#Wordfortheweek Week 39 #Identity

“Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”” Matthew 4:3 NKJV

One of my childhood memories was how proud I was of my father’s name. In those days, neighbours knew each other, children were also known by name. Wherever you are, whatever you do was a reflection of your family, especially your father. I was recognised by my father’s name. What I did in public reflected on him. Your character outside your family was seen and noted by neighbours, and it got back to your parents. And boy, was I scared of hearing that statement: “I will report you to your father.”

Growing up, my identity was through my parent. I belonged to this particular family, whose values and culture defined who I was. I did things with the consciousness of this identity. I wanted to make my family proud not shamed; to do well in school, to have friends of ‘good’ families, not to get into trouble. It was very much who I had to be as well.

Oxford dictionary defines Identity as the fact of being who or what a person is. It is also defined as the characteristics that determine who or what a person is, that makes them similar or different from others.

Understanding who you are give you a sense of belonging. A strong sense of identity will enable you to face any challenges of life with confidence. Identity crisis in a person is when you do not know who or what you are, where you belong and where you are going. It impacts what you do and the decisions you make. 

In the passage above, Jesus was tempted firstly at the core of his identity - the Son of God, the very  essence of who and what he was and still is.  Denying his identity was denying who he was. The work of salvation was dependent on his identity as the son of God.

‘If you are the Son of God...,’ was a direct attack on who he is. 

If Jesus did not know who he was, or was suffering from identity crisis, it would have been a slam dunk for the devil.

When I gave my life to Christ, my identify became in Him. I was adopted as a son into the family of Elohim God.

We are living in such a time of uncertainties but the only thing that is certain is our identity. Many believers are leaning into their relationship with Yeshua Christ Jesus but many are not, because of identity crisis.

We might not know what tomorrow will bring but we know who owns our tomorrow because we belong to Him. In Him we live, move and have our being.

If you do not know your identity in Christ, as an adopted son of Yahweh, the devil will toss you all over the place with fear. However, it is not just knowing your identity in Christ, but believing, understanding and embracing all the qualities of that identity. 

Read the bible and research what it says about your identity in Christ. Believe your identity, say it,  meditate on it and accept it.

Transform your thinking. And importantly fellowship with like-minded believers to strengthen you.

#Prayerfortheweek

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my salvation. Thank you for adopting me as one of your own. I accept, embrace and own my identity in Christ Jesus. Give me the grace to stand for who I am even in the face of adversity.  In the name of Yeshua I pray. Amen

I pray that this inspire you to reflect on your relationship with Elohim and be determined to be more and do more for Him each day. 

#AdeolaAkintoye©

#ajourneytospiritualmaturity2020

#WordforToday 14 Nov 2018 Starve it to death

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8 NKJV

I found the above passage fascinating. I always find the word of Elohim fascinating anyway. I found it illuminating that it is possible to sow to the flesh or the Spirit.

Elohim set in place this universal principle of sowing and reaping. You sow into a soil. If the soil is fertile and receives necessary nutrients the seed germinates, grows and bring forth its fruit. If you sow to a soil that is not fertile, maybe dead or it's starved of nutrient the seed will not germinate

Now let us imagine our flesh is the soil. When we sow seeds - hatred, lies, unkindness, offence, unforgiveness etc, nurture these with acts and actions that feeds on it then we will reap the fruit of the flesh . Where the flesh is very much alive, these seeds will germinate, grow and produce fruits after its kind.

God's timeless principle of sowing and reaping.

As long as your flesh is still alive to the world and the things of the world you are providing a fertile ground for the seeds of sin. If the flesh is dead, no seed of corruption can germinate not to talk of grow.

Starve your flesh of the lust of the eyes, of the flesh and the pride of life. Do not provide the necessary nutrient for the seed of the flesh to grow. Spend your time sowing to the things of the Spirit.

