The Forerunner…

I’ve always wondered why throwing of the bouquet has become part of a wedding party. Is it just about throwing and catching a bunch of flowers? The bride turns her back on the assembled maidens and tosses her bouquet away as a way of discerning whom ‘destiny’ has next selected from all the unmarried females present to be the next bride. Even though old traditions are hard to break, but brides must be mindful that just because something has been around for a long time, doesn't mean that fashioning new customs isn't perfectly acceptable and perhaps even preferable. The new alternatives they design may in time become traditions in their own right. Same goes with a relay race; the current runner must pass a baton to the person running the next session. The sprinter concentrates on his race, running past the glare of a cheering crowd, even if they are jeering, he focuses on whom to hand the baton to. In Scriptural illustrations, leaders had been confronted with challenges that had threatened their advancement. Stark realities like Joshua being faced with a Jericho wall that had to be brought down; yet being saddled with a people who were untrained in war tactics, tired and coming from a background where their self-esteem had been ridded. They aimed at confronting a well-equipped Canaanite army! Every breakthrough is usually confronted by at least a wall, seemingly hopeless situations like the thick wall of Jericho that appear impenetrable. No one walked faithfully with God without facing such situations! “Now these things occurred as examples”…. 1 Corinthians 10:6 (NIV). David had to confront a blood-thirsty giant, Gideon had to fight 300,000 war-men with just 300 soldiers, Joseph got betrayed by his own siblings and sold into slavery, yet he was to become a world power! Moses was cornered on the banks of the red sea with the fiercest armies intimidating him, Esther tried to gain the world with a prideful king, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den because he maintained his stand! Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego got condemned to a fiery furnace for loving their Creator! Jesus was humiliated, crucified and buried in a tomb; all of the hopes of generations yet unborn were thought to be buried and forgotten! Everyone of these was ready to close the book on their situations, but No, they were forerunners! They all charted courses that no one ever dared and they stood out as starting a new order! I leant that when all has failed, God shows up. He who promised is always faithful. Just when Samuel led Israel at Mizpeh to repent before God, the Philistines opposed and drew near to battle Israel. …. “but the Lord spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven, and they were thrown into confusion, and the Israelis routed them and chased them from Mizpah to Beth-car, killing them all along the way”. 1 Samuel 7:10 & 11 (TLB) It is with a forerunner; like a spider, he breaks past a web before advancing. So, it is that I throw my bouquet and pass my baton to you only, regardless of who you are, qualified or condemned by human opinion. God sees you and knows that you have feared Him and lived a straight-forward life. To you, Jesus asked, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: The very Stone which the builders rejected and threw away has become the Cornerstone; this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? I tell you, for this reason the kingdom of God will be …. given to a people who will produce the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom It falls will be crushed to powder [and It will winnow him, scattering him like dust]”. Matthew 21:42-44 (AMP) I am a Forerunner and that translates my new name! Catch the bouquet! ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: NIV (New International Version) TLB (The Living Bible) AMP (Amplified Bible Version) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

The Lawful Captive!

When I was a child, I had experiences peculiar to me. The one that opened my mother’s womb; I was welcomed with great joy; those seasons of a newly-married couple. There is usually a lot of expectation with a child that comes to join a duo, loads of experiments too. In my part of the world, either of the new parents’ mother assumes the responsibility of baby-sitting the child – helping out with special baths, cleaning and other house chores for both the new mum and her baby. Both good and bad transpire during these times – includes learning of new tips to baby care, discovery of unique features of the child, maybe some domestic accidents. Inclusive is whatever the numerous care givers and friends transfer to the baby. The child begins to unveil his/her temperament; introverted or extroverted. A smart parent would discern the personality of the child. I was everyone’s sweetheart. With my 3-inches baby sandals, I was always an embraced visitor at neighbours’ doors – boisterous and with no care in the world. Those were the days of okin biscuit. “Don't ask, "Why was life better in the 'good old days'?" It is not wise to ask such questions”. Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NCV) There is really nothing new under the sun; whatever fashion craze we have now has been on the roaster for centuries; living is but a circle after all. The people that shaved off their eye brows to look impressive have now become overtaken with regrets of losing their God-given full hairs! In our drive at keeping up with the trends that brighten and fade, we pick up some things that we might never have bargained for. Innocent or guilty, you got those tribal marks they explain as ‘beauty marks’, bore those cognomens and bizarre christening from hell. Many times you had been strapped on human backs and taken to visit some weird beings, probably given foul baths in make-shift Jacuzzis, while you even enjoyed playing with the water. Those times you ate and drank stuffs with interesting recipes, you even smacked your lips in delight! Without mincing words, you entered into an agreement of captivity! Little wonder, you struggle through life! “Who can snatch the prey from the hands of a mighty man? Who can demand that a tyrant let his captives go?” Isaiah 49:24 (TLB). Jesus; from Heaven to earth, to the cross, to the grave and to glory! From Bethlehem to Golgotha! The mystery of His death was hidden from the devil – he would have prevented it. Oh Jesus, when you went to Calvary, you remembered to pick along ….“the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross. Colossians 2:14 (AMP). As many as look up to your empty cross, in one accord and not living a double life, please rescue, deliver, cleanse, give new names, cloth with new garments. We call upon you this season that we mark the remembrance of your sacrifice! Save us from consequences of our past, heal us that we might joyously dwell in your house all of the days of our lives! “Give groaning prisoners a hearing; pardon those on death row from their doom — you can do it!” Psalms 79:11 (THE MESSAGE) DO IT LORD! My passionate plea! Happy Easter.. ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: NCV (New Century Version) TLB (The Living Bible) (AMP) Amplified Bible Version THE MESSAGE Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

