#WordforToday 28 Oct 2017 Liar Liar

A sin that will trip many of us christian is the sin of lying.

No one will readily admit to being a liar. But how many times have we told a white lie; grey lie;  small lie; tiny lie; lie for the good of someone else; lie to save someone and the list goes on and on.

Unfortunately for us the word of God is very clear. No distinction between the zillion types of lies that we use to justify not telling the truth and nothing but the whole truth.

"But the cowardly, unbelieving,[a] abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Rev 21:8. All liars, no exception. A lie is a lie.

Isn't it interesting that humankind will always justify why they had to disobey the Almighty God? "If I told the hurt, the person would be hurt." "I had to tell the lie to save him."

What do you do then in cases where someone else would be hurt or be in serious trouble because of the truth. I would first consider both outcome of not telling the truth. At worst, you don't say anything. Plead the fifth Amendment.

Our christian faith is about our relationship with Elohim. We must contend for this faith. We must work it out with fear and trembling. Whenever I find myself in situations where I can't tell the truth, I don't say anything. Or I tell the other person I can't say anything because I would have to tell a lie. Even in the workplace. This is where there is always that battle between telling the whole truth in a diplomatic way. And it doesn't matter who the person is because I fear God more.

Truth hurts sometimes. We have to use wisdom in some circumstances when the truth will hurt another person. Hurting someone else can never be a justification for lying.

When you lie, you become a liar and your place will not make it to eternity. May this never be our portion.

It is a daily challenging path we need to walk. When you find yourself about to tell a lie, just take a pause. Is anything worth missing eternity for?

Stand for the truth and use it as an opportunity to witness for Jesus.

Before you tell a lie next time, think Heaven or Hell.

#journeytospiritualmaturity.

Divorce (2)

"But my husband beats me." "My wife cheated on me. I can't trust her again." "I don't love him any more." Many reasons, in the eyes of man - right reasons to get divorced.  But God hates divorce. As a born again Christian will you do what your Father hates?

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“The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:3-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Pharisees were looking for justification for their actions.

Even though divorce in this respect was addressed to man because to God it is a man that marries a woman. "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord." (Prov 18:22) Yet divorce could be instigated by the woman as well.

Marriage is God's holy institution and a covenant with God as a witness (Mal 4:11,14). The purpose and standard was set by Elohim. Because of the hardness of the heart of man, divorce was permitted but in the beginning it was not so.

I have heard people use Matthew 19:9 as justification that Jesus allowed some divorce i.e. Where the woman committed sexual immorality. In my own childlike understanding of the things of God. If God hates divorce and did not plan this why would Jesus be okay with any kind of divorce?

If you divorce your wife because she committed adultery, why would that divorce be okay with God? Its not justifying the sin of adultery but should it be reason to do what God hates? 

Are you a Christian who is thinking about getting divorced? Seek the LORD in prayer. He will never tell you it is okay to do what He hates. But because of the hardness of  your heart...

Are you married to a wife or husband beater? Wisdom says take yourself out of the line of fire. Do not stay till he or she beats you to death. Should you then divorce because of that? This must be between you and the God you serve. He has stated His mind. He has also given each one of us free will to decide and make a choice. Before you do, ask yourself; 'Is there anything too difficult for God to do?' Take your particular situation to Elohim, wait on Him for direction. He will lead you aright.

Did you divorce before you knew the truth? Look out for Divorce (3) as I share with you my experience based on the word of God ONLY not the wisdom of humankind.

#WordforToday 26 Oct 2017 Waiting.

Waiting is difficult for many people. Waiting without knowing the end is even more challenging. You hope that you are not waiting in vain.

A Christian must learn the art of waiting. You cannot force God's hand concerning your situation. An unmarried sister who thinks her biological clock is ticking and resorts to artificial insemination IVF has not waited. Rushing into marriage with the first person that asks you because you are approaching 40 years is not waiting.

photo credit http://www.afrikanmbiu.com/waiting/

I have had my share of the waiting period. In fact I am still waiting on the Lord for a particular situation in my life. Is it easy? Of course not. Are there times of temptations to take the easy way? Definitely yes. Although the waiting has gotten easier and the temptation does not move me anymore. Because..

Because I am clear about the mind of Elohim concerning the situation. I have learnt that only God must be glorified at the end of the day. And I am determined that no matter how long it takes I will wait for His perfect time.

I always remember that Yeshua did not find it easier doing the perfect will of God. Before his crucifixion, he prayed three times in the garden of Gethsemane; "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew‬ ‭26:39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). It is that nevertheless that encourages me and keeps me going. It is about the perfect will of Elohim. At the end Jesus was glorified with the name above all names.