#PrayerforToday
Almighty Father, thank You for giving us Your timeless principle of sowing and reaping. Help me to sow to the Spirit and not the flesh that I may reap everlasting life. Give me the grace to put to death those things of the flesh. In the name of Yeshua Jesus I pray. Amen

#WordforToday 13 Nov 2018

"For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh".  Galatians 6:13

This passage reminded me of those who glory in the number of attendance in their Church as a demonstration of number of people being led to Christ. 

The 'foolish' Galatians were bewitched with false doctrines. I can understand how this is possible. Just imagine a tradition of hundreds of years - the sign of the covenant, circumcision of the flesh. An outward act was not easily discarded for something invisible - circumcision of the heart.

As a believer, it is foolish also to believe the works we do demonstrates our righteousness. Rather, our works should be as a result of the righteousness of Christ in us. A circumcised heart will lead to righteous acts not the other way round. You can fake righteous act but not a circumcised heart.

#PrayerforToday 13 Nov 2018
Almighty Father create a new heart within me, circumcised with faith and tendered in love. Let my acts be righteous in Your sight. By grace in Christ Jesus. Amen

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

 #AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 12 Nov 2018 You are not cursed

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” Galatians 3:10

I am always amazed how insightful the word of God is; one passage brings illumination of another even though they are written by different people.

Sometimes in the Christendom we struggle with the issue of law and grace. Especially with some aspects in the law where people are told they are cursed if they do not do this or that. How can you take only a part of the law and ignore others? 

Early on in my christian journey, I became very confused about somethings we are 'commanded' do. As I read the word I started questioning some of these things with close christian friends. An example is having to 'buy back' your first born (Ex 13:15). At the time it was said the sex does not matter and we were given an equivalent amount to pay. Maybe there was a revelation to do this or not I do not know. Did I pay? Yes I did, out of fear not necessarily faith.

What I do know is that the law given to the Israelite was not meant to be cherry picked. You can not put fear in people for one, two, a few or some aspects of the law and not all. All these laws had to be obeyed in its entirety.

Thank goodness for the dispensation of grace. Who can meet all the requirements of the law?

When ministers who are entrusted with  teaching the word of Elohim use the law to put the redeemed of the Lord back into the bondage of fear, surely this is not the gospel of Yeshua Jesus.

Our salvation is not dependent on the law. As the first child of my mother she does not need to 'buy me' back even if I am female. I am already redeemed by Christ Jesus.

There are principles that Elohim has laid down for this earth that He created. It does not matter whether you are Christian or not, if you key into these principles you will reap the benefit - seed time and harvest; giving and receiving; day time and night time, helping  the poor and so on. These principles are for all.

Do not be put back into bondage. Study and meditate on the word of Elohim God for yourself. And pray for the revelation of the Holy Spirit directly.

You are not cursed!

#PrayerforToday

Almighty Father, thank You for the grace in Your Son Yeshua. I believe in Him and there is therefore no condemnation for me in Him. Help me to teach and live the truth of Your word. Amen

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

#WordforToday 9 Nov 2018 Bin it

Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 
Galatians 2:11‭-‬13 NKJV 

The story of Peter's hypocrisy made me reflected on how difficult it was to break the habit of a life time.

Many of us think that confessing our sin, repenting and accepting Jesus as Lord will automatically get rid of our bad habits. Don't get me wrong we are transformed spiritually, however there are still aspects of the flesh that will require a process to total transformation.

At the time Paul was writing to the Galatians, Peter had been long in ministry. This was a man whom Yeshua used to convict 5000 people through a single sermon, many sick had been healed, the lame walked and the blind received sight. Peter was mighty in the Lord. Yet, the habits inculcated in him as a Jew were still evident in his life. One such was not eating with the gentiles even if they were believers.

In my Christian walk I have found that there are so many old habits from my upbringing, culture and my own personality that I am having to reorient myself according to the principles of the Kingdom as evidenced in the bible. Likewise some new habits that I am (still work in progress) having to inculcate in my life one such is loving all people irrespective of their character. This can be so difficult sometimes I tell you. 

If you don't have bold people like Paul around you that can challenge your old bad habit, you have to challenge yourself with the word of God. No one is above mistake even spiritual leaders. 

