Virtuous Living

TIPS ON SPIRITUAL WARFARE 2

Ephesians 6:12 reads “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Our inexplicable battles are not against laboratories, science, mortal men but against “ wicked powers of the dark world“ that may use some men to execute their plans on earth. With these enemies, we don’t “ sleep”. We put them where they belong. We don’t do that by mere confessions, though confessions have their place.

We don’t deal with them also by just quoting scriptures or deceiving ourselves that they can’t come and tempt or challenge us. Ask Jesus Himself and he will lecture you on the devil who is now the god of this world, reason why he fights believers.

Don’t be scared for you are more than victorious. Know who you are and let the light of God shine whereever you appear for you are the light of the world.

The 1st thing we made mention of as one of the tips on spiritual warfare in our previous write -up was the time at which we pray to command effective results. Until results are produced in the spirit you won’t see their manifestations in the flesh so spiritual warfare are dealt with from the standpoint of the spiritual world with spiritual weapons and not physical.

The second is the length of time we pray. If we have been a Christian for at least a year and cannot pray for at least an hour, we may not be able to ascend some realms or put an end to certain cycles. I’m not just saying we should be praying for at least an hour once a month, a year or when we are attacked or have a pressing need. I mean spending time with the Lord for at least an hour consistently till we get an answer. Believe you me, if we can do that for sometime, even if God answers us later, our habit of praying consistently at the given time we have chosen for ourselves would have become a part of us because it’d have become a pattern that was developed over time. In other words, it becomes an altar that is a mighty weapon to undo the works of Satan and rewrite the narrative of our bloodline.

Jesus speaks here to his disciples in connection with the length of time he expected his disciples to have at least prayed “ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “ – Matthew 26 – 40.

So you see, no prophet, disciples other than the Master Himself is teaching us a spiritual principle here that cannot be debated if we really want to win some stubborn battles. If occultic men spend months or even years at graveyards to wield power which is a sacrifice they are making unto their demons, what’d prevent you and I from spending time in the presence of God to also open some doors and put the devil where he belongs. You don’t need to personally have a battle before you pray but you can be doing that on behalf of your family, friends and loved ones and see what the Lord will do in, through and with you.

Remember, Jesus said in Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” . It’s true we have that authority in principle but does every Christian really have it? The answer is no though Jesus has given it to us. If a father dies with say GHC 200,000 in his account and his children are aware the money is there, do they just sit down and the money comes to them? I know you know the answer is no! Why? Some legal steps must be taken to have access to the cash. It’s the same principle that works with kingdom principles my precious ones so spend time with the Lord henceforth. Don’t let marriage, children, work, etc prevent you from developing your spirit against the evil days. The Bible says “ when you fail in the days of battle, your strength is small – Proverbs 24:10. You see it’s your strength that’ll determine whether you’ll fall when battles come. How do you gain strength in the spirit? By praying for at least an hour consistently ( especially in tongues). When the battles overwhelms you, it doesn’t mean God is not God. It simply means you lack capacity.

The time frames discussed in part 1 are spiritual open doors that we can take advantage of. Even if we are tired, let’s say something at the time we have chosen for ourselves. If you don’t know what to say, speak in tongues. The devil is a liar. You and your family must succeed. Daniel prayed for 21 days to command divine intervention. You may pray less or even more to enjoy some intervention depending on how rooted a problem is. And speedy divine intervention may also depend on the level of the light you command and the mercy of the Lord upon you but remember to always be in His presence for at least an hour.

And Peter, John and James went to the temple to pray at the nineth hour. There was a time allocated for payer and the Jews understood that. In fact, it’s believed at that hour of prayer, the apostles did nothing than prayed. They abandoned everything for prayer.

What do we do these days? Spend time on social media and mundane things and say we are not in the era of the apostles and that Jesus has always prayed for us! Interesting! If you keep that philosophy in your head you will wake up one day and realize that you have done yourself a great disservice.

