had done.<br />A part of me sees a part of me in him!<br /><br />Many times i am like Malcom!<br />Where it matters most, i remain silent.<br />Were the world is speaking in one voice. I do not dare to oppose even with the words of Christ!<br />Where people sit on the fence on issues like abortion, euthenasia and sexual immorality, i sometimes speak political correctness over solid truth!<br /><br />At these points when i betray God, i am like Malcom. I flee naked! I am exposed! I am open to ridicule! <strong>In a bid to try not to be ridiculed by the world, i open myself to ridicule by these same people that i seek to please!</strong><br /><br />Remember, "if anyone rejects me before men, i will reject him before my father that is in heaven..." These are the words of Christ!<br /><br />We flee naked when we do not love the unlovable!<br />We flee naked when we slander the called servants of God!<br />We flee naked when we do not use our God given talents for the reasons they were given to us!<br />We flee naked when we join the world to murmur and complain!<br />We flee naked when we choose night clubs over night vigils!<br />We flee naked when we slander one another in church!<br />We flee naked when make concessions here and there and bend the truth!<br />We flee naked when we are not living in line with God's will for our lives!<br /><br />I do not know what became of Malcom. The Bible has no records. But if Malcom got to his secret hide out, lay down and wept for shame at his betrayal, i am convinced that the God of Genesis 3:21 would have met him right there, dried his tears, clothed him and re-assured him!<br /><br /><em><br />For Adam also and for his wife the Lord God made long coats (tunics) of skins and clothed them.<br />Genesis 3:21 (The Amplified Version)</em><br /><br />Somehow i feel that a deeper message will come out of Malcom's story but for now, the thoughts are still dancing around my head. <br /><br />Let us pray.<br /><br />Dear Lord,<br /><br />We come to you in the name of your precious son.<br />Many times we are like Malcom o Lord<br />Many times we flee from you when it matters most!<br />Forgive us Lord.<br />Give us the renewed boldness you gave Peter (after the resurrection)<br />Give us the Spirit of Boldness<br />Let your love so abide in our hearts that we may continually stand for you irrespective of the political, religious or eceonomic weather around us.<br />You are a God of a second chance!<br />We thank you and take advantage of the 2nd chance (for the 123456733245th time)<br />and we pray Lord that this time, we will get it right!<br />We love you Lord!Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-43121795210005742292010-06-28T07:19:00.002+02:002010-06-28T08:37:08.934+02:00...Strategy...<em>She kept at it day after day, nagging and tormenting him. Finally, he was fed up—he couldn't take another minute of it. He spilled it. <br />Judges 16:16 (The Message Translation)</em><br /><br />As I studied my Bible this morning, God laid this in my heart and i thought to share. The extract is from one of the most widely known and told Bible Stories. The story of Samson. How he fell into sin with Delila and eventually told her the secret of his great strength. Reading the chapters before the one quoted above, you find that Delila had pressured Samson into telling her the source of his strength thrice and had all three times, used the information he gave her against him. Funny that he would fall for it again after he must have noticed that she did not have good intentions. This is not however where i am going this morning. <br /><br />The Bible records that Delilah:<br /> <br />1. kept at <strong>it</strong> day after day<br />2. nagged Samson<br />3. Tormented Samson<br />until he could not take another minute of her nagging!<br /><br />This portion of scripture jumped at me and God ministered to me. I have come to learn that the Bible does not use words in vain. This scripture shows a progression. Delilah first troubled softly. Then she progressed to nagging and then she tormented him. <br />Her aim? To get out the source of his great strength. <br />Her strategy? Persistence! <br /><br />Scripture is replete with examples of evil people who were focused and persistent in their plot to destroy God's people. <br /><br /><em> ...for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath <strong>that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him;</strong> and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.”<br /><br />Acts 23:21 (New King James Version)</em><br /><br />The above scripture shows the resolve of evil men who swore by themselves that they will fast and remain fasting until Saul (Paul) was killed. They did not succeed. But their failure was not as a result of a wrong strategy!<br /><br /><em>And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred men who drew swords, to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not. Then he took his eldest son who would have reigned in his place, and offered him as a burnt offering upon the wall; and there was great indignation against Israel. So they departed from him and returned to their own land.</em><br /><br /><em>2 Kings 3:26-27 (New King James Version)</em><br /><br />In the Scripture above (please read the entire chapter), the Israelites had gone to war with the Moabites and the word of GOD had come though the prophet that Moab would be defeated by Israel. Things went as God had said until the King of Moab, seeing that he had almost been defeated, offered a sacrifice of his heir on the altar of his God. The Bible records that Israel withdrew immidiately and returned home! My question is - Had God not spoken that Israel will defeat the Moabites? Had he not spoken that Israel will totally plunder the towns of Moab? What went wrong? <br /><br />My finding / answer: The persistence of the pagan king of the Moabites! The King was desperate and unwilling to give in! He offered a sacrifice of blood of his son (his heir)! He was resolute!<br /><br />Today, Christians pray in the morning and claim they are too busy or too tired to pray at any other time! How many Christians will give a seed or an offering to provoke God to action when the battle is fierce?<br /><br />The enemy is plundering christians and taking them captive because they are asleep! Luke 18 opens up with the story of the unjust judge who gave the helpless widow her desires becuase of her persistence. Hear the words of Christ:<br /><br /><em>Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.<br /><br />Luke 18:6-8 (New King James Version)</em> <br /><br />This scripture records that God will avenge his own who cry out to him <strong>day and night!</strong> Like i mentioned earlier, i believe that the Bible does not use words in vain. If God said day and night, he meant day and night!<br /><br />There is a raging battle. Whether you believe it or not, it is on going! The enemy is persistent. Very persistent. Believers can no longer afford to sleep! Believers must be alert. We must be in constant prayers!<br /><br />Many prayers have not been answered because they have not wielded the kind of power required. The Bible records that the effectual fervernt prayer of a righteous man avails much! For prayers to avail, they should not only be effectual but continous and persistent.<br /><br />If satan was persistent with the master Himself (where he tempted Jesus over and over again), leaving him only for a short while, you can be sure that he will continoulsy attack you. His aim. Mission. Vision. and Purpose is to steal from you, kill you and ultimately destroy you. He is going to try to steal your joy, kill your peace. Destroy your marriage and relationships. Steal your finances. Kill your resolve and Destroy all you hold dear. In this battle, mediocres lose!