Monday 30 July 2018

#WordforToday 30 July 2018 #CrownofExultation/rejoicing.

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” I Thessalonians‬ ‭2:19-20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I love this, maybe because I delight in sharing the good news of Yeshua Jesus. What a glorious testimony from Apostle Paul about the conversion of the saints in Thessalonica

During Paul's missionary journey answering the Macedonia call from the Holy Spirit, he passed through Thessalonia and as was his custom he went into the synagogue of the Jews. The bible says for three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explained and demonstrated that Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead. And Jesus whom he preached to them was the Christ (Acts‬ ‭17:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

Unfortunately he faced so much persecution there from the Jews, they even beat Jason, his host. When Paul eventually left the city for Berea, these Jews followed him and stirred up the people of the city against him. Oh the joy and trials of evangelism. 

Nevertheless, we could discern from his letter to the church in Thesselonica, that many did convert to Christianity despite all these trials.

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance...And likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents,” ‭‭proclaims Yeshua  to His disciples in Luke‬ ‭15:7,10‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬).

Can you imagine the rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents and gives their life to Yeshua? This is the beauty of soul-winning. It brings a joy that is more glorious than any earthly celebration. Whenever someone accepts Yeshua as their lord and saviour, there is an incredible inner glow that bursts out in joyous exuberance.

Those who win souls are wise and there awaits them the crown of rejoicing in eternity.


#PrayerforToday
Almighty Father Elohim. Thank You for the gift of my salvation. Thank You for the joy of soul winning. Bless me with grace to shorne my feet with the good news of the gospel (check armour of God) of Yeshua Christ Jesus. Help me to be a soul winner into Your kingdom. May many receive Your word from me. May they welcome it not as the word of men but as it is in truth, Your word. May it work effectively in all those who believe likewise in me. In the name of Yeshua our saviour. Amen

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

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

Tuesday 17 July 2018

#WordforToday 17 July 2018 #CrownofGlory,


“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” I Peter 5:1-4 NKJV




A special crown for elders - spiritual leaders who have been given the responsibility to shepherd the sheep of Elohim’s pasture. A huge responsibility but with a glorious reward. The first set of elders in the Alpha church - the 12 Apostles had a mammoth task - to carry the gospel to the world. Elohim had entrusted this stewardship responsibility to them. It is a huge responsibility. It is not about having the title and all the honour from man that comes with that. Apostle Peter spelt out clearly the responsibilities attached to this role: 

Shepherding the saints as overseer, willingly not by compulsion. There must be joy for the work. It’s not taking on the role because your spiritual father delegates this to you and you do not want to say no. 


It must be done not for dishonest gain but eagerly for the work of the ministry. It’s not about what remuneration or gifts or accolades you will receive but counting it as a privilege. The gospel should be preached without charge.


Being an example not lording it over those entrusted to you. A leader must set the example; let your lifestyle reflects what you preach. “Do as I say and as I do.”


Jesus instructed Peter (John 21:17) towards the end of His life to ‘feed my sheep’. It is worth spiritual leaders remembering that the sheep belong to Yeshua. He purchased them with His own blood.  They are His disciples not yours. They are not to be used and abused. They are not to be treated as slaves. 


Have you been entrusted by Yeshua as spiritual leader? Are you on course to receive the crown of glory? Remember as there is a special reward, there is also a special judgement for the shepherds;

“Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.”” Ezekiel 34:10 NKJV



#PrayerforToday 17 July 2018

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.” I Corinthians 9:16-18 NKJV

In the name of Yeshua I pray. Thank You Almighty Father for entrusting me with this stewardship. Help me oh Lord to preach the gospel willingly and not by compulsion. Help me to present the gospel without charge or without covetousness. Help me never to abuse my authority in the gospel of Yeshua. Amen

Wednesday 11 July 2018

#WordforToday 11 July 2018 #Crownoflife

"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 NKJV




The performance assessment by Yeshua Jesus in Revelation 2:9 highlights the  works, tribulation, and poverty of the church in Smyrna. They suffered blasphemy and, in fact many were to be thrown into jail. All because of the gospel of Christ. Since then so many millions of christians have been killed for their faith. A young mother and wife was killed in Abuja a few years ago when she was doing evangelism.

Last year I interviewed a muslim turned christian in Jos, it was sad listening to her harrowing recollection of the pain she suffered at the hands of her family because of her conversion. Her husband was eventually beheaded in their home in the presence of her children. 

Unfortunately until Yeshua returns many more will suffer and die for the gospel. Because the word of Elohim is sharper than a two-edged sword, cutting to the bone and marrow, pricking the conscience like a hot seating iron. Of course the response from many will be with hatred and murder in their heart.