We don’t understand time. It’s not just the clock ticking. Time is God, a Spirit, communion. Time has a maximum control on the affairs of life. In the fullness of time, Jesus was made manifest. May you not miss your time and become a failure! I see your time redeemed in the name of Jesus. “ Redeeming the times for the days are evil”, the Bible says. Don’t play with your time man, woman, boy and girl.

Everything the devil has stolen in your life due to your stubbornness, baseless arguments, laziness, deception is hereby restored!

The next point is where you pray. The disciples went to a temple to pray. A temple is one of the places you can go and commune with Elohim. In a temple (church), you benefit from what we call cooporate anointing that has more weight than an individual prayer. In a temple, God can use a vessel to meet a particular need in your life that you may not personally be able to deal with. So no need for baseless arguments like I don’t need the church to pray and that God can also listen to me when I pray. It’s true but not in all cases my brother. God knows why he instituted His body, the church.

Moses, like some prophets of old used mountains as their place of prayer and when he came down, cases that other people could not deal with were referred to him because levels are not the same in the flesh and in the spirit. God used 40 years to prepare him in the wilderness.

This does not mean you can’t pray on a field, in your house ( privacy), or any other place you deem fit. All that’s needed is a place you won’t be distracted so that you can easily receive from God.

I declare and decree, henceforth, you’ll pray at strategic times, at least for an hour everyday and at a place devoid of distractions and God will win that health, marital, barrenness, singleness, financial battles for you by personally visiting you via the mode He chooses. You too will testify like others in the name of Jesus!

Dr. David Tobi Ogoudu

God Would Hate This Food

I was just at the supermarket grabbing the weekly groceries. I usually shop for the same things every time. But this time, something odd caught my …
God Would Hate This Food

TIPS ON SPIRITUAL WARFARE 1

The finished work of Christ Jesus on the cross is a reality that was accomplished in the realm of the spirit but to appropriate such blessings, the believer must observe some protocols in the earth realm. To say there’s no need to make them manifest because Jesus has done it for us already is incorrect. Do we fall sick? If yes, why do we since “by His stripes we were healed”. Are some Christians poor? If yes, why is it so? But hear this the Bible says “ he became poor so we can become rich”. Is the Bible a book of falsehood? In the same vein, when we talk about spiritual warfare, we are not saying we are going to fight from the standpoint of defeat but rather from the standpoint of victory because we are already victorious and “are more than conquerors.

The Arsenal that we rely on in times of battles are not physical but spiritual and there are a myriad of them. One of them is prayer for Jesus said “ men always ought to pray and not faint”. Prayer is part of our Christian walk. It’s not a gift but a disciple. One important tip you cannot overemphasize with regard to spiritual warfare is the time frame you attach to your prayers.

It’s advisable to pray at any of the following times because they are biblical and command so much results ( 3 am, 3pm, 6 am, 6pm, 9am, 9pm, 12 noon and 12 midnight). In fact, these time frames are theologically called prayer watches. These are strategic times to pray because they are portals. You may choose any of the times and make it your prayer time or all depending on your schedules.

Does it mean we can’t choose any other time other than the ones we have listed above? We can and it’s good but it’ll be better you stick to the one(s) we are discussing here.

It was at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to Elohim – Acts 16: 25 -26 ( About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened). Sorcerers and enchanters wake up at midnight to do evil things whilst Christians are asleep and are debating as to whether it’s a must for us to pray at such a time or not. Where did these agents of darkness learn the mystery of communicating with evil spirits at night? Of course from our kingdom but we don’t fraternize with demons but with the Spirit of the Almighty God and his angels. However, agents of darkness perverted this mystery by invoking demons and it works for them.

When praying such prayers you must also live to please the Lord at all times because there will surely be reactions from the devil so if you “break the hedge the serpent will bite you”, the Bible says. I mean don’t give the devil a place in your life through disobedience otherwise he will make your spiritual exercise ineffective.

