IN DECISION'S VALLEY

 

Many times, we as believers, find ourselves in a place where we are desperate to hear what God has to say to us.  It can be a very quiet place that is still and so unpredictable, and if we are not accustomed to such stillness, we are tempted to become frustrated and uneasy.  

When we are in the valley of decision, it is a season of waiting.  We must wait for whatever answer the Lord will give to us that will eventually serve as our road-map.  Along the journey of life, we find that there are often many signs along the way, and if we are not careful to read and understand them well, we may end up at a dead-end.  Hence, it is important that we allow the Lord to lead us and guide us along life's journey. Psalm 119:105 (AKJV) states, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go:
I will guide thee with mine eye."  Along the way there are times when we must stop, pause, slow down or we are told to go right along.  Other times we are told to take the left or the right, oftentimes, there are signs that may say; there's a detour up ahead, keep left and pass right, other times you might see, no thorough road and the list goes on.  Today I do not wish to address them all, but just one.

THE STOP SIGN!

When a driver approaches a stop sign, he or she is expected to come to a complete stop, giving priority to oncoming vehicles.  He or she must only move forward when the way is clear and when safe to do so.  It exists as a means of controlling traffic at a busy or blind intersection, it helps to prevent crashes and also keeps walkers and bikers safe.  

Just as in the natural, stop signs are in the spiritual.  Hence, at times on our christian's journey, we must make certain stops when necessary.  We make stops when we are uncertain of which way to go, when we need to know what to do, when we need understanding and insight.

Sometimes the Lord will pull us away in seasons where it matters most, and cause us to come to a complete stop, so that He has our full attention.  He desires for us to  stop and do a reflection on where He has taken us from, understand some of the things that He has taught us, showed us or has spoken into our spirit that we may have forgotten about.  He wants us to pay close attention to what we have learnt and also understand what next, and what He has in-store for us before we move forward again.

Many times if we are honest, we can attest to the fact that, when we are in a traffic jam and the red light appears indicating that everyone ought to come to a complete stop, sometimes there are persons who get agitated because they want to continue on their journey.  Others might even hurl expletives and others may even break the traffic light especially ,if no one is before them and they are in a hurry, only to find out that they end up being caught by the police or they met in an accident.

As we become mature in our different seasons, phases, relationships, spiritual walk etc., we must understand that at some point in time, the sign that says STOP is important and should not be taken for granted.  If you are reading this today, tomorrow or some time in the future, I will not take it by chance or mere coincidence.  I believe God is speaking to you.

God wants me to tell you, that although you are in your valley of decision, not sure which way to go, unsure of whether to turn back or continue ahead, wondering what will happen if you make that call, wondering If stepping out of your comfort zone to say yes to that contract or new business deal, wondering if you will succeed if you take up ministry full-time, contemplating if you should pursue your long lost passion, contemplating if you should just make that investment that have you thinking, wondering if you should say yes or no to that proposal etc..... God is not through with you yet! It is time to press into the presence of the Lord.  Let worship take you in and when you are done, just listen!  Don't be in a rush to ask Him for anything.  Just listen!  He will instruct you this time around.  He will cause you to understand if it's now or later.  He won't leave you hanging, but you must LISTEN!  Psalm 32:8 (AKJV) assures us, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

Isaiah 30:21 (AKJV) declares, "and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

The Lord wants to free your mind and release your heart.  He is calling you to a one-on-one session.  Don't let it miss you or pass you by.  This one is life-changing!

I know that life has been throwing you a lot of lemons.  You have been coming up on a lot of speed bumps and it has been a very bumpy ride, but stay the course!  You have even given in to the enemy telling you to just commit suicide and "be out", so you don't have to face this anymore.  I know some of you reading this have even tried it, but God blocked it!  He blocked it because purpose is on you and it ain't your season to be OUT yet!  Sickness might be rocking your body and you have been experiencing attacks upon attacks, one after the other, but rest assured that you are getting ready to plummet into one of the biggest breakthroughs and blessings that you have never seen before.  God is getting ready to show up big in your life that you will have to say, "Is this really ME?" 

Don't worry, continue gaining wisdom and experience, because this is exactly what your suffering is about!  There's a much bigger and better place that's calling you.  It's time to get ready! Dust yourself off because you are coming out smelling and looking like glory and victory!  It's not the end yet! It's just the beginning.  

Psalm 27:13-14 (TLB)  declares, " I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see his goodness to me here in the land of the living.  Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you."

Psalm 130:5 (AKJV) says, I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait,
and in his word do I hope.

#A Greater Comeback Awaits.... God bless you!

Time For A Spiritual Awakening!

 The world is in a mode of great anticipation and expectancy.  It is a season and time where there is a certain level of eagerness to see what's next on the horizon.  People are desperate to see and experience something new, something beyond the ordinary.  It's a time when some become comfortable in what they know, that they have no push or desire to seek out the unknown.  As children of God, it behooves us to never be too comfortable where we are but, to push and press deeper in HIM, the Fountain of Living Waters.

It is a season of spiritual awakening! The womb of the Spirit groans in great anticipation for a people who will rise up in the Spirit of the Lord, those who carry revival power and those who will become catalysts of revival.   Spiritual awakening is where we, through the power of the Holy Spirit are revived, regenerated and awakened from spiritual sleep and slumber.  

Very often, we are quick to think that only those who are unchurched need to be awakened spiritually.  I want to say to us that, such is not so.  As believers and as blood washed saints, there comes a time when we too, need to be spiritually awakened, and this can only be done through the power of the Holy Ghost.

In this season, there are many who have lost the fire and need a new touch.  Their fire sticks need to be placed in the fire once more.  For some, the coals upon their altar have become smouldered that what they continue to experience is smoke without any fire. 

On the other hand, many have succumbed to the perils of discouragement and disappointedness that they neglect prayer, worship and the word.  To a greater extent, they no longer anticipate coming together with the saints.  They have lost their sense of direction and purpose that they no longer know who they are in Christ.  Romans 13:11 states, "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."

