The Hand of the Lord

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Bode Ososami

There are times we cannot be blamed when we see limitations, or observe the failing support of trusted allies or consider the dark hours and the familiar defeats mirrored once again in the situation at hand – only to come to the conclusion …”There is no hope.” Moses in a similar mode, could not possibly understand how the multitude in the wilderness would be fed …even if the seas found a strange route to the desert and vomited all the fish therein. Even if all the cattle were slaughtered and they encountered animals – even more than they could ever expect … how could there be enough to feed this multitude? But Moses was now, unlike in early premature attempts to move ahead of God’s schedule, a man who sought God …not just for his acts.

Many times we have looked at our challenges, difficulties or seen the decay in our nations or the dearth of truth in the wilderness of wandering saints … and like Moses say “I’m standing here surrounded by 600,000 men on foot and God says, ‘I’ll give them meat, meat every day for a month.’ So where’s it coming from? Even if all the flocks and herds were butchered, would that be enough? Even if all the fish in the sea were caught, would that be enough?”

Have you asked… where is my help going to come from? Where is the deliverance of our nations going to come from?

God answers Moses … Numbers 11[23] And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

The Church does not believe God. She trusts in her committees, taskforces … her means, her good men…her prayer bands and missionaries …her new found wealth. The Church does not believe that by a strong hand and by fire there shall be an awesome revival. She trusts in the flock, the crowds, her means … her leaders and the strong organisation … But God does not require this to move – good as they may be.

Doubt no more, take no thought of the worsening challenges or the defeats that appear imminent … instead consider that it is the Lord’s hand that is promised as your tool of deliverance and not yours or your weary allies.

God is speaking to someone and He says … you will see whether His word will come to pass or not. All tend to have times of doubt when we think God has not accepted us, or cannot save us or is too weary to help us. But look up again – O doubter … Believe your God and you shall prosper. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Look again … see Him and live.

Cursed sin of unbelief …be gone from us. It is the gracious, loving, strong and long hand of the Lord that attends to the matters before our nations.

Has the sacrifice of Christ and the blood of Jesus lost its efficacy ?…Why do you distrust Christ with a mock humility that your sins are varied and many? Is He unwilling to forgive? … Come to the foot of the cross and lay down all your burdens …exchange your waning strength for reliance on His sure hand. Could you dare to trust Him and live again?

Take your eyes off the headlines of horror, do not be distracted by the voices that say “how can it be?” … God has not promised to deliver us by mortal hands – especially yours.

Still we must also remember that if we continually ignore His plea to believe Him, repent and choose instead to live as His constant enemy and oppressors of His saving truths … continuing to do as we please – be certain that His hand is also not short to send terrible and fiery plagues in His fury.

Numbers 11[31] And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day’s journey on this side, and as it were a day’s journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth. [32] And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp. [33] And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

But also remember …the hand of the Lord is not carte blanche or another free license to do as we wish… but guaranteed to all that truly seek him

Ezra 8 [22] For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

Be ashamed of all you have looked up to for help … the band of soldiers and horsemen you have beckoned. Lord, instead teach us to seek you and look to you. You alone and you always it will henceforth be. Help us to trust in your nail pierced hands.

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Money and the Bible (Part 2)

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Bode Ososami

God is a great restorer and a great provider. He does not forget those who have given even when men have. The Bible also helps us to see that famines are called by God. There is hardly any famine mentioned in the Bible that is not shown as an instrument in the hands of God to get His own children to repent. God does not need to send famine to those He has marked out for destruction. Indeed, their destroyer is their own wealth and surfeiting in excess….their greed soon overtakes them to make grievous mistakes just as God preserves and restores His own.

2 Kings 8[1] Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years. [2] And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. [3] And it came to pass at the seven years’ end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. [4] And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done. [5] And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. [6] And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

It is difficult to expound on God’s truths about giving without appearing to be a hungry charlatan angling for help. Many have twisted the scriptures and misused people and gifts given to God…others say God does not expect our tithes, offerings and first fruits…and instead give God the crumbs and remnants after we have consumed God’s money in our hands on wicked living. With our appetite constantly whetted by consumer advertising telling us to borrow to spend on what we really do not need… how can we have anything for God? The preacher is not allowed to talk about the needs of the temple…the Bible is not silent. Hear what God is still saying.