<br /><br />Let this be a wake up call!<br />Let us as christians begin to pray in season and out of season!<br />Let us give up sleep for prayers. The battles of life are won or lost in the night season (topic for another day.)<br />Let us be persistent.<br />Let us nag God according to his word and in due season we shall see the answers to our prayers.<br /><br />Say a prayer with me.<br /><br />Father we come to you in the name of Jesus.<br />We thank you for all that you have done in our lives. For sustanance. For joy. For life! For everything! Thank you Father.<br />Today, we pray as a family of believers for a fresh coal of fire on our prayer altars.<br />That we mayreceive the same Spirit that was in Christ to pray at all times!<br />Teach us to pray accurately.<br />Every spirit of lethargy and spiritual laziness, we hold captive in the name of Jesus!<br />Let the fire fall and let our prayer lives never remain the same again!<br />We pray for our country. That as believers begin to pray again, that there would be change in our great nation.<br />Thank you Almighty God, in the name of Jesus!<br />Amen.<br /><br /><em><br />Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];<br />1 Thessalonians 5:17 (Amplified Version)</em>Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-20756706205647568172010-05-27T12:26:00.002+02:002010-05-27T13:26:21.664+02:00Before you take that next step<strong><em>When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them. Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; 10 so David inquired of God: "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" <br />The LORD answered him, "Go, I will hand them over to you." <br />So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand." So that place was called Baal Perazim. The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, and David gave orders to burn them in the fire. <br /><br />Once more the Philistines raided the valley; so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, "Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. <br /><br /> So David's fame spread throughout every land, and the LORD made all the nations fear him.</em></strong> 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 (NIV)<br /><br />The Lord laid this message in my heart about one week ago and I thought I should share. Thinking about it now, what better day to share this than on the day set aside by Nigerians to celebrate children.<br /><br />Often times, in the hustle and bustle of life, we forget that we do not belong to ourselves but to the Lord and take decisions without recourse to higher authority. What slave takes decisions without first consulting with the master? Are we not slaves of Christ?<br /><br /><strong><em>When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them.</em></strong>(1 Chronicles 14:8)<br /><br />Before I proceed, it is clear from this passage that the anointing of God attracts opposition from the enemy’s camp! The minute the philistines heard that David had become king, the Bible records that they went up in full force against him! This is however not where I am going this morning (<em>just thought I should mention!)</em><br /><br />Now, David hears that this fearsome tribe had come out to war. The Bible records that he matched out to meet them. Now, this was a tribe that David had defeated before (Remember Goliath of Gath?) I believe strongly that David was not afraid of this tribe! He had defeated them once (as a boy) and was now better equipped to defeat them yet again. The account in Chronicles continues:<br /><br /><strong><em>Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; 10 so David inquired of God: "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" <br />The LORD answered him, "Go, I will hand them over to you." </em></strong>1 Chronicles 14:9<br /><br />David marched out against the Philistines. Paused. And inquired of God as to whether he should go to war or not.<br /><br />My issue is this. Why would David. The warrior who had defeated the Philistines even as a boy without weapons still wait to inquire of God whether he should fight? Wouldn’t you have thought that would be a “no-brainer”? I sure would!<br />Anyway, God let David go to war and yes, he defeated the Philistines again!<br /><br /><strong><em>Once more the Philistines raided the valley;</em></strong> 1 Chronicles 14:13<br /><br />Now let me state clearly. The life of a Christian is a life of warfare! Satan does not give up! You must be constantly on the alert! You will keep fighting battles as long as you have the anointing but the good thing is that the success of your battles are already guaranteed <em>-…in all these things we are more than conquerors….</em><br /><br />Who would have thought that the Philistines will return to fight David again? Dumb you think? No! Persistent is more like it! Often times, we Christians have stuff to learn from the enemy’s camp (write up for another day).<br /><br /><strong><em>so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, "Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. </em></strong> 1 Chronicles 14:14<br /><br /> And yes. David inquired again. Whether he should go ahead and fight these people who he had conquered more than twice in the past. These same people. And wait for this? In the same place! I would have thought that since the circumstances were similar, stuff could be done the same way it was done before. But David knew otherwise. He inquired yet again.<br /><br />God gave him a different strategy for the same people in the same place.<br /><br />What do you think would have happened if David went out against the Philistines the same way he did in the last battle? The tribe of Israel could have been wiped off the face of the map! Would it have been illogical for him to have thought that he could defeat the same people in the same place that he had defeated them before? No! It would have made perfect (human) sense for him to have gone ahead without all the fuss of inquiring from God!<br /><br />David certainly had an understanding that a lot of us do not.<br /><br /><em>Who then is the man that fears the Lord?<br />He will instruct him in the path chosen for Him (Psalm 25:12)</em><br /><br />David understood that there is a distinct path chosen for all believers in Christ.<br />Many times we take decisions based on logic, our economy, our environment, our parents, our friends, everything aside from GOD. God is speaking. He wants you to bring all your decisions before His throne. He wants to lead you in the path that you should go.<br /><br /><em>This is what the LORD says— <br /> your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: <br /> "I am the LORD your God, <br /> who teaches you what is best for you, <br /> who directs you in the way you should go.</em><br /><br />And this is not just about serious decisions like marital choices but everything! He wants you to bring everything to Him.<br /><br />I will share a true life story. <br /><br /><em>Sarafina was a brilliant prize winner in her country’s university somewhere in Africa. After graduating she worked for a short while and decided that she will go to the UK for her masters. It was the only other logical thing to do. She began the process. Applied to schools. Applied for scholarships. And had started receiving admission letters when she decided to take it to God in prayer. That night God spoke to her saying “Don’t step out of Africa. Your destiny is to be birthed in Africa. Remain there until I say so.”