There is also a set of persons who constantly keep serving and giving of themselves.  Many stretch themselves beyond capacity in order to fit and fill various positions in the Body of Christ.  These are the ones who continue to pour out into others and as a result, they feel as if they are running empty, having nothing to give.  To you, the Lord is saying, Isaiah 57:15 "For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite"

Others have lost themselves as a result of  heeding to the temptations of the enemy and thereby, living in sin or even falling into disrepute.  They may feel so broken, thinking that they are beyond repair and lost, that the enemy not only let them feel dismayed, sorrowful but also as if they are no longer worthy.  Romans 12:2 reminds us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Acts 3:19 declares, "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

I want to say that if we ever find ourselves in any of these categories, we need a spiritual awakening.  It is when we truly repent of our sins, get back to where our all is placed on the altar of sacrifice laid, where we see only God Himself and where our all is lost in Him, that we desire to obey Him at all cost, desiring another dimension in Him that His manifested presence becomes more of a waking-walking reality to us then, we will see revival taking place. Matthew 11:28:30 declares, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." 

Are we ready for a spiritual awakening? How about the posture of our hearts? Is our heart at the place where it is all upon Him? The songwriter carefully penned it well when he said, "Let me lose myself and find it Lord in Thee".  Are we willing to make prayer and fasting a lifestyle rather than just something we run to when we have a dire need? Are we willing to sacrifice what we see as important to us for God's greater glory? Are we willing to follow hard after the things of God forgetting vanity and holding onto obedience?

Spiritual awakening and revival comes to those who are ready and willing to pay the price.  William J. Seymour, Charles Parham, Frank Bartleman and Florence Crawford they postured themselves.  They wanted to experience God in a manner that was not common to them, and so they sacrificed their time, they prayed, they fasted, setting their minds and hearts upon Him and the Lord wrought the biggest and most powerful revival of all times called the Azusa Street Revival through them.

Are we ready for a spiritual awakening? The Holy Ghost is ready and so must you! Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

God bless you!

Shalom, shalom!

IT IS WELL

 

Most of us would have been familiar with the passage of scripture from 2 Kings 4:8-37 where we see the account of the Shunammite woman.  This woman was barren and without a son.  Because of the kindness that she and her husband showed to the servants of the Lord, Elisha saw it fit to declare a blessing by prophetically speaking into her barren situation.  He declared, "About this time next year you shall embrace a son" (Verse 16).  Indeed, this woman had experienced the blessing of the God whom the prophet Elisha served.  Her reproach had been taken away.

The word of the Lord pointed to the fact that one day, the son of the Shunammite woman died after crying out for a pain in the head. The shunammite woman did something very profound! She DID NOT lay the child upon his bed or her bed but, she took the child and laid him on the bed of the Prophet and shut the door behind her.  Now that is FAITH! This woman must have come to believe in the grace that the Prophet Elisha carried and she demonstrated it.  She saddled a donkey and was well on her way to see Elisha.  He husband tried to stop her by asking, "Why are you going to him today?" The woman replied, "IT IS WELL!" Upon meeting Gehazi and while he hurled many questions at her, the Shunammite again declared, "IT IS WELL!"

How many of us are still able to declare in the face of adversity, in the face of rejection, in the face of persecution, in the face of depression, in the face of ill health, in the face of the pressures of this life that, IT IS WELL? For some of us when we are faced with circumstances and situations that seem to rub us and squeeze us, we tend to shrink and revert in the background, complaining, quarrelling, or we allow the spirit of doubt and unbelief to tamper with the grace that is inside us.  It is in these moments that we question the power of God and also His ability to do what He said He would do.

I want to say to us that, it is in these situations that God desires to show us His infinite power and glory.  I dare us to start changing our speech.  Let the words that comes from our lips be the words that will start to change the very atmosphere around us.  Start creating the atmosphere that attracts miracles by prophetically speaking the right words into our atmosphere.  The Shunammite woman even in the face of great adversity and great loss, she found the strength to declare "IT IS WELL!"  She prophetically spoke those words into being and eventually, she saw them coming to pass.  Nothing about her situation at that moment looked well but, she held on to that last thread of hope in believing that Elisha through the power of God will be able to raise her son to life again.

What story do we have? What is it that has been troubling us? What is it that seems so impossible for us to do or to get through? I encourage us, our story is about to change for His glory.  Our victory is on the horizon.  Let us start declaring and believing, "IT IS WELL!" The songwriter declared, "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll.  Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, It is well with my soul..."

God would have me to tell you....

IT IS WELL! YOU ARE COMING OUT OF YOUR SET BACKS! YOU ARE COMING OUT OF YOUR LODEBAR EXPERIENCE! YOU ARE COMING OUT OF YOUR STORMY SITUATIONS! YOU ARE COMING OUT BECAUSE THAT SPIRIT OF DELAY AND STAGNATION IS LEAVING YOU NOW!

Hallelujah! 

IT IS WELL! 

Signed,

GOD

Psalm 34:19 declares, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." (KJV)

Proverbs 19:21 states, "There are man devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."

 

The Anchor Holds

 If we for a minute take a look at an anchor, we will realize that it is a tool or an instrument made of metal that is used to hold a ship or boat in one place . For the anchor to serve its unique purpose, it must be strong, firm and able to endure or withstand dangerous or rigorous storms and or inclement weather.

As a Child of God, we are not exempted from hard times, perils, disasters and storms of life just to name a few.  When we are faced with these hard times rest assured that they don't come to take us out but to make us spiritually STRONG. When the storms of life are raging and we just seem to can't fathom or tunnel our way through, GOD SPECIALIZES IN THINGS THAT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE...

In our darkest moments we may feel as if we are sinking deep in our troubles and sorrows.  The tides and billows seem to be rising and disappointments, pain and frustration is at our heel but rest assured that JESUS CHRIST is our / your ANCHOR. The songwriter Lawrence Chewning in his song reminds us that, "The Anchor holds though the ship is battered, the Anchor holds though thee sails are torn. I have fallen on my knees as I faced the raging seas the Anchor holds in spite of the storm."  His promise to us as His Children is that He will leave us nor forsake us.   Jesus as our Anchor- He will ensure that the tides, the billows and waves do us NO harm! He will ensure that we remain unmoved and unshaken.  He will ensure that we remain secure so that no tempest will be able to destroy us. The songwriter of a well known hymn stated, " I have anchored my soul in the "Haven of Rest", I'll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy deep, In Jesus I'm safe evermore."

We can find solace and comfort in the words of Psalm 62:5-8 that declares, "I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for Him to rescue me. Only God is my Savior, and He will not fail me. For He alone is my safe place. His wraparound presence always protects me as my champion defender. There’s no risk of failure with God! So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my Hero, and my Life-giving Strength." (The Passion Translation)

Oh Hallelujah! Glory to God!