Time and space wouldn’t permit me to pick each time and prove their biblical origins to you but let’s hear about Cornelius at least before I stop writing.

One day at about three in the afternoon Cornelius had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” – Acts 10:3. The Bible earlier said this man was a devout man and regularly prayed and gave alms to the poor and needy and as result he had a divine or angelic encounter. Praise God! Could the visit of an angel from God put an end to that barrenness issue in your life? You may have tried everything to no avail. Why not pick one of the strategic time frames and regularly pray at that time to activate angelic presence that will put an end to that reproach in your life?

Let your altar speak on your behalf. Activate it by consistently servicing it through prayer and commitment. There is no way you will be the same when you encounter an angel. That story will change in the name of Jesus. You will know who you are because the angel assigned to your altar will not only mention your name like he did in Cornelius case but tell you what to really do to come out of that debt.

How many times a day did the apostles pray? It is believed that they did focused reading and studying the Bible for 4 years. They prayed 3 times everyday at strategic times. Once at the 3rd hour of sunlight, roughly 9 am, the 6th hour of sunlight, that is midday, and the 9th hour of sunlight, roughly 3 pm, or 15:00 if you use a 24 hour clock etc….

These men were invincible because they were spiritual and full of light. You can become like them if you want to. Cancel that marital delay, satanic covenants etc by giving yourself to prayer and let’s see whether you will be the same again. I dare you, you can’t and wouldn’t be the same again.

Business man, your time could be every 3 am, man of God, yours could be every midnight, lawyers, could yours be every 6 am as you drive your car and pray? Use every opportunity to develop that prayer altar to flash out that diabetes from your system. It’s not only “possible with God” but also possible “to him or her that believes “says the Scriptures. Sister, believe in yourself and most importantly in God and use say every 7 pm after work to prophetically and corrosively and consistently deal with that fibroid that is disturbing you. I see it dematerialize in the name of Jesus as you mount divine pressure on it with healing based scriptures at least for one hour during prayer at a given time. That blood pressure will go down. Blood pressure is like any other disease or sickness that has ears so if by faith, you say “ blood pressure in the name of Jesus, be normalized “ everyday it’ll obey you for “ Psalms 18:44-45 King James Version says

“As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: The strangers ( cancer, terminal diseases, demons) shall submit themselves unto me. The strangers shall fade away, And be afraid out of their close places. I declare and decree, every stranger in your life obey you now in the name of Jesus!

Trust me, evil spirits and even men will see the difference after you have received answers from above. Angelic presence and manifestation will surely become your daily occurrence and you will also become an extension of God’s winning team.

Stay blessed

Dr. David Tobi Ogoudou

Kingdom Priesthood

In the kingdom of God we have an identity. The devils in darkness know our identity when they see us. Unfortunately many Christians don’t know their identity so are just walking around without the consciousness of this.

”Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.“ Romans 12:1-2 TPT

Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our identity has been changed to the righteousness of God. It is therefore our reasonable service to offer our lives as a living sacrifice Holy and acceptable to God.

Worship has nothing to do with music. Worship is a posture of service in submission to God. Worship is our sacrifice to and adoration of God. Conformity is flip be like or position yourself to work within a certain framework. The world is not just what we see physically but also refers to the structures and mindsets that govern the world. We cannot live our lives the same way that the world lives. In the world it is okay to behave in a certain framework but children of God must not succumb to the standards of this world.

The patterns of the world will lead you astray from the way we need to live. Your identity in Christ requires you to change the way you think. If in your mind you think like how the world thinks then you will behave the way that the world behaves. When you find yourself in that state you set yourself up to become an enemy of God. Then God will have no pleasure in you and cannot use you for anything. You will end up having a reprobate mind and beer of the course that God has set for you.