<br /><br />While Sarafina was still battling with the prophesy she had received, the head of her local assembly called her (like a few days later) and confirmed the message. The pastor said I was praying and God said to tell you that if you had plans to travel, you should shelve them for now. He wants to do something in your life…”</em><br /><br />Sarafina had a choice. She could have gone ahead to travel. But in her words “ why would I want to go anywhere that God’s presence is not?” She forfeited her admission. Is still in Africa and still has not seen the reason God has asked her to wait but is secured in her convictions. <br /><br />Sarafina is wise!<br /><br />How many times do we go ahead and take decisions without consulting our father?<br /><br />How many times have we accepted the offer of employment without inquiring of the one who knows the end from the beginning?<br /><br />How many times have we begun relationships with members of the opposite sex without asking to know the mind of God?<br /><br />How many times have we gone for occasions and programmes without seeking His permission?<br /><br />How many times have we done things as insignificant as dyeing our hair without consulting with God? Or have you forgotten that all the hairs on your haired are number? Do you think He doesn’t care?<br /><br />Even when things seem so logical, God may not be in them.<br /><br /><strong><em>Now it came to pass, when David was dwelling in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under tent curtains.”<br />2 Then Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” <br />3 But it happened that night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, 4 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: “You shall not build Me a house to dwell in</em></strong> 1 Chronicles 17:1-4<br /><br />In this scripture, David proposed to build a house for God. Who would have thought God would not allow? Did it not make perfect sense that David wanted to build for God? Yet God did not allow!<br /><br />We must come to a place where we have childlike and total reliance on the Father. Resolve in your heart to seek God’s directions before you take that next step. David the renowned murderer, adulterer and schemer is today celebrated as a man after God’s heart. Why is this? Total reliance on the directives of God.<br /><br /><em>One thing I have desired of the LORD,That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to <strong>inquire </strong>in His temple.</em>(Psalm 27:4)<br /><br />Total reliance is not just about feeling a peace when you pray about marrying the brother (or sister) you love. Remember, there are many voices. Very many. There is your voice. Satan’s voice. The voice of the world! There is also God’s voice. If you are not sure, seek the face of the set man (or woman) over your local assembly.<br />Remember, there is a way that seems right unto a man. The end leads to destruction.<br /><br />Say a prayer with me.<br /><br />Dear Lord,<br /><br />We give you praise because you are God all by yourself! We worship you! You are great! You are awesome! You are mighty!<br /><br />We are glad we have you. We are glad you are on our side.<br /><br />Today we make a commitment to you that we will not take another decision without consulting you. We understand that you are the beginning. We also understand that you are the end. Because you are both of these and all things in between, we know that you know our end from our beginning. We therefore pray dear Lord that you lead us in the paths that we should go.<br /><br />We pray that all our lives may be in line with your will for us in the name of Jesus! We decree that because we have the mind of Christ we will not take any wrong decisions.<br /><br />We pray that ultimately we will reign with you in heaven forever.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Happy children's day....Let us all remain children in issues of trust and direction....Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-28150317688366176052010-05-14T07:58:00.002+02:002010-05-14T09:06:36.276+02:00...Come home...…The Lord laid this in my heart a few days ago. He was actually speaking to me about me but I thought this might bless a few believers who are not where they should be spiritually…<br /><br /><strong><em><br />11-12Then he said, "There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.' <br /> 12-16"So the father divided the property between them. It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any. <br /> 17-20"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father. <br /> 20-21"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' <br /> 22-24"But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time. <br />Luke 15: 11- 24 (The Message Translation)</em></strong><br /><br />Again, this is one of the most widely read, cited and known scripture in Christendom but God opened my eyes to a lot of things in this scripture.<br />Here is my interpretation of the scripture. <br />Our scene opens with P a beloved son (daughter) of God who has tasted of the glory of the Father. He (or she) has spoken in diverse tongues, led choirs in various churches and practically dragged down the presence of God in the gatherings, laid hands on the sick and they had received their healings, preached to friends, neighbours, colleagues and won souls and more souls to Christ. <br /><br />But one day, something sets in. Pride? Greed? That’s a debate for another day. What I am sure of, is that there was a shift in focus from the father to something else.<br /><em><strong>'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.' </strong></em><br /><br />This line of the scripture suggests to me that he (the son) no longer looked at/ focused on the father. He now looked at the material rather than the abstract spiritual and intangible love he had enjoyed with the father. He had shifted his focus.<br />The first step to falling out of the presence of God is to shift your focus from HIM. It might be a nagging problem, it might be an illness, it might be material needs. It might be tall dark and handsome – whatever it is that is hovering around, no matter how urgent the need seems, DO NOT SHIFT YOUR FOCUS FROM THE LORD. Scripture says<br /><strong><em>“Turn my eyes away from worthless things…” (Psalm 119:37)</em></strong><br />All aside from the word of God is worthless!<br /><br /><em><strong>There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.</strong></em><br /><br />Stepping out of God’s presence ushers you directly into servitude. Bondage. Captivity. The hedge is broken. It leads you into a life of waste and famine. Notice how the famine began only after all P’s money was gone….That is the device of Satan. He lures you out of the presence of God, he seemingly sustains you for a while and then dumps you. At that stage, you feel you have gone too far for even God to forgive you (another of satan’s devices).<br />P was the son of a King. He was a prince but he had broken his relationship with the King. He had sinned. Now, he was doing jobs that even the slaves in his father’s palace were forbidden from doing. Stepping out of God’s presence throws things your way that should not happen to even the least of God’s children. The arrows of the enemy begin to penetrate easily. Vices that had been dropped begin to resurface and satan has a filled day toying with your life and destiny.<br />The bible records that P wished he could have eaten the food of the pigs. <br />Have you ever wandered why he could not just reach out and eat the food with the pigs? What was preventing him? After all he was in charge of feeding the pigs anyway! <br /><br /><strong><em>He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.