âThen his disciples approached Jesus and asked, âWhy do you always speak to people in these hard-to-understand parables?â He explained, âYouâve been given the intimate experience of insight into the hidden mysteries of the realm of heavenâs kingdom, but they have not. For everyone who listens with an open heart will receive progressively more revelation until he has more than enough. But those who donât listen with an open, teachable heart, even the understanding that they think they have will be taken from them.â Matthew 13:10-12 TPT
Let the gratitude of your heart lead you into the pursuit of more wisdom and revelation. God has so much to share with you. As you become more acquainted with His ways, you will transform into the likeness of His love. There is no shortage of revelation. What astounded you yesterday may seem common-place today, but donât forget that God is full of truth and wisdom. The light of His understanding will make even the most mundane realities seem impossibly good.
A thankful heart will stir you up to desire more of Godâs wisdom. You will seek to discover revelation through His word. There is no shortage of revelation but you first need to desire it and then seek it. Never get to that point where you think you have received so much and there is nothing beyond what youâve known. Continue to dig deeper and yearn for more. Thatâs the surest way to grow in Christ; by increasing your capacity for more of Him each step of the way.
Do not be tempted by the mentality that you have been blessed with enough and that you should feel content with what you have for fear that others will miss out. Thatâs the broad way that leads us to a mediocre Christian lifestyle. Godâs kingdom works in a different way; there is more than enough for everyone. When you consume freely from His table of wisdom and revelation, there is more to offer others. There is no such thing as spiritual gluttony, although you can starve your spirit.
Keep feeding the hunger of your heart by partaking in what He offers us as His children. Your capacity for understanding will grow as you continually listen and look with an open heart to receive. Press in and seek God out. He promises that when we do this we will always find Him. Why? Because He is right there with open arms yearning to commune with us, always!
The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their trouble.
William Penn
As we read Godâs Word, we can see the theme of being thankful. There are hundreds of verses telling us to give thanks or offer praise to God. People who are thankful are known to be less depressed, get better grades in school, sleep better, stay healthy, have deeper friendships, and have a brighter outlook on life. Basically, gratitude is good for you!
âIn every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.â 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
Relationships
âAnd let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.â Galatians 6:9 KJV
Relating to people is the heartbeat of our lives. Weâll rarely go a day without having interactions with other people in our many roles. Are we thankful for the people God has put in our lives? Do we express our gratefulness to (and for) them? Itâs been said that we are like the people we spend the most time with. Who we allow in our personal inner circles affects our gratitude quotient. Be mindful of who you spend time with.
Replace complaints with compliments.
Serve someone to lighten their burden
Write down something youâre grateful for about the people in your life.
Just say âthanks.â
Health
âWhat? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.â 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV
In this fallen world in which we live, there will be struggles each of us face. Sometimes a health challenge is thrust upon us, while other times, we bring things upon ourselves. Regardless of where we are in these areas of our health, when we wake up each day, we have reason to thank God for our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health.
Honor your body as Godâs temple (exercise and eat healthy food)
Strengthen your mind.
Grow spiritually by reading the Bible, attending church, and gathering with fellow followers of Jesus.
Career
âAnd whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.â Colossians 3:17 KJV
All of us work at something. Before we can earn a monetary wage, we may work at school or do chores at our house. No matter what each of our âcareersâ look like, we have the opportunity to live a life of gratitude for how God has brought us to where we are. Whether youâre struggling to locate work or content where you are, always keep in mind that youâre working for God first. Do every task, assignment, and duty in His name, and thank Him regularly for the ability to do so.
Even if youâre unhappy in your current job, be thankful for the ability to be employed
Be grateful for what you have, instead of focusing on what you donât.
List what you love (E.g. the health and retirement benefits or friends that youâve made while working at your job) and focus on the good
Finances
âBut my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.â Philippians 4:19 KJV
We often wish we had more. And we think that a possession or amount of money will bring lasting gratitude, when in reality, itâs just a temporary fix that will soon need to be satisfied once again. No matter how much money we make, itâs wise to see our income as a gift. Chances are, there are more people in the world who might think the lives we live are amazing. Keeping our lives free from the love of money will help us be more satisfied.
âLet your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.â Hebrews 13:5 KJV
âEvery good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.â ââJames⏠â1âŹ:â17⏠âKJVâŹâŹ
Thank God for the gift of a place to live regardless of size or style.
Thank God for the provision to have what you own.
Thank God for the gift of the conveniences of basic needs like food and water.
At the root of our desire to gain more money or possessions is a misunderstanding of what we truly need. God cares too much about us to give us everything we want, but loves us immensely and will meet our needs. We need to continually be thankful for the immeasurable love He bestows upon us through the various facets of our lives.
âHe that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.â (Matthew 10:41)
As a way of recap, to walk in the anointing, we need to sustain the consciousness that we have the Holy Spirit, speak faith filled words only and not fear, yield to the Holy Spirit and finally honour those who carry the anointing. Trust me, walking in the anointing is the most beautiful thing to behold and appreciate. It makes you feel special indeed. In fact, it lets men know you have been set apart. In other words, you are not ordinary. When you start doing what ordinary men donât do know that the oil is upon you irrespective of whether you physically feel it or not. We are simply different and therefore react to the anointing differently.
To honour someone means to regard or treat (someone) with admiration and respect.
In the Yoruba land, when men want to greet an elderly or revered person they prostrate before them and thatâs a sign of honour for them. Some even sustain that position even before fetish priests or worshippers of the devil. We are not here to judge them but the question is why do we Christians complain when people honour men of God in the same fashion? Iâm personally not for that kind of honour but if people do it because they are honoring the Lord through His vessel( the man of God) and not the man thatâs fine. As soon as some of us see that, we start making comments like âis he God? Why should I kneel down before a man like meâ. Such statements are products of lack of spiritual understanding and may attract the anger of the Lord. But like I said, if you kneel down on your own and honestly to honour the man of God, you can quickly receive a portion of his anointing. Let me strike a balance here, this does not mean we should go about telling people to kneel down before us. Children of God are not our slaves; they are precious in the sight of the Lord like we ourselves.