The entrance of Gods word brings light and understanding. Instead of thinking like the world you think like God. You become a child of God with His nature and likeness. You need to renew your kind so that transformation can come into your life. We need to renew our minds:

1. For transformation to come in our lives

2. To discover what the will of God is for our lives (the good, the acceptable and perfect will of God)

”God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.“ Romans 12:3 TPT

You maintain a humble disposition when you do not think highly of yourself.

”So abandon every form of evil, deceit, hypocrisy, feelings of jealousy and slander. In the same way that nursing infants cry for milk, you must intensely crave the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word. For this “milk” will cause you to grow into maturity, fully nourished and strong for life — especially now that you have had a taste of the goodness of Yahweh and have experienced his kindness. So keep coming to him who is the Living Stone —though he was rejected and discarded by men but chosen by God and is priceless in God’s sight. Come and be his “living stones” who are continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God. For now you serve as holy priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices that he readily accepts through Jesus Christ. For it says in Scripture: Look! I lay a cornerstone in Zion, a chosen and priceless stone! And whoever believes in him will certainly not be disappointed.“ 1 Peter 2:1-6 TPT

Put away all deceit and hypocrisy as a child of God. Many of us pretend to be who or what we are not. Don’t be a chameleon. Don’t preach nothing and do another thing. Our identity as children of God refrains us from exhibiting such characteristics. Jealousy comes to play when ownership is involved. God is a jealous God and watches over His children jealously.When you don’t own a thing and are jealous about it then it becomes evil.

Your speech as a child of God must be clean and kind. For you to walk in your new identity you cannot be speaking in an unkind manner. We cannot apply to enter the kingdom of God, we are born into it as spiritual babies who need to grow. God’s word is as milk onto our souls. You are responsible for your growth as a child of God and this can only be achieved if you desire His word.

You are a living stone that God is using to build His temple. You are God’s holy priest consecrated unto Him for good works. You can offer acceptable sacrifices unto God in the form of worship, thanksgiving, praise and offerings onto God. God is preparing you for great honour. When you trust in God you will never be disgraced. You will not be a beneficiary of shameful things.

”As believers you know his great worth—indeed, his preciousness is imparted to you. But for those who do not believe: The stone that the builders rejected and discarded has now become the cornerstone And A stone that makes them stumble and a rock to trip over. They keep stumbling over the message because they refuse to believe it. And this they were destined to do. But you are God’s chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world. For at one time you were not God’s people, but now you are. At one time you knew nothing of God’s mercy, because you hadn’t received it yet, but now you are drenched with it!“ 1 Peter 2:7-10 TPT

You are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. God wants to use you as savour to add flavour and spice onto the earth. When you walk in your identity you can show the good ness of God to others. Whenever you are at a place where you feel disadvantaged, you can cry out to God and He will ensure that your life will only bring honour unto Him.

”Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.“ Isaiah 60:1 NKJV

Shalom! Rev. Ron.

Secret of the Tithe

The secret of the tithe is truly a secret.

Psalm 24:1

⁃ In every church, there is always a small percentage of people who tithe. You may also have noticed,

⁃ that it is only a small percentage of people who prosper. I call it a secret because it is hidden from many people.

⁃ You read in Genesis 14 that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek.

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him [Melchizedek] tithes of all.

Genesis 14:20

⁃ Melchizedek was a priest of the most high God. He represented God and the Church.

⁃ All successful people, who have walked with God, know that it is God who gave them what they have.

⁃ Once, David was giving an offering. He said something very important; “I’m only giving You what You first gave me.

1 Chronicles 29:14

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we.