</em></strong><br /><br />Why did anyone need to give him what he was in charge of? That my brethren is the extent of the servitude we get into when we step out of the presence of God!!!<br />The devil is out to get you. To kill you! To destroy you! Whatever happens, stay in God’s presence! <br />At this stage, P obviously needed what we call in Christendom today “deliverance”. The next line of scripture is my favourite in this story<br /><strong><em>That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father. </em></strong><br /><br />One version of scripture says “…and he came to himself…” There are bondages we get into that only us can deliver ourselves there from. No deliverance minister helped P out. Nobody. He came to himself and proposed in his heart to go back to his father. <br />Someone reading this may have committed an abortion and just decided to stay in sin (as a result of the guilt). Someone else may be struggling with guilt as a result of sexual sin. Whatever it is, propose in your heart to go back to God. <br />Propose in your heart to return to abundance. <br />P the bible says, got right up and went home. Do not stay where you are any more! Get up now. Return to God! Don’t bother about how you will stop the fornication with tall, dark and handsome that you love so much. Don’t bother about how the stealing or the gossiping will stop. Don’t fret about your vices or your habits – those are not your issues! Get up right away! Go back to the father and He will handle these for you through the power in His name and His word!<br /><strong><em>"But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time. </em></strong><br /><br />God gave me an amazing revelation here. The Bible records that before P could download his rehearsed speech, the father ordered for the following:<br /><br />1. Clean clothes to be put on Him – this signifies the workings of the Blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus changes your filthy clothes to Pure clothes….Remember, though your sins are red as scarlet, the precious red supernatural blood of the Lamb, makes them white as snow!<br /><br />2. He put a family ring on his finger – The ring is a symbol of authority! When you return to God, he gives you the same authority he gave the disciples of old! He gives you the symbol of sonship. He gives you that same power that raised Jesus from the dead! For P, there was a transformation from a beggar who was not allowed to eat the food of swine to a prince, an heir of an entire dynasty!<br /><br />3. Sandals on his feet: Think about going out even in the city without shoes on. This is how exposed P was. Stepping out of God’s presence exposes you to danger! P’s feet must have been bruised and battered. Stepping back into God’s presence brought protection! The sandals here signify God’s protection! <br /><br />4. Rejoicing – When men rejoice! There are grand feasts….think about the rejoicing of the one who made the heavens and the earth! Surely there would be evidence in the life of the returnee!<br /><br />Do not mind the skill or lack of it of the writer. <br />All you need is the message. <br />Say a prayer with me.<br /><br />Father,<br />We come to you in the precious name of your son. We pray today for as many prodigal sons and daughters. We pray that you may order their steps towards you. We pray that the hold of Satan may be loosened upon their lives in the name of Jesus!<br />We pray that we believers may stand so that we may not be cast away. Preserve us from wilfull sins dear Lord. Keep us away from spiritual arrogance. Help us to love the way you love. Help us to care the way you care and help us to live the way you lived while you were on earth as a man!<br />We cannot do it on our own.<br />Help us Lord!<br />Have mercy!<br />We love you very much.<br />In the name of Jesus!<br /><br />Amen<em></em>Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-1637236321711416482010-04-23T09:35:00.003+02:002010-04-23T10:12:16.162+02:00...When Calamity comes knocking...13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans[c] raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” <br />16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” <br />17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” <br />18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from across[d] the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” <br />20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; <strong>and he fell to the ground and worshiped.</strong><br /><br />Job 1:13-20 (NKJV)<br /><br /><em>Again, i will attempt to do a brief introduction of this very familiar story. Curtain opens on Mr. J. A pious man. Holy, Desirous of pleasing God and extremely wealthy. He is probably the Bill Gates of his time or something along those lines... He has 10 children. Hundreds and Hundreds of cattle and is very influential. Like Lady B in the last story, he belongs to the Elite Club and in fact, the Bible records that the meeting would not start until Mr. J arrives - he is extremely influential.<br /><br /><strong>One day</strong>, oblivious to the fact that spiritual exchanges had occured in the heavenlies, Mr. J, begins receiving series of terrible news in quick succession. All his cattle were gone. All his children had died.All his camels were dead. His servants had been taken away. All he had spent the better part of his life building and amassing<em>(Mr. J was about 70 years at this time)</em>had vanished in less than an hour - on the same day!</em><br /><br />While i was studying this morning, i caught a very interesting truth that i thought i should share. Job had come face to face with the worst thing that could happen to any man. He had lost ALL.<br /><br />In your case, it could be the death of a child.<br />It could be the loss of a job.<br />It could be the exit of a loved one from a relationship.<br />It could be a divorce.<br />It could be the death of a parent.<br />It could be the betrayal of a trusted friend.<br /><br />For Job, it was the LOSS of all!<br /><br />Job's reaction after receiving the news really interested me. The Bible records that after he heard this news, he arose, he tore his robes and shaved his head (signs of deep and grave mourning) and then he <strong>worshipped</strong>!<br /><br />What do you do when calamity comes knocking?<br /><br />Do you murmur?<br />Do you blame others?<br />Do you blame youself? (that's me (more like that was me (i have changed now after writing this)!!!?)!)<br />Do you judge?<br />Do you blame God?<br />Do you try to rationalize?<br /><br />For Job, he mourned his children and then acknowledged God as the source of all he had and was. he understood immediately that God was sovreign and could do whatsoever he pleased...<em>(for thou has created all things and for thy pleasure...</em>)<br /><br />I admire Job's strength of character.<br /><br />The Lord opened my eyes this morning to see that how you react to calamity is linked strongly and directly to how (if ever) you will come out of this calamity!<br /><br />To keep this short, i will move directly to the end of Job's story:<br /><br />12 Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys.<br /><br />Job 42:12 (NKJV)<br /><br />Because Job worshipped the Lord in the face of his calamities, the Lord restored him and made his end greater than his beginning! <br /><br />I am here to encourage someone today, no matter how bad it seems. No matter how alone you feel. No matter how bleak that situation is. No matter how much you have lost, if you will just worship Him. If you will just acknowledge Him as sovreign over your life, YOUR LATTER WILL BE GREATER THAN YOUR PAST.