Haggai 1[4] Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste? [5] Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. [6] Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. [7] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. [8] Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. [9] Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

Dear friend, God is never mocked … God is His own judge and interpreter of all situations. In the passage is a woman who surrendered space and provision for the Prophet of God. God (not a preacher) does not only ensure she has a son (2 Kings 4:9-172 Kings 4:9-17
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9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. ¹⁰ Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. ¹¹ And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. ¹² And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. ¹³ And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. ¹⁴ And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. ¹⁵ And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. ¹⁶ And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. season: Heb. set time ¹⁷ And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

WP-Bible plugin)… but God brings back her son from death. But that is not all. When God calls for a famine, this woman is given an instruction to sojourn to the land of the Philistines …and she is blessed with a rare faith as she obeys. The blessing of faith is a great blessing indeed. Do you observe that the Philistines have food while God calls a famine on His own children. God chastises His own and often just permits others to live as they wish and get away with anything.

In the end after the famine, she returns and cries for help to the King … and meets Gehazi – a servant who the Bible tells us served but not faithfully. God still uses Gehazi to draw attention to this woman and the King orders an unusual restoration. She is not just given her land…but all the fruit that would have been harvested for seven years if there had been no famine was also given to her in one single act of benevolence.

Gehazi, the other servant …the greedy person who knows the corridor of power well and who has mastered how to use God’s principles of giving but for His own selfish purpose … we read elsewhere ends up a leper. Remember Gehazi was useful to ensure the woman was blessed. The greedy huckster pastor – peddling advantage, prayers, even the gospel and books etc does have his uses.

In summary…though seven years pass, but God has still not forgotten your gifts. He will restore you. As for the many Gehazis in the temple – clever ones who have deceived many … God also knows. Gehazi also got his surprise eventually – leprosy…

The greatest thing you can give to God is your heart …surrender it to Him, today. let Christ be Lord of your life.

You may also want to read Part I.

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When Heavens Open

Posted on May 22, 2011 by Bode Ososami

Mark 1[9] And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. [10] And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: [11] And there came a voice from heaven, saying , Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. [12] And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. [13] And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. [14] Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, [15] And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

There are times of unusual mercy and favour …not because of anything we did really but … for the special mercy of God the heavens open…God hears our cries and we can sense a sudden change…

What are some of these signs…

Unusual openings and fruitfulness
Willingness to serve and zeal to work that cannot be explained
Accelerated elevation and fulfilment
Unprecedented results for little effort
Hunger for God suddenly increases

But there are other not so encouraging signs of open heavens … Satan brings temptation to abandon the prayer altar…beasts gather to frustrate the saint. Darkness also observes that heavens are opened…it is no coincidence that John is soon imprisoned.

Matthew [17:1] And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, [2] And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. [3] And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. [4] Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. [5] While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. [6] And when the disciples heard it , they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. [7] And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. [8] And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

… [14] And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, [15] Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. [16] And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

Again you see unusual promotion for Peter, James and John … but soon after a terrible attack that the disciples could not handle…

What do you do when the heavens open?.

It is time to climb…go up apart and get closer to God … leave many things behind
It is time to watch closely your consecration and personal discipline… fasting and prayer to win and sustain spiritual victories …. new battles require divine strength at new levels.
It is time to work hard and diligently…exhibit unusual zeal for God by the Holy Spirit
It is time to be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit … a fresh visitation to be marked out and helped afresh to please God
It is time to see Jesus only

Acts 1[9] And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight…. [13] And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. [14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

It is time to continue… do not be tempted to give up.
Do everything to be in accord in prayer and supplication – unity is important.

But what if the heavens are closed … what do you do? Retreat … withdraw from public gaze… and ask God to reveal your heart to you …Psalm 139:23Psalm 139:23
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

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1 Samuel 16 [7] But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

What happened when the heavens opened as Elijah was taken up to Heaven?