The importance of Tithes

1. To acknowledge God as our source and sustainer- psalm 24:1-3

2. We give tithes in obedience to God’s word – Joshua 1:8

3. We give tithes to honour the Lord – proverbs 3:9

4. We tithe to escape curses- malachi 3:8-9

5. We tithe to support the work of God – Malachi 3:10a

6. We give tithes for a blessing from the Lord – Malachi 3:10b

*Why non tithers become poor*

1. Non-tithers become poor because they have nothing to harvest.

FOR THEY HAVE SOWN THE WIND, AND THEY SHALL REAP THE WHIRLWIND: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up. Hosea 8:7

2. Non-tithers become poor because they do not attract blessings on their lives.

BRING YE ALL THE TITHES into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and POUR YOU OUT A BLESSING, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

3. Non-tithers become poor because they are cursed.

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

YE ARE CURSED WITH A CURSE: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Malachi 3:8-9

4. Non-tithers become poor because devourers constantly eat their wealth.

AND I WILL REBUKE THE DEVOURER for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:11

5. Non-tithers become poor because the fruits of their fields are constantly destroyed.

And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and HE SHALL NOT DESTROY the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:11

6. Non-tithers become poor because they lose their fruits before they get a chance to harvest.

And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine CAST HER FRUIT BEFORE THE TIME in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:11

Is it any wonder that tithing is a major key to real prosperity? Are you surprised that non-tithers can become poorer by keeping ten percent of their income away from God?

What can you do without the help of God? How far can you go if God does not help you? It is time to begin tithing so that your profits will not be cast to the ground before you can enjoy them.

Shalom, Rev. Ron

Have faith, there is more!

Faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. Hebrews 11:1

The roots of your faith are formed and developed in the love of God. It is in the storm and low moments that the foundations of your faith are tested and strengthened if you do not waver. In times of testing you must not show flimsy hope. The storms that shook the circumstances in your life pushed more of the growth under the surface. Once you surmount the hard times, your faith is established to weather the weather.

Grace and mercy will carry you through any season. What you could not comprehend at the time was what this was preparing you to be strengthened and fruitful in any season. Look through God’s lens of grace today, and you will see His goodness has never left you. You could never elude the embrace of His faithful mercy.

God desires that you trust him even more as you lean on Him and the witness of His spirit lives in you. He will reveal His kindness to you. Be confident in this that provided your fellowship with Him is consistent that your foundations will not be shaken.

Listen! Are you thirsty for more? Come to the refreshing waters and drink. Even if you have no money, come, buy, and eat. Come and buy all the wine and milk you desire-it won’t cost a thing. Isaiah 55:1

Arise and see what God is already doing in and around you. There is a stream that flows from the river of Life, and it’s running right through your heart. It never runs dry. Drink deeply today of God’s measureless kindness. It will fill and refresh you. Your strength will return with His love as your sustenance. Where you have felt depleted, you will overflow again.

You will see Him in the light reflecting from your eyes. There is more to see, more to be, and more to do-and it’s all good. You must trust God to guide you into goodness as you awaken to life once more? Realize that God is all around. God has not abandoned you for a moment. Do not give up hope, for there’s no room for despair when you feast on His glory. Eat, drink, and delight in His abundant goodness. There’s no need to ration God’s love. There is always more.

Notice what the Lord is doing in your life. There is a river of His life flowing through your heart. The immeasurable kindness of God will fill and refresh you. When you drink deeply of it, you cannot help but be satisfied. Where virtue has left you, it will be replenished. Trust that God will lead you into His good. Don’t lose hope, neither despair. The love of God is available in abundance.

God is inviting you into even deeper trust and greater reliance on Him today. Tune into His Spirit that is living and active within you. He will give you revelation of His kindness that has been tending to the garden of your heart all along. ‘There is no height that His love does not tower over. There is no depth that His compassion does not reach beyond. Be firmly rooted in His affectionate friendship, so stand tall in the confidence of your fellowship.

With Love, Esinam.

Be Hopeful

”O my God, my soul is cast down within me: Therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, why hast thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, Mine enemies reproach me; While they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; For I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.“ Psalm 42:6-11 KJV

Although things might seem tough and your life may feel chaotic, don’t be hopeless. Hopelessness drains your faith and fills you with doubt and unbelief. The lowest moments in life have a history of being a planting era for many Christians.