<br /><br />Dear Lord,<br /><br />I come before you this morning once again. I praise you. You are the source of all we have and are. I give you praise my father. You are awesome! You are great! You are King.<br /><br />I thank you for your word today. I thank you for the realization that our response to the things that happen to us determine our eventual outcome. Becuase you are the one who works in us to will and to do according to your good pleasure, i ask that you give us the hearts of true worshippers. That we may continually worship you at all times. In season. And out of season. In the name of Jesus!<br /><br />I pray father that our latter(s) shall be greater than our past(s) in the name of Jesus.<br /><br />Thank you father!<br /><br />Love,<br />Your daughter!Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-61743639779817003362010-04-16T17:29:00.002+02:002010-04-16T17:30:25.178+02:00TAKE GOLIATH DOWN!<em>...Once again, Max Lucado hit the nail on the head. This blessed me. I hope it does the same to you...</em><br />Goliaths still roam our world. Debt. Disaster. Dialysis. Danger. Deceit. Disease. Depression. Super-size challenges still swagger and strut, still pilfer sleep and embezzle peace and liposuction joy. But they can’t dominate you. You know how to deal with them. You face giants by facing God first. <br /><br />Focus on giants—you stumble.<br /><br />Focus on God—your giants tumble. <br /><br />You know what David knew, and you do what David did. You pick up five stones, and you make five decisions. Ever wonder why David took five stones into battle? Why not two or twenty? Rereading his story reveals five answers. Use your five fingers to remind you of the five stones you need to face down your Goliath. Let your thumb remind you of … <br /><br />1. THE STONE OF THE PAST<br />Goliath jogged David’s memory. Elah was a déjà vu. While everyone else quivered, David remembered. God had given him strength to wrestle a lion and strong-arm a bear. Wouldn’t he do the same with the giant? A good memory makes heroes. <br /><br />“Remember His marvelous works which He has done” (1 Chron. 16:12). Catalog God’s successes. Keep a list of his world records. Has he not walked you through high waters? Proven to be faithful? Have you not known his provision? How many nights have you gone to bed hungry? Mornings awakened in the cold? He has made roadkill out of your enemies. Write today’s worries in sand. Chisel yesterday’s victories in stone. Pick up the stone of the past. Then select … <br /><br />2. THE STONE OF PRAYER<br />Note the valley between your thumb and finger. To pass from one to the next you must go through it. Let it remind you of David’s descent. Before going high, David went low; before ascending to fight, David descended to prepare. Don’t face your giant without first doing the same. Dedicate time to prayer. Paul, the apostle, wrote, “Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long” (Eph. 6:18 MSG).<br /><br />Prayer spawned David’s successes. His Brook Besor wisdom grew out of the moment he “strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam. 30:6). When Saul’s soldiers tried to capture him, David turned toward God: “You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble” (Ps. 59:16). <br /><br />Invite God’s help. Pick up the stone of prayer. And don’t neglect … <br /><br />3. THE STONE OF PRIORITY<br />Let your tallest finger remind you of your highest priority: God’s reputation. David jealously guarded it. No one was going to defame his Lord. David fought so that “all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Sam. 17:46–47).<br /><br />David saw Goliath as a chance for God to show off! Did David know he would exit the battle alive? No. But he was willing to give his life for the reputation of God.<br /><br />What if you saw your giant in the same manner? Rather than begrudge him, welcome him. Your cancer is God’s chance to flex his healing muscles. Your sin is God’s opportunity to showcase grace. Your struggling marriage can billboard God’s power. See your struggle as God’s canvas. On it he will paint his multicolored supremacy. Announce God’s name and then reach for … <br /><br />4. THE STONE OF PASSION <br />David ran, not away from, but toward his giant. On one side of the battlefield, Saul and his cowardly army gulped. On the other, Goliath and his skull-splitters scoffed. In the middle, the shepherd boy ran on his spindly legs. Who bet on David? Who put money on the kid from Bethlehem? Not the Philistines. Not the Hebrews. Not David’s siblings or David’s king. But God did. <br /><br />And since God did, and since David knew God did, the skinny runt became a blur of pumping knees and a swirling sling. He ran toward his giant.<br /><br />Do the same! <br /><br />Let your ring finger remind you to take up the stone of passion. <br /><br />One more stone, and finger, remains:<br /><br />5. THE STONE OF PERSISTENCE<br />David didn’t think one rock would do. He knew Goliath had four behemoth relatives. For all David knew, they’d come running over the hill to defend their kin. David was ready to empty the chamber if that’s what it took.<br /><br />Imitate him. Never give up. One prayer might not be enough. One apology might not do it. One day or month of resolve might not suffice. You may get knocked down a time or two … but don’t quit. Keep loading the rocks. Keep swinging the sling. <br /><br />David took five stones. He made five decisions. Do likewise. Past. Prayer. Priority. Passion. And persistence. <br /><br />Next time Goliath wakes you up, reach for a stone. Odds are, he’ll be out of the room before you can load your sling.<br /><em><br />...God bless you!...</em>Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-32061333199948765222010-04-16T08:31:00.003+02:002010-04-16T09:21:50.543+02:00...What do you say? and to whom?...And he said to his father, “My head, my head!” <br />So he said to a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” When he had taken him and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, shut the door upon him, and went out. Then she called to her husband, and said, “Please send me one of the young men and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and come back.” <br />So he said, “Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath.” <br />And she said,<strong> “It is well.” </strong><br />2 Kings 4:19-23 (NKJV)<br /><br />...While i was praying this morning, the HS opened my eyes to another aspect of speech. (I must be in dire need of refining my speech as this seems to be all HE speaks to me about these days :)) I thought i should share.<br /><br />It is important who we speak to and what we say. The Bible has made it clear that eventually, our lives take the pattern of our speech. My text is a very widely read and known story of the "childless" woman who continually housed Elisha until he prayed to God for a son for her. A brief background on the life of this woman will illustrate the points i intend to drive, better:<br /><em><br />...Lady B was very wealthy. Beautiful. Comfortable and highly influential. She had everything women in her time desired (or at least almost everything). She was the only female member of the "Elite Club" and was well respected in the gates. She stood up tall and seemed not to have a care in the world. But late at night, she would cry to God for a child. She had gone on this way for years and now, Sir B was almost 85 - she gave up all hope for a child and decided that God had blessed her in other ways and probably did not want her to have a child. She was very God fearing (obviously.) In comes the spooky prophet who always dressed strangely. Lady B was intuitive. She knew immediately that he was no ordinary man and catered for his needs. He in turn, blessed her. He petitioned God for a child for her and after over 40 years of waiting, Lady B, as God had promised, bore a son...