But you as a believer bin your habits before they become a stumbling block to entering eternity. Little foxes do spoil the vine...

#PrayerforToday
Almighty Father, give me abounding grace to put to death every bad habit that does not glorify You. Help me to develop kingdom habits to the glory of Your name in Christ Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

#WordforToday 8 Nov 2018 In or out of the box

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” Ephesians‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This is one of my favourite verses in the bible. To know that I am blessed with every spiritual blessing gives me confidence and assurance for courageous christian living.

Although there is a condition; it is only in Christ that we have access to these blessings. It is also worth noting that these spiritual blessings are in heavenly places in Christ - I guess why they are spiritual and not physical.

It is sad that many Christians think they can live as such without Christ. They compartmentalize Him to specific days or times of their lives. They do not talk about Him nor acknowledge Him as if He does not exist or only in the walls of a place called 'Church'.

Yet we know that in Him and through Him we live, we breath and we have our being. How is it possible to put Him in a box? Or maybe you put yourself in the box, too scared of what life might be in Christ? 

Being in Christ is living in Him. He is visible through us whilst we are invisible because people experience Christ through our lifestyle here on earth.

Is Christ visible in your life?

If you are not seated in Him. How do you reflect Him?

Stop making excuses for being outside of Him.

#PrayerforToday
Almighty Father, may I reflect Christ Jesus in every area of my life. Thank You for blessing me with every spiritual blessings in Him. Amen

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

 #AdeolaAkintoye ©

#WordforToday 12 April 2018 A journey to spiritual maturity

https://leolearning.com/2015/07/consider-entire-learning-journey/

1. Understand, acknowledge and accept your new identity in Christ.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; (2 Cor 5:17). Many people are unaware of the divine power they carry. Many cannot comprehend it. Many find it difficult to accept it. What you can’t see, touch, smell or taste is difficult to accept. It's only when some people feel the physical manifestation of the Holy Spirit that they can accept that God is.

2. Transform your mind; your thoughts, beliefs, mind-set  (Romans 12:2). And bring every thought under the obedience of Jesus Christ. Develop the skill (or habit) -  whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things (Philippians 4:8 NIV). The mind is devil’s gateway to your soul. If he can get you to believe the lies, see yourself with human eyes not God-eyes, operate with your five senses rather than with the Holy Spirit; then you are letting him win over your life.

3. Walk in the Holy Spirit and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. This will take you out of your comfort zone. It will make you operate at the level of supernatural not natural. You will start seeing Kingdom pattern nor world ways. You will be rebuked, mocked, called over-spiritual and many more.

4. Ready to die for the gospel of Jesus. Now this is the ultimate. Many have fallen off the wagon because of fear. This is the litmus test of your discipleship

#PrayerforToday 12 April 2018

Help oh Lord to grow into spiritual maturity. Let me move from the milk of your word to solid food. Help me to seek Your Kingdom first and its righteousness.

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 ©

#WordforToday 11 April 2018 The high and mighty

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”” Luke‬ ‭18:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

It is amazing how the teachings of Christ is contrary to the world. What the world expects is completely opposite what Jesus says is the Kingdom culture.

Humankind glory in the accumulation of material things, the accreditation in scholarly achievements, the demonstration of power - position, wealth. Even in the Christendom, titles (Apostle, Pastor, Prophet, Bishop etc.) are sources of exaltation than the gospel of Jesus.

The Pharisee was a keeper of the law to the mi-nute detail. As a Christian, it is thus easy to become enthralled with our religiosity and fool ourselves with self-justification. Who are you trying to impress with self-exaltation? Let your works speak for itself and let your words glorify God.

No matter how many boxes you tick right; or how God is using. you, remember God resists the proud and give grace to the humble.

Be mindful and alert to the Holy Spirit in you. Stop exalting yourself and lift up Jesus. Walk in the #HolySpirit and stop being led by your five senses.

