A New Thing … Reflections in the moment

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Bode Ososami

There I was in the routine and the mundane of life, just getting on with it really. Perhaps in the place where even expectation is diminished, just thankful to God. There has been incredible and timely answers to prayers and there has been many times when the answers did not come or perhaps not in the way or the when…when I expected. But life goes on, the routine, the mundane, the familiar….and then an announcement is made…A NEW THING… ‘what new thing?’ ‘.Oh yes, 2 decades ago…ah ah I remember a NEW thing then’ ‘oh yes I am so happy for others, they are in the NEW thing’ But wait a minute is this announcement for me? Dare I believe, am I hearing right? This is not an announcement but a prophetic proclamation!!!! A proclamation NOW and for ME. I find myself musing, thinking of a family, a particular man, Joseph, Jacob’s son. His father named him Joseph. When it was least expected, Joseph was conceived and born and added on (or shall I say added in, a +)

The name Joseph means add on or increase…as I meditated on his life before becoming Egypt’s Prime Minister, Joseph seemingly was in a place of decrease and decay, he was in a dungeon. It seemed he lived contrary to the prophetic symbolism of His name. However looking at ‘the ways of the Spirit’ constraint and emptying is in line with the process of bringing him to a place of enlargement or fullness . Psalm 105. verses 10-24 remind us of the constraint of the feet of Joseph, until the time of release. Feet released synonymous with agility, movement, relocation.

Similarly the famine constrained the Patriarch Jacob to Canaan. I often wondered how the place of promise and inheritance, called Canaan now ossified into a place of dire famine. Selah! The previous and divine injunction to Jacobs’ Father and Grandfather was ‘not to go to Egypt.’ Egypt in this dispensation has been come a place of providence.

In Egypt Joseph (the DREAM) is alive. When Jacobs’s sons brought back word to Jacob that Joseph was alive, it was subtle but it was A NEW THING! it was clearly recorded in Genesis 45 verse 26b that Jacob’s heart fainted, be believed them NOT. The heart of the man fainted because; his heart had been broken and sorely disappointed, how many nights of agony, or longing for the return of the DREAM…Joseph. Joseph that was a cursor of the future.

In the meantime Joseph had sent wagons and cart loads of provision for the journey of his father and the brothers to Egypt. Goshen was waiting for them…A New place The Bible clearly records that in verse 27 when Jacob saw the carts his heart revived. There is a place for ‘seeing carts!!!’ that is both convincing and reassuring. It encourages faith and its revives the heart. It was an invitation to move out from a place of decrease and decay. Its causes us to do cartwheels, no pun intended!!!!!

So Jacob leaves for Egypt but via Beersheba (Genesis 46 verse 1). Beersheba the place of oath, the place of revelation, and the place where God visits again, and reassures Jacob of the ‘way of the spirit’ is to go to Egypt and the added benediction that Jehovah will make you ‘a great nation there’. A In Egypt God increased his people greatly (Psalm 105 verse24). He added to them, they multiplied; the prophetic name of Joseph was fulfilled in a most unlikely place and a most unlikely time…A New thing

Article contributed by Abby Olufeyimi. Abby is the Parish Pastor of Builder’s House (Redeemed Christian Church of God), U.K

The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Annual Holy Ghost Congress – themed “A New Thing” will hold Dec. 12th- 17^th 2011. Be there. You can also join online to be strengthened in your spirit. See Trailer below for details.

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Letter to Sister Abby’s Daughter

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Bode Ososami

It does take guts to go completely against the grain by encouraging those uniquely gifted to serve God … remaining single – without sounding like Mother Superior.

We forget, all too conveniently, that Christ was single as well as the most prolific of contributors to the New Testament, Apostle Paul. I published a related article by Brother Gbile on a different Deliverance from Earthwardness . Abby writes to her daughter …

Daughter dearest,

I have not written in a while, you know a proper letter, fold the paper and put it in an envelope (matching envelope please) seal the envelope and place the stamp (correct postage ) in the right hand corner of the envelope (and not up-side-down), letter! I like the world of instant, Blackberry messengers, facetime, twitter, and facebook …but a letter…this will be one of the many I will be writing…it is my pledge to you (nay to myself).

I was at the grocery store today and on offer were instant oats in all varieties and flavours. I settled for the long cooking one, nothing like soaking the oats in water with a pinch of salt (the way your Nana taught me) and then on low heat, simmer, the smell, the warmth…and then poured into a bowl and sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar. It’s the preparation….

