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
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
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.

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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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God Knows your End

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Psalm 41 [9] Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. [10] But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. [11] By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

As good as the beginning of your life, family or project may be, its end is far more important to God. It is good to start the Christian race, but Heaven is more concerned about how that race will end. Acts 15:18Acts 15:18
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

WP-Bible plugin says God already knows how you will end your journey right from when you embarked upon it. This is so because God is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending (Rev. 1:8Rev. 1:8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

WP-Bible plugin).

According to Ephesians 1:35Ephesians 1:35
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

WP-Bible plugin-, everything concerning you had been settled by God before the creation of the world. Some people think they are where they are today as a result of certain events which took place many years before, or as a result of the meeting of their parents. That’s far from the truth! Even before God created the world, He knew and had planned that you would be born at a particular time to fulfill a definite purpose.

This is why you can never take God by surprise: He already knows what you are capable of doing throughout your life time. While coming to this world, the Lord knew that somebody close to Him would betray Him. “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Ps. 41:9Ps. 41:9
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. mine...: Heb. the man of my peace lifted...: Heb. magnified

WP-Bible plugin). The betrayal of Christ was prophesied in the above scripture.

Satan was free to choose who he wanted to do that assignment. Initially, he fixed his heart on Peter. Peter was Satan’s target to fulfill that scripture but somehow, because he had become too close to Jesus, another meeting was called where the tempter was asked to pick another person for the job. Jesus prayed for Peter but it was not recorded that He prayed for Judas. Every evil plan that has you at the centre shall fail.

Have you slipped from the path of righteousness? Have you betrayed the Lord like Judas? The Lord will have mercy on you and restore you in Jesus name. Have you been a victim of betrayal in the Christian faith? That makes you more like Christ. If your most trusted friend has turned against you, hold fast to the friend that never disappoints -the Lord Jesus. He will see you through to a successful end. You will end well. Hold on to Jesus the Ending, to give you an expected end.

Thank God for sustaining me up till now. Lord, give me more grace to live for you.

Culled from Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

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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.

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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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Goliaths, Pharaohs and a New Dawn for a Great Nation

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Bode Ososami

President Goodluck Jonathan, the President of Nigeria – as the world’s most populous black nation today celebrates her 51st independence anniversary, says the future is bright and assures that the many challenges facing the nation will be eventually overcome.

The President, who gave the assurance in a televised address declared that his administration would spare no effort in tackling crime and building peace and likens the blockers of great nationhood to Goliaths and Pharaohs that will just not fade off as easily as many Nigerians will wish.

Many citizens observe that things are far from perfect and strain their imagination to observe or appreciate the new dawn that is breaking as an environment of improved governance and accountability, economic and fiscal discipline, a more professional and committed leadership team is slowly but surely emerging to transition an impatient citizenry with huge but yet to be realised potential.

Joseph Chamberlain once said “Great men are like mountains; we do not appreciate their magnitude while we are still close to them “even as Jonathan insists that there is much to celebrate declaring… “We must also take pride in our scientists. This week, Nigeria released 8 new high yielding cocoa varieties. This will help to transform cocoa production, across the 14 cocoa producing states in the nation,” he added.

The Bible records that the emergence of Jesus Christ and dawning of God’s very greatest revolution was received with even far less appreciation.

Luke 9 [9] And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

Every new dawn comes with three vital elements. First, the element of Herod … the Goliaths, Jezebels and Pharaohs that represent spiritual battles that must be won to permit waning of powerful influences. Elijah and Elisha combined to anoint and empower Jehu to destroy the apparently invincible influence of Baal by a massacre of Ahab, Jezebel, seventy sons and many evil priests. It seems every great civilisation has had its political and socioeconomic revolutions – be it the Industrial Revolution in Britain, the storming of the Bastille, 14 July 1789 during the French Revolution or George Washington, leading the American Revolution. The element of Herod is neutralised or vanquished.

The second element of new greatness is successful Transition. John the Baptist represented the transition that must identify, introduce and make way for Christ although he was not the Lamb of God, only a friend of the heavenly bridegroom. Transition elements must be tough, determined, selfless, impatient and perhaps even bold and courageous to be sacrificed as divine decoys to permit the concealed and fledgling revolution to eventually mature. Herod, after beheading John the Baptist, was surprised that someone even greater than John could be alive and thriving. Even Christ needed this element to prepare the way for Him. John the Baptist – the transition who prepared the way was perhaps disappointed, offended and beheaded, Herod was unable to stop Christ … and the new revolution that is Christianity still breaks out.

The third element is the New Dawn, the desire of all. I envision a new dawn breaking in a nation challenged with fighting many battles never been fought for fairness, justice, economic growth and new order of truth. New dawns do not just happen … For illustration, the American Revolution was the result of a series of new social, political, and intellectual transformations in early American society and government, collectively referred to as the American Enlightenment. Americans rejected the oligarchies common in aristocratic Europe at the time, championing instead the development of new enlightened paradigms of fairness.