I want to encourage our hearts by reminding us that although Satan tries to block us, distract us, weigh us down and tries to cause us to stumble; JESUS CHRIST REMAINS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER. HE REMAINS UNCHANGED! HE REMAINS UNSHAKEABLE! HE REMAINS AS OUR ANCHOR THAT WILL HOLD US AND KEEP US IN PLACE, IN HIS FIXED POSITION WHERE NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING CAN SHAKE OR DERAIL US. I want to ask us, who or what is your anchor? What have you allowed to anchor you in this time? Jesus Christ is all that we need.  He is our Rock and Shield of Defense. Luke 22:32a Jesus declared, "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail." Jesus Christ is pleading on your, my and our behalf.  He will not allow us to be tested or tempted beyond what we are able to bear.  Rest assured in knowing that The Anchor (JESUS CHRIST) Holds and grips the Solid Rock.  Be not dismayed, be not discouraged but be thou strengthened for the Lord your God is with you and will be with you always.

THE ANCHOR HOLDS AND I, WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED!

God bless you!

Shalom

Manifesting The Prophetic

 

AMOS 3:7 "Adonai, God, does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." (CJV)

I know that many persons who've received prophecies in the past from a mouthpiece of God and have not seen it coming to pass as yet, may have some of the most daunting questions lingering in the mind.  Persons may very well wonder, whether or not the word was true, whether or not God had spoken, whether or not the prophet or vessel through whom the word came was false and the list goes on.  I want to help us in bringing some clarity to this situation.

I must say to us that if we are to accept a word of prophecy from anyone, we must be sure that this person is a vessel of the Lord and is living in right standing with God.  We must be very careful not to accept prophecies from sources of divination, the altar of sorcery, persons who work witchcraft etc.  If the medium is not of God even if the word is true, it is wise to discard that prophecy and not accept it lest we open a door to demonic attacks in our lives.  Many persons receive demonic attacks from opening these doors, listening and accepting "word" from these people.  IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN!

Now that I have addressed the above, let me shed some light on what to do in order for us to move from receiving the prophecy to its' manifestation.

Some of us often get discouraged and frustrated easily when a prophecy has been released and after awhile, we are still yet to see its' manifestation.  A pertinent question to ask ourselves is, "Was there a time frame given for the fulfilment of the prophecy when the word was released?"  There are times when a word may be given and a timeline was placed on it.  There are also times when the timeline given was passed and we are yet to see a manifestation.  When this happens we are tempted to doubt the word and stay in unbelief.  Some of the times because we get tired of waiting on the Lord, we make our beds in unbelief with the enemy taunting us that God will not come through and that the word was a lie.

For us to see a manifestation of the promises/ prophecies that the Lord has given unto us there are a few things to take into consideration:

1. When we receive a prophecy do so in a spirit of meekness and humility.  God chose to inform us of His plans concerning us not because He had to but out of His love for us.  

2. Treat each prophecy as a prayer point.  If we should be truthful to ourselves, we would realize that 99% of the times when we hear a word of prophecy we do not revisit it again.  A prophecy is a prayer point.  This is how we will be able to pull the prophecy out of the spirit realm and birth it into the natural.  Receiving a prophecy should be treated the same as when a woman goes to the doctor and the doctor reveals to her that she has conceived and a fetus is in the womb.  If this mother upon conception does not take the best care of herself and the fetus, it is highly possible that she will miscarry.  It is the same with us and a prophecy.  I have dealt with this more in-depth in my book Power of Agreement for Kingdom Citizens.  You can get your copy from Amazon.

I find nowadays that believers in Christendom no longer want to PUSH. They no longer want to pray until something happens.  I challenge us today, start praying consistently over your prophecies and see if the results will not change.  1Thessalonians 5:17 "Be unceasing in prayer, [Pray Perseveringly]".

3. Do not entertain the spirit of unbelief or doubt.  The moment we begin to doubt the enemy starts to sow seeds of anger, frustration, rebellion, stubbornness etc. in our hearts that will hinder us from receiving of the Lord.

4. When a prophecy is given, comb it through the pages of scripture.  Ensure that it is backed with scripture.  This will give us a standpoint in prayer.  When we pray, a key in being victorious is to use scriptures that talks about what God has said concerning us.  A reason for this is because God wants us to remind Him of His promises.  Most times we become lazy Christians who refuse to read the Word of God.  The Bible should be our "go to" book.  Do not be afraid to engage the scriptures!

5. Be obedient.  Whatever instructions that were given for the fulfilment of the word, do it in the same way it was given.  This means that there should be no alterations to the instructions.  Obedience to divine instruction is an important key in manifestation.  As of today, refrain from the act of disobedience.  

6. I will repeat this one- PRAY over your prophecies.  Constant and consistent prayer is what birth prophecies! Keep praying until something happens.  Stop looking at how long it is taking to manifest.  Learn to still find joy in waiting!  If God has said it, He will do it! God does not change His mind.  

Psalm 31:24- "Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD."

Psalm 106:13- "They quickly forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel."

Philippians 4:6- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Micah 7:7- "But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation.  My God will hear me."

What we do with  our prophecies and how we treat them will determine whether or not we will see a manifestation of such even if the prophecy is true.

God bless you!

Shalom, shalom!

ARE YOU A DIAMOND?

 When we think of a diamond, the first thing that normally crosses our mind is the fact that it is a rare gem of beauty.  What we tend to forget most of all about this precious stone is the process that it has to go through to become what it is.

Diamond is a form of carbon that is extremely hard and is formed deep in the Earth's mantle.  A diamond has to go through immense pressure and is subject to very high temperatures.  This process often can take up to a billion year before a diamond reaches its full maturation.  How  diamonds reach to the Earth's surface is by means of asteroids or by volcanic eruptions that force or squirt magma through volcanic pipes and onto the Earth's surface.  It is important for us to know that a diamond is the hardest known mineral on the face of the earth.  Hence, it is like no other! A diamond can only be cut or scratched by another diamond.

I'd like to say to us that, beauty takes time. Ha, ha! (Let that soak in!)

Many times we are quick to complain and murmur about the tests, the trials, the struggles and the pressures this life brings not realizing that they are the constructive processes that will eventually make us who we are.  Time is always an issue for one who has been in waiting for long periods and thus; the thought, the feeling and the frustration tend to want to cause us to quit the construction process.  Whenever we get to this point it is quite important for us to reconsider what God is making out of us versus what we desire.  