And now to your question, ‘Mother give me 5 reasons why I shou1d remain single?’ It’s the preparation

I remember the words of the old Diana Ross and the Supremes song ‘you cann’t hurry love, you just have to wait….’ I may not have 5 reasons but I do know, that you are beautiful, and a treasure and a gift, God’s gift…I know this, but do you know this, do you believe this…at this time of your life you are being divinely prepared, all that you are and even going through is preparing you for LIFE…whether as a single young Lady or a married one

Are you enjoying the preparation or enduring you…are you being the best you? You for your Lord and You for yourself. Your singleness is a gift….a wonderful gift of God’s grace…a time for you to know You, discover you, love you…..and don’t get me wrong I am not saying that you cannot be YOU in a relationship, but so many women go into a relationship looking for the other person to ‘define’ them. I long for you Child to embrace your singleness and for the Lord’s Glory to come through… in every area, the vocation you chose, your creativity, in play and recreation, even in the hard places of life.

Another November, for it was in November my husband died and I too died, died to my ideal life but then came alive again … .and I went on ‘exeat’ to Chelsea yesterday. Popping into my favourite shops, the shop windows are such a delight, not shopping ( I lie, I did buy one or two things) just browsing on Kings Road, hopping on the bus at the Duke of York Square and off again, I treated myself to a cuppa (chai latte with soya milk extra hot and a sprinkling of cinnamon), I bought myself lunch at the Stockpot and I wondered if ‘Johnny English’ was showing yet at the Odeon for I will come and see it alone and laugh alone!!!!! I wondered in Anthropologie bought some soap and browsed through some books, a title grabbed me ‘the Happiness project’ hmmm wonder what that is about? In the middle of musings and browsing it occurred to me I have been a single woman for 15 years; having been previously married for 17 years. Almost half and half, can I honestly look at my 17 years of being married and claim they were better that the 15 years of being single….NO, not better, both gifts…it was Elizabeth Elliot through her writing, (some of the books are no longer in print) books like ‘Loneliness’ ‘Let me be Woman’ that I discovered (funny I read most of her books when I was married, that ‘singleness is a gift’…. and daughter dearest I pray you will fully live, embrace and appreciate your ‘gift’

With all my love always

Mum

(this letter was first posted to http://www.milkandhoneymedia.co.uk/5-reasons-you-should-stay-single/ and is written by Abby Olufeyimi . Abby is the Parish Pastor of Builder’s House (The Redeemed Christian Church of God), a church plant and community outreach of Jesus House (RCCG), England)

“O that my heart was pre-conditioned to seek Thy face! O that my reins would evermore long for Thy presence! O that my mind, my thoughts and imaginations are perpetually fixed on Thee! And my words, my deed, my daily traffic, all completely centred on You.” Prayer by Brother Gbile Akanni.

Enjoy related video by John Piper …

John Piper interview from women's katoomba convention from kcc on Vimeo.

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Worship of Angels – Do not do it.

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Bode Ososami

On a short trip with my wife and kids in the UK and with much time on my hands I find myself often seated browsing the TV stations especially the religious bouquet seeking inspiration but instead finding myself perturbed … it seems a family film at the local Odeon will be more settling and I have asked my little boy to chose a safe film for all of us to see. But in my spirit I am led to warn about an ongoing and prevalent worship of angels that has flooded the networks…worship of who?

I will not be the first to be alerted and personally hindered from false worship. John the faithful disciple of Christ who was trusted to receive and share the Revelation of Christ, the last book of the Bible, also a rare example of unusual stability and longevity as a Christian worker. Worship of angels is genuinely heartfelt, comes from a well meaning heart and is closely associated with truth as angels can reveal truth … but it is not worship of God. If John needed correction, you and I may as well.

Revelation 22[7] “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.” [8] I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. [9] But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” (NIV)

In the last days, worship of angels will become very prevalent. Angels are powerful superhumans with awesome intellect, talent and in touch with deep wisdom. They can be so impressive, like the erring John we can believe we are in the presence of God. More scary is the truth that a third of them are fallen and employed by the anti-christ.

I saw a documentary on a late music icon strong on religious themes linked to several spiritual gurus and heard many of his devotees convinced that his birth and death years ago was accompanied with signs. His spell-binding talent, unusual performance success and interest in the paranormal suggests an angelic “entertainment” presence of a different dark kind. But then there are awesome gatherings where revelation, deep truths, amazing wisdom and intellect combine to create another worship experience …these “intellect and wisdom” angels reveal impressive truths. In addition the love of money – and the obsession with financial “success” will facilitate bowing before the knees of mammon….a busy angel known to have a very large and growing following.