Jonah’s Frustrations!

The happenings of these times – vices of different grades, tales of wars, bickering, kidnappings, and queries that have no answers! Conflicts have replaced communication. The aspect that my brain has refused to process is the gay culture that has become so daring, sexual perversions are now being rationalized– the audacity of chaos in our land! These were similarities with Nineveh, Tyre & Sidon, Sodom & Gomorrah! I feel the heart pangs of Jonah! Man’s intent is evil. He has been sinful from conception and his heart is more deceitful than anything else; desperately corrupt and incurably sick; wicked! Death and its symptoms tag along sin; where there is disaster, iniquity is not far-fetched. Therefore, the remedy for sin is complete repentance. God requires that our response to Him be sacrifice of a broken spirit and remorseful heart; this is the attitude of the kind of fast acceptable to God. “Rend your hearts and not your garments and return to The Lord, your God”… Joel 2: 13 {AMP}. Jesus made a point when He said “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes [and their hearts would have been changed]. I tell you [further], it shall be more endurable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you”. Matthew 11:21-22 (AMP) Like Jonah, I realize the gravity of this. The norm of iniquity in our society is an indicator of an imminent doom. There is at least a Church on every street but I fear that has made no difference still. We can still rescue our beloved nation from God’s impending wrath. Christian, you cannot be comfortable with the shameless neglect of God’s laws around you. Like Daniel, take responsibility for repentance of sin. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people”. Proverbs 14:34 (KJV). Let us offer genuine humility before God - We must rid ourselves of sin. Father we plead that your judgment will not fall upon us. Please cleanse our land and release your mercy unto us like you did with Nineveh. There is blood even on our altars, even though we do not pronounce it, we disregard your laws and ignore your ways. Oh that our leaders may know what is right and the Church may not allow the gates of hell to prevail! “And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros — a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra — a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it]”. Matthew 16:18 (AMP). Mercy Lord! We are not better than Sodom & Gomorrah! Yes, we are Nigeria, we are Africa, Asia, Europe and America! We have fallen miles away from your Glory. Mercy Lord! ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: KJV (King James Version) (AMP) Amplified Bible Version Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

The Manifesto…..