#PrayerforToday 11 April 2018

Almighty Father, in the name of my Lord Jesus, I reject every spirit of self-justification. I will not glory in earthly things but will be mindful of heavenly things. Help me to remain humble because You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Give me the grace to be a carrier of Kingdom Culture in every area of my life. 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 ©

#WordforToday 10 April 2018 Too spiritual?

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23 NKJV

I am always surprised when those who profess to be Christian chastised you for being 'too spiritual'. I wonder what that looks like. 

Oxford definition of spiritual is relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. As Christians, our relationship with Elohim is through our spirit because Elohim is Spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and truth. Being spiritual, to me is thus relating through our human spirit which is connected with the Almighty. 

https://andrewroebert.wordpress.com/

Being spiritual is not just any spirituality - as there are many such which is not of the true God Elohim. Being spiritual for a Christian is about being led by the Holy Spirit not your flesh.

With Elohim you are either for Him or not; in or out; black or white; hot or cold. There is no middle way.

For a people set apart, led by the Holy Spirit, being spiritual is business as usual. We are meant to see everything in this world through spiritual lens not our flesh. There is danger in compartmentalizing God in your life - putting Him in the Sunday box; the problem scenario; the convenient times and not in every detail of our life.

The Word of Elohim says He delights in every detail of our life; every mi-nute detail. So why would we limit His presence to certain areas or times? Are we telling Him not to bother because we can handle things on our own.

Of course spiritual things manifest in the physical. We have to do physical acts being led by the Holy Spirit. Our victory and success in life as a child of God is dependent on our relationship with God.

I would rather be over-spiritual (if there is any such thing) than un-spiritual as a professed child of the Almighty Jehovah.

Remember your faith is spiritual. The love of God is spiritual. The grace of God is spiritual. And God is Spirit. Those who worship Him will do so in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Not in flesh.

Next time you want to accuse someone of being too spiritual, pause and think like Jesus.


#Prayerfortoday 10 April 2018
Almighty Father Thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit as our helper. Give me abundance grace to walk in the Spirit, that I may not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another. May I be led by Your Spirit for I am not under the law but Your grace. May my life manifest the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In the name of Yeshua Christ Jesus. 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 ©

#WordforToday 09 April 2018 Short in stature but tall wisdom

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. Luke 19:3 NKJV

Spiritual maturity insights from Luke chapter 19 verses 1 - 9

http://www.ebibleteacher.com/chalmers/zacchaeus.html

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there  was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. This man had material wealth. He was at the top of his profession - not just an ordinary tax collector but a chief tax collector.

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. Despite his wealth, his position he knew there was something missing in his life. He would have heard about Jesus - how he was changing lives; the blind seeing, the lame walking, how mute spoke with understanding, demons cast out, even sins forgiven. He wanted to physically see this Jesus but he was limited, by his stature with the throng of people around Jesus. How many of us want to see Jesus but are limited by our circumstances, situation, location - natural or self-made. How we react is dependent on how desperate we are. And Zaccheus was a desperate man. I like him. He did not use his position or wealth - by holding a feast and inviting  Jesus to dinner. What did he do?

So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for He was going to pass that way. The rich man ran as fast as his short legs could carry him, undignified and without care of how it looks. He saw a tree and he climbed it. Surely not a sight to behold for someone rich with an important position in the society. But he didn't care. He had a mission to see Jesus. Oh the joy of seeing Jesus. He did not mind what people would say. He wanted to see Jesus. How passionate are you about seeing Jesus. Is your position or  wealth preventing you from doing whatever it takes to see Him?

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”  Zacchaeus

http://www.redeemingriches.com/2009/11/08/money-jesus-zacchaeus-generosity/

got more than he expected. He just wanted a sight but he got full attention and a visitation. Glory Hallelujah. Jesus sees our heart. How desperate is your heart for Him? Is it enough to make Him stop and visit with you? I can imagine Zacchaeus' joy. He would have laid out the  best dishes, cooked the fattest of lamb, the most expensive wine - after all he was loaded.