2 Kings 2[9] And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. [10] And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless , if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so . [11] And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. [12] And Elisha saw it , and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. [13] He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;

Elisha tore his own clothes. When the heavens open we need to reaffirm our confidence only in the Holy Spirit and die afresh to the flesh … tearing up the old carnal ways of the flesh and putting on a new confidence in Christ…

As Elisha parted the Jordan, made the bitter waters sweet and cursed the little children that mocked Him …we will also exercise the power of the Holy Spirit in new mighty ways, having crucified the flesh and doing the impossible, spreading the gospel that makes lives sweet and cursing every voice seeking to mock, discourage or terminate God’s will, agenda and purpose in our lives.

May our heavens never close…Amen

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YOUR APPOINTED TIME by Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Open Heavens Devotional)

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Bode Ososami

Deut. 33[25] Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be”

Habakkuk 2 [2] And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. [3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. [4] Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

One reality which many have not come to accept is the fact that good or bad events do not affect every believer at the same time. Ecclesiastes 3:1Ecclesiastes 3:1
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3 ¹ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

WP-Bible plugin says: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”. Each of us has his or her time. There is a time for difficulties and problems. There is a time our expectations appear delayed. But 2 Corinthians 4:172 Corinthians 4:17
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17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

WP-Bible plugin says, light afflictions cannot be a permanent feature in our lives.

They will also pass. Praise God! Are some brethren receiving major breakthroughs now? Rejoice with them. It is their season. Don’t envy them. Yours will come in your season. Your season is God’s appointed time for divine remembrance. Do you know that in your season, your greatness could be far bigger than those you are tempted to envy?

David was in the mountain, watching over sheep. It never dawned on him that he could become the next king. After all, there was no king in his family. He never even desired or prayed for it. But one day, when they were looking for the next king, they came to fetch him from the mountains and anointed him. His day had come. Saul went looking for his father’s missing asses one day – unknown to him, he was to be chosen as king on the same day (1 Sam. 9:1-21 Sam. 9:1-2
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9 ¹ Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. a Benjamite: or, the son of a man of Jemini power: or, substance ² And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

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Joseph was in prison for an offence he never committed. He was forgotten by Pharaoh’s servant, to whom he had ministered through his ability to interpret dreams. That servant was released. When his day came, without the assistance of anyone, God used the elements of time and chance to move him from prison to the throne.

Your day will come. Your time to eat bread without scarceness will come. Your day of promotion will come. Soon you will carry your baby from your own womb. That day can meet you in church, just as it happened to Zacharias (Luke 1:5-20Luke 1:5-20
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5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. ⁶ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. ⁷ And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. ⁸ And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, ⁹ According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. ¹¹ And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. ¹³ But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. ¹⁴ And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵ For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. ¹⁶ And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. to the wisdom: or, by the wisdom ¹⁸ And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. ¹⁹ And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. ²⁰ And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

WP-Bible plugin). If he had become discouraged that he was getting old and wondered about the delay, inspite of his faithful service to God, he would have left God’s service and missed his day.

Do not allow anything to discourage you. The blessing may be delayed, yet wait for it, for when the day comes, nobody and nothing can stop that blessing. Stay in God’s will. Continue to serve God faithfully. Keep away from sin. Keep your faith alive. Your day will come sooner than you think.

Thankfully receive the joy coming your way this season. And pray that your joy will not turn into sorrow.

God bless you….as you also enjoy the video below.

Merry Xmas

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Principles of Worship – It is well with you

Posted on November 15, 2010 by Bode Ososami

There are illustrations in the word of God that help us understand worship and related principles. There is also a correlation between true worship and our wholeness. One of my favourite texts on worship is Matthew 15:21-28Matthew 15:21-28
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. ²² And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. ²³ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. ²⁴ But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ²⁵ Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. ²⁶ But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. ²⁷ And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. ²⁸ Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

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Matthew 15[21] Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. [22] And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. [23] But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. [24] But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [25] Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. [26] But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. [27] And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. [28] Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Note some important elements in this text. It was well for this worshipper…for you it shall be well – even as you observe some of the principles. I thank God Christ used a woman as in those days women were not accorded much respect. Worship looks at the heart and is no respecter of gender. It shall be well with you. Amen

1. Her demeaning and low estate was an advantage for her. Her past was bad. In spite of this – all was well for her as she worshipped. Often, what we consider to be an edge either in human reputation or status is often an obstacle to finding the humble state that releases the anointing for wellness. Many are not well for they are too full … what they need is an extended emptying first. Humility (Samuel Rutherford) once said grows best in depressed circumstance and winter seasons…so value these seasons. She comes not in frustration or in bitterness, unqualified … with no right to speak to Christ. Her preparation – in her humiliation – helped her worship. Humility is key.