There are times the enemy tries to trick us in order to get us to quit, he lies to us in various ways, he cause us to fall or stumble, he fills our minds with negativity, he causes chaos and confusion in our minds, he plants seeds of discord and disunity, hatred etc. in our hearts so as to turn us away from God and His love.  The word of God in John 10:10 reminds us, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

The enemy wants to mess with our structure! His ultimate aim is to devalue us- to cause us to lose our value and worth.  He intends to cause inclusion(s) [impurity or imperfections in a diamond] to our diamond.  The enemy intends to scale down what God intends to be great.  I encourage us today, James 1:2-4 states, " My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."  

God's desire is to make diamonds, lasting jewelry out of us.  This means that nothing will be able to shift us, break us or destroy us.  God intends for us to be so durable and strong that we last throughout the ages and nothing, absolutely nothing can shake us.  Hallelujah, glory!  The Greek word for diamond is "Adamas" which means UNCONQUERABLE & INDESTRUCTIBLE.  My friends, this is exactly what God wants to make us into but it takes time.  Will you stay true to the process?  After all, He calls us His jewels - Malachi 3:17 "“They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels.  And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”  

What we think of our lives is not what matters but what God thinks.  He is the Creator of our vessel.  This means, it is He Who has the blueprint of our lives.  Trust that He is making diamond out of YOU.  Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."  

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus Christ and not on our present circumstances.  Although we are being held under pressure, it is to birth something of value and something great.  Psalm 66:10-12 Living Bible " You have purified us with fire, O Lord, like silver in a crucible.  You captured us in your net and laid great burdens on our backs.  You sent troops to ride across our broken bodies.  We went through fire and flood. But in the end, you brought us into wealth and great abundance."  

Shine, sparkle, glisten, glow and continue to radiate light - THE DIAMOND YOU!  Ezekiel 3:9 " I will make you as firm as a rock, as hard as a diamond; don't be afraid of those rebels.”

God bless you

Shalom, shalom!

A Desperate Cry

Habakuk 1:2 (KJV) declares, "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!"  Here, the Prophet Habakkuk has been seeking the Lord earnestly in prayer and supplication for Him to intervene in the social ills of his present time.  Habakkuk saw before him  a lawless generation, filled with violence and injustice and prayed, that God would do something about it.  The nation of Judah became stiff-necked, refusing to turn.  

Here we are like Habakkuk, we have been faced with the social ills of our present reality, having to grapple with the grave uncertainty of a pandemic that hit our shores with woes on top of woes.  Some are just trying to pick up the pieces while some are still in denial, frustration, saddened, heartbroken and depressed; loosing job, friends, family, health deteriorating and some still recovering from the gruesome virus "Covid-19".

Yet still, there are others who for quite some time have been faced with immense trials, persecution, rejection, battling depression and anxiety.  As a result of such, they have become weary, weak and restless trying to fathom when will God respond to their cries.  If you have been at that place where you have been praying, fasting and seeking the face of God and you are yet to see the hand of God concerning you, then you are able to identify with the Prophet Habakkuk.

In these times of desperation our faith may become shaken to the point where the enemy "The Devil" begins to whisper in our ears telling us, "It makes no sense!", "Why don't you quit?", "Nothing will ever work out!", "Don't you see that you are wasting your time?" We all at some point in time have been there.

I want to say to us that in these times it is important to keep trusting in God by faith.  Therefore, even though we may not  see it yet, we can still trust His knowledge.  Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Psalm 56:3-4 (Passion Translation) declares, "But in the day that I’m afraid, I lay all my fears before You and trust in You with all my heart.  What harm could a man bring to me? With God on my side, I will not be afraid of what comes.  The roaring praises of God fill my heart as I trust His promises."  Hallelujah!  When God is on our side, He'll make it alright!  

It's a time to be completely honest with God about what we are going through and how we feel about it.  Often times, we pray but still haven't uncover our situation before the Lord.  It's ok to tell Him what troubles us and what we are faced with.  A desperate cry requires, desperate measures.  It is time to let our cry come up before the Lord and then wait on His timing.  Psalm 107:6 (KJV) "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses."  If we cry sincerely from our hearts and touch Him, He will deliver us.  The songwriter stated, "Touching Jesus is all that really matters, and our lives will NEVER be the same.  There's only one way to touch Him, just BELIEVE when you call on His Name."

Continue to trust and believe in God.  Be thou strengthened today and be encouraged that light will break-forth out of our tunnel!

Shalom, shalom!

ENCHANTED Waters!

 From the very first time hearing these words being put together, somehow they resonated with me, "Enchanted waters".  The word enchanted has to do with something or someone being changed by magical powers or to be placed under some sort of charm/ spell.  Other words that can be used in place of enchanted are; possessed, bewitched, hypnotized and beguiled.

If we take a careful look at the story in Genesis 3:1-13, we would have realized that the serpent deceived Eve and caused her to eat of the tree that God commanded both Adam and Eve not to touch.  Eve partake of the fruit and also gave it to her husband.  The word "beguiled" in verse 13, "And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat"  can be well interpreted to mean deceive, enchanted or to lead astray. 

Eve was led astray because she listened to the voice of the serpent.  One thing I know about serpents/ snakes is that they are very subtle and sly.  The serpent used its prowess nature to enchant Eve, so much as to appear as if she had become charmed by it, to do the very thing that was against the will of her Creator.  The serpent enchanted Eve to become disobedient to the Lord and thereby, allowing the same spirit of disobedience to rub off on Adam.  They became enchanted!  The spirit that enchants is a very catchy one!

In this season of grave uncertainty when we are in a position where we are seeking answers it is important that we rely upon the Lord for His leading.  You might be in a position where you are eager to see the desires of your heart being met or you are at an uncomfortable place trying to make the best of life.  It is in these times that the enemy tends to prowl around because he knows that there is much vulnerability.  These are the seasons when he tries to show up with various types of temptations, various types of things that he thinks resembles what God has promised us.  Theses are the times the enemy tends to falsify or cast a tainted picture before our eyes to enchant or deceive us.  We must be alert to the schemes of the enemy! Whenever we get to a season as questionable as such, it is important to seek divine intervention.  Ask the Lord to unravel, open and uncover what is presented before our eyes.  Perhaps we should ask ourselves; Is it the real deal? Is this what God promised? Is this the will of God for my life? Is this in alignment with what God says about me or where I'm going? If you cannot answer those questions clearly, then it is important to pray again, seek again! you might just be swimming in enchanted waters that can only lead you away from the divine will of God.