So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”  Thank goodness, Jesus came for us sinners. He came to seek us and save us.

Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 
This verse says a lot about the character of this man. He had compassion. He was a man of integrity. He gave to the poor makes four-fold restitution even before his encounter with Jesus. His heart and character were in line with Kingdom standard. He was also a humble man - it takes humility to make restitution in my opinion. He could boldly challenged those that called him a sinner. I wonder how many of them could say the same like him.

No wonder Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham;  for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 
Luke 19:1‭-‬10 NKJV .

This story inspired me to check my heart, the work of my hand, the depth of my determination to see Jesus; not letting any limitation in my life be an hindrance to running the race and seeing Jesus. I am encouraged that Jesus came to save me and through Him become a son of the Father.

How about you?

#PrayerforToday 09 April 2018
Almighty Father, Help me to check my heart, the work of my hand, that I may not be found wanting in Your Kingdom. Help me not to let any limitation in my life be an hindrance to running the race and seeing Jesus. Let my enemy not find anything in my life that will bring reproach to Your holy name. In the name of Jesus I have prayed 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 ©

Pressing On

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me...I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12, 14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Christ laid hold of salvation for us. The upward call of God is a relationship with Him, restoring that which was lost in the garden of Eden.

You have to press on, growing in maturity, being more and more Christlike to make it to Heaven. The way, the right, the access has already been cleared by the finished work on the Cross of Calvary.

It's an upward call. Looking unto Heaven and things of the Kingdom. Not a world call - looking at the here and now. But an upward call, being mindful of the things of the Spirit and of the Kingdom of God.

 We forget what we have done or attained in the past, but look forward to those things ahead. Our holiness yesterday can not prevent us from falling into error tomorrow. We must not boast of our righteousness of today but press on to that of tomorrow. 

If you did not sin yesterday, glory. Forget yesterday. Focus on not committing sin today. Continue to press forward towards the goal. You can do it through a life sold out to Jesus.








image attribution https://clipartfest.com

Anxious for Nothing

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4, 6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Life can throw us some hard punches even as a son of Elohim. I have learnt that truly trusting in my God, requires a deliberateness about trusting Him. As long as you walk in Christ, it becomes easier to rejoice in Him always. When I realized my life was a gift from Him, I got to that place where in everything by prayer and supplication, I make my request to Him. I trust in His perfect will for my life. No worries.

Peace as a result of material things or people around us is fleeting. But the peace in our soul when we know who is in charge in our life is priceless. A peace that is not dependent on our circumstances but on faith in Jesus. It takes putting Jesus first in every area of my life.

How about you? Are you still carrying the load of life on your back? Aren't you tired yet? Come to Jesus all you that are heavy laden and He will give you rest.

<a href="https://clipartfest.com/">clipartfest.com</a>

#Lifelessons: Channel of Blessing

How many times have you prayed this prayer; 'Father make me a channel of blessing'. The blessing translates...lots of money. I've been there myself. Being a channel of blessing is usually about having money to help others.

When God puts you in a situation/circumstances/place and you are wondering...why Lord? Why am I going through this? Why am I in this place? I am miserable. I am not growing (spiritually). I am still so hungry for your word. But God still says, '...stay'.

Do you know that the reason you are going through what you are going through or why you are where you are is because God needs you there because of someone - you are that person's vehicle of blessing. I'm not talking about money but that your life is the testimony that would bring salvation to a soul; set someone free who has been in bondage; dry the tears of the broken-hearted; in whatever way God had purposed to bless that person.

God has promised that when we go through fire, it will not burn us, when we go through waters it will not drown because He is with us. And His grace is sufficient in our weaknesses.

No matter the challenges of your current situation or place location, remember if God wants you there, he is with you, there is a purpose and as your character is being refined, there is someone whose live will be blessed because you are their channel of blessing.

So the next time you pray that prayer - 'make me a channel of blessing' be prepared to do what it takes and remember it's not all about money!

Getting rid of pests in a new house

I woke up this morning with the words; pests, termites, new house on my mind and I remembered immediately, the lessons I learnt from the book #EnemyAccessDenied by @JohnBevere.