How then can we recognise worship of angels? True children of God will be hindered, warned and not allowed to worship angels. There are many things that only serve us excellently well such as money, music, the arts, intellect and wisdom that are not sinful but should not be permitted to keep out the presence of God … any adulation in the absence of God can be angelic worship. The presence of the Lord either in the Old and New Testament either before Isaiah, Abraham, Ezekiel or John is often accompanied by a:

sense of God’s holiness and man’s sin, the cleansing and the atoning blood of Christ that gives access to the throne of mercy as opposed to a feeling of anything goes.
desire for sacrificial service, submission and obedience conflicting with our agenda and natural leanings. “Here am I send me, use me Lord for your glory” is our cry…a sense of assignment and commission.
forgetting of self (achievements and disappointments) and eyes lifted up to God, filling us with a sense of the gratitude, glory, joy and majesty associated with admission into eternity.

John was impressed, shown wonderful things and heard deep truths, but warned not to bow at the feet of the angel revealing the truths … reminded to “Worship God”.

Lord, as you hindered every false worship for John – helping him, help me to worship you in Spirit and in Truth, and not be impressed into deception. Expose the worship of angels that your children may please you. Do something new in my life as I worship God. Amen

Enjoy Video below by John Piper.

John Piper interview from women's katoomba convention from kcc on Vimeo.

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Deliver Me From Earthwardness by Gbile Akanni

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Bro. Gbile Akanni

Lord, I found my passions going the way of the earth. Earthy desires, like those of the men of the earth, conspire to make me heavy towards you. Earthly attachments, earthy longings, earthward attractions still show themselves in my natural mien. I seem to battle, some of the time, with a force of gravity pulling me towards earth’s activities and earth’s concerns and earth’s matters. When Lord, would I actually be free to soar the realms above? Beyond sinful lusts and worldliness, I found a general mental earthwardness that makes me yet more comfortable with the men of the earth than with the eternal beings above.

Why is it that I prefer to talk with men than to commune with God! Why do I feel it an uphill to go plunge in the labour of prayer and intercession for the things of Thy kingdom? Why am I more relaxed, capable of consuming precious hours in the fraternity of humans than to spend a mere day alone with God? Why should I rather more easily plunge into hours of discussion with my wife, chatting with my brethren, disciples and men than to sit alone and have HIM come pour into my soul instead?

Why do I prefer Counselling to Communion? Teaching to Meditating on the Word? Ministry to Devotion? Why should earthly labour, even if for God, seem to be the sweeter than being with Him? Am I not earthy, earthly and earthward?
Earthly labour, earthy chores, earthly concerns, earthy cares . . . legitimate, not even sinful, seem to more easily carry the day to the detriment of returning and resting in the holy presence. Why do I go through the endless cycle of running out and running in, burning out and coming back for refill? Why do I prefer to be refreshed than to remain ever fresh? I detest this earthwardness! Lord please break its hold over me! It was David the King that cried . . .

Psalms 119:5-6Psalms 119:5-6
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! ⁶ Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

WP-Bible plugin … “O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.”

O that my heart was pre-conditioned to seek Thy face! O that my reins would evermore long for Thy presence! O that my mind, my thoughts and imaginations are perpetually fixed on Thee! And my words, my deed, my daily traffic, all completely centred on You.

While I am bound in this earthly, earthy and earthward tabernacle, Lord, may I yet daily relish the secret ecstasy of Divine communion. May I possess as my permanent possession, the joy of living, moving and having my being in you. Let the rejoicing of my heart, the merriment of my soul and the excitement of my laughter be of finding You and feeling You in the centre of my bosom. Alas… I discover a new deliverance at last.

Psalms 19:14Psalms 19:14
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. strength: Heb. rock

WP-Bible plugin “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

(Gleanings from livingseed.org)

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A Different Army that is Coming

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Bode Ososami

John 15:5John 15:5
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. without me: or, severed from me

WP-Bible plugin says “I am the Vine ye are the branches, ye that abide in Me, the same bring much fruit, for without Me, you can do nothing”. Jesus Christ is the Vine and every Christian is a branch of that Vine. The secret of fruitfulness then is to simply to abide in Him. When we talk about abiding, if I’m going to abide in a house, the first thing I need to do is to locate the house. If I am going to abide in the Lord. Psalm 34:10Psalm 34:10
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

WP-Bible plugin tells us that the “young lion do lack and suffer hunger, but they that seek the Lord, shall never lack any good thing”.