Oftentimes we may look for a physical battle with the enemy, or for him to come by the usual way of plaguing the mind but I want us to realize that he never runs out of strategies.  The enemy may use our friends, our families, our advisors, doctors, mentors and just about any available vessel he find to use to attack us.  His main aim is to get us off track and away from the will of God.  The enemy wants to change the course of your life.  He wants to abort purpose. His ultimate plan is to get you to live a life of unbelief, defeat and disgust so that you will never live out your purpose.  He wants to keep you swimming in his enchanted waters.  Won't you get out!

It is time to run to Jesus.  Let Him lead you and pilot your ship.  Without Him, failure is inevitable.  Won't you let Him today! Quit helping God to bring you out.  God has never lost course or has never forgotten His next move.  He is always sure.  Let go and let GOD!

Shalom, shalom! 

God bless you!

S.O.A.R

 The eagle is seen as the most strongest, fastest and longest living bird in all species of the bird family.  The eagle  when it's attacked by predators, will soar to the sun with the wind beneath its' wings pushing and propelling it higher.  In such an atmosphere, it's predators are more to be suffocated and suffer death or be killed by the sun's heat.

The Christian believer can very well be likened to an eagle.  There are different life stages that the eagle will go through but one specific one is that of weathering/ transition.  This is where the eagle goes to a high mountainous rage and positions itself on a rock and then beats its' beak against the rock.  The old beak then falls out.  The eagle also looses its' feathers and so prepares for transition.   It is in this phase that the eagle is often battered by the elements but the strength of the eagle will determine its' ability to bounce back.  

Every Christian believer often goes through periods like these when we will encounter the beating, the pressing, the pushing, the discomfort, the frustration, the uneasiness, the uncertainty, the heat and the rain.  It is in these seasons, we are tempted to question the Lord and also our faith in Him may very well be shaken or tried.  I want to encourage somebody today who might be going through a season of weathering.  It can get all uncomfortable and uneasy.  There may be little or no reassurance and no outside help.  Our support systems may be taken away from us and we are left to "paddle the canoe" by ourselves.  We may seek for a word that may grant us a little peace but no word may not be in sight.  We may be looking for the support of loved ones, friends or associates just to reassure us that everything will be ok but our efforts have proven futile.

 I want to say to us, hold on! You may be in your season of weathering but your transition is just around the corner.  After the weathering then comes the transitioning!  The eagle is about to put on new feathers.  These feathers that are about to grow will be stronger than the ones you had before.  These will grant you the tenacity to push and SOAR to new and greater heights that you've never soared before.  A new beak will emerge! This time even your very speech will change to accommodate where you are going- your new/ next territory.  I want to encourage you that your season of transitioning is about to hit the surface and when that comes CHANGE IS INEVITABLE! God has to rewire you, rejuvenate you, restore you and rebrand you!  The OLD YOU has got to go! 

Change is coming! SOAR eagle SOAR!

Isaiah 40:31 declares, "But those who wait for Yahweh's grace will experience divine strength.  They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up." (Passion Translation)

Shalom, shalom! God bless you!

NO GREATER LOVE!

 Each individual on the face of this earth, has an innate desire to be loved.  We find that at times, many go searching for love in the wrong places and often become subjects or victims of abuse.  

I want to say to us, LOVE is a choice!  We choose to accept love and we choose to give love.  Love cannot be forced upon a person because it comes natural and is from the heart.  If it is done forcefully, it is NOT love.  Whenever we love someone, we do so by choice.

The greatest demonstration of unconditional love has been etched in the pages of scripture.  The word of God in John 15:13 (KJV) declares, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  Jesus Christ demonstrated His love for us, when He gave His life on Calvary.  He selflessly went to the Cross and died for our sins, not any sins of His own.  He didn't have to, but He CHOSE to because of His love for us.  Jesus loves us!

Some of you may have been in relationships that just did not worked out the way you had imagined.  You are heartbroken and emotionally crushed.  You maybe feeling alone like no one cares, you are longing for a shoulder to lean on, the feeling of sadness, gloom and despair maybe roaming in your atmosphere, your heart is discouraged and seeks comfort and a loving embrace.  Today I encourage you, LOOK TO JESUS! His arms of love are waiting to embrace you.  He is saying to you today,  "Come my child, I will help, I will give you the love and comfort that you need." 

The answer is not in the arms of flesh.  It is not in a man or a woman.  It is not in sexual perversion or suicide.  The only answer that you need is found in JESUS CHRIST!  He wants to show you what it is like to truly love from the heart.  He wants to show you that His love remains unchanged.  In fact, that's the very reason why you are still here today, because His love for you remains constant.  Let Him wipe away your tears and change your story for His glory.  Jesus reminds us in John 15:9 (The Voice Translation), " I have loved you as the Father has loved Me. Abide in My love."  I say to you today, be encouraged and ABIDE IN HIS LOVE.  

YOU ARE LOVED!

God bless you!

THE POWER OF AGREEMENT

 We must at some point in our lives had heard of the word contract or, may have made one in the past.  Contracts are agreements that are either written or spoken and are legally binding.  For a contract to be binding, both parties involved have to agree on a stipulated course of action or duty.  If one party fails to carry out his or her side of the contract, it is no longer binding.

Oftentimes, we tend to feel frustrated, get 'nervy', saddened and even discombobulated when things don't go as we had imagined.  A perfect example of such is in an instance when God has given us a word or prophecy that "Mary or John" would become the conduit of certain blessings or promise concerning us and when we take a look, "Mary or John" just did not line up as was intended.

In these circumstances, we tend to revert to a place of asking God what if's.  We ask ourselves the questions; what have I done wrong? Why did things turn out like this? Was the prophecy false or had God spoken for real or was the word tainted? 

Let me help you unwind if you will allow me. You did NOTHING wrong! Then, you may also want to ask me, then why did it not happen the way I expected?  

When we receive a prophetic word, this word often comes under trial and testing.  This is why whenever a prophetic word has been released over your life, it is important to watch over it and water it in prayer as well as cover it.  Most times when we receive a word, because of the emotions we feel and how ecstatic we may get, we forget that a prophetic word to us is another prayer point that we need to attend to. 

On the other hand, based on what was said in the previous sentences in the opening paragraph about a contract, it is important to say that, if both parties [you and the other person(s)] does not carry out fully their part or do what they ought to do, my friend, may I tell you that this could possibly be the reason as to why things did not go the way you had intended.