2. This woman was insulted and treated and addressed harshly. Jesus was told to send her away in her presence (a most painful rejection) and called a dog. Her refusal to be offended immediately glorified God. She did not require an apology or protest the insult. God must sometimes position us in circumstances that are not just unfair but outright unbearable to establish and proclaim the real sense of worth we have of God (not just what we sing). If we believe God is who He is, then we will always honour Him with joyful obedience even in those inconvenient scenarios and in what we perceive as “unfair” and outright insulting situations which seem to tag us as mere dogs. God is uncommonly glorified in this. Our songs declare God is more than enough, sufficient and a great comfort and provider. But does our life and reactions say this?

3. She did not disdain God’s crumbs. Her prepared heart showed such a high sense of God as she established that even crumbs with God are more than a rich buffet without Him. The presence of God makes every lack, unfair or tough circumstance immediately irrelevant as God expands us. The glory outshines the most impressive palaces and gains.

4. The disciples had no clue. Let us not presume to imagine titles and proximity to the things of God imply we enter into truth. Familiarity often breeds error and outright heresy. We must always be cautious waking up each day like “novices” in need of illumination otherwise … “old” workers who have heard it all, will only find themselves sending away those God intends to touch. The disciples, the co-leaders with Jesus got nothing nor did they worship. God help all of us “song leaders” and “pastors” for many walk in a pride and familiarity with God that has caused many to remain in a leprous state. Perhaps only those that can still be treated by God as “dogs” and be joyful with God’s “crumbs” will have all delays removed immediately. God is moved by hunger and thirsting for His glory and not impressive qualifications, titles and achievements. Hungry people will appreciate even divine crumbs and leftovers from God and will value the glory even if it will be found in the desert.

5. This Canaanite woman worshipped – she did not mind how she was treated – she was easy to correct – accepting the unflattering verdicts of Jesus Christ concerning her…and still remained meek, loyal and faithful to honor God…not bitter at the tough words …She kept her focus on Christ always through her tests…another attribute of true worship. The result is that all delays to her healing was removed…and that very hour. All was well with her. All previous delays to forgiveness and healing disappeared – they will all disappear for you. The crumbs of God are powerful. Just continue to worship Him. God will find you out though you seem unqualified and rejected. God bless you as you pass your test.

All is well with you as you worship Him. All delays to your wholeness vanish. Lord, have mercy on us and help us to worship you as you want to be worshipped that your anointing may be released and that it may always remain well with us. Amen

(Published in The Christian Post)

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Audience Misalignment – The greatest trap in Ministry. A different Revival

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Bode Ososami

Often times in ministry, we must serve an audience and bring hope and encouragement to a lost generation, preaching the gospel and yearning to see souls saved and character regenerated. Our zeal will further drive us to do even more to see more results and innovate with new tools and methods so that more souls will come to receive ministrations . Our services are more intelligently packaged; our messages more pragmatic and relevant … and soon we see the results … a successful ministry in attendance, music, effective outreaches, jam-packed halls of people singing praises to God. So…what could possible ever go wrong?

A market profiling of the values and needs of the perceived target audience has a major effect on the strategy of a venture and its offerings. A premise that the target audience are the souls, congregation inside or the lost outside waiting to be saved cause us to adjust and align our ministry services – making them shorter, our music – making them trendier and more exciting, our church halls – making them more contemporary: all to reach out to more. Eventually we must preach and deliver what will retain this overwhelming crowd that keep coming … and contrive more entertainment and performance menu options to hold their attention and relieve their thirsts. But what is the real issue? Who should be the target audience of our ministry? Why did the men of God of old pray and fast for 40 days before they began anything – even as Jesus Christ did. Indeed, today God is no more the target audience for many. This is a subtle and dangerous trap. God will not play second fiddle nor will He be available to be used for healings and to supply miracles. He must reign completely, totally, majestically and absolutely. He must be sought for, cultivated, enthroned and fully and reverentially worshipped or simply observe from afar. He will not be ridiculed as a prop for another seven-steps-to-this-and-that seminar.