Hebrews 11:6Hebrews 11:6
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

WP-Bible plugin also tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Therefore, if I am going to abide in the Lord, I must seek the Lord and if I seek the Lord, I will not lack any good thing. Matt. 7:7-8Matt. 7:7-8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: ⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

WP-Bible plugin assures us that if we seek we will find.
However, the Bible adds certain conditions to our seeking and finding. Isa. 55:6Isa. 55:6
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

WP-Bible plugin tells us “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, all ye upon Him while He is near”. This means there is a time when we can seek Him and find Him. Proverbs 8:17Proverbs 8:17
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17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

WP-Bible plugin says “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me”. Some seek God when it is already late, but you must seek Him first; first thing in the morning; before you go to work, before you get married…and so on. “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:33Matt. 6:33
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

WP-Bible plugin.
Now after I locate the house, I must knock at the door. The Bible says that”…if you knock it will be open unto you.” So I want to abide in a house, therefore I seek for it, I find it, I knock the door and the door is open. The next thing is I would want to do is check if it is suitable for me or not. Psalm 34:8Psalm 34:8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

WP-Bible plugin says “Taste and see that the Lord is good”. Many have tasted the Lord and know that the Lord is good.

Another secret of fruitfulness is to be freed from the Adamic nature, bound by the inherent dust to strive and fail by receiving a breath of life from God. Dust must return to dust, but there is a Spirit man (a breath of life) received from God that must eventually return to God.

Genesis 2[7] And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Ezekiel 37[9] Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. [10] So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. [11] Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. [12] Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. [13] And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, [14] And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it , and performed it , saith the LORD.

Christian Revival is a phenomenon that transforms dust to a mighty kingdom army by the agent of the breath of God. When we speak of revival, we are not talking about meetings, but of a sovereign move of God, as seen in the Welsh revival. In the Welsh revival a nation was changed in weeks. Thousands of unsaved people, all at one time, were moved by a heavenly influence to repent. Pubs were emptied, the work place was ablaze with talk about salvation, and churches over-flowed with sinners wanting to get saved. The word ‘revival’ is used to explain the amazing results of an outpouring of the Spirit of God. A revival is here.

God will insist on holiness. If you are going to be revived and transformed and discover fruitfulness as never been seen, then you must be holy, abide in Him and receive that breath of life that liberates you from the curse of the dust and battles with creeping things.

A victorious and fruitful army of God is emerging. This army abides in the word of God, is strengthened to overcome and prepared to meet with Christ – Husband and Commander in Chief.

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The Story behind “Perfect Fall Wedding : The Coming of Christ”

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Get your copy at BN.com

A fourth book has typical challenges in the sense that one begins to feel somewhat jaded and must recover perspective as though indeed there is something else coming that is yet to be said as it should. “Three” in the Bible is the number that denotes perfection …the revelation of God in the Trinity. Four is three plus one … that which proceeds from His complete perfection and that must be His creative work. “Four” is emphatically the number of Creation;

The fourth day saw the material creation finished (for on the fifth and sixth days it was only the furnishing and peopling of the earth with living creatures). The sun, moon, and stars completed the work, and they were to give light upon the earth which had been created, and to rule over the day and over the night (Genesis 1:14-19Genesis 1:14-19
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: the day...: Heb. between the day and between the night ¹⁵ And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. ¹⁶ And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. to rule the day...: Heb. for the rule of the day, etc. ¹⁷ And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, ¹⁸ And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. ¹⁹ And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.

WP-Bible plugin).

Perfect Fall Wedding is therefore perhaps more creative than previous works. It is not a book about true or false predictions. The metaphor of marriage and a love letter from the groom to His bride was for me the very best canvas with which the creative agenda of the Godhead could be completely and thoroughly understood. Indeed there are snippets in the Bible to help us deal with every challenge and truly the Bible can be a prosperity book, a government manual, a guide for ethics, a cure for social maladies and even more…but this is like Peter being shown where to find the fish but after invited to come and dine only to discover prepared bread and fish was hot and ready waiting …his fish search irrelevant.