As I  reflect on my own journey and walk, and as I penned together this article, I can clearly recall the Lord showing me multiple visions and dreams into a particular thing concerning me.  I have had a myriad of confirmations from several sources regarding same and to my surprise, it still fell through even though I did what I was told to do.  I found solace and peace in the fact that it was not on my part that things took a twist or didn't work out the way I had expected but the fact that, if one party fails to line up and come in alignment with what God wants to do, things may not go as was intended.  If both parties didn't carry out what God had said, then the 'contract' or agreement is no longer binding.

I want to leave a word of encouragement  with you.  You may be at a place pondering about a contract, an agreement, a prophecy that fell through, don't be dismayed.  Encourage yourself in the Lord by coming to terms with the fact that you did what God told you to do.  You are NOT responsible for another individual who just decide that they are NOT gonna obey God to the 'T'.  Leave that part alone and let that individual take it up with the Lord.  Rest assured though, that God will still reward you for your obedience.  He is a God Who never lies and will still perform His wonders concerning you.  If God has to change the channel or the conduit through which he will work or even the medium or means, He will but His word will still come to pass concerning you. So, what have ye to fear? If God be for you, who can be against you?  You may be delayed but certainly NOT denied! Stay the course and remember, YOU ARE FREE BECAUSE YOU OBEYED GOD! 

Assurance For Weary Minds

Each and every believer at some point in time, must have become weary.  The word weary has to do with having one's strength, one's patience or contentment exhausted.  There are many things that can actually cause an individual to be in a weary state.  Let's shed some light on them below.

DISCOURAGEMENT- We may suffer discouragement that sometimes causes us to become weary.  Waiting to see a manifestation of the promises of God in our lives it takes much faith and perseverance to see a manifestation of such.  During the waiting process,  we tend to get agitated, frustrated and weary due to how tiring the waiting process is.  Individuals may battle with thoughts such as, "Is God still gonna come through?", "Is it really gonna happen?", "Maybe the time has long elapsed!"  Hence, because at such time, we tend to see no sign or sight of the thing God has promised, discouragement sweeps over our being and if we don't mind, we end up doubting God and His promises.  

The Psalmist David in Psalm 42:5 stated, " Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance."  If you are facing discouragement today, hope in God.  He is a God that is not slack concerning His promises and whatever He said He will do, be encouraged, He will do just that.

OBSTACLES- In the book of Numbers 13 we see the account of when Moses sent the twelve (12) spies to spy out the land of Canaan.  Ten (10) came back saying that they will not be able to conquer the land as there are giants in the land.  Only two (2) came back with positive word that although giants are in the land, they are still well able to conquer.

The obstacles that we face can very well be likened to giants.  How we see them will determine whether or not we will conquer and be victorious against what we face.  It is important that no matter the obstacles that we face, that may at times causes us to bend under the situations and circumstances we learn how to encourage ourselves in the Lord and triumph over them.  Psalm 73:26 reminds us, "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."  

What are the obstacles that you are facing? You may have a child or husband that may have gone wayward, you may be facing rejection by your family or church, your ministry may have been on the rocks, you may feel as though you are hitting rock bottom, you feel exhausted and weary as a result.  Be encouraged and may you find solace in the words that Paul reminded the Galatians in the book of Galatians 6:9 that says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." 

CONSTANT & REPEATING BATTLES- As a child of God, it is also imperative that we understand that we are constantly in a fixed fight.  Hence, like a soldier in battle, we have to be on the alert as our enemy (Satan), prowls around like a hungry lion seeking whom he may devour.  As a result, we can NEVER quit!  Sometimes in fighting, we may face different types of battles, some more intense than some and therefore, we must treat each battle differently.  This means that at times, due to the longevity of the battle our strength may be depleted and thus, we become weary. 

Many times we are constantly faced with battles of the same kind and we find that if we are not careful, we are tempted to throw in the towel and recede in the background because we've had enough.  I want to encourage you today to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  It is written in Romans 8:28 that, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 

Be thou strengthened my friends! He that began a good work in you is well able to see it unto completion.  Weariness is just another hurdle that requires that we exercise the strength and courage needed to cross over it.  One thing I do know and it is, your Father, our Father Who art in Heaven will never leave us nor forsake us.  The songwriter caught the vision as he penned the words of the song that says, "Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near, onward comes our Great Commander cheer my comrades cheer!" Victory is nigh so continue to press! Continue to push!

God bless you! 

Shalom, shalom

DON'T QUIT! IT'S NOT THE END YET!

For most of us if not all, can attest to the fact that the year 2020 came with it's ups and downs, major shifts, economic turmoil, chaos, confusion, frustration, setbacks, worry and the list goes on due to the onset of the global "plandemic" that the world is still grappling with.

Many of us are in a very pensive mood wondering what will happen next or whether or not there will be a bright future in view.  This is a time and era where both the churched and the unchurched are looking for answers.

I encourage you from the word of God today not to be discouraged, don't lose heart and sink in despair.  There is still hope!  We can find comfort in the word of God that says, "Fear not, for I am with you; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

God's plans for our lives are never to harm us but to give us what is best.  We can rest assured that His promises are sure if we only believe.  Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, " For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Why then are we worried?  God is not a man to lie or to change His mind. 

You may be wondering if that business deal or idea will ever be implemented, you may be wondering if your plans to travel, for that long awaited vacation will ever happen, you may be wondering if you should still venture out to achieve your goals but be encouraged today, don't give up on your dreams, on your goals or aspirations.  The God of possibilities is well able to cause them to come to fruition.

Don't let the enemy tell you that it is over! Don't let the enemy tell you that it's time to give up and give in!  Today God is saying to YOU, "DON'T QUIT! IT'S NOT THE END YET!"

Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and tell yourself that you shall succeed and you shall defy all the odds because you ain't quitting.  The things God has spoken over your life still stands!  The prophecies and the promises that God has said concerning you, still stands!  

Trust in the fact that God knows what He is doing and He is working it out for your good.  You will laugh again! You shall smile again! Your joy is coming back! You are coming back with a shout!  You are gonna be restored!

God bless you!

Shalom, shalom!

EXPOSING THE SPIRIT OF DECEPTION

 Deception is one of the many tactics the enemy uses and this spirit has many different faces.  When we think of deception, various other words come to mind such as; deceit, lies, trickery, false, fraud, misrepresentation among others.  Therefore, deception has to do with carefully and cunningly misleading someone by means of bending or twisting the truth in order to get what you want from a person or to have an advantage over them.  Does this sound familiar?