The one person that must be profiled is God. The needs and values that must be understood and catered for and preached and taught are those of God. The person that must be comfortable is God. The one person we must be certain has not left when everyone else leaves is God. We need therefore to hear more of God, pray for His divine visitation and learn from His word. We want to know more of Enoch, Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel and others with a record of a long walk with God – how did they do it? Why do some people walk with God and others do not? We also note that absolutely no one has ever seen or walked with God and ever been bored. It is completely impossible to see God and be remotely distracted talk less of bored – ask Isaiah, Ezekiel or Moses….they needed no special lights, marketing publicists, choirs, comedians, choreographers and oratory to sustain their conversations with God. There is only one who declares is one and has seen the father – our Lord Jesus Christ…we need His Holy Spirit as our friend to guide and lead us.

John 14:9John 14:9
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

WP-Bible plugin … he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then , Show us the Father?

God is the target audience of all true ministries. When God meets with a people – His glory is unmistakeable and His presence cannot be ignored or confused for something else. Again ask Ezekiel or Isaiah. People in darkness are drawn to light and His glory. Troubles vanish and sick hearts are cured. We literarily have to plead to people to go home for they cannot imagine what else to do but remain in the embrace of glory. My prayer is that His glory comes down again so that I have nothing to minister anymore as God visibly takes over. I pray that day comes soon for you too. I discover that the ministry had little to do with me in the first place. It was God’s and He says who will I send? Who will go for me where I want him to go? I tremble before I can answer…for I am not Isaiah …yet.

What about the souls and the lost? What do they bring to the table apart from corrupted and depraved values and the stench of decaying flesh for they are long dead and need resuscitation that I cannot give? The patient cannot write the prescription –even a dead one. Not the minister but God must be present to administer the solutions otherwise the poor minister contrives all sorts of remedies and well-baked thoughts. There is a lot, I dare say, to borrow these days from information technology, science, business management, philosophy, Hollywood, MTV and (God forbid) even the Occult – as the trapped godless Saul (the king of Israel) eventually ventured.

The large or small congregation (without God) becomes a trap. Both minister and the ministered have to keep innovating more performances …eventually all are misused by the devil who finds this the best terrain for his own devastating operations. Or worse, the minister is exhausted and can no more raise new schemes for inadequate cash, cannot maintain growth or the competition next door does a better job of marketing his now disenchanted flock who have become accustomed to his fare but need a more enervating “fix”. The minister loses the mega-church he (thinks) he has laboured for and wonders why everything did not work out. The congregation (who he targeted and made comfortable and excited) are absolutely scandalised to know that they actually are dead and cannot hear anything but the noise of the drums and the guitar and favourite soloist or songstress ( sorry …worship leaders). They never heard that there is a voice that wakes the dead. The problem? Ichabod … meaning the glory has departed …or was never present.

When we see God as our target and primary audience, our marketing is simplified. We have one major customer…one major person to study completely…God. The study of God becomes a lifelong effort and not a stint at a seminary or a one week retreat or convention/ program. Our study and walk with God becomes a culture …our new lifestyle. It causes an outflow that reaches out in a different manner as people encounter the glow, joy and love of God and other attributes through us.

Can we market and bring the people better than God who said in John 12[32] And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. ?

Every consultant knows that the first step is to ask the target audience. What does the target audience want and need to be pleased and remain comfortable? We find the answer in His word. Expository preaching of Christ and the complete word of God must therefore return to centre stage as this is where God is best revealed. We have had enough of the theatrics, motivational declarations, pragmatism and toying with the emotions of the weak. What does God say in His word? It is time to hear the complete word of God again. We need to be wounded and made alive by His truths. God help me to please you.

Amos 3[3] Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

I Peter 1[15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

God will come when He is in agreement with the completeness of preaching, reverence of manner of worship and appropriateness of environment designed for Him. God will come where He is loved and His truth is exalted. No need for gimmicks. Instead spend more time finding out about God and worshiping Him. God wants to visit His people again. There is a different revival. When God shows up, we cannot but stand in awe … and all things are possible.

