#WordforToday 28th March 2018 A higher standard

For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20

It is interesting to note that even unbelievers know the standard of behavior expected of a Christian. I have heard some unbelievers rebuke Christians for not behaving like Christians.

Jesus, throughout his ministry taught the standard of the Kingdom of God. These are higher than the law given to the Israelite through Moses. The Pharisees believed they were righteous because of their rigid adherence to the law. Jesus expects us to set our bar much higher than these.

After all, He came to fulfill the law and the Prophets (Matt 5:17). So he has the authority to set a new standard - that of the Kingdom of God. His standard thus supersedes the law. He has become our standard, our modus operandi.

Let us see some of these standards;

The law said the person who murder will be in danger of judgement. Jesus says the person who gets angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of judgement. (Matt 5:21,22);
The law said do not commit adultery. Jesus says whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matt 5:27,28);
The law said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Jesus says whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also, forgive your enemy, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Math 5:38,39,44); 
I'm sure you get the drift now. The law gave the minimum standard, Jesus gave the highest one. 

In relation to people, we are to be motivated by love, peace, sacrifice, holiness in thoughts and actions. If we apply Jesus' standard,  we will rise above actions that are motivated by the self - selfishness, self-centeredness and self-interest.

If we aspire to Jesus' standard, we will seek transformation by the continual renewal of our minds with everything that is good, pure, godly, virtuous and praiseworthy

Our Christian walk is to a higher standard than the law. Do not be bound by the law but be guided by the standard set by Jesus Christ. It is a standard that we should aspire to daily. We can only meet these by the help of the Holy Spirit.

copyright Bill Dan

Do not lower your standard. You are the child of the Most Excellent Father. 

#PrayerforToday 28th March 2018

Almighty Father, thank You for sending Your Son to come to earth and show us Your Kingdom standard. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Give me the grace to walk the standard of the Kingdom. Help me to be transformed by the renewal of my mind. Help me to love my neighbours as myself. In Jesus name I have prayed Amen

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

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 26th March 2018 Rejoice!

copyright http://rejoiceinthemission.org/ 

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 NKJV

It is interesting to read in Luke 9:10; when the apostle had returned, they told Jesus all that they had done. The response of the 12 Apostles when they returned from preaching circuit was different to the 70 believers in the passage above. They came back rejoicing because of the power they manifested. They were excited to see the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit in them. They were not joyful because of those that their hearts were turned to the Kingdom of God through repentance.

Jesus confirmed he had given them authority but that was not what they should be rejoicing about. Likewise, every Christian that is a carrier of the anointing of Elohim. Our rejoicing should be about our salvation; that our names are written in the book of life. The power given to us to heal the sick, cast out demon and have authority over the power of the enemy is not our boast but our relationship with the Father and Jesus Christ.

Why should Christians be advertising healing & miracles etc? Jesus is the one to be advertised. Jesus is the one to be preached. Jesus is the one to be lifted up and not the power you are given. Lift up the giver of the power.

It is a shame that many Christians seek for signs rather than Jesus. When we seek and find Jesus, miracles, signs and wonders are automatic.

Rejoice I say rejoice that your name is written in heaven! I want to encourage you to step into spiritual maturity and follow the steps of Yeshua Jesus Christ our Lord.

Have a wonderful week ahead.

#PrayerforToday 26th March 2018

Almighty Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, thank You for the gift of my salvation. Thank You for Your anointing. I rejoice that my name is written in heaven. May I fulfill my redemptive purpose for my life to the end. Amen

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

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 22nd March 2018 Turn the other cheek

“And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” And they went to another village.” Luke 9:54-56 NKJV

Some years ago, I was in a prayer meeting, and for the one-hour prayer the focus was ‘killing’ the enemy. In this case, we were told about people who had been spreading negative rumours about the leadership. These people we were told were operating with the spirit of witchcraft and hence deserved 'fire' prayers.

