#WordforToday 31 January 2018 Fruitful in and out of season

“Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it...Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭11:12-14, 20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In my study, I paused at this story of the fig tree. It was baffling. Jesus cursed it for not having fruit when it was not even the season for figs. He cursed it and the fig tree withered. There are some important lessons to learn as christians.

The fig tree was meant to bring forth fig fruit. As a christian, we are meant to manifest the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (Galatians‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). This fruit is not dependent on seasons in the life of a christian. It is a 24/7, 365/6 days all round fruitfulness.

The ingredient of our ‘salt’ are in this fruit. It is not enough to read this story, be elated about the power through faith to curse a fig tree or cast a mountain into the sea. But for us to reflect on whether we would be found with fruit (of the Holy Spirit) anytime and every time. We are to be ready in and out of season. 

With the fruit of the Spirit, there is no ‘right’ season. Every season is the right season. Let us not be found fruitless when our Lord and Saviour returns.

#PrayerforToday
Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my salvation. I pray for the grace to walk in the Spirit and be led by Your Spirit, that I may manifest the fruit of Your Holy Spirit - joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness in all things and at all time. In the name of Yeshua my Lord and Savior I pray. Amen

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

Singleness in Christ - Part 2

What do we have in many Churches?

The Singles Forum

This forum for singles; either younger people usually between the ages of 21 and 30 years old, or all ages are lumped together. The life experiences and perspectives of the younger age group are different to matured adult and as such there is usually a disparity in the content and discussions of such forums. Sometimes, the content of the forum is to provide opportunity for singles to meet and get married. However, for matured unmarried, marriage might not be their priority.  We end up with less matured single attending these forums.

The men and women groups

The Church also has men and women’s group, the former usually headed by the pastor or a matured man and the latter headed by the pastors’ wife. Most of the women’s programme I’ve attended focused on three areas; marriage, children and business/empowerment. The discussion and content would be within the context of marriage unintentionally excluding those women in the group that are not married. At some programmes, there are group discussions which might include content specifically relating to unmarried matured in the church, nevertheless there would be no follow up and we end up with one relevant activity in the year.

The activities for men and women are oriented towards marriages and families. Whilst these are fantastic to strengthen relationships and marriages, nevertheless, without any forum for unmarried adult it creates an unintended sense of exclusion.  I have experienced many instances where I would be invited (with hesitation) to join the couples’ event, really as an after-thought. It should not be about pitying unmarried matured people in the Church but providing forums for them to also have events and fellowship that meets their unique needs.

Sensitivity of unmarried adult especially women

Women by nature are sensitive human being. It is very easy for women to be offended. Unmarried adult, especially those that have gone through divorce, single parenthood, those worried about their ticking biological clock are very sensitive about their circumstances. In the midst of sermons and activities that preaches the perfect marriage, couples’ dinner, retreat etc., there is a sense of exclusion, feeling of guilt for divorce, loneliness as a young widow etc. Many are struggling with a sense of identity with questions like; is there something wrong with me? Is God really interested in my life? Am I as valuable as married people? As such they would not share their innermost concerns with women who seemingly have it better – have the loving husband, the children, and the perfect home. They focus on ‘spiritual’ activities – serving (or not) in departments but there is an emotional vacuum.

The pastors’ wives usually head the women’s ministry. Unless she herself had gone through the season of being unmarried matured woman, there will be a gap in relating to the challenges of an unmarried matured woman because the need is more practical (social relationships and needs) than spiritual.

What does the Church expect of unmarried matured? Join me in part 3.

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 27th January 2018. The reason to rejoice...

“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”” Luke 10:17-20 NKJV

I love listening to one of my spiritual mentors share the stories of the early days of the biggest church in Nigeria. It was hard work, both physically and spiritually. The school of disciples that people complain about having to spend one year, then was done over ten years with hard labour; fasting that kills the flesh and put it under spiritual alertness not one where people moan about the cold and took tea during fast because it was cold.