Remember Nigeria in your prayers as she goes through unique transitions. Indeed Goliaths and Pharaoh will not be permitted to stop her …

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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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THE COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIAN by Onuzo

Posted on September 17, 2011 by Bode Ososami

The first question you ask yourself is this: Is there any such thing as a counterfeit Christian in church and in the world? Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said there is, and right there in church. Here is the story He told His disciples:

It is not for me to go round looking for the counterfeit Christians in church but to look inwardly and ask myself: “Am I a counterfeit Christian? Have I truly experienced Christ? Is He alive in me at home, at work and in church? It is not my neighbours that make me a true Christian. They are there to test whether I am really what I profess to be. My life as a Christian is to reveal the life of Christ to my world beginning with the people I live with at home each day from my spouse to the rest of my family and moving outwards to the place where I work and then to the church where I visit less frequently each week.

We must recognize that a lot of good can come from religious observance, without the knowledge of the true God and His Christ. Take the life journey of a fake currency. A fake $500 note may be used to buy bread to feed the hungry. The bread seller may then pass it to the rice seller and then to the meat seller and after a journey of twelve years it would finally arrive at the bank to be lodged by a car dealer. Then the bank subjects it to scrutiny and detects that it is a fake currency. Now the fact that it was and had always been a fake currency did not stop it from doing some good along the way. It might even have visited churches and done some good there too. But all that good could not change the fact that it is a fake currency posing to be what it is not. This is why supposed Christians could go far but never far enough to prove the reality of Christ. Only the grace of God in Christ Jesus driven by the Spirit of God can empower us to stand up to the pressures of compromise with evil. Counterfeit Christians may be hard to detect in church. We say here in Nigeria that every toad is squatting so it is difficult to say the one that has diarrhoea. In church we all put on our very best behaviours and try to say the nicest things to the most difficult people. At work, we lose some of the constraints of church. At home where we may be king and queen, we tend to lose even more restraint. How often do very nice people at church and at work turn monsters at home? How often do very nice people at church turn monsters at work? Monsters are generally uncommon in church but not altogether rare.

Part of our self-examination as Christians must hinge on the word conversion or change. The truth of our faith is that God put on human nature so that through faith the nature of God can be experienced by man. It is not just that we become children of God by faith. It is that through faith we begin to reveal the nature and character of God in our dealings with others in the world. Faith draws down the spiritual inner strength that drives the change. And this is the change that must be for us to be sure that we are no counterfeits. A young Christian asked me the other day how one could change his way of life. My response was straight forward: The first step is a very strong desire to change. The Holy Spirit always works effectively where He can see very strong desire. When we study the Word of God with this quality desire, the life of Christ will stare us in the face as we study and the Spirit of God will empower us to effect the necessary changes like – unyielding love, humility, integrity, kindness, compassion, willingness to forgive others as well as ourselves, self-control, self-denial in the pursuit of righteousness, consistent rejection of compromises with evil, seasoned speech that edify the hearers at home, at work and in church, suffering for what is right and much more. Nobody can work these works of righteousness in their own strength. We all need daily, nay moment by moment inner strengthening by the Spirit of God to stand up for Christ in this world. The truth we must grasp is that Almighty God gave us eternal life in the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Through the knowledge of Christ, this eternal life is expressed in this world through our lives. This is that eternal life which our Lord Jesus Christ described in these words:

John 17[3] And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

It is when my life reveals that I know God: when my dealings with others show forth the character of Christ, then I can be assured that I am no counterfeit. It is for this reason that we must make a difference wherever we are as Christians because we are expected to reveal the character of Christ no matter the cost. This is a daily challenge and that is why those who had gone before us admonished us in this way:

Genuine Christians know the daily struggle to keep on the straight and narrow road at home, at work and in church. Counterfeits tend to struggle in church to stay godly but lose all restraint at work and at home. If a nation that boasts that 50% of her population are Christians is not being transformed, then the churches in that nation must be full of counterfeits. This calls for deep self-examination. It poses a challenge to each Christian. We must know that God has called us into Christ so that the world around us can see Christ in us and through us. Every nation will change when a good percentage of its people are changed. I cannot control change outside of myself. My greatest challenge as a Christian is to be a changed person so that the world can see the nature of Christ in me and through me. If the world around me is not full of light, then it is either that I bear no light at all or that the light I carry is weak and faint and so cannot dispel the darkness around me. As Children of Light, let us rise and shine ever so brightly in every corner of our world – church, work or home, to the glory of our God. He who has called is very faithful and is a true and consistent rewarder of all those who love and serve Him. Our labours can never be in vain either in this world or in the world to come.

May the Holy Spirit empower you to take your place in the frontline of the struggle for righteousness in the very place where you are now, to the glory of God and His Christ, Amen.