Bode Ososami releases his 3rd book published by Authorhouse in early December –The Majesty of God. This book delves into the glory of God and takes a glimpse into the majestic throne room to reveal a greatness that is often misrepresented due to limitation of words to describe the indescribable or completely obscured by deliberate attempts to introduce God as the old comical wise man high up somewhere – weary, exhausted and increasingly outwitted by the modern mind.

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“Wealth out of Ashes” God’s wonderful intervention in Crisis.

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Bode Ososami

In the book “Wealth out Ashes” I wrote, on the Benefits of Crisis, that first we must see beyond the negatives.

Crisis is a time of intense shaking that leaves behind great strength, and removes the debris and impurities as well as preparing us for the future.
Crisis is the time of building and shining to the glory of God as God is proved.
Crisis establishes covenant relationships and trains you to restore others.
Crisis repositions you back on the track God has destined.
Crisis levels the playing field again and creates the opportunity for a fresh beginning.

Pastor Gabriel Oteka is in charge of RCCG HEAVEN`S GATE IKOTA AJAH – a Church Parish in Lagos, Nigeria and shares his testimony to the glory of God.

This time last year, I had lost all respect I had in the parish and every shred of dignity was gone. People began to leave the parish. I lost an elder and his wife because they felt I had lost the capacity to lead them. In 2008 we gave birth to a new parish and in the same week lost the tenancy to our accommodation. We had to make do with a training hall in a security company. We spent over two years here. Services were only on Sundays. Attendance dropped rapidly until we were less than twenty. In a move to remedy the situation we raised funds and paid a deposit of about $45,000 for a property of $200,000. The agreement was that we could go on the land and have our services there, but this we could not do because other parties suddenly came to stop us, claiming some dispute. At this point there was no more money and attendance had dropped so much that all hope was lost. One night I broke down in tears before GOD asking why He put me in this situation. Where did I miss it? Why all the losses? Financial, membership etc.

It was in the midst of this time of pain and confusion that GOD moved. I got a phone call to visit a couple in their home the following day. I was not expecting much, because by now the burden had become larger than what could be remedied naturally. When I got to their home, after a few pleasantries, an envelope was dropped before me. When I picked it up it weighed more than a single cheque leaf. When I opened the envelope there were 3 cheques, the first read RCCG HEAVEN`S GATE (equivalent of) $90,000, the second RCCG HEAVEN`S GATE $90,000, the third cheque RCCG HEAVEN`S GATE $90,000. My first reaction was to pinch myself to ensure this was not a dream. I took the envelope home slept, woke up, and the envelope was still there, I paid in the cheques and they cleared. It suddenly dawned on me how faithless I had been. And that He had been on my case all along. Our GOD is very faithful. We have since started service on our land. PRAISE GOD.

Someone reading this blog should be encouraged. It was good all those who left you and abandoned you did so. Stop weeping and be strong. God has not abandoned you. Keep moving forward. This Crisis will not break you but serves only to mould you into something better. Remember God needs you to encourage someone else when God comes finally through for you. It may not always be in a monetary form…but God surely comes through for His children as the floodgates of Heaven open.

God bless you.

Bode

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What a CEO should be doing in the End times

Posted on May 31, 2010 by Bode Ososami

Someone asked me – what should the Christian CEO (Chief Executive Officer) note and do differently especially in the “End times”? I thought of a few things many of which relate somewhat to personal experience.

1. As we are going to render accounts to God, we must remember – to whom much is given…even more will be expected in terms of judicious employment of time, talent, skills, opportunity, connections and resources for the Kingdom of God. The questions we need to answer easily and positively would be … what have you done for the Kingdom? Who have you told of the Kingdom? How have you contributed to the Kingdom of God? Indeed your taxes are all tidy…but how about your Tithes, offerings …Be sure the divine Revenue Authority scores you 100% in your local church. Personal debt for lifestyle may be an issue with God for many.

2. The End times are times of rapid and unpredictable change in all ramifications. Corporate structures must be even more flexible…many will exit and enter new business because of the incredible dynamics of customer and market issues at this time. Dinosaurs will suffer for size and lack of nimbleness in a time when swiftness in responding to change is key. The CEO must be ready for change yet anchored with values that must never change.