Psalms 5:7 âI will come into your house; I will prostrate myself toward your holy temple in your fearâ. So you see? The honour is always unto God and not man in our kingdom. No man should be the focus of worship but men donât see God thatâs why when they kneel down they honour God through His servant that they see.
To honour someone too could mean to recognize the grace of God upon a life and treat the fellow as such.
The opening scripture says â he that receives a prophet in the name of a prophet receives a prophetâs reward and he that receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous personâs rewardâ. When you see a prophet or a man of God, and you receive him as such you shall receive a reward that comes from the office of the prophet and same for a righteous person. Itâs a spiritual principle. One of the rewards that comes from a prophet is the anointing. What a prophet got over years of commitment, consecration, fasting and prayers can be transferred to you in a second if you honour him. 2 Kings 4:8-18 CEV
Once, while Elisha was in the town of Shunem, he met a rich woman who invited him to her home for dinner. After that, whenever he was in Shunem, he would have a meal there with her and her husband. Some time later the woman said to her husband, âI’m sure the man who comes here so often is a prophet of God. Why don’t we build him a small room on the flat roof of our house? We can put a bed, a table and chair, and an oil lamp in it. Then whenever he comes, he can stay with us.â The next time Elisha was in Shunem, he stopped at their house and went up to his room to rest. He said to his servant Gehazi, âThis woman has been very helpful. Have her come up here to the roof for a moment.â She came, and Elisha told Gehazi to say to her, âYou’ve gone to a lot of trouble for us, and we want to help you. Is there something we can request the king or army commander to do?â The woman answered, âWith my relatives nearby, I have everything I need.â âThen what can we do for her?â Elisha asked Gehazi. Gehazi replied, âI do know that her husband is old, and that she doesn’t have a son.â âAsk her to come here again,â Elisha told his servant. He called for her, and she came and stood in the doorway of Elisha’s room. Elisha said to her, âNext year at this time, you’ll be holding your own baby son in your arms.â âYou’re a man of God,â the woman replied. âPlease don’t lie to me.â But a few months later, the woman got pregnant. She gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had promised.â
The woman did not only receive the anointing from Elisha but she walked in it. How? She miraculously received a child from the prophet and the child lived for sometime before he was attacked and was brought back to life by the same prophet. The woman obviously did something to walk in the anointing. She discerned Elisha was a servant of God and therefore got him a room with a bed. You may not provide a room but do something else in your capacity and when your miracle comes it will be permanent for Ecclesiastes 3:14-17 King James Version (KJV) says âI know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.â And thatâs walking in the anointing and itâs also honour!
In our dispensation, we hardly come to the aid of pastors because of the proliferation of the bad ones. But beloved, listen, there canât be bad ones without genuine ones. We shouldnât let the bad ones prevent us from walking in the anointing in these last days. As believers we are filled with Godâs Spirit and can equally discern the good ones from the bad ones. What have you done to your own man of God this very year? What have you done to believers who carry a level of grace that is lacking in your life to walk in their grace? Your may not want a child but a husband or something else. Learn to honour those who deserve to be honored.
Unfortunately, young people of this century are full of disobedience and dishonor. We donât realize thereâs a difference between us and those who are really anointed to effect changes in lifeâs or fulfill Godâs eternal purposes on earth. We feel we are the same and thatâs why we fall and rise up under the anointing in churches only to realize that nothing has changed in our lives.
Apostle Johnson Suleman said âat salvation we are the same but in terms of relationships or grace we are not the same. We maybe classmates, roommates, course mates, or area mates but certainly not grace matesâ. This is absolutely true! People who live in darkness, understand the principle of honor better than us. Even in the cooperate world, workers know thereâs a hierarchy that must be respected at all times.
If you are fond of insulting men of God or gossiping about them, forget the anointing. You should not be the first to go on social media and abuse men of God! Itâs bad! No matter what the man of God did. We didnât call him. God did so letâs allow God to deal with him instead of raining insults on him publicly. Muslims never do that when their religious leaders go wrong. Does it mean their leaders donât fall? They do but Muslims reverence their leaders with understanding and love and have a wise way of dealing with them if they go wrong. You never see them coming on social media to insult their leaders! No way! But as for us we do it and feel itâs right and allow other people to join us to disgrace our own.
Brethren, âif a man be overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be temptedâ – Galatians 6:1. What if you too fall, would you be happy if you are treated the way you treat others? Remember the anointing may still be on a man of God when he even falls and that man may go before God with a penitent heart and God will forgive him and you will still be there judging him without knowing God has forgiven him? And since you dishonor him, you did honour God and cannot receive anything from him let alone walk in the anointing. See, the anointing sees beyond the scope of the physical. When you insult someone , you use unkind words on him and those connected to him. Aaron and Miriam dishonored the anointing upon Moses by criticizing his choice of a life partner. Numbers 12: 1-2 says âAnd Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. Notice, the kind of woman Moses chose was not the required choice and the people were right by talking but was that their business? No! When a man of God makes a mistake in his life or ministry the best thing we can do for them is to pray for them or speak to them through their spiritual fathers if we lack the confidence or maturity to approach them directly and speak to them politely.
When they made that statement against Moses, God did not only afflict Miriam with leprosy but also took the anointing upon their lives and transferred it to Joshua and Caleb who were not supposed to carry it. God did that because Joshua and Caleb were good servants of the Lord, they honored Moses.
You could also honour a chosen vessel through service. And by so doing you would walk in the anointing that that person walks in. So, when I talk about service here itâs not limited to the church though the church maybe our focal point. Elisha served Elijah wholeheartedly and walked in Elijahâs anointing. Elisha even did more miracles than Elijah as a result thatâs theologically speaking.
Service is the action of helping or doing work for someone. Remember, service is another shade of honour.