The outcome of such dedication and discipline is the manifested power of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of these spiritual fathers and mothers. They paid the price and are still paying the price unrelenting; keeping their eyes on eternity, their hope alive and burning with zeal for the things of the Kingdom.

Are you as a Christian prepared and ready to carry the cross?  Or do you want the easy road with the miracles, signs and wonders. If you are not ready to take the narrow and hard road, you will fall into the error of seeking alternative, right here and right now, willing to go to any length to get it the wrong way.

When Jesus sent out the seventy disciples to preach, He gave them authority and power to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing could hurt them. They came back happy, rejoicing in the power they demonstrated. But Jesus warned them not to rejoice in what they did, rather to be joyful that their names are written in heaven.

It is shameful that many glory on performing of miracles, signs and wonder than in heaven. This has become the focus to the extent that it is now the advert for many gathering - not Jesus. It is now ‘come and receive your healing’ instead of ‘come and meet your saviour Jesus’. The vessel of the anointing is celebrated rather than the giver of the anointing.

Remember, no matter how powerful your anointing, Jesus is the One to be lifted up. That anointing has been given to you to bring people in and lead them to the Kingdom of God.

#PrayerforToday 27th January 2018

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my salvation. Thank You for giving me the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me. Thank You that my name is written in heaven. Give me the grace to keep this in remembrance and not be carried away by things that will not keep me in the faith. In the name of Yeshua my Lord and Savior I pray. Amen

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 26th January 2018 Are you craving another's anointing?

“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you,”

I John 2:27 NKJV

covetous copyright by Levi Shiach Photography

We had finished the convention for the day and the man of God had just been escorted out of the building. I saw this throng of people rushing towards the front of the hall. There was grab for the seat the man just vacated. People were rushing to sit on it! For a touch of his anointing.

One of the acts I see in church gathering - I must confess I have been guilty of this myself (in the past) -  is greeting a wo/man of God and joking (or not); “Let me get some of that anointing...”

Many people have used the story of Elijah and Elisha - the passing on of the mantle and the double portion received by the latter as a reason to touch the cloth of a spiritual leader.

You don’t get anointing transfer if God has not ordained you for that purpose. Sitting on the chair of your General Overseer, wrapping yourself with their jacket, putting on their hat, eating their unfinished food remnants, putting your mouth where theirs has touched on a glass cup and all such will not get their anointing transferred to you.

Why do you want someone else’s anointing and not your own directly from the giver? Do you even know the source of their anointing? Are you sure it is from the True God and not the corrupt one from the devil?

You are created by God for His purpose. Before you were formed He knew you. He ordained you. He chose you for His specific purpose according to His will. Seek Him directly. Let Him anoint you for the work He has planned for you. Do not covet another man or woman’s anointing because of what you see manifested through them. Every child of God has the Holy Spirit who anoints with power.

““The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;” Luke 4:18 NKJV

That anointing in you is the Holy Spirit in You who give gifts to those who have accepted the precious and glorious grace of salvation. Instead of craving another’s why not seek the One in you and be grateful for the gifts you have been blessed with.

#PrayerforToday 26th January 2018

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my salvation. Thank You for anointing me to fulfil Your purpose on earth. Help me to seek You and not man for anointing. Help me not to be led in error but by Your truth. In the name of Yeshua my Lord and Savior I pray. Amen

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

Singleness in Christ - Part 1

Introduction

“The vast majority of evangelical and Pentecostal churches of any denomination are ‘marriage and family focused.’ That in itself is not a bad posture. Most Christian leaders understand the importance of marriage and the church’s role in strengthening the family unit. The unfortunate reality, however, is that our marriage and family emphasis many times does not include single adults. This is not necessarily by design but is often by ignorance and neglect.” Dennis Franck, the national director of single adult ministries for the Assemblies of God denomination.

