SIGNS OF THE PRESENCE OF ANGELS

Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”

Angels basically are messengers of the Most High whose objectives are to protect, preserve us or fight for us, or on our behalf.

When one falls sick and goes to the hospital to see a doctor, he examines him to see if there are signs or symptoms that depict a particular sickness. If he physically sees none, he makes the sick person go for lab, etc. The lab results determine the kind of prescription that should be given to the sick person. Since angels are spirits beings, when they appear to us too, they mostly come with signs, though they can also manifest themselves physically as men or can take any other form.

The following signs show you have encountered an angel:

– You begin to feel an unusual heat or burning sensation. Isaiah 6:6 reads, ” Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar.” When you see angels, you see or sense fire. This normally happens as you pray and cross the line of the natural and enter the realm of the angelic. Others feel this unusual heat during intense and focused worship. If you have ever had this experience before, you had an encounter with an angel. You are blessed. 

– Feeling goosebumps is another sign of an angelic presence that cannot overemphasized.  This is because when angels enter your presence, your body will automatically respond to their presence. Your hair can stand still, or you can feel a tingling sensation on your skin. Job 4:15 says, “A spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body stood on end.” In worship, prayer, or during an encounter with His Spirit,  you can have this glorious experience. Don’t stop what you are doing when this happens. If you were declaring the word in prayer, continue doing it. One day, I had that experience, and everything around me stood still, and God blessed my soul by speaking to me. How I felt special that day!

– Another obvious sign is flashing or flickering lights around you. Angels are creatures of light, so anytime they come to you, you see light. I remember some years ago, my mum was praying on her knees, and when I opened the door, I saw light around her while praying. She herself wasn’t aware of the light around her, so when I shared my experience with her, she was just happy to hear that because she herself wasn’t aware of it like I said.  Luke 2:9 says, “And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  May you experience the glory of the Lord, and when you do trust me, you will never be the same again.

– A gentle breeze/ movement of air around you different from a physical one. These are deep experiences. Job 4: 15 -16 says, ” A spirit glided past my face,

    and the hair on my body stood on end. It stopped, but I could not tell what it was.

A form stood before my eyes, and I heard a hushed voice…”. When you are in the place of prayer and really focused, sometimes you feel this gentle breeze I’m talking about around you or on you. This is an angelic activity signifying   the reception of strength or life or power. A man of God who’s conscious of this presence can activate it by blowing air on individuals, and angels will let people feel that glory. When this happens, people can be healed or delivered from satanic oppression.

May you have a light transforming encounter with angels that you cannot deny. 

May these angels make you feel that special breeze, cause you to have goosebumps, allow you to experience life transforming flickering lights, and feel unusual heat in the name of Jesus! You must experientially know you are not an ordinary person.

God bless you.

Dr. David Tobi Ogoudou

ECCLESIOLOGY

In theology, the doctrine of the church, which is  commonly referred to as ecclesiology is the study of the nature, structure, and functions of the church, including its government, sacraments, and relationship to the world.

Throughout history, some people, like Adolf Hitler, among others, fought the church to no avail. Some prayed the church would go into extinction just because of their personal reasons. Some of the reasons were genuine because some church leaders misrepresented the church, but that was not a good reason to rise up against this mysterious organization. 

In some countries, some governments are trying to silence the voice of this institution called church, but it’s not working. They close churches, but believers still gather either in their homes or in a secret place to worship their God. Why has this mysterious institution continued to exist from the time of its existence to date despite the numerous challenges it has faced and continues to face. What actually is it? Do you know what the church is? At first, I thought I did, but later, I realized I didn’t. 

The church can be described as the “called out ones” to represent the government of Elohim on earth. The church is the representative of the interest of God on the face of the earth. It’s not a social gathering. In the world, when we talk about prosperity, for instance, we talk of investment, inheritance, diligence, etc, but in church, we talk covenant. Though we are not against human ways of making money because we use them, we also have another method which is superior to men’s. 

Now, the church is primarily the house of God. 

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epænetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In this passage, Paul the Apostle:

– Sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, who were his close friends and coworkers in ministry.

– Expresses gratitude for their bravery and selflessness, which had put them at risk.

– Acknowledges the church that meets in their home, highlighting the importance of house churches in the early Christian movement.

– Sends a special greeting to Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christianity in the province of Asia.