In some cases the one you maybe assisting maybe younger or less educated that you. But if you really came to serve, those differences wouldnât matter to you. King Josiah was eight years old when he became king. He was king for 31 years in Jerusalem. He lived in a way that pleased the LORD, always doing what was right, as his ancestor David had done. An eight year old child? How would you feel to be his servant? What would happen to you if you did serve him? The grace upon him will come upon you and you would walk in the kingship anointing. Yeah, itâs true. You may have been a waiting mother for sometime. You may have prayed for sometime and fasted to no avail. The answer to your prayer could be in the service you render to that poor woman who has eight godly children that she raised alone. Why donât you connect? Go to her, help her cook, wash her dishes constantly and let her pray for you for she has the anointing you have. You can also walk in it only if you serve her no matter your social status, age or educational background. Donât be proud!
You donât know how to cook? Go to those who are good at it and serve them and through that you will walk in their culinary anointing. Itâs simple.
To get some answers from God, He himself says in Exodus 23:25 -26 “So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you; and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. Thatâs the power of service! Serve God and if he touches you with healing he wonât only heal you but also make you an agent of healing for your generation. Itâs a spiritual principle.
As you sustain the consciousness you have the Holy Spirit, speak faith-filled words, yield to the Holy Spirit, honour carriers of the anointing, I declare you too will walk in the anointing. It will be a daily experience for you and as a result you will not stop where your parents or relatives stopped in life and destiny. You will go beyond their limits in the name of Jesus.
Exodus 31:2-5, âThen the Lord said to Moses, 2 âSee, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skillsâ 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.
From the above scripture, we learn Bezalel was filled with the Spirit ( anointed ) of God to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of crafts. What do we learn here precious ones? The anointing is not only used in church. Each anointing is meant for a different assignment at a given time. For Bezalel, his was to be used to build the temple of God aesthetically. In fact, his anointing was so unique that it gave the temple a unique image or picture. Thatâs the anointing for you.
Once you see a unique fashion designer or interior decorator whoâs always sought after know that their services are not only sought on the platform of their skills but also on the platform of the anointing that is not visible in their field of work like in church.
Mary conceived supernaturally via the power of the Spirit. You too will conceive supernaturally despite the doctorâs report in the name of Jesus!
When the anointing came upon the prophets of old they said â âŚand the spirit came upon meâ. May that anointing rest upon you and all yours now in the name of Jesus!
In our previous lesson ( part 1), we learnt that to manifest the anointing in all our endeavors we should sustain the consciousness that we have the Holy Spirit. This is done by asking the Spirit to come into our life and by speaking faith-filled words to our seemingly insurmountable situations believing He hears us and will act accordingly for when God said âlet there be lightâ, that declaration was made in faith and the Spirit immediately caused light to appear.
To walk in the Spirit, we have to yield to the Spirit of the Living God. We do this by continually obeying Him. This is because the Spirit is neither an influence nor a power. Heâs not also fire, water or a dove but can manifest Himself in those forms. Heâs actually a personality with emotions for the Scripture says â and grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption ( Ephesians 4:30). Do we grieve a force or an influence? I guess you know the answer! We grieve only persons or personalities. If the Spirit for instance tells you to sell â waakyeâ instead of going to work in a company even though you are a Masterâs degree holder and you are like â how can an educated person like me stoop so low and sell that food when I have a better option to work in a reputable company, you have grieved Him and He will leave you without you knowing heâs gone.
In the âwaakyeâ business could be your fianancial freedom that would eventually make you the talk of town. Could this disobedience be the reason why some of us left Africa our place of destiny for Europe or America for greener pastures when God repeatedly told us we were not destined to be there or vice versa? Itâs not everyone who is destined to be in Europe or America or Africa to succeed. With God, location doesnât always determine your place of destiny. In fact if you obey the Spirit wherever you go you will be a blessing like Isaac when he was in the land of the Philistines. Success is not in a place but in a person who happens to be the Spirit. If He guides you and you obey you are good to go.
You could be praying and all of a sudden, the Spirit tells you to â praise Himâ and you open your mouth and you are like â what difference does it makeâ? Brother, you would not be able to walk in the anointing that way. This is because you may have prayed for years one a situation and now the Spirit who knows everything is telling you to âsingâ to bring an end to that long standing affliction and you disobey. Is praying good? Absolutely! But when He talks, obey! It was songs that were used to break the walls of Jericho. He gives different strategies to different people for different situations. Donât be religious but spiritual because we walk by faith (spirit) and not by sight (customs, rituals, emotions etc..)
When he wakes you up at midnight no matter how tired you are begin worshiping Him and later zoom into tongues and change things in your life, destiny or family.
Under the leading of the Spirit, Apostle Smith Wigglesworth of blessed memory could punch cancer patients at the spot they were really hurting. And as they received the heavy and violent punch they felt the pain and the cancer leave them immediately. Critics criticized him and wondered why he sometimes operated that way instead of doing the usual which is laying hands on the sick to get them healed. But His master led him in different fashion. For some, we blow air on them, for some we lay hands, for some we ask them to honour some scripture led directives and they are free because we are spoken to by the Spirit and as we obey results follow.
Sharpen your spiritual antennas by speaking consistently in tongues, dwelling on the scriptures, and listening to spirit filled messages. You will eventually hear him if He speaks to you and you too will walk in the anointing even though you are not a pastor. Would you pay the price?
Luke 10:38, â How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.â
From the above scripture, we notice that the purpose of the anointing upon and in the life of Jesus Christ was to do good. By reason of the anointing of God, I declare and decree be losed from all forms of oppression, doors be open unto you, ancient altars catch fire. Be freed in the matchless name of Jesus.
Anything that comes from God to bless and turn lives around is termed as grace. In others words, favour, mercy, honour among others without forgetting the topic in question which is the anointing can also be called grace. The anointing can be termed as divine fragrance or person upon and in the life of an individual. When this grace is upon you, you get married without courting or dating for 6 months. You just attract people decently and not indecently. You may wear a casual dress and not look fashionable and a young man filled with the same spirit can just see you and say â young woman, I want to marry youâ. I know you donât believe what Iâm saying but itâs true. What do you think made the king fall in love with Esther upon seeing her? My dear friend, what attracted the king was beyond beauty. Esther was anointed with an extraordinary grace that made her find favour before the king. Itâs called the anointing. You are not just anointed by you will learn through this platform how to walk in the anointing and accomplish great feats in life and destiny in the name of Jesus.