</em> (I'm sorry, fiction is not one of my strengths but i guess we all get the picture...:))<br /><br />A few years later, possibly 5 or 6 years, this precious child of Lady B dies suddenly after a possible attack of Malaria (<em>well, what else could i call it? he had a headache, a bit of a temperature and i am a Nigerian...). </em>And that is where the Holy Spirit began speaking.<br /><br />At the point of the Child's death, Lady B was the only person who knew. She held her son in her hands till he died. Her only son. The son she had waited over 40 years to have. <br /><br />The Bible records that she went quietly and laid the Child on the bed of the Prophet. She did not scream. She did not wail. She was quiet.<br /><br />Now, in the Bible, there is no stronger relationship described or defined than the relationship of marriage. According to scripture, the two (who are married) become one flesh. This concept of marriage was stronger in the time of Lady B than it is in our time YET Lady B said not a word about the death of her son to the father of that same son.<br /><br />When asked as to why she had to visit the Prophet at a strange hour, she replied - "It is well!".<br /><br />She obviously had confidence in something no one else would have seen. The story did not end there. She saddled her donkey and asked her servants to ride as fast as they could -<br /><em><br />She went ahead and saddled the donkey, ordering her servant, "Take the lead—and go as fast as you can; I'll tell you if you're going too fast." And so off she went. She came to the Holy Man at Mount Carmel. </em> 2 Kings: 4:24-25 (The message)<br /><br />The story still did not end there. The spooky prophet saw her from afar and sent his servant (His PA) to meet her and ask what was up. She replied in the same way she responded to her husband - "It is well!"<br /><br />Eventually, she gets to meet the spooky prophet personally. She opens up and tells him that her son is dead. She cries for the first time since the boy died and insists that the spooky prophet (and not his grouchy PA) follows her down to her house.<br /><br />The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to a few things.<br /><br />If Lady B had not insisted on responding with her "It is well" mantra, her son would never have come back to life. Once she had told her husband the reason for her reverting to the prophet, he would have given a 1001 logical reasons on why they should have burried their son immediately.<br /><br />Many times we whine and complain about dead (or dying situations) to the wrong people! Lady B waited until she met with the very representative of God. We too ought to wait!<br /><br />When faced with overwhelming challenges, there are steps to be followed:<br /><br />1. Lay the dead child on the bed of the man of God - In our case, it may be a failed marriage, a threath of job loss, a dying parent, a recalcitrant child, a dying relationship, loneliness, depression, financial incapacitation, you name it. All you need to do, is lay this situation on the ALTAR of God through prayer.<br /><br />2. Reply "It is well" - Do not talk about the problem with just anyone. Rather, talk about the solution. Reply that your job is secure in Christ. That your marriage is filled with the peace of God. That your promotion on that job is sure. That you are filled with the joy of the Lord. That you are blessed financially! Tell the world the opposite of what you are experiencing! Reply "It is well".<br /><br />3.Saddle your horse and speed to the prohet - Everyone needs someone to speak to. Saddle your horse and speed to the Church. You could speak to your spiritual father or mother. A mentor installed in your life by God, a prayer partner or a prayer leader. Have someone you are accountable to in Christ. You may speak to such a person. This mentor must be a person of prayer and the word of God and should be chosen by God himself!<br /><br />Bottom line, speak the things you want to see.<br />It will be only a matter of time and dead things will come back to life!<br />Remember, the question is what are you saying? And to whom?<br /><br />I love you.Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-36529322004431750882010-04-15T07:39:00.003+02:002010-04-15T13:37:58.903+02:00...Day 1 after...Ok, so i do not leave you guessing and so my life may minister to someone in my situation, i was sort of dumped yesterday. Ok, maybe not dumped, LOL!!! because we were never in the actual dating process but i thought we had a chance at it and then i was rudely shocked...<br /><br />and as usual, i ran back to the potter. He was there with open arms!<br /><em><br />Great is thy faithfulness O Lord!</em><br /><br />Sometimes i look at how far i should be in my Christian walk with God and i wonder how HE still tolerates me at this level...<br /><br />One day after, i am strong! The mercies of God, the new mercies of God for each day have really sustained me...<br /><br />The word for today in Psalm 47:4b has also enabled me put my life in perspective - <em>the Lord chooses my inheritance for me</em>... If the only one that can be called good chooses for me, if the Sovreign Lord of all the earth makes the choices for me, If the creator of all things and all peoples is the one that determines what my future would be, then set backs such as these pale in the light of where i am going.<br /><br />it is knowledge of the above that has not allowed me dwell in self pity or even wish that things had gone better between me and he.<br /><br />i am glad he made his choice. i admire the strength of his character but i am even "gladder" that the Lord has better things in store for me...<br /><br />I compromised once or twice. I did things i should not have. I put the Lord second at many times in the duration of the non-existent relationship. I repent. Not because it is now over but because i know that He is and always should be my first love.<br /><br />Very few people read this blog right now, but if the Lord leads you here, and you are in a relationship that is not working. Or with a partner who does not reciprocate the emotions you show, you are not alone. Like the apostles said, there are millions like yourself passing through these trials.<br /><br />1. Return to the drawing board - sincereley seek the face of God. Inquire at his temple whether you should be in the relationship or not.<br /><br />2. Keep yourself busy with other things. Read, engage in volunteer activities,go for prayer meeting picnics with single Godly friends.<br /><br />3. Be real with God. Tell Him :"If you don't help me, i'm gonna make a fool of myself so please help me..." Pray fervently.<br /><br />The right man will come. He is around the corner. The Bible says "He will satisfy your desires with good things" all u need to do, is seek His Kingdom...<br /><br /><em>Dear Lord,<br /><br />I thank you for my friend who did not think that dating me was a good idea. I bless you because you are the one that works in him to will and to do according to your good pleasure. I bless you because you took that desicion and not him. Thank you.<br /><br />Thank you for his life. Thank you for where you are taking him. Thank you for how far you have brought him. I give you praise for his life in the name of Jesus.