The enemy is the master of deception.  Let us not forget that he is the "father of lies" (John 8:44)

As I remained in prayer the Spirit of the Lord began to speak to me about the spirit of deception.  This was what the Lord spoke into my spirit:

• The spirit of deception is an ugly spirit.  
• This spirit operates in conjunction with stealing/ theft. 
•  It also operates with disguise .
• It operates under false pretense and jealously. 
• The spirit of deception functions with a mask; you never truly know what is there until it has been released.
• It is trickery at its highest power.
• The spirit of deception never wears its' own name.
• This spirit knows how to resize and regroup very well. 
• It can be likened to a coin that has two different sides but it is the same coin.
• The spirit of deception always shows up like the real deal, but it takes the eyes of the Spirit and discernment to pick him up.
• This spirit first starts with the mind before it attacks your Spirit.

The Lord does not like deception!  Many of us as believers, allow the enemy to use us to become deceptive to others without knowing that right there and then, we become his tool. Let us ensure that this spirit of deception that is at work, we pray against such spirit so that we don't fall victim.

Psalm 101:7 the Lord reminds us that, "No one who practices deceit will dwell in My house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in My presence".

Proverbs 19:9 tells us, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish".

Let us be keen and remain vigilant so we are able to identify the enemy before he attacks.  God bless you! Shalom

DON'T ENTERTAIN THE DEVIL!

 Very often we hear of the old adage that says, "If yuh play with puppy, him will lick yuh mouth".  The same is true of the enemy (The Devil).  The devil is no friend of ours! The quicker we understand such nugget of truth, it is better for us!

The word of God declares in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[a]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour."

It behooves us to ensure that we become alert to the tactics and evil schemes of the enemy.  This means that as children of God we ought to ensure that we remain constantly in prayer and the Word of God.

The enemy's number one aim and intention is to ensure that he gets us sidetracked and derailed from off the road to eternal life.  This enemy of ours is very intentional, crafty, cunning and subtle.  Therefore, we must ensure that we are  well grounded in order to counteract his evil schemes.

It is also written in St. John 10:10a, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy".

This is what the enemy sets out to achieve. What are YOU doing about it?  Are you going to sit and wallow in self pity? Are you going to allow the enemy to keep throwing his punches at you and you sit around and do nothing about it? Where has the warrior in YOU gone? Sleeping giant, it is time to WAKE up and get yourself up!  Be reminded that we are in a fixed fight and our only ultimate is to WIN!  It is time to start telling yourself that you will win! You must win and you shall win!  Stop believing the lies of the enemy.  It is time for you to believe your GOD.

I want to tell us that, the enemy never shows up one way all the time.  He has many different strategies and tactics.  The enemy may:

1. Cast the spirit of doubt on you, allowing you to doubt God.

2. Tell lies on you or even betray you.

3. He may set a spirit of frustration and confusion upon you to get you out of the way of the Lord.

4. He may turn the minds and heart of others against you.

5. He may use others to case a spell or witchcraft upon you.

6. He may rest the spirit of negativity upon you that your thoughts and intentions are just negative.

7. He may cause your eyes to be blinded to the truth so that even when truth comes you cannot see it.

8. He may turn your heart and mind away from those who the Lord has strategically placed to help you in a particular season because he does not want you to be delivered.

9. He will cause you to always see the bad in others because he wants you to remain a captive and powerless.

10. He may use demonic entities to plant seeds and cast a spell or curse upon you so that you cannot move forward.

That is still not the end! Such does not necessarily have to be your plight if you brush yourself off and run to God, clothe yourself in prayer and eat up the word of God.  Too often we leave our altars empty without burning the sacrifice of God upon it and so many of us we are left empty and unclothed to the enemy because our altars have been empty too long.  We have become too dependent on the prayers of others when our altar has been empty.

Now is NOT the time to play with the enemy.  It is not a time to be playing bat and ball with the enemy.  It is time for you to resist the devil and let him flee.  It is not a time to entertain the enemy's sweet talks, the temptations that he tend to come with.   RESIST HIM AND LET HIM FLEE!

If you entertain him, he will take a foothold!

It is time to clean up your spiritual altar!  It is time to advance to battle!

The Heart of True Leadership

 One may tend to be quick to think that for a person to be a leader he or she must be given some grand titles and fancy accolades.  I am so sorry to disappoint you all too soon but, true leadership from a Godly perspective has absolutely NOTHING to do with such!

Matthew 16:24 reminds us, "Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." A heart demonstrating true leadership will deny self to follow and do the will of God.

Many times, some individuals who the Lord wants to do a work in and those who the call of God to lead is upon their lives, they tend to recede and shrink in the background.  Why? Because they have become overwhelmed with what the world portray as "leadership" and they just feel like they don't fit in or there is no place for them.  These persons will shy away from coming to the forefront to carry out an assignment or instruction, because they don't feel as if they have reached the mark.  Others hide themselves and what they are able to do because they are afraid that they will not be accepted by the masses.  

It is very important that we pay attention to the image we portray and the message we send indirectly.  There are many leaders out there that are yet to throw off that heavy cloak that the enemy has wrapped their minds in.  These individuals who have become crippled by fear and rejection, in this season the Lord is bringing YOU out from the background and He is placing you at the forefront! No longer will you become comfortable in your position of silence because it is time to speak! It is time to let your voice be heard saith the Spirit of the Lord.

If you have been faced with rejection, ridicule, sabotaged, lied on, criticized, mocked, ridiculed, ostracized, abused, neglected and the ministry gift on your life has been put on trial, it is YOU that I am talking to!  It is time to GET UP!

James 1:12 reminds us, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

Isaiah 41:10 declares, "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

The Lord is about to restore you! Your lost glory is coming back! He is redeeming you! He is giving you yet another chance, another opportunity and this time the enemy will have NO dominion over you because the mouth of God has spoken it! 

All you need to do is to rise up and GO in the strength of the Lord and watch Him work in your life.  I call forth the frontline warriors and leaders to arise, the Davids, the Esthers, the Josephs, the Nehemiahs and the Daniels to come forth from out of hiding!

Leadership is all about having influence and being able to make a lasting impact in the lives of others so that they are able to live transformed lives.  When we go in the strength of the Lord He will cause us to succeed and triumph.  As long as the Lord is on our side, as long as we follow HIS pattern of leadership then what have we to fear?