Pastor Benny Hinn calls the anointing a heavenly commodity. This is because, the source of this blessing is not earthly but heavenly. Itâs not the prerogative of only the 5-fold ministry; itâs actually for all believers. These gifts are given by God Almighty to men to fulfill Godâs mandate in the earth realm. The oil comes from heaven above and not from the hands of men (though it can be transferred from one person to another) because the source is Jehovah.
However, every believer is anointed when they get born again. God comes and makes His home on the inside of us. The scripture says, âTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.â
(II Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJ)
You are set apart. The Holy Spirit comes to live on the inside of you and the anointing of the Holy Ghost becomes available to you. You have the ministry of reconciliation â to tell others about Jesus.
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. (I John 2:20 & 27 NKJ)
Beloved, the anointing is in levels. The dose of the power differs from individual to individual because of either their calling, their service or their hunger for more. Yes, itâs true. Matthew 7:7-8 says â Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.â Unfortunately, most of us have never asked the Lord to increase the anointing in us because we are either ignorant of this reality or are satisfied with our current levels. Remember, God anoints us for different assignments. You may not be a pastor but for you to stand out among your peers you need the anointing. Hear God on this truth âYou have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.â – Hebrews 1:9. Doing that which is expected of you as a Christian can attract the anointing of distinction upon your life and thatâs exactly what the scripture above communicated.
To be sought after by all men or look special in this world, brother you need to be assisted by a spirit and that Spirit for believers is the Holy Spirit; heâs the author of the anointing. You want to be a great musician, medical doctor, judge, fashion designer, mason etc? Aside your certificates, your intelligence, your contacts, you need this grace called anointing trust me. Without it, you may seek help outside Jesus to make it but hear me you will pay for that demonic help with your life and that of your generation. Receive help from God and be happy for thereâs nothing good in the devil.
On the other hand, the anointing can also be utilized to destroy yokes, heal, deliver or do extraordinary on earth. Precious ones, receiving and walking in the anointing are two different things.
To walk in the anointing, you have to sustain the consciousness you have the Holy Spirit. In prayer, you may say something like â I love you Holy Spirt, Iâm sorry I neglected you for sometime, come and brood on my spirit, soul and body by your mercy, come into my life, let a fresh oil from you come upon me please. You donât need to fall down or feel something to prove that Heâs with you for we walk by faith and not by sight, the Bible says.
Declare dailyâ I have an excellent Spirit, the anointing of God is in and upon me, Iâm heavily anointed, Iâm the best and of God, nothing happens to me but I make things happen, my food, clothes or anything I touch is anointed, my presence anywhere in this world comes with the anointing. In addition to my job, training, thereâs an anointing upon me. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and if He dwells in my body which is His, cancer, fibroid, growth, diabetes, organ infections you cannot kill me but rather you die in the name of Jesus.
What consciousness do you move with at your place of work, in your area or in your family. If you know the Holy Spirit is with you, you will not talk like people of the world. You got to speak faith – filled words. Job 22:29 â when men are cast down, then thou shall say, thereâs a lifting up; and he shall save the humble person â. You see, when men are cast down, YOU ( the believer) and not someone else shall say thereâs a lifting up. â Even though Iâm unemployed now, I declare and declare Iâm an employer of labourâ thatâs what you may be saying when people say negative things. Unbelievers may mock you when you speak like God even when you are confronted with seemingly insurmountable mountains, if you are consistent in what you say and believe it, very soon your declarations will put on flesh. These kinds of talk make the Spirit work on your behalf. Sometimes in meetings, we donât hear directly or see from God but when we speak things happen because we know we are not alone and that God comfirms the words of His servant.
Unbelievers donât know this reality unfortunately and thatâs why they allow the devil to torment and attack them daily. Donât live a defeated life for life and death are in the power of the tongue. A broke child of God just finished fasting and when he came out, they brought him a lady who could not even stand on her feet because of cancer. She was told by doctors in the UK to come home and die. As soon as the servant of God saw her he screamed â cancer die in the name of Jesusâ. Immediately the lady stood up and after one week hair that was disappearing from her head as a sign of the presence of cancer starting growing miraculously. Guess what happened to that dear man of God! New house in a prime area , latest car and of course cash were giving to him by the lady to thank him. How did the blessing come about, the pastor was conscious of the presence of Spirit that causes the anointing to work and he spoke in faith and the miracle took place. You can do the same thing if you donât grieve the Spirit. Learn to please him at all times and his anointing in and upon your life will work.
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
Humility is a key:
1. Because it opens the door to salvation
âFor I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, âThe just shall live by faith.ââ Romans 1:16-17 NKJV
When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. Job 22:29
2. Because it opens the door to healing.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
In 2 Kings 5:1-19, Naaman was sent to Elisha, a mighty prophet of God in Israel to be supernaturally healed. Instead of Elisha coming to the door to greet Naaman, he sent a messenger to him saying, âGo and wash in the Jordan River seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you shall be clean.â
3. Because it opens the door to the riches and honour.
âBy humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life.â Proverbs 22:4 NKJV
4. Because it opens the door to the Grace of God
âFor I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.â Romans 12:3 NKJV
âBut He gives more grace. Therefore He says: âGod resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.â Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.â James 4:6-7 NKJV
5. Because it opens the door to the anointing:
To humbly be a servant
To humbly receive someone as a father
To humbly learn from another
To humbly listen to a man of God
Four Enemies of Humility
1. Having a wrong mind
Types of Wrong Minds:
High-mindedness
A mind that you are being cheated
A mind that you are forgotten, and must be remembered
A mind that ‘I’m not noticed, I must be noticed’.
âLet this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV
2. Holding on to your good reputation in any field
This makes you want to fight to keep a good reputation which you may have to lose for Christ’s sake.