In the book John Bevere gave an analogy of a new house; every where is clean but there were some cracks hidden behind the painted walls which contained termites; if the house was not fumigated before the owners move it, the termites would continue to eat at the walls of the house, creating cracks and before they know it the whole house would be infested.

When I read the book, the analogy had stayed with me ever since. When you become born again, you are a new creature - like the new house. However, there might be some spiritual strongholds that you need to deal with so that it does not open the door of sins/stagnation/bondage into your lives again.

Many born again Christians struggle with sin, some are still in bondage in one area of their lives or the other, be it lust, anger, pride, fear whatever. Some might be like me, with a tangled life borne out of being a descendant of an 'Ifa' (Yoruba spiritual divinity) man and growing up in an environment that was not completely dedicated to the One and Only God, Jehovah.

When I re-dedicated my life to Jesus, I had to 'fumigate' my body and soul with what you would call deliverance prayer. Although I was born again and I know the power in the blood of Jesus but I needed to destroy and halt all the 'spiritual' acts and deposits in my body and life as a result of the generational idolatry worship and acts.

Like with fumigating a house, you need special fumigants and experts to carry out the process; if not you will use the wrong pesticides and it would not work; if an untrained person does it, he/she might end up risking his/her health.

The process also uses specific prayers with authority. Every time Jesus cast out demonic spirits He rebukes and commands them to get out! 'Be quiet! Come out of the man.' Mark 1:25

This is a process that must be done by a spiritually matured person, one who is spiritually fortified with prayers and fasting; 'However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting' Mathew 17:21. I was not yet spiritually matured to do it myself or it would have been a case of the seven sons of Sceva '' Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?'' Acts 19:15.

Whether you believe in deliverance prayers or not, I learnt an important lesson in the analogy. I was blessed by having Spiritually matured Christian in my life when I gave my life once again to Jesus. They were able to immediately diagnosed the first thing that needed to happen for me to become a new creature in Christ and get my tangled life untangled (I will share some of my testimonies in future blogs). If I had not done it, I would have been too spiritually immature to target my prayers at the root of my problems... and they would have continued to be problems that prevents the blessings of the LORD to manifest in my life.  I would have been focusing on the consequences not the root causes.

How about you? Are you living a quality life or you are not seeing progress in your life even as a child of God? You need to look into your family root/history and get a spiritually matured christian to pray the deliverance prayer with you. In the mighty name of Jesus, the name that is above ll names, every knee shall bow, every demonic spirit operating in your life SHALL GET OUT never to return in Jesus name.

If this article has blessed you, do share with someone and give God all the praise. I would also love to hear from you, share your testimony with me adeola@we-can-leadershipinstitute.com and we'll praise God Almighty together.


SHALOM
Adeola Akintoye

Why is obedience so difficult?

I continue my spiritual journey with the study of the story of the Israelites as detailed in the Old Testament. Every time I read their story I'm always stunned by the consistent cycle of disobedience – punishment – repentance – forgetfulness – disobedience and the cycle continues.

These were people that had real life experience of the love of God, yet it takes very little for them to forget. Whenever they become comfortable, they turn their heart from God. As I read the books of the Prophets, I could hear the pain in God’s heart. He only asked for their obedience – “But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice and I will be your God and you shall be My people….. Yet they did not obey or incline their ear but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts..” ( Jeremiah 7:23,24).

Why am I so different from the Israelites of yester-years? I know that Jesus is alive and his blood continually cleanse me; yet, every time I incline my heart to the dictates of self centred ungodly desires, aren’t I bringing the same pain that the Israelites caused God? Especially, as He has sacrificed His precious Son to make me clean in His sight.

One of the things that made me stay away from God for so long was the incorrect assumption that it would be too much sacrifice. What crap! The expectations as I understand it in my journey, is to worship only God Almighty and do what is right & just to other people. Jesus said it all.. ‘Love God with all your heart… and love your neighbour as yourself,’ (Mathew 22:37-39) Simple commandment or is it?