Should we be scared or fearful? No. There is a special crown for all those who suffer persecution, trials and tribulations for the gospel - #crownoflife. Though they lose their lives on earth, they will gain it for eternity. Though they are tempted to give in or give up, they endure to the end and will be rewarded after approval with the #crownoflife. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”  James 1:12 NKJV

Your life is a demonstration of the love of Yeshua through faithfulness to the end. What a wonderful reward to look forward to...for those willing to lay their lives down for the sake of the gospel.


#PrayerforToday 11 july 2018
Almighty Father, thank You for your gift of my salvation. I pray for the grace to count it all joy when I fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of my faith produces patience in me. Help me to let patience have its perfect work, that I may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing in Christ. Amen.

It is the will of the everlasting Father that you may have everlasting life through Jesus. See Him in the Holy Scriptures, believe in Him and He will raise you up on the last day John 6:40 NKJV
I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©

Tuesday 10 July 2018

#WordforToday 10 July 2018 #CrownofRighteousness


“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
II Timothy 4:6-8 NKJV



Apostle Paul was at the end of his earthly life. He knew he was going to die...soon. What glory for Elohim to reveal to you that it is time to rest having fulfilled all your days as it was written in His book even before you were born.

Apostle Paul was able to look back at his life, with peace that he has kept the faith to the end. He ran the race of life, competing against all odds and finished victoriously. His reward - the crown of righteousness. 

This crown is also available to all saints who finish their race having kept the faith to the end.

Paul fought the good fight; we learnt from his epistles how much he was persecuted, suffered for the sake of the gospel of Christ. Yet he never gave up. Even against his brethren the Jews he fought; with gentiles he was mistreated; physically he endured. Yet he pressed on. Our christian journey is one of wrestling but we must keep on because Jesus has gained for us the victory. We will win the race if we do not give up. Not only win it, there await for us the crown of righteousness.

He finished the race. May this be our own Christians life story in Jesus name. May we also be able to look back at our life and say with confidence ‘I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.’

He kept the faith. We live in a society where the gospel has been diluted. We have human reasoning and wisdom telling us that the Almighty God will not do what He has said in His words. ‘He is too loving to be a God of Justice.’ They tell us He has changed His mind about those things He said in His words that He hates - they are now okay. Many unfortunately are falling for this lie of the enemy, thus falling from the true faith. Many have developed their own (acceptable) god that they worship. Apostle Paul never compromised his gospel. He was even willing to confront elders for hypocrisy. There is no crown of righteousness for any one who dilute the Word of Elohim. Even if the world thinks you are a fanatic, so be it. I would rather be a fanatic for Christ Jesus the everlasting Lord, than temporal god of this world.

So, are you laying for yourself a crown of righteousness. Fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith.

#PrayerforToday 10 July 2018
Almighty Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the fight. In Christ I will press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. May I not count myself to have apprehended; but the grace to forget those things which are behind, reaching forward to those things which are ahead. Amen


It is the will of the everlasting Father that you may have everlasting life through Jesus. See Him in the Holy Scriptures, believe in Him and He will raise you up on the last day John 6:40 NKJV
I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).


#AdeolaAkintoye ©

Monday 9 July 2018

#WordforToday 9 July 2018 The Crowns

 And everyone who competes for the prize [j]is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 1 Corinthians 9:25

I remember the first time I was rated exceptional in my workplace. It was unexpected, but a wonderful surprise. The recent time was even more unexpected. In fact I was shocked, just doing the best I could but I was not aware that the quality of my work deserved such a reward. Although just being rated as achieving successful during a performance appraisal was good, however to get an exceptional rating was fantastic. The feeling when you get your work appreciated to that level is great! Now, these are earthly rewards.

An eternal reward will be magnificent. Apostle Paul talked about imperishable crowns.

Oxford dictionary defined a crown as an award or distinction gained by a victory or achievement. 

As Christians, our hope is making eternity, that in itself will be a glorious achievement. And to be rewarded with crowns is even more magnificent. The word of Elohim tells us about the crowns that will be given in eternity. I don’t know about you but if there are rewards in eternity, just making it is not enough when there are crowns to be received.




Join me on this journey of discovery as we explore these crowns and the conditions of the reward. May the Holy Spirit give us revelation and understanding.

Explore the Word for yourself and make the choice - just successful or exceptionally successful.

#PrayerforToday 9 July 2018
Almighty Father, may I run the race diligently to the end in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Friday 6 July 2018

#WordforToday 6 July 2018 Vessels of dishonor (2)


But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. II Timothy 2:20-21 NKJV



In the passage above, Apostle Paul said there were different vessels- those of gold, silver, wood or clay - each having different substance but all in the house. Interesting to note that he said some (of these four types) were made for honour and some for dishonour. 

It is insightful to note that a vessel for dishonour can cleanse itself from it Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. They have the power and the ability to do it through the grace in Yeshua.

A vessel is a hollow container that holds liquid. Now if we see ourselves as a carrier of the Holy Spirit, to be used for the work of the Kingdom, we must cleanse our self from every speck of dishonor.