Today no mater what you’re feeling, you have an invitation to more freedom in God’s presence. Get close and find Him. He has not left you to waste away under the weight of worry; come into His pleasant presence and drink in the delight of His heart. You can trust Him to take care of every detail of your life. He sees it all, so lay it down and find rest.

”Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.“ Isaiah 41:10 KJV

Listen closely and you will hear the playful invitation to find pleasure in God today. He still holds the world and sees all of its woes, so you don’t have to keep count of it yourself. Breathe deeply of His delight as you follow His voice. He has so much to share with you. Nothing can steal your joy when you find it in His abundant presence. Be reminded today what hope feels like. Be refreshed in the stream of Christ’s joy as you fellowship with His Spirit and in His presence. Only reach out, beloved, and let Him pull you into the pool of His love that revives your weary soul.

”Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.“ Romans 15:13 KJV

There are certain experiences and depths that you can only attain in the night seasons of your life. God is the master strategist and all power belongs to Him alone. Even the darkness is as light unto our God. The Lord wants you to call upon Him in hope and trust. His joy will be to influence your thoughts and actions, steering them on the path of His perfect will for your life. He doesn’t want to control your life but rather influence it. Press on in faith because He is working behind the scenes and overtime in your favour. Your testimony is just around the corner. All things are working for your good in Jesus’ Name.

With Love, Esinam.

Purpose in the valley

We have heard it being said often that life is full of ups and downs. There are some great moments , some flat moments and also the not so pleasant one but we need to learn how we can navigate them all without losing ourselves. The highs, the high highs, the lows and the low lows are all relevant in building tenacity in order that we fulfill God’s purpose and original intent for our lives.

Do not be discouraged by the experience of your humanity. Even Jesus subjected himself to the depths of the human experience, with loss, suffering, and hardship. And yet his life revealed a higher way of living. Uninterrupted communion with God our father in heaven was a gift that you could not have imagined before him, and yet here you are living in the blessing of it. There is not even a thin veil that separates the Holy Spirit from us. We get to experience the fullness of God’s love at all times.

”All the tests they endured on their way through the wilderness are a symbolic picture, an example that provides us with a warning so that we can learn through what they experienced. For we live in a time when the purpose of all the ages past is now completing its goal within us.“ 1 Corinthians 10:11 TPT

Sometimes we need to pause and look over our history with God and remember all that He has brought us through up until now. And don’t stop there! Study the Scriptures and see how He is able to lead us people through impossible situations. Jehovah never fails to consistently show up in faithful mercy. Whatever you face, either now or in the future, is another opportunity to see God’s redemptive power at work. Beloved, look through the lens of His perfect wisdom, and He will give you perspective to see what He is doing. You can trust that He is always with us. He never leaves!

The wards of God are spirit and life; His words are at work all around us. Trust in the lord for He will never abandon you. Hope in this word and always abide in His presence. God’s word is His covenant and can never be broken. All this promises are yea and amen. He will accomplish everything the has spoken. He never fails and He is faithful to the end.

”The earth and sky will wear out and fade away before one word I speak loses its power or fails to accomplish its purpose.”“ Matthew 24:35 TPT

Focus on the higher way of living where you experience an uninterrupted communication with our Heavenly Father, just like Jesus did. We are blessed with the opportunity to fully embrace and experience God’s love through this Holy Spirit.

If He has done it for others, then only you can stop him from doing marvellons things in your life. Dont allow an unyielded spirit to cost you a divine experience. Delight yourself in the Lord at all times and in every situation, especially in the valley.

With Love, Esinam.

Give God your attention

Come into the secret place and find encouragement that waters your thirsty soul. God has words of life to share with you today and living-understanding to strengthen you. Run into the shelter of His presence and let His love wash over you in a fresh way. He doesn’t offer stale bread to His children who hunger for Him. Eat of His now word. Tune your ear to His voice.