My spirit was grieved and at a point I stopped following the prayer points because it felt wrong. I can understand rebuking demonic spirit operating through a person but to actually be declaring x number of days for people to die was beyond my child-like spiritual understanding. 

How can we as Christians who are commanded to love, be praying for another human being to die, especially a fellow Christian? And please don’t quote Elisha killing the children because they called him a bald head. Jesus is our standard not Elisha.

Rebuke the demonic spirit and pray for the revival of the lost soul. Faith works through love. The faith you have to believe that God will kill someone for you is surely not operating through love. Do you care about saving the soul of the person?

I have never forgotten that awful experience. It is a shame if in the Christendom we pray for other Christians to die. Are we not passing back and forth the prayer of death? Because surely they are also praying for their enemy to die. And by you praying for their death, you have become their enemy.

What would happen if you turn the other cheek and pray for their soul?

courtesy http://deborahsdescendants.com/tag/turn-the-other-cheek/

#PrayerforToday 22 March 2018

May the Almighty have mercy on us all - for not loving our enemies like Jesus commanded. Have mercy oh Lord, for the heart of offence and bitterness that would cause brethren to pray for the death of another. May the Lord give us the grace to repent, ask for forgiveness and seek reconciliation. I repent oh Lord for partaking in that prayer meeting. Count not my sin against me oh Lord by the mercy in the redemptive work of Jesus. Amen

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

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 21st of March 2018 Purposeless

“And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭9:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The word for today centred on a man. He lived many years ago. God gave this man a vision, in fact a big vision. It was a vision that seemed impossible. 

The vision was to build an Ark because a mighty flood was coming to destroy the earth. His warning to the people fell on deaf ears. The world had not experienced flooding before, so why the need for an Ark. They revelled in their wickedness, they refused to believe in his vision. 

Nevertheless, the vision consumed Noah and his family for many years. It gave him purpose and focus. After the flood, there were only eight people in the world. The vision had been accomplished. 

Noah and his family settled after the flood. He became a farmer and planted a vineyard. Noah started drinking of his produce and became drunk. 

This was a man that was declared just and righteous before the Almighty God. His walk with God led to him being entrusted with a mighty vision and saved from destruction. But after the vision was accomplished, he became vision-less. He no longer had a purpose to focus and direct him. He turned to drink.

An idle hand will become the devil’s playground. Have a vision for your life to help you focus. If you do not have one ask Elohim, your Almighty Father. A life without vision and purpose will become a directionless life, going any which way seems good but the end is shame.

You were created for a reason. Do not live your life without purpose.

#PrayerforToday 21st March 2018

Almighty Father, in the name of Jesus, give me vision to see things like You do. Open my eyes to see You in every detail of my life. Let my life be purposeful and meaningful. Thank You for the plans You have for me; plans for my good, to give me a hope and a future.  Amen.

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

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 20th March 2018 Don't break your back

“Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:3-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Have you been toiling and striving in life? Maybe you are in a career that brings no joy to you. Or you are in business struggling to keep your head above water?

Many people have taken a life road that is hardship and heartache. They have toiled and toiled, yet it seems no reward to show for it.

If you have opened your heart to Jesus, let Him enter and take a seat in its center. The great news is that He sees your hard labour. He will direct you in the way to cast your net. It might seem impossible to you, but be like Peter do a nevertheless at the word of Jesus obey.

He is calling you to cast all your burdens and heavy load on Him. He will give you rest.

Jesus transformed the life of Simon Peter. He will do the same for you.

#PrayerforToday 20th March 2018

Dear Lord Jesus. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Saviour. Be at the center of my heart from now on. I cast all my worries and burdens upon you. Give me your peace and let me enter into Your rest. Amen

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

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 19th March 2018 Who is pursuing you?

“Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are— the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.” Luke‬ ‭4:33-37‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

After His temptation in the wilderness for 40 days Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee (Luke‬ ‭4:14‬ ‭NKJV). He started teaching in the Synagogues with authority. No demonic spirit could operate in His presence.