3. Hearing and knowing God for yourself and your resources is important. There is no other time when personal and corporate devotion will be more valuable to sense the will, timing and purposes of God even in corporate decisions. Seeking to hear God through multitude of Godly counsel is also wise for major investments and decisions.

4. Our KPI – Key Performance Indicators can no more just be stock price or profits or financial value added. The Godly CEO ponders over other KPIs that show how rich we are towards God. These will include giving not just to ministry but to the poor, orphans and widows in community involvement and many little things we may not receive much credit for. A top company for example can organise a “Skill Building workshop for Prisoners” and executives spend personal time mentoring ex-criminals.

5. We should not go near God’s glory especially at this time. God’s divine jealousy has hurt people, myself not excluded. I sense we will be entering a period when worms will be devouring Herods again. We must be aware of serious dangers of evoking divine jealousy in corporate life and business. The devil will be tempting many “achievers” to boast to destroy them.

I read an article by Dr Okey Onuzo “The Wounded heart of a jealous God…” ponder these thoughts extracted from the article.

“I was there awhile ago when a young man became the head of his organization. His mounting of the saddle was greeted everywhere with a high degree of expectancy. It was like the people shouted: “Hurrah! The messiah has come.” During his first year in office, the company made a strident progress and laid solid foundations for future progress. At their first annual general meeting after his ascendancy, there was a great sense of euphoria that great things were ahead. But alas, the seed of death was sown there at that first annual general meeting. There came forward staff that sang his praise to high heavens. The company even arranged a young girl of about 12 years to sing his praise in a poem. I was also there at this first Annual General Meeting. I could not help saying to myself under my breath: “This is wrong.” Soon after, the wounded heart of God began to be revealed and this young man left the company after a few years in total disgrace and humiliation rejected by his staff who saw his tyranny and high handedness as an insult to their loyalty and obedience.

I was also there somewhat when a company defied the odds to keep afloat in a very competitive business world. Then one day, they looked at their balance sheet and felt they needed to show gratitude to those who had helped them in order to encourage them the more, a policy which in itself was very good. But then, who did they thank first: it was those who awarded the contracts, those who signed their cheques and those who facilitated their business in one way or the other. The only person they forgot to thank was the true source of their sustenance – GOD. As I watched from the sidelines, I felt in myself that something was wrong about this gratitude but it was no use putting in any word for they were bent on their project. When the effect of the wounded heart of God set in, they were ready to learn how to be grateful in life.

The LORD gave me the focus for the year 2010 from John 3:30John 3:30
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

WP-Bible plugin: “He must increase, and I must decrease.” Stretch that to mean, “God must increase and every man else and everything else must decrease.” This is the attitude that will ensure that we have divine favour behind, in-front, and besides us as we navigate the year 2010.

The company that desired to show gratitude desired a good thing indeed. But they should have paused at the beginning to ask themselves: “In what way or ways should we show gratitude to God as an organization for what He has done for us through men and women in our business circle?” That question, coming from their heart would have gladdened the heart of the LORD and whatever token the Holy Spirit would have led them to do would have protected them from the dangerous effects of the vicissitudes of business life and from the consequences that come from the wounded heart of a jealous God.

As for the young chief executive who relished in personal praise, he has gone into the wilderness as a very strong warning from the LORD. He would need to repent in dust and ashes in order not to disappear completely into oblivion. His arrogance had risen as a horrible stench in the nostrils of God and heaven is determined to put an end to it.”

Finally, it is not morbid to be fully prepared to be with the Lord. Corporate battles won in the boardroom may count as major defeats in eternity. You may discover too late in eternity that the end does not justify the means. The blood of lives crushed by a “no-nonsense” regime that helped you to the top – may be crying as evidence against you. Be sure your family and loved ones are at peace with you. A few notes of apology may be apt.

For precious cases the best thing God could do is to take you out – aside for a while to help you regain true perspective. Cherish and make best use of this period to mend relationships that have been soured over the race for market share.

A final word on what I would be wary of the most – and that is worldly acclaim. For in Luke 16: [15] And he (Jesus) said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Do all you can by the grace of God that if presented to the Almighty…He will be saying to you…Matthew 25:21Matthew 25:21
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

WP-Bible plugin Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord

Give or rededicate your life to Jesus today.