Give Him the heavy weight of the burden of fear you are carrying. There may be uncertainty in your life, but He sees everything clearly. There are no mysteries to Him, and He won’t let the tides of confusion sweep you away. See how His hand holds you steady. You cannot escape the grip of my glorious grace, beloved. What wondrous plans He has for us, His children. What a future we have in Him.

”“You will find true success when you find me, for I have insight into wise plans that are designed just for you. I hold in my hands living-understanding, courage, and strength.“ Proverbs 8:14 TPT

Let Him guide you further into His goodness as you follow His leading. He promises never to let us go or get too far ahead of us that we despair. He gives us eyes to see from His perspective. Look to Him, and nothing will ever shatter your hope.

When your soul is thirsty, you will find divine encouragement in God’s presence. The word of God is spirit and it is life. It will give you a deeper understanding of whatever you might be facing and also the wisdom and strength to prevail through it.

God’s yoke is easy and His burden is light. You will find rest in Him if you lean on him in absolute faith and trust. Let the Lord be your rock and your salvation.

”I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help. But then I realize that our true help and protection is only from the Lord, our Creator who made the heavens and the earth. He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall. God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me. He will never slumber nor sleep; he is the Guardian-God for his people, Israel. Yahweh himself will watch over you; he’s always at your side to shelter you safely in his presence. He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night. He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity as he continuously watches over you. You will be guarded by God himself. You will be safe when you leave your home, and safely you will return. He will protect you now, and he’ll protect you forevermore!“ Psalms 121:1-8 TPT

”Yahweh looks down in love, looking over all of Adam’s sons and daughters. He’s looking to see if there is anyone who acts wisely, any who are searching for God and wanting to please him.“ Psalms 14:2 TPT

The love of God for you goes for and stretches wide. The depth of it is incomprehensible and His mercy is always with you ushering you through the corridors of life with grace:

To become more like God:

Let His perspective shape your habits
Let this wisdom instruct your ways
Have a willing a heart
Have a humbte attitude

When you choose to trust God, even in the wilderness of confusion, you strengthen the cord of faith that will sustain you. Give God your full attention and it will be well with you.

With Love, Esinam.

Your utterance, His answer!

Utterance: the action of saying or expressing something aloud.

Answer: say or write something as a reaction to someone or something.

Somewhere last year, I really desired something and I had been praying about it for a while. It seemed like the harder I prayed, the farther it went out of reach. Fast forward towards the end of the year, I had been consumed with thoughts of how to attain possession of what I desired so much that in random casual conversations I would blatantly state that I needed it. It begun to sound like a “not so funny joke” and as the year gradually drew to a close, I had resigned myself to believe that the prayer topic in question was one of those where God answered with a definite no. I stopped asking but never stopped casually stating that I needed it. My logical self chose to realign my focus to other things.

The new year quickly came along and I had a prompting to sow a seed and take a step of faith. The Holy Spirit was asking me to do something out of my comfort zone and it didn’t make sense at all. But I obeyed because when the Spirit leads, the worst that could happen is always better than your best. The end goal of the assignment was clear and time bound. One day to the deadline and I wasn’t seeing the expected result but I wasn’t worried.

Suddenly, I got a phone call from a strange number and the person on the other side was offering me what I needed. It was so unreal it almost sounded like a scam. So I whispered a little prayer and remained composed. The next day I confirmed the offer and took delivery of what I had been desiring for so long. The feeling was so surreal. And it all started with utterances.

”And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.“

Mark 11:12-14 KJV

The popular opinion on this scripture especially by some theologians and Bible critics is that Jesus was unfair in expectation of fruit from the fig tree because it was not its season. From afar he saw that the fig tree had leaves. He came closer and indeed it had only leaves because “the time of figs was not yet”. The fig tree must have said or done something to trigger Jesus’s reaction when he found no fruit on it. The verse after this fruitless discovery was an answer from Jesus to the fig tree. This implies that the fig tree must have “said” or “done” something to warrant the answer that Jesus gave.