Addressing the needs of matured unmarried persons in the church has been one of the challenges the Church has faced for many years.  This group of people represents a variety of ages, have multiplicity of life experiences and face a diversity of challenges.[i]

The importance of biblical marriage has facilitated the setup of some forums in the Church to support singles ready for marriage and married couples to strengthen their marriages. In the millennial age, many young people get married well after their thirties. The reality of divorce and separation in the church and unfortunate incidences of widowhood, has led to the emergence of a proportion of the church population being in the category of unmarried adult.

I would like to articulate some of the challenges (and there are different challenges for the different circumstances of unmarried matured adults) I have observed and even experienced as a matured divorced mother –as such within the category of unmarried adult - within the congregation of believers. I will end by articulating my vision for nurturing and embracing (in every way) unmarried matured Christians in the body of Christ. I hope this will challenge spiritual leaders to do more for those in God has entrusted to them.

For unmarried matured singles in the Christendom, join me as we take the world for Yeshua! Unapologetic. Confident. Loving this season of our life.

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©

---

[i] Reaching Single Adults- An Essential Guide Ministry by Dennis Franck

#WordforToday 23rd January 2018 Be Intentional

 “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” II Peter 3:13-14, 17-18 NKJV

In 2006 when I rededicated my life to Yeshua Jesus, one of the things that amazed me then was the attitude of many Christians that I came in contact with, especially those that have been long time born-again. With hindsight now, I realised how easy it was to become complacent in this Christian journey. It is very easy for us to be too familiar with Elohim, we take Him for granted and become complacent in our relationship with Him.

The excitement of new things quickly dies. It becomes routine, business as usual, familiar. It is possible to become jaded and disappointed when your desires are not met in your timeline. When new converts see these attitudes in those who are meant to be ‘seniors’ in the Christendom, it is possible to become disillusioned with the attitudes and characters of leaders who are meant to be examples. They talk the talk because it has become a habit but do not walk the talk.

Our hope is in the future eternal life, where there will be new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells. It is not about now but in the future. When Elohim promise us a long life, we can’t afford to become complacent on the long journey home.

It is great to have a vision, plans for the future and the possibilities in the future. There is no vision that will become a reality without deliberate and intentional work towards it. As we look forward to this glorious new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells, we must be deliberate and intentional in being diligent to be found without spot and blameless.

Diligence in the dictionary means being careful and hard-work. Diligence and complacency can never work together. The fire, passion and zeal you had when you first gave your life to Yeshua must be stoked continually by growth in the knowledge of Yeshua, growth in His grace and good works.

Be deliberate. 

Be intentional. 

Be focused. 

Be consistent. 

Your steadfastness will prevent you from falling from the error of the wicked.

#PrayerforToday 23rd January 2018

Almighty Father, Thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for the gift of my salvation. I will not be led away with the error of the wicked. I will not fall from my steadfastness in growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 21st January 2018. Worth saying goodbye to...?

 “And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil...Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore, I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”” Luke 7:37-38, 44-47 NKJV

Jesus’ testimony about the woman with the alabaster flask of fragrance oil has stood the test of time. A woman labelled sinful; who was aware of her sinfulness but came weeping on the feet of Jesus. She knew he was the only one who could forgive all her sins.

And they were many, yet all was forgiven. The extent of this forgiveness made her love much.  The response of this woman to Jesus even before he died made me reflect on my response to him, given he died for me, to redeem me from the bondage of sin.

What is your response to Yeshua Jesus who died so that you might live? Do you love much or little?

The worth of the death of Jesus Christ is not something we can fully comprehend until we get to eternity.  Jesus had to die (in the physical flesh) that you and I might have (eternal) life in the spiritual. His sinless life was the ransom (exchange) needed for our sinful life. His death was the sacrifice to redeem us from the Kingdom of darkness and the bondage of sin.

If we truly understand the worth of the death of Jesus all of us will take live out our Christianity without compromise. We would treasure our new life in him and guard it jealously.

Anytime the old man (life) tries to rear its ugly head we would slam it back to the pit of hell where it belongs and declare; “Old man sin don’t live here anymore. There is no vacancy. Walk on by!”