Please read verse 5 again. It says, ” Greet the church that meets at their house. What then is the church? The building? Take your time and ponder over it. The house of God is the church, and those who make up the church are human beings and not necessarily the building. So, the church is the gathering/ conveyance of people. If I erect a tent  for a crusade, for instance, in Accra, say at Kaneshie, and people attend, it becomes a church. And if I move the tent to East Legon, where the tent is at East Legon where men gather becomes the church.

The church is also the universal body of Christ where Jesus is the Head. Colossians 1:18 says:

“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

In this verse, Paul emphasizes Jesus Christ’s headship over the church: Jesus is the ultimate authority and leader of the body of believers. The body is every church that professes salvation through the virgin birth, the supremacy, authority, and dominion of Christ over all things. By this definition, I’m pretty sure God will help you know some of the churches.

Finally, the church can also be described as the temple of the Holy Spirit. 

2 Corinthians 6:16 says:

“For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'”

This verse underscores the significance of believers (you and I) being the dwelling place of God and the incredible privilege of having a personal relationship with Him. In other words,  the vessel that hosts God or his government for it to find expression is the church. This means that once you are born again, you carry the Holy Spirit wherever you go as an individual, and you become the  church. 

Say three times ” The church is the gathering of the saints in a place with the aim of ministering to the Lord; it’s also the universal body of Christ which means once I attack a brother or sister in a different church purchased by the blood of Christ,  I attack the same God that dwells in me and above all the church is me myself.

Shalom!

Dr. David Tobi Ogoudou 

CALLING ANGELS FOR URGENT ASSISTANCE. 

Hebrews 1:14 states, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” 

In this verse, angels are described as spiritual beings who serve God and are sent to help people who will receive salvation. The Greek word for “ministering” refers to being in service to others. Who are those who are supposed to inherit salvation? All believers. I mean everyone who accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and personal Savior qualify for angelic assistance. Have you ever benefited from angelic blessings before? How did it happen, or what did you do for that to happen?

For me to experience angelic manifestation, I do the following:

– Speak the word in any situation that needs assistance from God. Before speaking the word, you must personally know it and keep it in your heart. Joshua 1:8 declares, ” Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t read the Bible, let alone meditate on it, so in times of trouble, we are found wanting. If I’m in danger, for example, what scriptures on protection do I know by heart that I can utilize for my protection?

For instance, Psalm 121:7-8

“God will protect you from all evil and calamity, and you will be safe when you leave and return home.” If I’m traveling, for instance, I can speak this powerful word of God to myself by personalizing it. Do it this way” Psalm 121:7-8

God will protect me from all evil and calamity, and I will be safe when I leave and return home. As you do that, you activate the ministry of angels on your behalf. I mean, they make sure what you said, which is the word of God that you believe come to pass. You may be involved in an accident and still be safe.

But if you are in trouble and speak contrary to the word of God, you tie angels’ hands. For example, if an accident is about to happen and I say” eh eh, or I’m dead”. Evil spirits will ensure that your confession comes to pass and it will unfortunately happen. But you are wise and will therefore speak the word of the Lord so as to be preserved. 

– You can respectfully and honorably ask angels to do something for you. It means you release them to do the work they have been assigned to do on your behalf. Do you get that? What have they been assigned to do for you? Go to the word for if you don’t, you simply wouldn’t know and consequently live in ignorance. If you are about to sleep, you can say something like this ” In the name of Jesus, ministering spirits, I assign you according to Hebrews 1:14 that says ” Are they not ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation “? 

As a heir of salvation, angels, I assign you to ensure my protection as I sleep and that of my entire household. Thank you for answering my prayer, Lord. 

– You could also just call on the name of Jesus.  This is because the name of Jesus catches the attention of angels; they respond to it and come to our rescue when we mention it in faith. When facing difficult situations, mention the name of Jesus and angels shall come to your aid.

In summary, Jesus said in Matthew 26:53 ” Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly “? If Jesus Himself said that and we are His followers, we also have an equal right to do so, and we shall see results. You may not see the results instantly or physically but God uses different means to carry out his assignments. Yours is just to call on that name in faith and “see” angels go on duty. 

Your angels have been waiting for you to get them some work to do by doing what you have been taught in this article. They will no longer remain inactive in your life. Stay blessed!