Doing leadership God's way has to do with:

1. Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Having a heart of compassion and love for people.

3. Demonstrating humility in all that we do.

4. Empowering others and making spiritual deposits within them.

5. Seeing through the eyes of the Spirit and being able to discern what abilities and talents are within the people we lead.

6. Being a leader who leads by example therefore, modelling the right behaviours.

7. Ensuring that prayer becomes a daily lifestyle.

8. Being obedient and following God's divine instructions even when it does not fit your taste buds.

9. Learning how to empathize with others.

10. Having good character and demonstrating integrity.

Whenever we want to evaluate where we are and if it is that we are doing what God requires here's a question we could ask ourselves- In all I am doing, am I pleasing God or self? and if we are unable to fully come up with the answer, it is also important to ask- Where have I gone wrong?  In doing so, the Holy Ghost's GPS will navigate us onto the right path according to the will of God.

Let us follow His leading today and walk in His divine will for our lives! 

Shalom, shalom!

Humility Begets Honour

As I reflect on the topic of humility and meditated upon the word, it came back to my spirit that one of the greatest chords or keys to hearing God is that of HUMILITY.  How is your relationship with the Lord?

 Having a good character is the foundation for true humility.  Character has to do with two words, "being" and "doing".  Therefore, it is all about who we are as individuals and the actions that we portray.  Hence, our humility or humbleness hinges on our character.  Do we have a godly character? Are we demonstrating true humility?

Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honour.

Proverbs 22:4 - The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, honour and life.

Proverbs 18:12 - Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honour.  

There is a special grace upon those who are humble.  In fact, many are promoted in the kingdom because of humility.  Most times we tend to get it all twisted to think that we must always try to demonstrate how high and mighty we are and gloating in our own self-righteousness and then when we least expect it, the foot of pride then overtakes us.  David declared in Psalm 36:11 "Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me."  It behooves us that if we want the Christ Who is the Hope of Glory to be formed in us then, we must be humble because the word of God also reminds us in James 4:6b, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Oftentimes because we may be placed in a position of leadership or carry certain titles, we allow our own self to allow us to treat others with disdain.  We act so pompous and forget that we ought to display humbleness of mind and spirit and show compassion to others.  Many are afraid to even approach their leaders or elders because they DONOT display a humble and welcoming demeanor.  As children of God, we have to ensure that we remain humble before the Lord.

A man that is filled with pride will only reap self-destruction, But a humble person will indeed be exalted to a position of honour!

DONOT allow another person to take your space, your crown or your position because you do not have a godly character and humility!

DONOT allow yourself to fall from the position or place of power and authority because you develop a spirit that is NOT humble but is filled with pride.

Let the Lord have His way in your life so that He can make something beautiful out of you.  It is a season for self-introspection!

Shalom, shalom!!

  

Get Out of Lodebar!

Have you ever been at a particular place in your life where you feel as though nothing seems to be changing? Have you ever questioned your very existence and why you were created? Is the place where you are at seems very unfulfilling, devastated, bland, gloomy and in despair? Does the question of, what am I doing her keeps lingering in your mind?  I've got news for you! Perhaps you have been dwelling in Lo-debar.

Lo-debar was a place or town in Canaan.  The word Lo-debar means, a place of no word, nothingness, uncertainty, no pasture or insignificant.  

We see in 2 Samuel 9, the account of David, wanting to give back to or bless the house of Saul. Hence, David asked Ziba, Saul's servant if there is anyone left of Saul's lineage to whom he can pay homage.  Ziba told David that Saul's grandson, Mephibosheth was still alive but he was crippled and was in Lo-debar.  David sent Ziba to get Mephibosheth out of Lo-debar and he blessed him and restored to him his due inheritance.

Some persons can very well attest to the fact that at some point in their lives they felt like a Mephibosheth.  Mephibosheth was robbed of his destiny and purpose when he became crippled in Lo-debar.  Lo-debar is a place that will thwart our dreams, motives, desires and kill our potential and kill our opportunities to succeed.  

Some of us may have been born into a community, an area, town or vicinity where when we look around; the young people have been held hostage, their dreams may have been cut short by being dropped out of school because of one reason or another, they become hooked on guns, drugs and living a life of partying, reveling and the like.  Individuals suffer a lack of employment so they tend to turn to illicit activities and, they either in the end are killed or imprisoned.  The spirit of witchcraft and obeah may have become rampant in the vicinity and no one seems to be moving up the ladder to success but are faced with dire hardships and difficulties whenever they seem to push for progress.  My friends, these are all indications that such is a LO-DEBAR situation. It is time for you to flee from Lo-debar!  Your David awaits you and is calling for you!

Lo-debar is a Place of No Productivity!

I want to encourage you today, if the place where you are at is not welcoming to you, if it is not blessing you or uplifting you, granting you success; such maybe an indication that it is time to chance your environment or location!  Most persons become loyal to a particular place, location or vicinity because they were born there, their family lived there or they have certain ties there and so they refuse to move.  Let me say to us that Mephibosheth could only experience and reap his long awaited blessings by being obedient and willing to move out of Lo-debar.  He changed his location! 

 Mephibosheth broke the ties and whatever linked or had him bound in a place of no productivity, unfruitfulness and nothingness.  Often times our blessing and breakthrough is tied to us being aware of when our season comes around and acting in that particular season.  Mephibosheth acted in a season that came to him!  He was made aware! When Mephibosheth help came, he accepted his help.  Sometimes our help may come from unexpected places and people who we are not accustomed to or we have no prior dealings with but when that time comes, I pray that the Lord will cause your eyes and spirit to be receptive so that you do not miss your time and season.  Many persons missed their season because God moved in a total different way from what they were expecting.  God is no Respecter of persons!  He will always do what is best for us and what will bring Him glory in the end.

Today is your day! I am causing you to become aware of the season that you are in if you are a Mephibosheth.  It is time to get going! It is time to move out and change your location! It is time to leave that environment and that place of nothingness and step into your newness.  It is a season for you to embrace new territories and branch off into new avenues.  It is time for you to be proactive and do something that you have never done before.

Many times we may receive different prophetic words and utterances but we are unable to see them manifesting, because the area or place where we are at is NOT conducive for it to manifest.  Therefore, there is a need to do something different.  It is time for a change!

GET OUT OF LO-DEBAR!  There is great potential in you! There is greatness inside of you waiting to come out!  The man, woman, boy or girl that the Lord would have you to be is still waiting to be made manifest.  

God bless you! SHALOM!