You have to make a decision, your way or Elohim way; to satisfy your desire or to glorify God. Don't make yourself feel better by justifying your action with incorrect application of the word of God.  His principles are clear and His standards are set from eternity.

Wait and encourage yourself with His promises;

• But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
• I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:13-14
• The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Lamentation 3:25
• Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 24:14
• I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it, And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones. Psalm 52:9

Don't help God. Just wait.

#prayerfortoday
Almighty Father, in the name of Yeshua Jesus, let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You. Give me strength and courage to wait on You. Help me not to be moved by what I see, feel or hear. Help me not to give in to temptation and alternatives - that looks good, feels good, taste good but the end thereof is death. Let my decisions be without reproach and bring glory to You alone. I will yet testify of Your mercies. Amen

#Bibleversefortoday
But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation My God will hear me. Micah 7:7

Divorce (1)

The issue of divorce in Christendom is one of the most divisive. Many have search the Holy Scripture line by line to find explanation, justification, affirmation - you name it. We want to find a reason to do it or explain why it is okay. For one who claims to be a christian, there is no explanation except to understand the mind of God concerning divorce. Any other reason would be like those who 'because of the hardness of their heart' was granted their wish.

One of the most simple clarification on the mind of God concerning this - especially for those of the household of God: "The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made  them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’  and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’ ?  So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” Matthew 19:3-6 NKJV

Divorce was never in the plan of God from the beginning. Let us see again the mind of Elohim on divorce:

“For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence,” Says the Lord of hosts.”

Malachi 2:16 NKJV

There is no-one on earth that can convince me that divorce for a child of God is acceptable. Unless we are saying God made a mistake when He said he hates (not hated, nor will hate but present continuous 'hates'). The God that hated divorce yesterday, still hates it today and  will continue to hate it forever.

What God hates is sin. Period.

No matter  your justification or reasoning, if you were married as a christian; you call on Elohim's name as a witness, my friend what God has joined together let NO MAN PUT ASUNDER.

1 Corinthians 7: 10.Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

Again we see the heart of God for His children. A wife is not to depart and if she does she remains unmarried (no divorce). A man is not to divorce his wife. A clear commandment, not from Paul but from Jesus. When we start giving reasons for disobeying this commandment, is that being led by the flesh or the Spirit of God? Would the Holy Spirit lead you to disobey the Almighty God?

Any Pastor or otherwise that encourages you to divorce as a christian is leading you into direct conflict with God who hates divorce.

Are you thinking of doing it? Are you wrestling with your conscience? Wait and seek the face of Elohim. Is there anything too difficult for Him to do?

Have you done it like me before you knew the truth that sets you free. Do not despair..

Part 2 to come.

#WordforToday 22 Oct 2017 Peace like a river.

What would life be like without any worries in the world? Nations are seeking peace. Individuals desires peace of mind.
Leaders makes pacts and resolutions with each other for world peace - with threats of sanctions for those who break them.
Fundamental human right becomes the lever of individual peace. 'As long as my rights are not imposed on there is peace.'
Yet, there is no peace in the world.
Humankind has ignored its creator in its definition of peace. Peace is not in man or any man-made ideas or process.
Peace is in the Almighty God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth; and everything in it, including you and I.
The way of peace is putting Elohim first and making His ways our process of peace.
You want peace #turnbacktoGod.

#Prayerfortoday
Almighty Father, in the name of Jesus help me to heed ALL your commands. And let my peace be like a river. Turn the heart of nations and its leaders to you. And let peace reign in the world. For the glory of Your name. Amen.

Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Isaiah 48:18 NKJV

Adeola Akintoye

#WordforToday In or Out

Isn't it wonderful to have a Father who promises that no evil shall befall us, Nor shall any plague come near our dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over us. To keep us in all our ways. In their hands they shall bear us up, Lest we dash our foot against a stone.

Is this promise free? Well you don't pay for it. But there are conditions to be met. 'He who dwells in the secret place of the  Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty ( ref Ps 91:1). It is only if He is our refuge and dwelling place that His promises are ye and amen.

Many unfortunately are living a life of compromise. We want to enjoy God's promises but we keep going in and out of His dwelling place. Isn't it time you make a choice. In or out.

Sometimes things happen to us and we start doubting God.

If you are not experiencing
 the promises of Elohim in your life, it is time to check your dwelling place. Are you in or out?

(Insights
Psalms 91:10‭-‬12‭, ‬14 NKJV)
For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My Name

#journeytospiritualmaturity

Adeola Akintoye​