<br /><br />This is the month of enlightenment (as you spoke to me) and exceeding great reward (as you spoke to our local assembly, i pray that these two shall be his portion. I pray that his hunger for you will never end. I pray that his service in your vine yard will not go unnoticed.<br /><br />i pray that according to your word, you would lead him in the paths that he should follow. I give you praise in the name that is above all names, the name of Jesus.<br /><br />I pray for myself and for all other females who might have faced the self esteem issues attached to and with rejection at one time or the other in life, i pray o Lord for total healing in the name of Jesus!<br /><br />I pray for a realization of who we are in you! I pray for a revelation of our inheritance as Daughters of the King. I pray that our focus shall continually be on u and like Rebecca, we will continue in service until we are found by that one who you have chosen for us from the beginning of time...<br /><br />I love you Lord. You are awesome! I thank you for the joy in my heart. I thank you that that same joy will locate a depressed daughter of yours and cause a turn around...<br /><br />i pray for christian writers, teachers, speakers and the entire body of christ - that you might increase the annointing upon their lives, strengthen them and make them better equipped to win souls for you.<br /><br />You are awesome!<br />You are great!<br />There is no one else like you!<br />There is none so accurate!<br />There is none so mighty!<br />There is none so great!<br /><br />i love you with every strand in my being!<br />Thank you Lord in the name of Jesus!<br /><br />your daughter,<br />The daughter of the great King,<br />Ngozi</em><br /><br />Planning for the maiden retreat of the Daughters of the King fellowship is under way. Please support us with your prayers and love.Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-40293281786129825842010-04-14T17:25:00.004+02:002010-04-14T17:35:30.426+02:00i know HE is the potter but sometimes, just sometimes, i take things in my own hands.....<em>I got this post from Erere (a friend from QC) and it not only mirrored how i feel most of the time but also blessed me tremendously:</em><br />Do you mean to tell me that this isn't over yet? I and my potter have been here in this little shop since the wee hours of the morning. The only thing I've enjoyed so far is how He placed me on the table and began to knead me as though I were an extraordinary piece of dough. He rubbed me and turned me upside down, and then He rubbed my back-side too. How sweet!<br /><br />But it is now getting really late and the Potter still isn't done. <br /><br />"Lay very still, don't be anxious. I am not yet done with you." <br /><br />"But Potter, why? I think I look okay."<br /><br />"I know you do, but I need to finish up your left side to make you "more than just ok.""<br /><br />"Can I get a tattoo there?"<br /><br />"A tattoo is not the best option, little Clay."<br /><br />"But Potter...I've seen other vessels with the same tattoo."<br /><br />"I will give you something more worthy than a tattoo." <br /><br />I fell silent for a few seconds, then I told Him that He knew best (even if I wasn't really feeling His agenda). How sure was He that His master-plan was any better than my tattoo idea? <br />___________________________________<br /><br /><br /><em>...<em></em>for me, many times i have struggled, and the potter has had to start all over again. <br /><br />Many times i have gone to places where i felt i should be, but where the potter knew i shouldn't and he had to go back one step in the mould. <br /><br />Many times i rushed into relationships without asking the potter - i came out hurt. <br /><br />Many times, the potter started working in one direction and i pre-empted him, overtook him and went the wrong way - He had to start all over again...<br /><br />I'm glad the potter does not just throw HIS hands in the air and give up on me.<br /><br />The Potters book says that HE will be with me even till the end of the age...<br /><br />I am glad i have the potter. Just today, it dawned on me that i had gone the wrong direction again and i came back and there HE was, ready to continue moulding me into that master piece - irrespective of what others think!<br /><br />Thank you Jesus!<br />Thank you master Potter!<br />Thank you Lord</em>Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-68870230247930841882010-04-13T15:12:00.003+02:002010-04-13T15:25:44.873+02:00...the pain of rejection...O! the pains of rejection.<br />the pains of rejection<br />the pains of rejection.<br /><br />Dear Lord,<br /><br />Never again. Never again. You and you alone will i aim at pleasing.<br />Thank you for this chance. Thank you for the Daughters of the King. Thank you because never again...<br /><br />never again...<br />never again...<br /><br />I love u Lord!<br /><br />With all my love,<br />ngoziTehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-61698723338720677232010-04-06T09:57:00.003+02:002010-04-06T10:05:23.294+02:00Forgive me Lord for i have sinned.Forgive me Lord for i have sinned.<br />I saw a dead child today on Awolowo Road -<br />At least, he looked dead to me...<br />and i passed by on my bike and hurried off to work.<br />Should i not have stopped?<br />Could i not have helped?<br />but i was afraid....<br />plus the bike man refused to even give me audience...<br />but i was afraid. period.<br />if i had insisted, he would have dropped me off.<br />i was afraid to help. i was afraid. i was confused...<br />i have tried to whip up excuses for myself but they are not helping me at all...<br />i am sorry Lord!<br />i pray for the hit and run driver. That the peace of God may envelope him.<br />I only imagine his own guilt!<br />receive the sould of the Child dear God for now he is home to rest.<br />rest from the corruption.<br />rest from the poverty.<br />rest from the darkness of this world's order.<br />And when it is time for me to go, may i not be condemned by the things i have failed to do such as help in times like this.<br />May I be welcomed into the pearly gates of paradise for relying on the Saving power of Christ...<br /><br />Amen.Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-48864802132506758102010-04-01T08:56:00.005+02:002010-04-01T09:55:46.199+02:00Does my accent give me away?For two days now, i have been reading keenly the betrayal and the crucifixion story from the account of Matthew and a lot of things have jumped out at me...<br /><br />I will reproduce Matthew 26:73<br /><br />"<em>After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said "Surely you are one of them for your accent gives you away...</em>"(NIV)<br /><br />"<em>And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.</em>” (NKJV)<br /><br />"<em>A short time later, some people standing there went to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of those who followed Jesus. The way you talk shows it.</em>" (NCV)<br /><br />I have reproduced this passage in three different versions of the Bible. <br /><br />The scenario is the last denial of Jesus by peter. <br /><br />While i was studying this morning, the Holy spirit opened my eye to see a fundamental part of christianity - our speech. While a large number may argue that the scripture above refers to Peter's accent, i believe this scripture makes it clear that Peter had followed Jesus so much in ALL aspects of his life that he began speaking the way Jesus did. For those who may argue that the scripture deals with a geographical accent, i have one question to ask: Was Peter the only one from Galilee in the whole Arena? (<em>i know i said one question but another one popped up in my head now - forgive me</em>) Were all Galileans (<em>if there is such a word</em>) followers or disciples of Jesus? Certainly NOT! This passage was not referring to a geographical accent.