In the passage above, this man had been in the synagogue for a while. No teachings from the rabbis’ could evict the unclean spirit from its comfortable home. But, at the voice of the Great teacher, it bowed in acknowledgement of the Son of God - Him who has the power and authority. 

The great news is that He has delegated this power and authority to us. “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.” Luke‬ ‭10:18-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬. 

He also declared that these signs will follow those who believe: In the name of Jesus, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover (‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:17-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

The slave girl in Acts 16, saw Apostle Paul and could not stop declaring that they were servants of the Most High God. When Paul had enough he evicted the demonic spirit without notice.

Are you a Christian that is still scared of demons; you think they are pursuing you all over town and you spend all your prayer time binding and casting. May I suggest that you wake up from your slumber and take your position as the son of the Most High God, know your inheritance and claim it. How many times did Jesus spend time praying to cast out demons? Or the early Apostles?

When a son who does not know his father, he will behave like a stranger in his father's house. Spending time focused on the enemy takes you away from spending time focused on your Father in Heaven.

I ask again, who is pursuing you? Stop running and stand your ground.

#PrayerforToday 19th March 2018

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my Salvation. By Your word and in the name of my Lord and Saviour Yeshua Ha Mashiach I take authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me. Amen

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

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 7th March 2018 #1

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.”
‭‭I John‬ ‭4:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There are many Apostles. There are many Prophets. There are many Pastors. There are many Evangelists. There are many Teachers

There is only One Saviour of Mankind - Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. Only in Him is hope of everlasting Life. Only through Him is Life. He is Faithful. He is Just. Above all He loves you.

Let Jesus be the number One in your heart. 

#WordforToday 6th March 2018 Who is the ruler of this world?

“Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.”” Luke 4:5-7 NKJV

The temptation of Jesus Christ not only taught us of all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:16 NKJV). But we also learnt something quite important about the world – Satan has authority over the kingdoms of this world and their glory.

Jesus also gave us insight into who rules this world. He told His disciples, “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.” John 14:30 NKJV.

The kingdoms of this world and all their glory until Jesus returns belongs to Satan. It has been delivered to him at the fall of man and he gives it to those who will worship him. He continues to use this to tempt Christians, unfortunately many, because of the lust of the flesh, eyes and the pride of life fall away from the grace of Elohim.

Many Christians think that having the riches, world power and glory means living a life of ‘dominion.’ The world is their oyster because of their money. Which world I wonder? Is it the world that Jesus said it’s ruler has nothing in Him? The one Apostle John admonished us not to love or the things in it. And that if anyone loves it (the world), the love of the Father is not in him.

This world is not our eternal home. Do not be enticed by the promises of worldly riches, glory and power without checking the God behind the gift. The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. I John 2:17 NKJV

Do not be carried away by the empty words full of worldly promises; where the name of Jesus is not lifted up; where you are not pointed to Jesus and shown the way to eternity. Do not be moved but cry out like Jesus “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Luke 4:8 NKJV.

Seek the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, all these things shall be added unto you. Jesus loves you. Do not love the world more than you love Jesus.

#PrayerforToday 6th March 2018

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my Salvation. Help me never to live on bread alone but every word from You. Help me to worship You my God and serve only You. Help me never to tempt You because of my unbelief and lack of faith. Help me to always seek Your kingdom first and its righteousness. Add all I need to me. In the name of my Lord and Saviour Yeshua Ha Mashiach Amen

#WordforToday 5th March 2018 The self-focused act that is not selfish

 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. Matthew 14:13

There are so many lessons we can learn from the acts of Jesus regularly withdrawing from the crowds - even from His inner caucus. The one I want to focus on today is about self-care.

Self-care is not about being selfish. It is looking after your personal well-being - your physical, mental and emotional health. Many times we forget how much energy we expend in acts that requires these three things from us. 

If you do not self-care, you will burn out. 