Here is the true test of counterfeit Christianity for each and every professing Christian, myself included…

Dr. Onuzo is an acknowledged conference and seminar speaker in different parts of the world. He continues to be available for the work of the ministry despite his busy clinical work. He is also the Associate Pastor of the National Headquarter’s Church of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. He is married to Mariam, a medical doctor and they have four children: Dilichi, Chinaza, Dinachi and Chibundu

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Remembering Martyrs and 9/11 again

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Late Brother Mark Ojunta - Calvary Ministries

About this time last year, I wrote an article “Recession proof love – Remembering 911” which focused on the impact on incidents as this on our hearts and difficulties in loving the unlovable. Still finding it relevant – I have republished the thoughts in that article. Please read on - and also find my other related articles - as you spare some thoughts also for many other nations, peoples and families in other geographies that have been devastated by terrorism …. I also received the letter in my mail – I have republished below

Dearly Beloved Colleagues,

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is to inform you that the burial for our late bro. Mark Ojunta who was shot by the Boko Haram on the night of August 27^th, 2011 has been fixed for September 30^th , 2011 by his parent. This burial will take place in his village in Abia state.

Our late brother died at the age of 36 years as a martyr on his field among the Kotokos, first martyr in CAPRO in our 36 years of existence as a ministry. All our staff in Shuwa Arab, Kotoko and Kanuri were on the list of this sect to be killed. The National office immediately evacuated our missionaries when this was known. Bro. Mark took his family out on Friday but he went back to the field because he had convert class with some believers on Saturday. It was in the night that the sect came to where they were staying, knock at the door and he tried to escape but could not get away.

“Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7: 56Acts 7: 56
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

WP-Bible plugin. Jesus the Lord stood up from His throne for Stephen as he was being ushered into His presence as the first martyr. What a glorious way to be translated into the presence of the Lord. Bro. Mark died among the people whom the Lord sent to reach with the love of Christ. Wednesday of that week brother Kola Kehinde, our National Coordinator in UK spoke with him about the possibility of him coming to join the UK team. His response was, he wants to invest more years into the work among the Kotokos and hand it over to believers before he can consider leaving. What a passion and commitment! Four days later he was translated into the presence of His Master. “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? …. “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” Hallelujah!!!

“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation he fell asleep…” Acts 13:36Acts 13:36
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: after...: or, after he had in his own age served the will of God

WP-Bible plugina. May the Lord help us all to serve God’s purpose for our lives. Please pray for Sis. Ema, his wife, Kambe (3yrs) and Akira (9mths) their children for grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. For his father, mother and his sisters. Pray for wisdom and provision as we prepare for the burial. Blessings.

Amos Aderonmu, International Director,Calvary Ministries (CAPRO) www.capromissions.org …reaching the nations since 1975

In the times of abundant iniquity, the love of many – Jesus Christ said would grow cold. In the bid to survive even as media networks fan the fiery embers of fear for fiendish gain …as increased competitiveness for scarce resources and harsh economic climate persists – many must find themselves vulnerable to a hardening that always comes surreptitiously to the unguarded.

Matthew 24[12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

I ask myself – how can I make the love of God in my life that manifests in practical acts of charity for others especially those I perceive as unlovable … recession proof? I also ask myself some questions…

Would I still love God if suddenly sent to the back of a lonesome desert? Or suddenly denied of a much desired breakthrough? How warm would my love be if suddenly exposed to very different cultures and peoples?
When faced with opposition and strong resistance that cause me to buckle – can I still be thankful? Am I happier when I have my way and miserable and fretful when I can not?
Do I (in subtle ways) take credit for the good things God is doing – forgetting to thank Him? Do I despise His chastening not thanking Him for the things I do not understand or like?

What separates children of God in the Bible, with recession proof love for God and His creation, from the others who struggle?

I discern three principal things worth noting …

They trusted completely in the work of God in their life and others and in all the events impacting them…knowing that all things must work out for their good as they obeyed Him.
They relied more on spiritual weapons – principally prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit, leaning always on the mercy of God.
They never saw themselves in any way disadvantaged or at a loss – when events appeared contrary to their expectations – knowing God has limitless avenues to work out and fulfil destiny.

I recall a scene in a Christian film I watched of a blind man offered his eyesight but only if he accepted to serve the devil and bear his mark forever… He received sight for a few minutes and was asked to make a decision…would he rather remain blind and be saved?

If riches, enlightenment and great influence would cost me my salvation would I agree to let these go? Would I turn my back to Jesus If I risked losing all the comforts, social safety nets and wealth as a result of obeying Him completely…

A.M. Royden said “Learn to hold loosely all that is not eternal”. Jesus once met a rich man who would not follow Him.

Luke 18[23] And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. [24] And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Jesus – the best preacher ever – the living word … could not convince this rich man. How come we have so easily convinced Him? Perhaps we have presented to him a more practical perspective.

As we remember 911…and the painful lingering memories… let us also remember what the Bible says about love…

I John 4[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. [17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. [18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. [19] We love him, because he first loved us. [20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? [21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

I John 3 [10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

The real plan of September 11 to defeat a nation may have worked far more effectively than many would think if it has lured many out of dwelling in love…even love for the unlovable. Lord, help me – that in these unusual times my love may be found recession proof…never waxing cold.

Amen

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