Dr. David Tobi Ogoudou

Faith Over Fear (3)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We cannot allow our fears of failing to keep us from reaching our full potential.

Too often do we allow fear to paralyze us. We sit and wait until we are no longer afraid, when we could have acted long before. God has a plan in place for you, and it may require you to step out of the realm of your comfort zone. You may be uncomfortable. You may be scared. You may not feel that you are ready, but you will be when it’s time.

Fear is nothing. Fear is a mirage. It’s a temporary emotion based on a temporary situation. A tool that the enemy uses to keep us stagnant. Fear is a natural response to the unknown, but you can’t allow fear to control your life.

Often, fear is what comes before change, and change is necessary for growth. Your want for success and happiness must be stronger than your fear of failure.

Your faith must triumph over your fear. God puts us in situations of discomfort for a reason.

2 Timothy 1:7 says that The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and of love, and of a sound mind. Know that in everything you do in His name, you will be prosperous. Failure is a stepping stone on the journey to success. It is not to be feared, but to be learned from. Fear is only a setback if you allow it to be so.

God is greater than your fear of failure.

With Love,

Esinam.

Faith Over Fear (2)

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The biggest reason why people give up, why people slow down, or why people don’t reach their potential is fear.

Fear that they aren’t good enough.

Fear that they will fail.

Fear that they aren’t qualified.

But God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies those who are called. You see this in the story of Moses. Of David. Of Saul. Of Noah.

These stories in the Bible speak of people who were fearful. People who lacked faith. People who were nobodies that became somebodies because of God’s plan. 

Sometimes, life is tough. Sometimes we feel like Noah on day twenty. We’re stuck in the middle of the biggest storm of our life. We don’t know what else to do, so we hold onto the wheel and try to navigate to shore. When we place God outside of our circumstances, or we focus on what we want to do, then we find ourselves in trouble. When God isn’t in our circumstances, then things just don’t operate properly. The mechanisms don’t work.

But when God gets in the middle of it, it’s like pouring oil on a chain. Things begin to flow again, we begin to gain control of our ship, and the storm begins to clear up. When we have faith over fear, then fear is no longer an issue.

Faith is the backbone of belief. Faith is what keeps you going. Noah reached day forty as a result of his faith. Saul became Paul through faith. Moses lead the Israelites from Egypt because of his faith. David’s faith helped him defeat a giant.

Imagine the fear that these people felt. The fear of danger, the fear of failure, the fear of change. God doesn’t call you when you’re ready to be called, He calls you when it is time. It isn’t always ideal for you, but it’s what’s necessary.  

With Love,

Esinam.

Faith Over Fear

“Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, And he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; So he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭107‬:‭28‬-‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We often focus too much on where we have been. Where we are from, the manner in which we grew up. The poor choices we have made, and the setbacks that we have experienced. But life isn’t about where you’ve been, it’s about where you’re going. The person I was isn’t the person I am, nor is it the person that I hope to become.

You see, God wants your attention to be focused on the present. He wants you to look straight ahead, because what He has for you is not behind you, but in front of you. Reminding yourself of your past mistakes does nothing for today. It doesn’t help you. People get so stuck looking back at the storms they’ve weathered that they don’t notice where their ship is headed. They look at their flaws and faults when they should be looking forward at the greatness that God has planned for them. They’re too focused on what the enemy is up to, and not focused on what God is doing in their lives right now!

Looking back is the same thing as dropping anchor. It is choosing to sit still, to be stagnant. To do nothing. Don’t drop anchor when God is telling you to open up the sails. Don’t let yourself focus on the negative when the positive is just within reach. Your best days are not to be left in the past. 

Faith is the light that shines in through the tunnel. It is the compass that points north when you get off course. Faith is what you have left when everything else seems so far away. It isn’t always easy to have faith, but it is always necessary. Faith is what gives us as Christians the strength to carry on despite our circumstances.

Faith is easy to find when you have calm waters and clear skies. It’s when the storms approach that many begin to struggle with their faith. It is when the waves get boisterous and the wind starts blowing that faith starts to falter.

Have unwavering faith! Know that whatever is going on in your life has already been planned out. God has you covered.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s easy to say that our faith won’t falter when life is going smoothly, but it’s harder to say so when you’re in the midst of a storm. Sometimes all you can do is stand tall and push straight through.