”For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.“

Romans 8:24-27 KJV

And the next verse encourages us that all things work together for our good.. the only caveat is that you must love God and be called according to His purpose. When you’re not sure what to say, turn to the scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to help you and intercede on your behalf. It won’t always make sense however His leading will never stray you off the path of righteousness.

God is calling us to plunge into His word and trust Him completely. May His sweet Holy Spirit always be on our side as we choose to fully surrender and live in obedience to His word. May we boldly utter the word of God at all times so we stir up only positive answers from our Lord that turn our desire into manifestation

With love, Esinam.

Living sacrifices to God

I Peter 2:4-5 NKJV – Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.“

– one of the fundamental duties of a priest is to offer sacrifices on an altar

Romans 12 :1-2 NIV – ”Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.“

– God does not demand your body as a living sacrifice

– Paul begs Christians by the mercies of God to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God.

– Your body as a living sacrifice should be holy.

– Your body as a living sacrifice must be acceptable to God. Genesis 4:3-4 ( Cain and Abel)

– Offering your self as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God is your reasonable service (true and proper worship)

Paul’s admonition to the believers in Rome was to sacrifice themselves to God, not as a sacrifice on the altar, as the Mosaic Law required the sacrifice of animals, but as a living sacrifice. The dictionary defines sacrifice as “anything consecrated and offered to God.” As believers, how do we consecrate and offer ourselves to God as a living sacrifice?

How to offer an acceptable offering of a living sacrifice.

1. Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world. Romans 12:2

Conform:

comply with rules, standards, or laws.

– The world is defined in 1John 2:15-16

– We are a living sacrifice for God by not being conformed to this world.

– the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. All that the world has to offer can be reduced to these three things.

– The lust of the flesh includes everything that appeals to our appetites and involves excessive desires for food, drink, sex, and anything else that satisfies physical needs.

– Lust of the eyes mostly involves materialism, coveting whatever we see that we don’t have and envying those who have what we want.

– The pride of life is defined by any ambition for that which puffs us up and puts us on the throne of our own lives.

2. Renew your mind for Godly transformation to happen in your life. Romans 12:2b

3. Prove what the will of God is for your life. Romans 12:2c

4. Be sober minded. Romans 12:3

5. Behave like a Christian. Roman 12:9-21,

6. “Enter through the narrow gate. Matthew 7:13-14

Shalom! Rev. Ron

Fasting as a sacrifice

What does the scripture say about fasting?

What Is Biblical fasting?

– essentially giving up food (or something else ie social media) for a period of time in order to focus your thoughts on God.

– While fasting, it is expected for you to read the Bible, pray, or worship

– The goal is to fast for a limited time while focusing your thoughts on God, the God of heaven.

– Fasting is not a gift but a discipline

– Fasting is a spiritual activity

Why do we fast ?

1. We fast to seek to seeks God’s direction –

– [ ] – Exodus 34:28 Moses fasted 40 days and forty nights in the presence of God for the 10 commandments. God sustained Moses during the fast and also gave him wisdom and direction.

– [ ] – Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to fast for 40 days and 40 nights

”Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.“
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

2. We fast to humble ourselves before God

– [ ] Ezra 8:21-23 I proclaimed a fast so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for safe journey

Here fasting is a means to humility

”Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.“
‭‭Ezra‬ ‭8‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

3. We fast for freedom

– [ ] Isaiah 58:6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and to untie the cords of the yoke to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

– [ ] Matthew 17:20-21 …However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

The purpose of fasting is more than just giving up food, the spiritual implications are great.

4. We fast to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit

– [ ] Acts 13:3 so after they fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

5. We fast to grow in spiritual strength

– [ ] Matthew 4:2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry

Jesus fasted and God strengthened him by sending his angels to minister to him. To grow in authority in the spirit requires prayer and fasting. May our sovereign Lord grant us the grace to seek His face through the sacrifice of fasting in Jesus’ Name.

Shalom! Rev. Ron.