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:7
3. Not accepting to be a servant
âYou should think about things in the same way that Christ Jesus thought: Christ had the same nature as God. He was completely equal with God. But he did not try to keep hold of that. Instead, he chose to leave heaven. He took for himself the nature of a slave. He became like a human. Philippians 2:5-7 EASY
4. Not accepting that you are a mere human
âAnd when he lived as a man, he made himself even less important. He obeyed God completely, so that he died. He even died on a cross! Because of that, God then raised Jesus Christ to the most important place. God gave him the name that is greater than every other name.â Philippians 2:8-9 EASY
May we always remember that we are mere mortals whose main purpose is to accomplish the divine will of God. May we never be too proud to recognize Godâs sovereignty and submit to Him at all times. The Lord bless us and keep us and make His face to shine upon us and be gracious to us in Jesusâ precious Name.
ââAnd to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, âThese things says He who is holy, He who is true, âHe who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opensâ: âI know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lieâindeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.â
A door is an access point that leads somewhere.
There are certain works that open doors
The scriptures talk about two types of works.
A. Good works
B. Dead works/ works of the flesh (Gal 5:17)
Emphasis on good works. What does the Bible say about good works.
1. Our pattern for good works
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38-44 NKJV
2. A new identity that brings forth good works
Ephesians 2:10 reads âFor we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
3. Good works for kingdom for kingdom advancement.
And purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.â Titus 2:14.
In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works.â Titus 2:6-8â
To obey, to be ready for every good work.â Titus 3:1.
That those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.â Titus 3:8
Psalms 11:7 The Lord is righteous and loves good deeds; those who do them will live in his presence.
Galatians 6:9 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
B. Dead works of works of the flesh
Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV
âNow the works of the flesh are evident, which are:
adultery
fornication
uncleanness -(, to be defiled, polluted, unhealthy, or unfit, moral, sexual impurity)
lewdness, – (Lewd people have unbridled lusts and little sense of shame. They are outrageous in their shamelessness and give themselves to debauchery in a brazen way (Ephesians 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3). âLewdnessâ is reckless sinning. It does not care what God or people think.)
idolatry – replacing God with other things -money, idols, people âŚ
sorcery- the use of magic, especially black magic.
hatred
contentions – argumentative
jealousies
outbursts of wrath,
selfish ambitions,
dissensions – disagreement that leads to discord
heresies – belief or opinion contrary to orthodox (especially Christian) doctrine
envy
murders
drunkenness
revelries – Revelry is a wild, fun time.
and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.â
Gates or doors and what they respond to:
1. Identity (who we are)
âLift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.â Psalms 24:7-8 NKJV
âTherefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.â Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV
All things respond to the Name of Jesus including gates and doors.
âSet your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:2-4 NKJV
Because we are hidden in Christ Jesus, doors will be accessible to us.
2. Gates and doors respond to Praise of the saints (Paul and Silas)
âBut at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyoneâs chains were loosed.â Acts 16:25-26 NKJV
3. Prayer (Peter and the angel)
âPeter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, âArise quickly!â And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, âGird yourself and tie on your sandalsâ; and so he did. And he said to him, âPut on your garment and follow me.â So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, âNow I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.ââ Acts 12:5-11 NKJV
As you tarry in prayer may the angel of God that was sent to Peter appear to loose every bonds of bondage and cause every prison do to open to set you free.
Righteousness is a gift of God at salvation. A gift is freely given. The delusion is that many have received this gift and yet walk by their own leadings and direction.
To walk in righteousness requires many virtues including
Faith
1. the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.
2. And Abraham had faith towards God and it was accounted to him for righteousness .
Humility, patience, love, kindness, joyâŚ
A lack of humility results in pride in all cases.
1. Pride is a deadly evil that affects humans.
2. It is an invisible evil that has started more quarrels and more wars than you could ever imagine.
3. Pride is the reason for the conflicts and the confusion in our world. We are desperately in need of a formula for humility that will deliver us from “those who are proud.”
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Proverbs 13:10
Many problems in the world now are because of pride. Satan is the one who inspires pride, arrogance, and conflict .
All who walk by pride walk under the influence of satan. Job 41:34
⌠he (satan) is a king over all the children of pride.
In the church all the problems in the church are due to pride and high mindedness. Disloyalty is caused by pride.
Satan inspired 1/3 of the host of heaven to rebel against God. And he is still doing the same thing now on earth. He said i will arise and displace the one who sits on the throne, i will replace the almighty God, i will be like the most high.
Symptoms of pride
Full of self-importance
Self -conceit
Delusion of self worth ( it takes about 10 years to completely unravel and destroy those who believe in them)
Unthankful / ingratitude 2 Timothy 3:1-5
âThis know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.â 2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James4:10
Seven Reasons why you must be humble (James 4:6)
1. Humble yourself because God resists proud people.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, but giveth grace unto the humble. Pride is so contrary to God that He has declared war on all who are proud. When you become proud, God will become your enemy and oppose you in all that you do.
People who have become proud do not realize that God has begun to oppose them. Satan goes on holiday. Often they make the mistake of rebuking satan. By being proud you make God Almighty your enemy because He resists the proud. Do u want God to be your enemy? Then be humble.
2. Humble yourself because God gives grace to the humble. James 4;6
⌠God gives grace to the humbleâŚ
Amazingly, God gives underserving help to humble people
Grace is underserved help and favor
Think of all the undeserving help you can receive in your life if you walk the paths of humility. Then humble yourself.
Do u need undeserving help in your finances then humble yourself.
3. Humble yourself because through that you will be lifted up to the next level in life.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the lord, and He shall lift you up. James 4:10
The next important reason for you to be humble is for promotion. If you want to be promoted then humble yourself. You will find yourself rising out of your current level into heights you never dreamed off. 1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God and HE MAY EXALT YOU IN DUE TIME. Exaltation is to be gloriously lifted up into beauty and shining excellence. Humility is the key.
4. Humble yourself so that you will be covered and protected. 1 Peter 5:5
âLikewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for âGod resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.ââ
Humility is not just an attitude
Humility is a spiritual covering
Humility is not just a poor and simple way of living
Humility is not being timid
It protects us from many unseen spiritual dangers.