You can always give up. You can always quit. You can always turn your back on what you’re doing. Standing firm in your faith is often the most difficult decision that there is. It is also often the best decision there is.

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes you emerge unscathed, and other times you get a few scars for you to have come this far could only mean that you have survived your previous storms. You have emerged victorious in every single hardship that you have been through up until this point. When God is on your side, it can only get better. Keep winning!

With Love,

Esinam.

DEALING WITH EATING IN DREAMS 2

Some people eat in dreams because of the following reasons:

– altar

– living in constant sin

– cold in the Lord ( lack of fire)

– ignorance 

– eating everywhere without being spiritually sensitive. Agents of darkness can feed their victims by giving them contaminated physical food, which will affect them in their dreams later.

PROPHETIC ACTIONS TO TAKE WHENEVER YOU EAT CONTAMINATED FOOD IN YOUR DREAM.

Several prophetic protocols can be observed to handle this demonic activity by the believer. We may not be able to mention all of them here. Some use an anointing oil, others use the holy communion ( bread and wine), and others too use a bottle of water. The list is endless, we must know.

Irrespective of what you use, you must have faith in what you are doing for ” … it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him’ – Hebrews 11:6 (NLT). If you believe in what you are doing, and in yourself, forget it because it won’t work. Do you believe” you shall  decree a thing, and it shall be established unto  thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways”? – Job 22:28. If you do, you are ready to move to the next stage.

Also, please, the Lord, in your ways for the Bible says ” Wherefore come out from among them,, and be ye seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17. If you live in sin, repent and be sincere with yourself and God that you won’t disobey Him again.

Pick a bottle of water and say something like this:

–  ” I declare and decree, let this bottle water cease to be ordinary. 

– Let it be filled with the healing and deliverance power of God and drink it in faith and say violently as you lay your right hand on your tummy:

– As I drink this water, let it flush everything God has not planted in my life according to Matthew 15:13 that says ” …every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up”.

– Therefore, let the deliverance power in this water uproot every evil deposit in my body in the name of Jesus! ( say it severally till you see or feel something is happening or has happened).

NOTE: Remember to add a fast to the activity that is if you have no health issues. ( 6 am -12 noon) and after you may eat. 

Total freedom shall be yours in Jesus’ name!

Dr. David Tobi Ogoudou 

DEALING WITH EATING IN DREAMS 1

There are foods given to us by angels and demons. So we can not conclude that every food eaten in dreams is satanic. 

However, eating food that makes your soul/ spirit restless or makes you feel uncomfortable in a dream is a modus operandi utilized by the enemy to ensnare some Christians and unbelievers into satanic bondage or witchcraft. 

This operation is carried out by the devil so as to release spiritual poison into the bodies of men and this unholy substance eventually can make the victim of such an operation sick. You may hear some people say, I feel like something is moving in my tummy, some experience incurable and inexplicable severe pains in their tummies and after visiting several top notch hospitals, machines see nothing and these fellows get frustrated and disappointed. 

Is this experience real? Yes, my brother. It’s more than real. Sometimes, if the demon behind this satanic work is not dealt with and that food eaten in a dream is not flushed out, the victim may unfortunately die with time. But I pray for you” You shall not die. You shall live to declare the works of the living God. You shall fulfill the number of your days on earth in the name of Jesus!

These evil entities are very smart or cunning in that, to feed someone they don’t appear as demons with horns but they rather use familiar faces to deceive their victims into accepting their food. The victims find it very difficult to reject the food given to them because they think it’s their loved ones who are giving them the food in a very nice or friendly environment. 

When someone eats continually in their dream, they become spiritually weak. They find it difficult to pray; to read the Bible and meditate on it; some just lose interest in the things of God.

If your fire is going down, I revive it by the coals of fire from heavenly perspective in the name of Jesus! Take that fire in Jesus’ name!

Catch you in the next article. I love you, but Jesus loves you more.

Dr. David Tobi Ogoudou 

Be Hopeful

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As we enter the eleventh month, there may be so many things that you set out to accomplish this year that are still not in sight. There may have been failed projects and lost opportunities. Do not let the trials of this life discourage you. You cannot escape the human experience of sorrow and loss. Even Jesus dealt with grief and testing. Be hopeful. Every circumstance is temporary. God is leading you to a glorious eternity which is the hope of your salvation. 

