#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 ©

#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

#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 ©