5. Humble yourself because your pride is a signal for your soon to come destruction, your fall and your shame. Proverbs 29:23
âA manâs pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.â Proverbs 16:18-19 NKJV
âPride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.â Proverbs 11:12
âWhen pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.â Proverbs 11:2 NKJV
In conclusion, it is in our own interest as children to maintain an attitude of humility if we want to fulfill the will and purpose of our God. Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV
âTherefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.â
âCome to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.ââ Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
âFor we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
The darkness of this world is the home of evil spirits. Darkness speaks of the environment in which evil flourishes. Satan rules in the darkness of this world. Deception is a type of spiritual darkness. This is because the environment of deception is the breeding ground for evil spirits.
Darkness is simply the atmosphere of deception under which Satan operates. Our defeated foe flourishes in the deepest darkness. He stands no chance when we come out into the light. This is why Satan hates the Word of God so much. Jesus is the Light that destroys Satan’s influence over men.He is the Word of God. The Word of God is a light that shines in the darkness. Demon activity is greatly reduced where the Word of God is taught. That is why it is essential to be constantly nourished by the word of God through sermons and personal Bible study.
âAnd the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.â John 1:5 NKJV
The power of Satan against the church can be likened to several wars and confticts in the world today. When a super-power fights against an inferior army, the weaker side often knows that he Does not stand a chance in open conventional warfare. Therefore, he hides and fights from a position of secrecy, deception and darkness. This often results in guerilla warfare and terrorist activities.
For instance, the army of Israel is far more superior to the armies of the Palestinians; the Palestinians do not stand a chance against the military might of Israel. Israel is even said to be a nuclear power. Because Palestine does not stand a chance, they resort to surprise suicide attacks and terrorist activities. Hijacking planes and killing members of the Olympic squad of the Israelis are just a few examples of the kind of warfare that the weaker army engages in.
Terrorist attacks like the one on September 11 are other examples of a weaker and smaller army fighting against a gigantic force. Similarly, the army of demons arrayed against the church,is no match for the power of God. The weapons of our warfare are mighty.
âFor the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,â II Corinthians 10:4 NKJV
Satan trembles at the mention of the name of Jesus. Demons shiver when we sing about the blood. When they see the blood, they pass over. The Word of God is a mighty sword, which slices fallen angels and evil spirits into shreds. In the realm of the spirit, we are a nuclear power fighting against an army of natives brandishing swords.
Because the devil has no chance against us, the mainstay of his operations is through deceptive tricks. The Bible calls these “the wiles of the devil”. Our greatest effort therefore must be to uncover the tricks and the traps of our illusive enemy.
Believe it or not, one of the most successful tricks of the enemy is to make people believe that the devil does not exist. This amazing lie is so successful that the devil has used it on multitudes of unsuspecting Europeans. Most European nations are plagued with hordes and hordes of demons. The neat pavements and quaint roads with perfectly arranged buildings will deceive the unspiritual into thinking that all is well. I believe that Europe is the darkest continent on this planet. It contains the most immoral, and godless communities on earth. The devil is very successful in Europe because he has convinced them that he does not exist. Through this powerful deception, Sodom and Gomorrah have been recreated.
The more our eyes are opened spiritually, the more the wiles of the devil will be exposed. It is only the power of Christ that has the authority to confront demonic activity. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today. What makes Him the same yesterday, today and forever? The answer is simple. He does the same things today that He used to do years ago. Years ago, He healed the sick and cast out devils. Today, He still heals the sick and casts out devils. Years ago, He visited people’s homes and blessed them. Today, He still visits our homes and blesses us. He raised the dead two thousand years ago and is still raising the dead in today’s world. He is the same.
Accept it! Believe it today. Jesus is alive and He is stretching out His hand to minister to you now. He has not changed at all. He loves to do the things He used to do. That is a hallmark of the ministry of Christ. I have personally seen the Lord Jesus healing the sick and casting out devils today. He has not changed. Do not let the devil deceive you. The things you read in the Bible are real and are still happening Bible is one of the highest kinds of deceptions is to think that the Bible is just a history book describing the miracles of a Jewish zealot who is not relevant. this modern, computerized society.
There are still mad men like the mad man of Gadara and Jesus still heals such people. There are still many epileptics, who convulse and foam at the mouth. The power of Jesus still heals such people. There are still many, many women with gynecological problems like the woman with the issue of blood Jesus still heals such gynaecological diseases. There are many blind people in the world today. There are now schools for the blind. Christ Jesus opens blind eyes today. I have seen blind people receiving their sight in my ministry. There are many lame people in the world. Jesus is still healing such people.
Is it not amazing to note that the problems are still the same? The plagues that confronted humanity two thousand years ago are still the same. In spite of medical advances, these problems do not seem to go away. It is comforting to know that Jesus is still a healing Jesus. As you read this book you can expect the power of Christ to confront the evil powers of Satan in your life.
How does Jesus heal today? He heals today through His body. He is the head and the church is the Body of Christ. No matter what the good intentions of the head are, He needs the cooperation of the hands to do His works. Your head may decide, “I am going to read this book,” but it is your hands that will be used to lift the book up. Without the hands doing their part, the good intentions of the head cannot be realized. That is why the church must have healing and casting out of devils as a principal activity that goes on alongside preaching.
We are the hands and the feet of Jesus today. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Allow Him into your life right now to heal you, to touch you and to set you free.
With Love, Esinam.
(Excerpts from Demons, by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills)
Itâs in our human nature to rather not wait. Being in a queue is probably one of the most undesirable forms of waiting. It is even more painful when after hours of waiting for your turn youâre told to come at another date.
As children of God, even waiting on God can be such a daunting and unpleasant experience. We oftentimes wish that as soon as we make a request it is granted. But God has His way of doing things. His ways are not our ways.
ââAnd now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good? Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it.â Deuteronomy 10:12-14 NKJV
The Lord requires us to fear Him and follow His ways, obeying His commandments with all our heart and soul. The heavens and the earth belong to our a father and when we follow His ways we delight him and then He blessing us with the good things that pertain to life and godliness.