Is the death of Jesus worth your goodbye to sin…forever?

#PrayerforToday 21st January 2018.

Almighty Father, Thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for forgiving me much. Help me to understand the worth of what Yeshua did for me. Help me to say no to sin permanently. In the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, my Lord and Saviour I pray. Amen

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 20th January 2018. What is the worth?

“And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil...Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore, I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”” Luke‬ ‭7:37-38, 44-47‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Just imagine the scenario- The woman with the alabaster flask of fragrance oil stood at the feet of Jesus weeping. She knelt down and started washing his feet with her tears, wiped it with her long tresses and then gently rubbed with the oil after kissing his feet. Everyone at that table would have been looking at her in amazement. Who is this? We know she was Mary the sister of Lazarus (John 11:2). 

What did Jesus do for her that the remembrance of it brought so much tears enough to wash his feet? (We know after this incident from the Gospel of John 11, that subsequently Jesus became friends with her and her sister Martha and brother Lazarus who was raised from the dead). 

She understood her sinfulness and the worth of any forgiveness which only Jesus could give her. Amazingly, this woman did not ask for anything but to show the depth of her love for Jesus. Nevertheless, her sins were forgiven (Luke 7: 48) because of her faith. Her act, demonstrated how much Jesus meant to her. Someone referred to as a woman who lived a sinful life; like you and I. 

What is your response to Yeshua Jesus who died so that you might live? Do you love much or little?

(to be continued)

#PrayerforToday 20th January 2018.

Almighty Father, Thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for forgiving me much. Help me to understand the worth of what Yeshua did for me. Help me not to misuse Your grace in my life. n the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, my Lord and Savior I pray. Amen

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©

Living the will of God Part 4

"...nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done" Luke 22:42

Jesus epitomes the will of Yahweh perfected on earth. It is easy to pray, asking for the will of God however living it is the most challenging. The will of God for good things is great but we know it is more than that from the exemplary lives of Jesus and early Apostles.

How do we ensure alignment with the will of Elohim?

1. Die daily to self
The will of Elohim is manifested in our lives when we die to self. We are to crucify our old self at the Cross and take up the life of Jesus. If not, there will continuously be a clash of wills - of Elohim and yours.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NKJV

Put to death every sinful and earthly thing in you (Col 3:5). It's a deliberate act empowered by the Holy Spirit. Flee from all appearances of evil (1 Thess 5:22). Submit to God, resist evil and flee from temptation (James 4:7).


2. Seek the Kingdom of Elohim first 24/7, 365/5 days a year
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJV

3. Become a living sacrifice. Lay it all down. Surrender your will to Him like Jesus did. When saints enthrone Yeshua at the center of their hearts, seated perfectly, submitting their will and life to him, seeking the Kingdom and its righteousness becomes a lifestyle not one of struggle.

4. Renew and transform your mind daily with the word of God
Romans 12: 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

5. Let Heaven be your consciousness
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven not of earth. Col 3:1, 2 (NKJV)

You cannot live according to the dictates of your flesh -

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8 NKJV

Your action, choices, decisions in life should be directed by the leading of the Holy Spirit. You must be God-conscious. What would Christ do? what does the bible say? what examples are there in the bible? What principles guided the men and women of faith etc.?

6. Do not stop praying: 
Pray without ceasing with the help of the Holy Spirit who intercedes for us according to the will of the Father. 

7. Complete Obedience
“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” I Peter 4:1-2 NKJV


Benefit of being in the will of God

It is not about benefit but obedience as sons of God. That is why we are sons not slaves, not strangers and more than friends.

Eternity is guaranteed
"And the world is passing away, and the lust of it but he who does the will of God abides forever" 1 John 2:15

“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." John 6:40 ESV

 “…who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father…” Galatians 1:4

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” I John 2:17

Protection: 
You belong to the Kingdom and the King protects its own. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1 NKJV. The secret place of the Almighty is in His Perfect will.