Why is it so difficult to obey God’s simple instruction I wonder? I can’t imagine why the Israelites would turn time and time again to the worship of idols. Why would I abandon the Living God and turn to man-made stones/wood/crafts? Is it because man has to ‘see’ before they can believe?

I know we have expanded the definition of idol to include anything (image, material things, thoughts etc) that takes your love/time/focus away from God. I need the Holy Spirit to help me to keep my focus on God all the time; He must be my number one priority in all areas of my life. I must ensure I check my words, behaviour, attitude, thought process against His commandments, and learn lessons from the story of the Israelites’ relationship with God.

Loving people takes a conscious determination and effort. It is easier to love people we know and who are ‘good’ than strangers and difficult people or those we don’t get along with. I am challenged with this daily, so I need even more abundant grace. A lesson I have learnt along the way is to treat people the way I want to be treated; fairly, justly and with kindness – isn't this what love is about?

What about you? Is obedience to God a priority in your life? Or are you like the Old Testament Israelites – going back and forth in your relationship with God? Let's not be as God said, like  'this evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who follow the dictates of their hearts...' (Jeremiah 13:10)

 

Shalom

Adeola Akintoye.

PS: If this article has encouraged you, do share with someone else to encourage them.

Discipline - A tough lesson

 I usually wake up with the word of God in my heart (‘…and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking…’ Jeremiah 7:13). This amazes me all the time; the connection of the Spirit of God with man even in sleep. It confirms the word of God that ‘He is always with us.’

I woke up to a beautiful day, in the city of Bamako in Mali where I am writing this blog. I rearranged the small table in my hotel room and sat down, facing the window where I could see the trees, with their leaves gently swaying to the unheard music in the winds; as if they are dancing in the presence of the Spirit of God in the winds.

The essence of the word woke me and got me out of my comfortable bed at 7am. It’s the weekend and I always look forward to the weekend for a lie-in. Yet, as I turn to the side for a second round of sleep, the word came fast. As always, I know if I don’t get up and put the words on paper, it gently flies away never to return in the same fresh, enlightening way…a great opportunity lost.

I got up and here I am – putting words on paper.  As I continue on my spiritual journey, daily, I look forward to being taught by the Holy Spirit as God promised..“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8 NKJV). The lesson I have been going through recently is on discipline.

I have a vision of the life I want to live, I have plans and goals that I need to achieve if my vision will become a reality – and it will take hard work. One of my goals this year is to study the whole bible in a disciplined and consistent way. I have discovered the reality of the wisdom contained therein, like finding treasures as you dig in. I am passionate about leadership – the wisdom for leaders is there; I desire to grow spiritually – what better place than the Word of Life. So, this year, I made a decision, I will dig for the treasures in a more disciplined way.

And God has been using it to teach me  how to be disciplined. I set reading targets for each day (including writing the wisdom nuggets) but I find myself lagging behind in the first month. I made the decision that even if I lag behind, I would just have more chapters to read each day. I must continue on my goal to the end. This goal brings more benefit to me and the cost of procrastination is too high.

I have reflected on why I keep missing my targets, and my conclusion is this; laziness and procrastination. It’s not because I don’t have the time; I could wake up each day one hour earlier to read the chapters for the day. But I want more sleep, so I postpone it to later, then later comes, I believe (it’s a mind thing not necessarily the reality) I am tired right now and will read it later before I sleep; later comes, I read a few chapters, then I am too sleepy - next day comes. Of course now I have many more chapters to read.

If not for the Word that wakes me up each morning till I ‘heard’ the essence of the lesson; ‘A stitch in time saves nine.’ Discipline requires me to do what I need to do ‘right now’. If you have goals, especially spiritual goals, start on it right now, don’t procrastinate.

What about you? What are your goals for this year? How are you doing so far? Is the Holy Spirit waking you up?

 

Shalom,

Adeola Akintoye

PS: if this post has encouraged you, do share and encourage someone else.