âHe made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.â ⌠âBut the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to childrenâs children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.â Psalms 103:7, 17-18 NKJV
Godâs ways are what He likes, what He desires of us. You ought to always ask Him to show you His ways so that you can prosper and flourish in Him.
âNow therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.ââExodus 33:13 NKJV
You can discover the ways of God through prayer. This type of prayer is not just to seek our own but to seek His will. This is not the I like it, I want it, I need it so give it to me kind of prayer. Some even quite scripture and will be decreeing and declaring that God should give them what they deserve. Rather this is a prayer of humility.
ââBecause you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you.â Deuteronomy 28:47-48 NKJV
Reasons why you canât wait on God:
1. You canât pray on your own. Now many only rely on corporate prayers, especially those held online. Barring that, they have no personal prayer life.
2. You have no stamina for spiritual things. You see it as a chore and easily get bored or tired.
3. You are intelligent but not spiritual.
4. You have no time to pray because you are always busy doing other things.
5. You donât have anywhere to wait on God. âAnd Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.â John 18:2 NKJV. Our Lord Jesus had a special place He dedicated to prayer.
6. You donât know how to wait on God.
7. You donât know the implications of not waiting on God.
âFor since the beginning of the world Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him.â Isaiah 64:4 NKJV
Learn to wait on God and follow His ways. And while you wait, serve. And while you serve, rejoice. May God grant us the grace to flow in Him. Stay blessed.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.â Matthew 13:47-50
Fishing was a main occupation of these times and commercial fishermen would use large nets to harvest fish for selling at the market. The dragnet was the largest of nets weighted below and with corks on top. It covered about half a mile of water and picked up everything in its path.
In the parable the net is full and taken to shore where the fishermen would begin separating the edible, saleable fish from the worthless fish. The edible would be placed in containers to keep fresh in order to transport. The inedible were simply thrown away. The people of Jesus’ day, especially around Galilee, had seen this happen all of their lives.
In this parable Jesus goes ahead and actually takes the comparison one step further in order to reveal the similarities that exist in the spiritual realm.
He explains that this parable points to the end of the world and a time of judgement. Since He said that the kingdom is like a net thrown out to catch fish, the judgement here refers to the people, who are in the kingdom, the ones who have been taken in the net.
â We know that the “net” is the gospel, which is cast out into the world bringing in all kinds of fish (people) into the kingdom.
â Jesus says that at the end of the world the angels will separate the true disciples (good fish) from the false disciples (bad fish).
â Angels do this â Matthew 25:32. The good go into the containers (the many rooms of the Father’s house), the bad will be thrown away (into the darkness with bitter weeping).
This parable about the kingdom teaches some very different lessons than the one regarding leaven. They do not contradict each other; they complement each other by adding more detail.
From the dragnet parable we learn:
1. All kinds of people are brought into the kingdom. We know now that the gospel is the means to draw all people into God’s kingdom.
2. There is good and bad in the kingdom. People say, “I’m not going to that church because there are hypocrites there.” They think that the true church is the perfect church. Jesus teaches that all kinds of people find their way into the kingdom – for a while. The net brings all in. The requirements to be a member of the church allow for even insincere or evil people to be included if they want to. We ought not to be surprised or discouraged when we see someone naming the name of Christ but not acting like a Christian – Jesus said this would be normal. Work out your own salvation
3. The kingdom will be purified. When Jesus returns, not only sinners and disbelievers will be judged. God, through His angels, will remove all those from the church who don’t belong there. We can fool society, we can fool the brethren, we can even fool ourselves – but we cannot fool God. God knows who are the true disciples and He will keep only these in the end. Of course, this is a warning to everyone at various levels:
A. For those who are not in the kingdom. Jesus spoke this parable, not to disciples, but to the crowds who came to hear Him speak. He made it clear to all that there was to be a dividing line between those who were in and those who were out (not all the fish in the sea were in the net).
Christianity is both inclusive and tolerant. Anyone can become a Christian and all Christians are to be patient and loving even in the face of another’s weakness. But Christianity has boundaries set by God (the One who is allowed to do so and whose boundaries are always right and just). For example, God is the one who set the boundaries for marriage (Genesis 2:24) and no human court (e.g. U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage) can overturn His decision. Christians simply reflect what those boundaries are, they don’t invent them!
Another set of boundaries set by God can be seen in the gospel message itself:
⢠If you believe and respond to it in faith – you’re in the kingdom.
⢠If you disbelieve or refuse to respond – you’re out of the kingdom.
He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Mark 16:16
This is not intolerance or bigotry, it is God’s boundary and those who follow Him also hold to the boundary He has established. Jesus demonstrates the idea of boundary in this parable; some are in the net, others are not. It is possible therefore to be left out if we so choose. Another warning:
B. Those in the kingdom. To those in the kingdom, but there in name only not in the Spirit (I.e. I’m a Christian but bear no fruit). Jesus warns these that they will not escape judgement. Some people think they can hide in the church. They believe that they can have just enough religion to keep them saved while still enjoying the world. This parable warns that there will be a sorting out within the kingdom in order to clean out the hypocrites and the dead wood. Jesus wants to offer God a “living” church, a kingdom alive in Christ when He comes. For this reason, those who are really of this world and insincere in their Christianity will be removed.
Finally, a word of encouragement:
C. To the true citizens of the kingdom. For those who know Christ; obey Christ; trust completely in Him; are faithful to the kingdom; growing in the kingdom – there is the promise of a better place. They will be kept for rooms in the mansion of the Father. Each of us has to determine where we are and where we need to be – this is the invitation or message of this parable.
⢠For some it may be the initial step of repentance and baptism to enter into the kingdom.
⢠For others it may be a recommitment and renewal to a deeper and more faithful discipleship with God to remain in the Kingdom.
⢠For most, this parable should be an encouragement to continue following the Lord as they have been; knowing that the reward is sure because the Lord who promises it is faithful to the citizens of the kingdom.
May the Lord grant us the grace to heed to His word and strive to be members of His kingdom.
Acts 22:15: For you are to be His witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heardâ.