Everything works together for your good in this side of eternity.
Deuteronomy 28 blessings. You will not lack because with prayer and supplications you make your request known and He will grant your wishes according to His riches in glory because you are in perfect alignment with His will.

The will of God will take you through a process

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” I Peter 4:1-2 NKJV

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” Hebrews 10:36 NKJV

“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” Luke 22:41-43 NKJV

Finally, let God be a God of Nevertheless in your life

Nevertheless, is something contrary to expectation, desire or self- will,

Nevertheless, can turn negative to positive e.g. Simon and the fish or vice versa, the twelve spies.

But this nevertheless is about, the will of God above all else.

This nevertheless will take you out of your comfort zone, nice warm church chair to follow where He leads even to the cross.

This nevertheless is the one that has power to turn your life around and change it forever.

Nevertheless, not my will but thy Will be done in my life.

Consecrated to God. Sanctified and set apart


Prayer points
“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long-suffering with joy;”

Colossians 1:9-11 NKJV

To encounter the glory of God

Pray for the glory of God. Ex 33:12-23. To be true worshippers, to be aware of the glory and not miss it, ask to be sanctified by the glory of God, to radiate the glory of God. Ex 34:29-30

Teach me to do Your will for you are my God. Psalm 143:10

I desire to do your will of my GOD, Your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

Let Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Matthew 6:10

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).

#AdeolaAkintoye © 

#WordforToday 16 January 2018 Stiff-necked are you?

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it.’ And I will send My Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. Go  up  to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are  a stiff-necked people.” 
Exodus 33:1-3

The Israelite were a family turned into a nation by God Himself. He gave them their name and everlasting promises. He led them by His mighty hand out of he land of slavery and bondage. He performed might miracles the world had never seen before. Yet these people continued rebelling time and time again.

In the above passage, God still intended to keep His covenant He swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But, He will no longer go in their midst because they were a stiff-necked people. They had forfeited His glorious presence because of their continuous disobedience.They will still go to the promised land but not with His presence. They were not going to Have Him but His angel.  Who would you rather have with you - Almighty Himself or His angel. Please, no context.

Are you like this stiff-necked people? Despite the manifested goodness of God in your life, do you keep testing God's patience with your continued rebellion? When you continue in disobedience to the word of God and keep going back to Him with tears and running nose asking for forgiveness and pleading bucket load full of the blood of Jesus, what is the difference between you and the stiff-necked Israelite? 

Are you content with the presence of angels instead of the ALMIGHTY God Himself? Make no mistake Elohim can not abide sin.


#PrayerforToday 16 January 2018

Almighty Father, in the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, my Lord and Savior I pray. Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. Amen 

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).

#AdeolaAkintoye © 

#WordforToday 15th January 2018 In or out of faith?

“Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”  Luke 18:6-8 NKJ

The common denomination across all christian religious denomination is faith (in Jesus Christ). Or at least I hope so. Can you answer to the identity christian and not have faith in Christ Jesus?

It is thus confounding to hear Jesus doubt that He will really find faith on earth. What! What about all those millions and millions of Christians? If faith will be scarce when He returns that is serious.

Is it really a surprise? How many Christians will stand for their faith outside the four walls of a church building. How many say they are too shy to evangelise. Many say they have faith but they are the most fearful people on earth.

When Jesus returns will He find you in faith? In your heart and in your actions?

The woman with the issue of blood had faith and she demonstrated it “And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”” Matthew 9:20-21 NKJV.

Faith is not just by mouth but demonstrated in action. Let the faith in your heart be manifested in your actions.

#PrayerforToday 15th Januray 2018

Almighty Father, in the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, my Lord and Savior I pray. May I be found in faith when Yeshua returns. Give me the grace to be diligent, to be found by You in peace, without spot and blameless. Amen.

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 14th January Are you short sighted?