When you walk in the wilderness of testing, you will find incredible treasures in the midst of undesirable pain. You will learn to view trials through the lenses of untainted wisdom. All things at working together for your good. Your life is beautifully woven together with the thread of God’s mercy. 

“but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be hopeful! God has not forgotten you. You may presently be in a season filled with darkness, uncertainty and pain but with God on your side, it will end with joy. God’s presence is home; a safe place to rest in. God will never leave nor abandon you. He is still faithfully fighting for you in ways you cannot see.

There is fullness of hope in God and in His Word. Let go of your mistakes and take hold of God’s strength. Open your eyes to see where He is already working in your life. Tune your ears to God’s voice so you hear all He has to share and His understanding. Pursue God’s heart so you can be filled with fresh hope.

With Love, Esinam.

Who is Jesus to you? (2)

Apostle Paul writes:

”Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,“

Philippians 3:8-10 NKJV

⁃ The risen Christ 

”God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.“

Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV

The Jesus of the Bible is not a character or a figment of someone’s imagination. Jesus the son of the Living God is real. In order to have fellowship with Him we have to know Him to relate with him. 

To know Him requires you to believe in His person as the Son of God. 

John 3:16-21 Clearly shows God’s plan for humanity by sending His Son: 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Romans 10:1-4 expands on the pathway to believing. 

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 10:5-11 pretty much sums up the process for believing for anyone who wants to have a relationship with Christ Jesus. 

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

If you have not really believed on Him then I highly recommend Jesus the Messiah to you. Anyone who has met Jesus has never remained the same. 

Say this simple prayer if you want to be born again and be citizen of the Kingdom of God. 

Say Dear Heavenly  Father, thank you for sending your Son JESUS to the earth for me. I believe Jesus is the Son of God and I confess Him as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank you for saving me and writing my name in your book of life in Jesus’ name Amen.

Shalom!

Rev. Ron Chiarelli.

Who is Jesus to you? (1)

Foundation scripture 

”But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.“

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

To come to God requires believing that has a foundation of knowing that 

⁃ he is sovereign, 

⁃ all knowing 

⁃ All powerful 

⁃ All present 

”He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”“

Psalms 91:1-2 NKJV

⁃ the psalmist introduces God to us as 

⁃ The Most high and Almighty indicating His placement above all things

He then goes on to personalize The Most high and Almighty God as 

⁃ The Lord

⁃ He is my Refuge and my fortress

⁃ my God, in Him I will trust

Many Christians today do not know God on a personal level, there is only the general knowledge about God and His son Jesus.

Many Christians today if they are confronted to give information about Jesus will have very little to say about him.

Jesus asked his disciples one time “whom do men say that I am? – 

Jesus was interested in finding out what He was known for

For many in his day and now 

⁃ Jesus is still hanging on the cross depicted by the images around us.

⁃ For many he is Joseph and Mary’s son 

⁃ For some he is the wine maker who turned water into wine.

⁃ For many Christian’s now he is the answer to their problems

⁃ He is a sure banker to breakthroughs

Jesus died, he was buried but He rose again to bring us victory: 

The Bible speaks of 8 different occasions where Jesus revealed himself to his disciples at various times over a forty day period before He ascended into heaven.

⁃ Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene . Mark 16.9, john 20.14 this brought victory over despair 

⁃ Second, Jesus appeared to other women as they were leaving the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10). They thought he was dead, but he appeared to them, and they worshipped Him there. Jesus brought victory over death.

⁃ Third, Jesus met up with two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32). These men were talking about all the week’s events surrounding Jesus. They didn’t understand what had happened. Jesus talked with them and stayed with them until they understood. Jesus brought victory over confusion.

⁃ Fourth, Jesus appeared to 10 disciples who were hiding together (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25). These disciples were afraid of what might happen to them since Jesus had been killed. Jesus brought victory over fear.

⁃ Fifth, Jesus appeared to all 11 remaining disciples (Mark 16:14; John 20:26-31). Thomas, who had doubted Jesus’ resurrection, was with them this time. Jesus brought victory over doubt.

⁃ Sixth, Jesus appeared to seven disciples, including Peter, who had denied Jesus three times (John 21). At this appearance, Jesus puts Peter back into ministry. Jesus brought victory over failure.