In my few years of teaching, and I have taught extensively the contents of this book, I have not found a picture so familiar and easy to relate to and understand and yet so compelling to tie the plans of God together as the marriage of the Lamb does –from before time into Genesis to Revelation and the after-time. I have not found imagery so vivid to explain heaven, hell, eternity and judgment as that of a wedding. The joy of purification, having dominion and remaining apart is no more hard to appreciate or seen as drudgery when this is understood as part of preparations. Also I have not known any other ceremony with more prearrangements, colour and style. God created us with a style and flourish that is uniquely His – through this metaphor we catch some glimpse of it. The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is but nothing compared to what God has laid out.

Why the obsession with “Fall” … the season of the feast of Trumpets which I have said in the Book foreshadows the Rapture. We know the significant events in the calendar of God did not merely occur they were announced by prophetic fulfilment of feasts as given to Moses in Leviticus. But the Bible warns us not to relax in the winter, spring and summer and expect to be set for His coming in the Fall. More importantly a saint unprepared for Him anytime will not be prepared even at a given set time…noting that preparation is given to the Bride – a grace she receives, but cannot originate. The chosen bride will without doubt be prepared.

The book is not about how to live a happily married life, but it does emphasise divine directions as it pertains to marriage ordained by God and not man. Marriage is therefore always a spiritual and theological issue and not a civil construct. This book is not remotely new revelation – only that present day readers I suspect peep in the word nervously … finding right answers to trivial questions … rather than be given to diligent study and examine research, context and previous interpretations allowing the Holy Spirit to guide. Also the great achievement of post-modernism is to suggest to a world with itching ears that Biblical truths are nothing but plain fantasy. Only crazy people will believe in a millennium reign of Christ with His saints. Existentialists will call this book – a mere piece of futurism and an escape from reality due to inability to cope with today’s challenges.

The key aim of Perfect Fall Wedding is to help the preparation of the bride – the Church – chosen from the foundations of the world. The bride will glow with joy browsing through the chapters and will keep her letter. Many others, atheists, non Christians will feel a tug in their heart – a call to return to what has always been there – back to your husband , your maker. But some will read and feel excitement, entertainment, annoyance, a thrill, a sense of fantasy, amusement, outright disgust, unbelief and anger –like someone devouring the contents of a letter written to another and wondering …what utter nonsense.

Isaiah 54 [5] For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Interested readers can find more details in the online information kit download. Also Two free e-books of the author are being offered with purchase of a copy. (To obtain the bonus e-books you will need to enter details of purchase on the online form and you will be auto-responded with download password/instructions).

(See PRWeb.com press release)

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The Rapture and another Harold Camping Prediction

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Click to buy at BN.com

Many are hoping that Harold Camping will be ignored once again as he predicts that October 21 is the date of the rapture. What is surprising is that even as has made previous predictions that did not happen, many will still take his predictions seriously.

Perhaps this is because they have not read for themselves what the Bible says about this most important event. Most are ignorant on the prophecies and the clarifications given by Christ even as there is agreement that the signs proving the time is near are being fulfilled.

Matthew 25[13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

We remember that Camping, founder of Family Radio Network, had earlier predicted that Judgment Day and the Rapture would occur on May 21, 2011. But when spring passed without a Rapture, Camping stood by his prediction but tweaked it somewhat to say it was not a “physical” Rapture.

Is Camping doing as much harm as many imagine? Except to the media crazed societies who find billboards more compelling than spiritual guidance or who have been told that the Bible is a “good” book of half-truths and mystic cryptic codes waiting to be deciphered. For those who would study the Bible and care to understand and love its truths, Camping’s predictions will perhaps not be given the slightest attention.

Well it will soon be October 21…only three days away.

In the Introduction of the new book “Perfect Fall Wedding:The Coming of Christ” , Pastor Samuel Olonode had written :

“There are many events that will usher and mark the return of the Bridegroom. Some will take place before the Rapture and Millennium (the 1000 year reign of Christ in earth) . . . and some after. Some take place on earth and some in Heaven. The imminent return of Christ should constantly be on our mind and we should be watchful. We cannot set a date as some do, because no one but God knows precisely when.

The Rapture takes place to mark the end of the Church age. This Church started at Pentecost, after Israel rejected her Messiah and it has continued till today. For more than 2000 years now, God has been calling out saints from all over the world, those that will constitute the bride of his dear Son. Presently, there is nothing hindering the Rapture . . . so we are to be ready to meet our Saviour in the air at any moment.