<br /><br />Peter had studied and followed Christ so much that he began to speak the same way Christ would speak even unconciously! When the Holy Ghost opened my eyes to this, my mind immediately went to members of Christ Embassy...Every member of Christ Embassy you encounter has the same prayer style as their Pastor - Pastor Chris. So much so that if you meet a Christ Ambassador (<em>if that is what they are called...</em>) for the first time, you know immediately what church he belongs to!<br /><br />My question this morning. first to myself and then to anyone reading is: Does my (your) accent betray me(you)? Can people listen to you and know immediately that you are a Christ follower? Do they need to dig deep into your Facebook profile to realize that you are a Christian? Do the fruits of your lips give you away like Peter?<br /><br />Peter was so filled with the likeness of Christ and loyalty to him that even in the face of Danger, he gave himself away with his speech. He had to expressly deny Jesus and even then, his denial was not convincing....Many times, we dwell on Peter's denial on Jesus - how many times have we wondered how so grounded in the faith he was, to be:<br /><br />1. Around the crucifixion site in the first place at such a dangerous time; and<br />2. To be given away by his speech...<br /><br />i admire Peter. For after his fall, like Christ commanded, he strengthened the brethren (<em>and that includes you and I</em>).<br /><br />Back to our topic. <br /><br />Our speech. <br /><br />How many times do we align ourselves with the way the world talks. How many times do we forget that we are not OF this world? How many times can we boast of being set apart by our speech? We are children of the King yet we speak like children of the Slave...<br /><br />I am resolved that my speech will give me away. <br /><br />Many times, we fear that people will call us hypocrites for saying one thing and doing another - say the right things anyway!(<em>It is God that works in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure - He will help you stand!)</em><br /><br />Colossians 4:6 - Let your speech be full of grace and seasoned with salt...Beleievers should speak with a flavour. A difference. A touch of class that would distinguish us from the brash, harsh and dark world!<br /><br />We cannot claim to be a people set apart and yet mingle so comfortably with the world. We go to the same places, listen to the same music and exclaim the same way. <br /><br />Recently, i have been trying to change my very frequent exclamations of <em>"Shit"</em> to <em>"Sugar". </em>So far, i have not been 100% successful but God has seen my efforts and is helping me to do according to His will.<br /><br />Let your speech betray you.<br /><br />How many times do we click the like button on facebook for status reports and updates that do not glorify the name of God? How many times do our own updates reflect the patterns of this world? Can you be accused of being a Christ follower?<br /><br />The Spirit revealed a lot. I will continue on this thread as the Spirit directs but till then, a word of prayer:<br /><br />Dear Father,<br /><br />We come to you in the name of Jesus, the name that is above all names.<br />We thank you for bringing us into a new month. We thank you for sustaining us for your word says that we slept and awoke becuase YOU sustained us. Thank you Lord!<br />We recognize that we were created to bring you Glory. For all times when our lives have fallen short of your Glory, we apologize this morning in the name of Jesus!<br /><br />Dear Lord, we pray that in line with your word, we will speak the things that we ought to. We recognize that the battle to change our speech pattern is not a battle against flesh and blood but we also realize that our weapons are mighty and able to make us victorious in this battle.<br /><br />Thank you Lord because henceforth our speech is seasoned as with salt.<br />The words of our mouth shall be acceptable in the heavenlies.<br />Our speech shall betray us and show that we are sold out to you and to you alone!<br /><br />We pray against the dangerous sin of compromise. We stand in the gap for all believers and we pray that we may sell out for you and you alone!<br /><br />Thank you father for answered prayers in the name of Jesus!<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />...A God bless you at the end of a conversation, a Bless you when a neighbour sneezes, a Shalom to a friend or a brother or even just an sms with a scripture will definitely betray you. It takes just about 21 days to build a habit - this is worth a try!<br /><br />i love you!Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-60745598930178010872010-03-30T17:17:00.001+02:002010-03-30T17:19:36.503+02:00the old rugged crosswhen i survey <br />the wondrous cross<br />on which the prince<br />of glory died<br />my richest gain<br />i count but loss<br />and pour contempt<br />on all my pride....Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-2856002309510770192010-03-29T17:53:00.003+02:002010-03-29T17:56:24.148+02:00...2nd Chance...The awesome thing about GOD is HIS ability to pick you up, and turn your life around irrespective of what people think, say or even know...<br /><br />Thanks for giving me a second chance Dear Lord.<br /><br />I know you have given me a second chance over a trillion times but thanks for this one...<br /><br />indeed your mercies are new every morning!<br /><br />I am in love with you!<br /><br />Help my mind!<br /><br />I bring ALL thoughts captive in line with your WORD...<br /><br />Thank you!Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6624138898927334056.post-21669857168946250302010-03-29T07:23:00.003+02:002010-03-29T14:31:21.596+02:00...the battle for (and in) my mindDear Lord,<br /><br />It has been really difficult in the last two weeks.<br />There has obviously been a battle in my mind (or for my mind)<br />Little wonder HE drew my attention to Collosians 3 - Set your mind on things above...<br />It has been a struggle.<br />The impasse with Maero and all the obvious "unfriendly ITS friends" did not help matters.<br />sometimes i just feel like screaming! <br />or waking up and finding out that that is a huge bad bad bad nightmare!<br />But it isn't<br />And you have told me why -<br />Becuase the trial of my faith worketh patience!<br />Because i must be purified by the fire to become Gold<br />Because as long as i continue to fail the exam of total reliance and dependence on God irrespective of my feelings, i will continue to repeat the class<br />Thank you for 2nd Corinthians 10.<br />Thank you for Ephesians 6<br />Thank you for opening them to me in a new light!<br />Thank you because every thought that refuses to be subjected to the pattern it should be is brought down this morning in the name of Jesus!<br />I begin a 3 day fast today to mark the end of the month of Glory -<br />Empower me Lord!<br />Strengthen me!<br />Keep my mind stayed on you!<br />Speak to me!<br />Confide in me as you have always done!<br />Bless me!<br /><br />Thank you for your availability.<br />I will return to give you praise...<br />i love you with all of me!!!Tehilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14762973749215529889noreply@blogger.com0