It is okay to take time out to look after YOU. Do not place that responsibility on someone else. Now that would be selfish. Self-care is not selfish.

Because of self-care. Today's wordfortoday ends here. I'm just taking some time out for self-care. Till tomorrow friends!

courtesy https://www.turningpoint.news/practice-self-care/

#WordforToday 2nd March 2018 Who are you?

“And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:49‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

What a bold statement for a child of 12 years old. It was like he was telling those around him that he knew who he was. But how could he know at that age?  

Scripture recorded the prophesies concerning the saviour hundreds of years before he was born. His conception was revealed to his mother by angel Gabriel. His birth was announced to the shepherds and angels were rejoicing on the day. We know that Simon and Anna prophesied at his 40 days dedication in the Temple. It was also clear that even as young as he was, he was already studying the Holy scriptures. Nevertheless, what gave him that boldness and confidence about who he was and what he must do?

Three key lessons from the bible passage above: he knew his Father, he knew about his Father’s business and he knew his purpose concerning his Father’s business. This was someone who understood perfectly who he was - his identity.

My earliest recollection of my identity was linked to my name; what my parent called me or told me was my name. My identity was also linked to my family name and immediate members of the family. Gradually that identity changed over the years. It was linked to my educational qualification, career choice, marital status, motherhood and the out-working of my character.

But all these is now subsumed by a new identity - that of Jesus Christ. Many Christian struggle with truly understanding their identity in Christ. Their old identity still takes precedent in their life. Our new life in Christ is not in the name given us to by our parent; its not in our multiple educational qualification or credentials. It is not in our titles and positions in the market place. It’s not even about being a married person or a parent. Once you ask Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour, your identity is now in who He is. As He was so are you in this world.

Like the 12 year old Jesus, we must study the Holy Scriptures. We must transform our mindset by the renewal of our mind. As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7). Study, meditate, speak upon your life everything the word of God says you are in Christ Jesus. Do not believe any negative, limiting identity imposed on you by others, the society or even your self due to self-doubt. A son who does not realise who he is will be cheated out of his inheritance.

Seek to know and believe in who you are in Christ Jesus!

#PrayerforToday 2nd March 2018
Almighty Father, thank You for choosing me. Thank You for making me holy by Your Spirit. Thank You for cleansing me with the blood of Your precious Son Jesus. I am Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. I am an ambassador of Christ. I am an agent of transformation, a special vessel prepared by God to stamp Kingdom authority on earth.As Your elect, holy and beloved help me to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and long-suffering. In the name of Yeshua 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 1 March 2018 Be a Firebrand

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus . And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:31‭, ‬35 NKJV

Jesus promised the disciples the Holy Spirit as He was rounding up His earthly ministry. It was this same Spirit that brought forth conception in the virgin Mary, bringing life in the form of the baby Jesus. It was this same Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). It is this same Holy Spirit that is in us, conceiving in us a new life; quickening in us agape love that we are able to call out to the Almighty - Abba Father. As Jesus was called the Son of God, we have been adopted into this sonship as a son of God. Isn't that glorious!

It was this same Holy Spirit that transformed a group of fearful disciples into firebrands for the Lord. The baptism of the Holy Spirit birth a passion in them that even physical death no longer matter. 

As a disciple of Jesus, this passion should be the same in us because we have the indwelling of the Spirit of God. Unfortunately, many do not understand, nor acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit in them; either because of lack of understanding or lack of submission to the will of the Father.

The power of the Holy Spirit is manifested where there is submission to the Almighty God. Go through the Holy Scriptures, everyone who was used mightily by the Almighty through the Holy Spirit lived a life of complete surrender.

Do you want to experience that mighty power working through you, do not grieve the Holy Spirit by going back to your old life. And definitely do not quenched the Holy Spirit  by refusing to give up sin!

Thirst and hunger for that fire of the Holy Spirit in you.

#PrayerforToday 1 March 2018
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit (Psalm 51:10,11,12). In the name of Yeshua 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 ©