As soon as the fullness of time of the Father is complete, God will order the angels in Heaven to sound the trumpet, to alert the saints on earth. The next thing is that our Lord Jesus will appear in the clouds; then the dead in Christ of all ages will arise in the mighty power of God, and be joined together with their souls receiving their glorified bodies. After this, the saints which are alive will be caught up to receive their glorified body and meet with the Lord in the air. The Rapture is for those in Christ . . . a select group who are classified as believers of all ages. These ones are those who lived their life for God and expect the coming of their Lord. Are you one of such? How often do you reflect on the coming of Christ? Are you expecting Him? Are you prepared?

The purpose of Rapture is to take away the Bride of Christ, and to deliver them from the outpouring of the wrath of God. It is also for the believers in Christ to obtain their reward at the Judgement seat of Christ. And behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev 22:12Rev 22:12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

WP-Bible plugin. Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:9-102 Corinthians 5:9-10
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. labour: or, endeavour ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

WP-Bible plugin.

The Rapture is the event that precedes the Marriage of the Lamb in the Heavenlies. The Raptured Church is the “Bride-to-be”—there will be great rejoicing with great angelic singing and shouts of joy as the bride arrayed in fine, clean and spotlessly white linen—the righteousness of the saints, is presented without the slightest wrinkle. After the marriage there will be a special banquet and we see the Lord Jesus breaking the bread and we will drink wine with Him who was slain for our sins—in a final communion supper. What a glorious event it will be.”

As October 21 passes, I urge you to again . . . remember Christ is coming . . . be prepared . . . for you have not been appointed for wrath. Repent now. Confess your sins and return fully to the path of holiness. Soon your Husband . . . He will come . . . for you….and if He comes before then … It is also well.

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Pragmatism and Fighting the Monster of Corruption

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Bode Ososami

The monster has not come for games. It has studied the battlefield and watched the protagonists closely for centuries and is deft in laying out tactics to remain unvanquished. This monster understands well three vital things which it uses to maintain his grip.

Pragmatism is the real religion of many professors of ethics and many are simply as motivated to material comforts and/or prominence as any other. Pragmatism means we must do our best to secure a reasonable and practical conclusion on matters in front of us – doing of course our best given the circumstance. Everyone bribes and can be bribed … most with money, others with honour and elevation and almost all with compliments, attention and recognition.
Morality for most is not absolute and the context will determine the case. Every case can be argued and we need to probe the context to establish truth. Truth can be true in a case and untrue for another – depending on who is presenting it or arguing for it. It is the end that justifies the means ….and this creates different scenarios and possibilities – enough to sustain every evil action. The best minds can argue decadence to be right. Everything can be contextualised.
It seems all dread inconvenience, bad news, shame, loneliness and lack more than they fear the hell that they preach about … if they still truly believe it. Most will only have pragmatic perspectives presented and will eschew rather than help people grapple through real ethical dilemmas. All like good news and worship happy endings.

Corruption is not new. Indeed at its height, the Roman Empire was the most impressive human administration the world had ever seen. Roman legislation was indeed effective and is still the basis of the legal code of many countries. Yet, many have said it was corruption that hastened Rome’s downfall. The Romans were experts in juggling a corrupt judicial system and knew how to play the cards of the law as was required. They were the ultimate pragmatists.

Acts 24 [22] And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. [23] And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. [24] And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. [25] And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. [26] He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

The apostle Paul suffered under corrupt Roman officials. Felix, the Roman governor recognized Paul’s innocence but hoped to be bribed by Paul to secure his release – after all this was only the pragmatic solution to enable Paul have the freedoms he needed to preach and do the work of God. An ally in Felix would also have been most helpful. What practical value will an incarcerated Paul confer? “ None “ says the positive pragmatist. Surely, Felix deserves some consideration for his kind intervention.

Instead of bribing Felix, Paul spoke about “righteousness and self-control.” Felix expecting a more practical discussion was incensed and had Paul retained in prison. For many what the monster demands is not money, but our services or an assent to evil or a quiet silence – anything to secure our freedoms from the bonds of the gospel and the love of God which restrains us. But we are yoked to Christ and must do as the Holy Spirit commands … in this our coast is supernaturally enlarged to do even more.

What is pragmatism? This is how Steve Jobs would have defined it.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” (1955-2011)

But this is how the Bible describes the voice speaking in our hearts…Jeremiah 17 [9] The heart is deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Paul is not perfect and surely did not plan, when his life was interrupted on the way to Damascus, for a ministry in the prisons of Rome or to be crucified like a criminal, but the bonds of the gospel to which he called himself a slave demanded it.