God bless you. Amen

(Originally posted in The Christian Post)

Bode

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Celebrating 49 years of Greatness

Posted on October 3, 2009 by Bode Ososami

Nigeria and China share the same independence anniversary on October 1. But while China is 60, this year, Nigeria is 49. In Nigeria the celebrations have been low key…perhaps not so in China. Why then have I titled this blog 49 years of greatness? Are we talking about the same country?

Greatness

I offer words of comfort to everyone who has ever been left wondering – why was I created thus? Why am I the subject of so much ridicule, disdain and reproach? Why do I feel so despised though I know there is still so much good in me? Why do I have this conviction that greatness is my destiny – yet can only find evidence of decay, barrenness and corruption?

These were frequently the thoughts of David. Indeed when he showed up at the battle with his brothers’ lunch pack, his older brother yelled at him. I Samuel 17[28] What are you doing here! Why aren’t you minding your own business, tending that scrawny flock of sheep? I know what you’re up to. You’ve come down here to see the sights, hoping for a ringside seat at a bloody battle!”

David learnt to celebrate God and what God had etched in his soul and not what was evident. He wrote these words.

Psalm139[14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 139 [16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. [17] How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Of all the characters in the Bible, David was perhaps the most denied, humiliated, desperate and terrified…so much that we read in 1 Samuel 21 [11] And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? [12] And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. [13] And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. [14] Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? [15] Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?

But “mad” David was the one God called the man after His heart, the one whose life replicated so much the sacrifice of the coming Messiah and whose praises, songs and obsession with God earned perhaps (apart from Jesus Christ himself) the most celebrated and prestigious title in the annals of scripture – for Christ is called the son of David.

Join me in celebrating 49 years of greatness. Nigeria, I pray that everything that was absent from God’s plan, on that day - before the foundations of the earth when you were conceived, will soon fade away. I do say the same prayer for someone out there reading – you will yet be celebrated in Christ Jesus. Amen.

More on God’s perspective on contemporary issues can be found in my recently published book Wealth out of Ashes .

For related articles and free subscription to articles by the author please click icon below.

Have a blessed day. Amen.

Bode Ososami

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Fight Recession with Forgiveness and Trust.

Posted on September 8, 2009 by Bode Ososami

We all need forgiveness and some sort of financial restoration or another.

Isaiah 3[6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

All our iniquity was laid on Jesus who taught us how to receive God’s forgiveness. Matthew 6[12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. … [14] For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive Onesimus who used to be a rascal. Philemon v[18] If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; [19] I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it : albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

Like Philemon was to Paul, we all owe Jesus Christ a favour and He pleads that we forgive. In times of recession, debts can indeed be crippling. Many groan in fear for inability to pay back. We can provoke divine forgiveness and restoration by generous acts of forgiveness. Why don’t you list all who owe you and prioritise by their inability to pay and then write off 50% in order of inability to pay. Forgive debts that are not financial as well e.g. promises made not fulfilled. Then pray to God for forgiveness in any way you may have offended Him.

Trusting God

A Christian friend who had read Wealth out of Ashes visited me looking somewhat agitated by what I had written concerning Debt. He is the Chief Executive of a chain of pharmaceutical outlets in the country expanding rapidly faced with a decision to go for more debt or not. He however decided against debt as God spoke to him through the book to trust and wait on Him but this was after scheduling a meeting with his regular financier. He told me God told him not to borrow but still to visit the financier to see why. On arriving at his place he saw gathered in the house of his financier (banker) some marabouts – praying holy men who make amulets for good luck, tell the future, and actively (mis)guide the lives of followers. The Spirit of God told him that the money he had been borrowing from that source (unknown to him) was linked to “strange” covenants. Since that incident of rejecting the offered loan, his business has continued to thrive even more and be increasingly strengthened with divine success. New doors have also opened.

Proverbs 22[7]…and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Isaiah 43[19] Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

2 Corinthians 6[14] Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness? (AMP)

If you suspect strange covenants…as God helps you, break loose from them. Lord, give us grace to trust You more. By the power of your anointing, may the yoke of any strange covenant over our businesses be destroyed in Jesus name. (Isaiah 10.27) Amen.

Have a blessed day

Bode Ososami

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