So what is dishonor?

Dishonor is a state of or to bring shame or disgrace. 

What brings shame and disgrace is our conduct, behavior or action.

Apostle Paul teaches us to cleanse (clean, purge, wipe off, sanitize etc) our self from dishonor. How?

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 2 Timothy 2:22-25

Flee youthful lust. Let your body be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the lord which you your reasonable sacrifice.

Avoid foolish and ignorant dispute knowing that they generate strife. 

A vessel of honour will be humble - God resists the proud and give grace to the humble; gentle, patience - manifesting the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

You will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work!

#PrayerforToday 6 July 2018
Almighty Father, in the name of Jesus may I be a vessel for honor and not dishonor. Give me the grace to cleanse myself of dishonor. Amen

It is the will of the everlasting Father that you may have everlasting life through Jesus. See Him in the Holy Scriptures, believe in Him and He will raise you up on the last day John 6:40 NKJV

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

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

Thursday 5 July 2018

#WordforToday 5 July 2018 Vessels of dishonor (1)

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. ‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2:20-21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

When I was a child, in our house, we had many crockery and utensils. There were the ones we used daily and those for special occasions. There were those for the children, visitors and my father - the latter, none of the children dare use it. Although all the crockery had different uses, they were all important.

In the passage above, Apostle Paul said there were different vessels- those of gold, silver, wood or clay - each having different substance but all in the house. Interesting to note that he said some (of these four types) were made for honour and some for dishonour. 

The vessel of gold and silver could be for honour or dishonour same as those of wood or clay. It is not the make that defines its honour or not.

Every child of God in His house are made up differently - physically, mentally, intellectual, by gifts etc. Each of us are vessels.

It is insightful to note that a vessel for dishonour can cleanse itself from it Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. They have the power and the ability to do it through the grace in Yeshua.

To be continued.

#PrayerforToday 5 July 2018
Almighty Father, in the name of Jesus may I be a vessel for honor and not dishonor. Give me the grace to cleanse myself of dishonor. Amen

It is the will of the everlasting Father that you may have everlasting life through Jesus. See Him in the Holy Scriptures, believe in Him and He will raise you up on the last day John 6:40 NKJV

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

Wednesday 4 July 2018

#WordforToday 4 July 2018 #TheRoyals


“But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:3-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Ever since the news broke about Prince Harry dating Meghan Markle the nation had been transfixed, more so on the announcement of the engagement. And you can imagine the fever-pitch of excitement on the wedding day. Now an ordinary American girl has become a princess in the United Kingdom.

It is interesting to see her now among the royals. Her carriage like other royals is regal, poise and class. The way the royals carry themselves, the protocol around them, the quality and standards are exceptional.

As a child of the King of kings, a royal priesthood, our life and lifestyle should be a reflection of an even higher standard than the earthly royals. Yes they might have the earthly money to buy quality, but their character is ingrained because of who they are. Likewise the character of saints should be beyond exceptional to extra-ordinary; more regal, better poise and classier. Fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, coarse jesting are not fitting for sons of Elohim. We are the Royals of a better Kingdom.

#PrayerforToday 4 July 2018
Almighty Father, May fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness not ever be named among me, neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting. May I reflect the excellencies of Your Kingdom as is fitting for a saint. In the name of Yeshua. Amen.

It is the will of the everlasting Father that you may have everlasting life through Jesus. See Him in the Holy Scriptures, believe in Him and He will raise you up on the last day John 6:40 NKJV
I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach  - Jesus Christ.

#AdeolaAkintoye ©

Tuesday 3 July 2018

#WordforToday 3 July 2018 Nugget of wisdom wrapped in an insult


 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— John 15:16

Someone said to me sometime ago “You should have asked the Holy Spirit”. At the time I found it an insult but as a leader I looked for the nugget of wisdom even in the rough places. 

Yes I should have asked the Holy Spirit because He is the Spirit of the Living God inside of me. My Helper.

Often times we neglect His presence in us and strive to do things, know things, understand things in our own power, knowledge, intellect and wisdom. And boy do we get it wrong.

To be led by the Holy Spirit we have to be conscious and deliberate to partner with Him in this journey of our Christian walk. He is our ability to be ‘in’ Christ and enjoy all the fullness of His power in us.

Help a brethren next time and ask ‘What is the Holy Spirit telling you? It might sound insulting to them but it will prick their conscience to always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
http://www.sharonministries.org.za/KidsObject28.htm

Also, make things easier for yourself and seek the help of the helper. 

#PrayerforToday 3 July 2018
Almighty Father, in Christ may I walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit. Nothing by my power, my strength nor my will but by Your Spirit.

It is the will of the everlasting Father that you may have everlasting life through Jesus. See Him in the Holy Scriptures, believe in Him and He will raise you up on the last day John 6:40 NKJV

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

#AdeolaAkintoye ©