The monster of corruption offers a wealthier, longer and healthier life, perhaps an opportunity in the lush courts of Felix to preach … but all that – did not affect Paul. Perhaps even though Paul did not dent the corrupt order, he saved his destiny and his soul – continuing in a pitiable incarceration from which he penned most of the New Testament.

The monster of corruption and injustice notes the identity of Paul, isolates him from his team and leaves him alone, waiting to hear of his eventual death and ignoring his tears in the sad corridors of a dark jail as he penned his works.

To my friend reading this post – be strong and courageous; continue to stand for truth. There is a new anointing in Christ not to be overcome by corruption. You will laugh last…all your private tears will soon be completely wiped away.

(Adapted from a real scenario and dedicated to the reader silently and privately suffering for battling the monster of corruption)

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How to Burn without Burning out.

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Many believers are exhausted, tired and feel burnt out but know that the fire of faith must keep burning. I found this article by Gbile Akanni most useful to help understand Bible perspective on how to keep aglow – very different from other views which can relax our guard.

What does the Bible say on perpetual burning for God?

Lev 6:13Lev 6:13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

WP-Bible plugin “The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar;
it shall never go out.”

1Peter 4:7r 4:7
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

WP-Bible plugin “But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”

Leviticus 6:8-13Leviticus 6:8-13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ⁹ Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. because...: or, for the burning ¹⁰ And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. ¹¹ And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes without the camp unto a clean place. ¹² And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. ¹³ The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

WP-Bible plugin details the law of burnt offering unto the Lord, the procedure for keeping the altar aglow even through the dampness and coldness of night. These contain gleans of principles for my heart as I seek to keep the altar of my own heart aglow! These are the protocols of perpetual burning. Lord may you grant me peace of mind to keep strictly to these protocols of hosting the fire of heaven perpetually within my soul.

Four things stand out there for me to keep my light burning. Four things there are that I must do, if indeed I desire a perpetual burning! I must . . . .

1. Pack Out My Ashes!
First, the ashes of past burning must be packed out, else it will only serve to dampen my fresh burning. I must leave the past in the past, if I will ever keep my fire burning; past success, past achievement . . . yet past failures and past weaknesses. That which is past is past. Focusing on the past will only stop me from fresh prospects in God.

Father, may I see no reason to be pre-occupied with the ashes of my past burning. Even if I’ve had exploits, it was by You. The elder, Paul chose to forget the things which are past, so as to press on to what lies ahead. I might have given You some fat offerings, or serious consecrations but those have already been burnt up. I need to face my current state. Only old men dream mere dreams, I will offer you something fresh while I am young. Memories of past wonderful encounters with You will only form idols in my mind now, and dampen my present quest for You. Oh teach me Lord, to pack my ashes aside!

2. Feed My Fire!
Next, some fire wood must be fed into fire chambers for the fire to be sustained. Fresh wood, daily set in order, to keep the flames ever fresh, ever current. Fresh logs of truth and twigs of understanding gained from spiritual insight into the word is the age long fuel that keeps God’s Candle burning. Oh that I may befriend my Bible and cherish the truths and principles hidden therein. It was the sweet psalmist of Israel that cried “O that my ways were directed to keep Thy law. Father, this I pray!

On the other side, the blowing and fanning of prayer and intercession has been known of old to spread the fire all over the heart and keep it warm and sizzling. Prayer, in spirit and in truth, blazing through my spirit in known and unknown tongues and cutting through the every debris and blanket cast by living in this evil and apostate twenty-first century is what my soul must have to keep a burning!

Father, I need help to watch unto prayer . . . In thanksgiving, worship, praises; the burning fuel from tons of supplications, petitions, intercessions and advocacy I must now be enabled to supply generously and consistently at your altar. So Lord, draw me nearer. For happy is the man whom Thou causeth to approach unto Your throne. Lord, hear my cry! Let the deep call to the deep and my soul be energised by tongs of fire from off Thine altar!