⁃ Seventh, Jesus appeared to the 11 disciples at a pre-arranged location on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20). There Jesus told them He had been given all power and authority. He gave His followers the great commission to make disciples. Jesus brought victory over any other power.

⁃ Eighth, Jesus finally appeared to as many as 500 of His followers at one time. He confirmed the completion of His mission and the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-8). Jesus had victory over all things. 

Jesus shown himself alive by many proofs 

⁃ speaking  the things concerning the God  and charging them to wait for the promise of the Father. 

To be continued…

Shalom!

Rev. Ron Chiarelli

THE GOOD, ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD

Romans 12:2 reveals that the believer who is being transformed by a new, godly way of thinking “may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV). This three-fold description of God’s will can teach us more about who God is and His plan for us.

God’s will for the believer is good. It is good because He is fully good (Luke 18:19) with no evil or darkness in Him (1 John 1:5). Every “good and perfect gift” comes from God (James 1:17), and “He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). God’s good will is revealed for our benefit and the benefit of those we serve.

God’s will for the believer is acceptable. God’s will is acceptable, or pleasing, in that it is approved by God and fully pleasing to Him. Those who obey the will of God are acceptable to Him (Matthew 12:50). The believer who serves the Lord in a spirit of deference, love, and righteousness is “acceptable to God and approved by men” (Romans 14:18, ESV).

God’s will for the believer is perfect. His perfect will has no defect and fully reaches the goal, purpose, or end that was intended. Following God’s perfect will makes us better reflections of God’s perfect nature. God’s perfect will leads us to spiritual maturity. Scripture was given to make the believer “perfect” in the sense of “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).

In Romans 12:2, the words good, acceptable, and perfect can also be taken as nouns that rename the will of God; in other words, God’s will equals that which is good and acceptable and perfect. This appositional construction is brought out in the ESV: “You may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Viewed this way, if you are doing good things that are pleasing to God and leading to your maturity, then you are doing God’s will.

At times God’s will does not seem to us to be good, acceptable, or perfect. If His will includes suffering, or if it doesn’t make sense to us, we question it. When God called Moses to go to Egypt and rescue the Israelites, he questioned God’s will, wondering if the people would believe him (Exodus 4:1). Moses gave excuses for why he could not do it, saying he was not “eloquent” of speech (Exodus 4:10). God reminded Moses that God made man’s mouth and that He would help Moses speak and teach Moses what to say (Exodus 4:11).

God’s will revealed to Joshua probably didn’t seem to be good, acceptable, or perfect, either. What human sense did it make to walk around Jericho for seven days (Joshua 6:1–27)? What sense did it make for the widow of Zarephath to give Elijah her last meal (1 Kings 17:7–16)? For Naaman to bathe in the Jordan River seven times (2 Kings 5)? For Peter to cast his net on the other side of the boat after a night of fishing in vain (John 21:1–14)? When Jesus revealed His will that the disciples feed 5,000 people, Philip remonstrated: “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece” (John 6:7). Jesus told the people at Lazarus’s tomb to roll away the stone, a seemingly pointless thing to do, since Lazarus had been dead for four days (John 11:17–44). In each of these cases, people obeyed the Lord, with the result that God’s plan was fulfilled perfectly. In our limited thinking and strength, God’s will seems strange, but it truly is good, acceptable, and perfect.

Romans 12:1–2 tells us how we can know and fulfill God’s will. The process begins by consecrating ourselves to God: “In view of God’s mercy, . . . offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (verse 1). As we offer our whole selves to Him, He transforms and redirects our lives. Verse 2 continues with setting ourselves apart from the world and allowing our minds to be transformed: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Then comes the ability to discern God’s will: “You will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). As believers renounce the ways of the world and submit to Christ, their minds, hearts, and wills are renewed by God’s Word and Spirit. This is how we can test and approve God’s will.

By His divine power, God “has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). Following God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will allows us to enjoy life abundantly (see John 10:10). May we echo the psalmist’s words in Psalm 119:111–112:

“Your statutes are my heritage forever;
   they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees
   to the very end.”

As we press on through the last quarter of this year, I pray that you discover God’s good, acceptable and perfect will for your life. May you completely find your purpose and walk in it to the glory of God’s Name.

Shalom,

Rev. Ron Chiarelli.