“Then Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there ( is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.”” Genesis 19:18-20 NKJV

Lot was one of the luckiest men during his time. He was lucky to be the nephew of Abraham who adopted him. His association with Abraham gave him access to wealth, and most importantly he got to know the God of Abraham.

However Lot was a man of short-sightedness. When he had the option to choose land, he chose by sight not foresight. Because of Abraham’s intercession, he was saved from Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels even had to drag him by the hand when he was hesitating.

Lot was told to escape to the mountains. He begged for the plain. He had the opportunity to be far from a land of destruction. He begged to stay connected to his Sodom and Gomorrah. He had a big vision in his grasp, he begged for a little one. He knew God but he limited God in his life. Instead of Zion he chose Zoar - meaning "small" or "insignificance" in Hebrew (a "little one" as Lot called it).

Are you like Lot? Despite your faith, you are not able to see beyond the now. Despite having a BIG GOD you are content with little. Your life is full of ‘buts.’ You limit the grace of God upon your life with your buts. You settle for the plain instead of the mountain of God. 

Don’t end up like Lot. Like my spiritual mentor Apostle George Akalonu says its time to Awake! Arise! Align! Advance!

#PrayerforToday 14th January 2018 

Almighty Father, in the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, my Lord and Savior I pray. I will not be short-sighted to Your purpose for my life. I will not limit You in my life by my negativity, fear and cowardice. May Your grace never be limited in my life. Amen

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 13th January 2018 What has grace taught you?

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ”Titus 2:11-12 NKJV

“By His grace”, “We have the grace of God”, “The grace of God.” These are familiar statements. The grace of God is what led to our salvation in Yeshua (Jesus). Many in the christendom takes the grace of God as licence to continue in sin, citing “His grace is sufficient for me in my weakness.”

I hardly hear preaching or teaching on the aspect of grace that teaches us to deny ungodliness, worldly lusts; to live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age. This is not a grace that justifies continuation in sin. It is not a grace that justifies acceptance of worldly practices citing grace. This is not a grace that is accepting of other ‘gods’ and encouraging ‘inter-faith’. What has light got to do with darkness. 

It is not a grace that sees just the loving nature of Elohim and denies His justice side.

Are you misusing the grace of Elohim in your life?

Are you using the grace of God to deny ungodliness, worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age. Or are you continuing in the old man misusing grace?

#PrayerforToday 13th January 2018 

Almighty Father, in the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, my Lord and Savior I pray. Let Your grace teach me to deny ungodliness, worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age. Amen

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday12th January 2018 Get behind me Satan!

“And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.””

Mark 8:31-33 NKJV

Whoa! How can Peter have Satan in him when he had just declared Jesus as Christ! I can imagine why Peter would react so badly to the news that Jesus was going to be killed. I think the fact that he also said he would rise again after three days did not register with Peter. How can someone who has been performing miracles, signs and wonders be killed? No it was not possible. 

I can also imagine Peter telling Jesus that no one would dare touch him in his (Peter’s) presence (we know Peter used his sword and cut off the high priest servant’s ear during Jesus arrest John 18:10).

Many Christians love life easy. We want things to be rosy and comfortable. Bible students will know that followers of Jesus were not promised easy, rosy, comfortable life. Jesus warned “...In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”John 16:33 NKJV

Jesus was very clear he had to die and rise again for the salvation of many. He had the knowledge and understanding of what he was about to endure so he had peace with it. He also spoke to the disciples about it so that in Him they may have peace.
   

When you are going through trials and challenges, or if you receive a prophetic word about coming trials don’t immediately start rebuking it like Peter. Seek the Almighty first to understand His purpose in this. Then pray effectively not amiss. Do not let Satan use you to truncate God’s purpose for your life.

#PrayerforToday 12th January 2018

Almighty Father, in the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, my Lord and Savior I pray. Give me the grace to seek Your face to understand Your purpose for my life.  Help me to glory during tribulations for the gospel, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Thank You for Your love that has been poured out in my heart by the Holy Spirit You gave to me. Amen

I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).

#AdeolaAkintoye ©