3. A fresh Sacrifice On My Altar!
Thirdly, the object of sacrifice – the burnt offering itself should be laid in order on top of the altar, to be consumed by the fire of sacrifice; thus yielding a sweet smell unto the Lord. Next, Lord, I see the need to present a new sacrifice upon Your altar. Every day demands fresh consecration and offering of myself, my time, my body, talents, money, my love; as a burning sacrifice upon your altar. I cannot appear at your altar empty – handed, with no sacrifice at all. What object will the fire consume then? Even some lusty idols I hold to in prayer, I must now release, in the faith that your will for me is better. Even at this junction, may my perpetual cry agree with the Hymn writer of old . . .

If Thou wouldst call me to resign
What most price I, it never was mine
I only yield Thee what is Thine
Thy will be done!

4. Be Sober And Be Watchful
Finally and most importantly, the fire upon the altar must never go out; night or day.
I must now be sober – clear-minded and self-controlled. Never permitting clouds upon my mind, nor ever allow myself be double-minded in the place of prayer. Earthly passions, anxiety and lack of focus will normally weigh a man down even where he seeks to please God. May my loins be girded and may my light forever burn! Amen!

Should I be enabled to follow these Your clear injunctions, should I fulfil these spiritual protocols for perpetual burning, then surely my fire will never go out. Help me therefore to keep Thy law.

Originally Published as Protocols for Perpetual Burning by Gbile Akanni. Gbile Akanni posts articles regularly on living seed.org.

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Feed my Sheep, Feed my Lamb and Feed Yourself

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Much has been written about a recent trend of “successful” and perhaps more entrepreneurial pastors expanding their reach to bless a wider group through books, talking tours and nationwide conferences. Many say it may not be God asking them to separate for as long as they do from the assembly in the local church and, as seen in some scenarios, even resigning thriving pastorates to respond to the call through other ventures.

Christianity Today wrote recently in an article of many like Francis Chan, Jim Belcher, N. T. Wright and, now Rob Bell, leaving local church pastorates, some of which were churches they themselves had planted for what seems like more lucrative full-time conference and book ministry. It would appear that the local pastorate can provide an excellent platform that paves way for a broader more exciting and financially rewarding foray that does not require the tough ethical and doctrinal accountabilities (hassles) shepherding demands of the weary pastor whether in a small church or as part of a larger denomination. The sheep need a pastor to see Christ in and mentoring to maturity. As pastors leave, what happens to the sheep of Christ. Who will visit the unlovable in an era of do-it-yourself Christianity … and who will watch day and night in prayer over the careless?

The sheep may appear to have found new online savvy but they cannot see Christ as well on a podium or on a TV screen or on a blog as when they can feel the life of their pastor in his marriage, home and in how he masters challenges and defeats demons resisting him. In reality, the sheep want to be visited, heard and encouraged sometimes when the shepherd is exhausted and close to a nervous wreck battling his own challenges.

John 21[15] … Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. [16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. [17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jesus spoke to Simon Peter and asked if he loved Him more than “these”. “These” would be fame, money, acclaim, ease, comforts, lofty personal aspirations and agenda. If the answer is yes, then go and carry and feed the young silly sheep (lambs) and also their older sometimes unpredictable prickly parents. Christ needs those who love Him to pastor the sheep where He sends them – and remain there.

Pastoring as Christ ordained cannot be as thrilling as many would want it to be otherwise Christ will not repeat himself in three different sentences that the evidence of love for Him will be the patient duty of carrying the weak and rescuing the undeserving perishing. Feeding sheep includes staying awake to protect them from wolves, running to the cliffs to rescue some from falling headlong, helping to free the young unheeding lamb caught in a rough thicket, bringing out one that has fallen into a ditch, finding good pasture – leading and helping the thirsty to the quiet streams for a refreshing drink. This will require both the rod and staff as teaching tools – not just power-point and jazzy multimedia.

The elegant and sophisticated Egyptians despised Shepherds and looked down at them, considering them to be the inferior of men … they typically earned the lowest wages and stayed outdoors and were smelly.

Genesis 46[34] … for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.

The modern day shepherd has fared much better, and the pastor will have found many other pastimes on the internet, writing, touring, doing nationwide seminars – earning millions of dollars from a gift that a wider audience will pay for. Is this not part of the call and is God against rich and famous pastors? Surely not.

Sheep in recent times have also become more risky to handle, and many wolves in sheep clothing have devoured not just other sheep but less discerning shepherds … and some may ask in their low moments – am I called to this. Christ does not ask everyone to feed His sheep, only those who have been given the rare grace to love Him more than “these”.

Or perhaps Christ should have said “Feed my lamb, feed my sheep…and feed yourself”

( Published in The Christian Post )

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