The question is what have you personally seen or heard? Itâs good to have information on someone or something through another person or materials but itâs better to be the principal witness of an event or of a person or an entity.
Thank you Holy Spirit for this song, âMy prayer everyday, Father donât let them ask, donât let them ask where is my God.
My hope and trust are in you. My life is full of your glory so donât let them ask where is my God. Those who cast their cares on you shall never be forsaken. Donât let them ask where is my God?
A witness is not only a proof producer, a martyr or a preacher. He is also someone who dominates or takes over a field or department of life.
Genesis 1: 28 says â and God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Godâs plan for man before his fall was for him to have total control or dominion over every creature of the air, water and land. Thatâs what we call dominion but sin prevented man from fulfilling that plan but through the sacrifice Jesus made for us whatever we lost has been restored to us. We can only have access to this blessing when we wake up from our slumber and become aware of who we are in Christ and act accordingly.
In the area of football, we hear some names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, MbappĂŠ among others. These men dominate the world of football. Are they Christians? Itâs believed Ronaldo and Messi have Catholic backgrounds meaning they are Christians. For MbappĂŠ, even though he has refused to personally talk about his faith in public, itâs alleged he attends Muslimsâ Friday prayer meetings regularly. Whether the three of them are devout Christians or not, I canât confirm for now but the truth is that they are productive in their fields. People look up to them so they are multiplying themselves by pouring their spirits into young ones. In fact, they are the major voices in world football. What are you doing, believer filled with the Spirit of God? How different are these footballers from you? How many Christians are influential in your respective areas of callings? Why must it always be our brothers and sisters Muslims and other wonderful people from other religions?
Anywhere Muslims go, they insist on occupying positions of leadership like â chief of staff, Inspector General of Police, great businessmen among others. They do this because of their mentality. They donât see themselves as inferior people. Dangote has dominated the cement industry and we Christians are excited we work for such men. You may work for them for sometime but donât remain there forever. Think on how you will own your properties and become an influential person like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Philip took over Samaria as a deacon and not a pastor. Do you understand? Your uncle or boss can be used by God to bless you but look up to Jesus Himself. If He lifts you up, no man can bring you down.
You can start your own business, bank, estates, school or hospital. Believe you can do that. You represent a greater kingdom and the King of that kingdom is Jesus your Father. Whatâs impossible for Him? âBehold, Iâm the God of all flesh, is there anything too hard for me? – Jeremiah 32: 27,â the word of God confirms.
How long shall we sit down and always wait for those in the world to dictate to us? When you are going out, have the mentality of a royal, dress well and represent your God. One of the reasons why I love Apostle Johnson Suleman is because, anytime he goes out to preach in Europe or any other part of the world, he dresses smartly and commands the respect of his audience. Thatâs a kingdom envoy.
To become a force that dominates, you have to also believe in yourself and in God. If you believe Jesus became poor for you to become rich, you will then have to start working, pay your tithes, save and multiply your streams of income. If you do this, a time will come, you will have a big shop, employ others to help you and because of your dedication to work and diligence, people will hear of you. Your name will become a household name and thatâs influence. You may fail when you begin your business, but donât give up. If you know itâs God that led you to do that work, you would have to reinvest in that same job till it yields positive results.
Whatever you do as work, with the grace of God, diligence and professionalism you will become an influential person. If you will have to go to school to polish your skills, please go. Man of God, you maybe be so anointed but without sound exegesis, pastoral ethics or homiletics, the world may not hear you. Why not disabuse your mind of â ministry is not about theology but only anointing âbut rather go for training or humbly sit under a man who can train you to reach people you may not be able to have access to without theological training?
In Genesis 26 :13 -17, the Bible says Isaac became so rich that the Philistines feared him and even envied him. They even asked him to leave their place. Can you imagine? Isaac became a witness to the grace of riches that was upon the life of Jesus. Stop saying you were born poor and that your poverty is synonymous with holiness or God takes delight in it. Thatâs not biblical and thatâs not the mindset of a witness. Who followed God with all his heart in the Bible and was later rewarded with poverty? The Bible says â âŚ.the Lord delights in the prosperity of his servants ( Psalms 35: 27). In this harsh economy, some people are genuinely doing well. Notice I used the word â some people â and â genuinely â. Your prosperity isnât in a location but rather in a person called Jesus.
Young man and woman, when you go to secondary school or the uni for the first time, introduce yourself as a serious Christian through godly association, the reading of the word of God, prayer and public affirmation of your faith to your friends. Thatâs how an influential person exercises dominion wherever they go. When a fetish priest visits a land, he pours libation to let people know who he is. He doesnât shy away from his beliefs or expects other people to tell him what to do. Young woman, if you let your friends or mates know who you are, they wouldnât talk about certain things in your presence. In fact, when they know you are around, they would be careful as to what they do or say. Do you know what it means? You are in charge! Through your commitment, you will win souls for Jesus and thereof expand his kingdom. If your friends change you at school negatively, what do you think it will mean to the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkens? No one should change you negativity young man. You should rather change them because you are a representative of the kingdom of light. Thereâs a reward for you only if you raise the banner of Jesus higher. No man changed me negatively when I was in school and no one will change me negatively wherever I appear or go. Itâs a superior mentality I have and consciousness I have sustained all over the years for wherever the word of the king is thereâs power. You are a king!
Believer, as a teacher, you can also own a school someday and employ people. If you really believe it, start working towards acquiring a land. It may even be a half plot if you donât have enough cash now. Then you start kindergarten or nursery there. Trust me with the help of God, that school will grow and surprise you and from there you may have to get a bigger plot and do wonders. Donât you think, if your school grows and it has a Christian name, it may host children of big personalities and the name of Jesus would be glorified?
From the corridors of eternity, Jesus would be smiling and saying â well done, good and faithful servant, thatâs my witness â.
Beloved, you are not an ordinary person. Donât be moved by the present circumstances, just fix your eyes on Jesus, take positive and faith filled steps towards what you want to do in life that will bring glory to Jesus and you too will become a reference point to the body of Christ and the world at large. You are an influential person!
Virtuous Living 