The idea of a manifesto is not restricted to the political stage; it is familiar to have a mental suggestion of a statesperson vying for an appointment and making known the list of his plans thereafter. More like, it involves expressing a mission statement; usually a deliberate pronouncement of things to expect. Jesus Christ is not more of a human nature than He is a character of the divine. This explains that Jesus is eternal – He had existed before the foundations of the world were laid, by Him they were conceived and nothing could ever have existed without Him. He will yet exist after all has expired. Therefore, His human nature was a temporary arrangement - “The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw his glory — the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father — and he was full of grace and truth”. John 1:14 (NCV). He who is immortal became mortal; the creator took the rank of a creature and dwelt among us. There was an aim, a purpose, His manifesto; it was to reveal God among men; yet Jesus was same time absolutely God and entirely human! Grace made Jesus an extension of man, a seed planted on earth by God to demonstrate that man could escape the corruption that reigned in abundance. His Grace affords man the free gifts of God that man doesn’t deserve. By extension, man becomes a partaker of God’s divine nature – Only Grace could afford that height, it was costly! Truth defined Jesus; His works, His purpose and the qualification for setting mankind free! Man was doomed for eternal destruction, man was strained from his maker, man couldn’t relate properly, man fell from a peak and lost his stature! Every reason that brought Jesus into our world bordered on God’s Grace and Truth. His Grace to empower man to beat the flesh and its sinful desires, to help the proper manifestations of the fruits of God’s Spirit in the rebirthed soul and to be empowered to do the will of The Father at all times. Like for the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob, The Truth presents Himself to mankind as Life, the Living Water– He is the answer to every despair, any kind of thirst! Had your life been soaked in falsehood - negativity? All that is required of you is to accept the Truth about Jesus and believe in Him. There will be a transformation of your life. “Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself!” 1 Peter 1:23 (THE MESSAGE). We need the healing of our minds, spirits and bodies – believe in the efficacy of God’s Word. I know that it is tough to accept the Truth when statistics of factual happenings around us is high. With poverty in our world, a lot of vices interplay as a result. It is not that there is now a justification for all the malfunctioning of our society, these situations had been predicted by Jesus. “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16:33 (AMP) Beloved, it is expected of us to avail ourselves of the abundance in Christ, the Messiah. He need not have come to the world at all if His intension was merely to mark history. Allow His Grace and Truth to work through your daily living. …..“grace and truth came by Jesus Christ”. John 1:17 (KJV) “Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise;”... Colossians 3:16 (TLB). Lord Jesus, we receive the empowerment of your Grace in our lives, we ask that your Truth liberate us. For these you came! Thank you Lord Jesus! ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: NCV (New Century Version) THE MESSAGE BIBLE (AMP) Amplified Bible Version TLB (The Living Bible) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

DEAR FATHER!

I am grateful for this access I have to you and I don’t take that for granted. Every time, I see another day break; Every time, we communicate, I feel humbled that you extend your mercy towards me, even me. I hallow your name Father. I confirm that you are Holy, Lord God Almighty. I am aware of your greatness and so filled with awe and much reverence. All your works shall praise your name in earth and sky and in the sea. So I confess that you are God, you are the supreme King of all that exist, you rule in the affairs of mortals and you have the final say! “But Jesus answered, "I tell you, if my followers didn't say these things, then the stones would cry out." Luke 19:40 (NCV). Over time, I have experienced that you glorify your name by any means. Father, please don’t replace me with stones! I willingly give myself for your use. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable for your use. I am a tool in your hands; let your will start with me! There is none exalted above you, there is none beside you, everything stays below you. Yet, you are perfect in power, love and purity. All the saints cast down their golden crowns to worship you, the angels lay prostrate, all of nature follow suit. I take a cue and exalt you above my limits. I agree that your will established the foundations of the earth and I declare that is perfect for me. So Father, it is the cry of my heart to be in the very center of your will! Father, I ask also that your righteousness be mine, for we both know that I have none of my own – “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” Isaiah 64:6 (NLT) I am grateful for your gift of The Holy Spirit; He guides me to know the truth about your procedures in my life, helps connect my ordinary experiences with that picture of me on the palm of your hands. I see, I know, I realize that your thoughts towards me overwhelm my imagination. O the blood! Thank you for the blood of Jesus that always atones for me and speaks in places that my voice is not sufficient. The name of Jesus has prevailed over all circumstances I find myself! All the three persons of the trinity unite for my interest. If it had not been you, let this beloved say: I have no voice! Healing is your children’s bread. Thank you for making me a child, I quit being a dog. I receive your preservation of my life. I know the depth of your name, Jehovah Rapha. Oh! You touched me! I desire to learn more of you- Take my being and use in defining all the dimensions of “I AM WHO I AM”. “Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation (Beloved) is your people." Exodus 33:13 (ESV) I ask to know you as my help, my peace, my comfort, my presence, my salvation, my joy. So I approach your throne, Dear Father. I come because you have extended that effrontery to me. I receive the courage to always come. My walls are unguarded before you; I mean my strengths, weaknesses, abilities and disabilities. Please permit your resurrection power (as of old) to perfect all that tags at me. …“that we (I) may receive mercy [for our (my) failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we (I) need it]. Hebrews 4:16 (AMP). Dear Father, You have graciously given me a happy new year 2014. Please, take my hands; this is all I can give. I trust to experience a sure ride with you! ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: NCV (New Century Version) NLT (New Living Translation) (ESV) English Standard Version (AMP) Amplified Bible Version Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

O COME ALL YE TRIUMPHANT!

Yuletide has been set aside by humans all over the world to celebrate God’s greatest gift to mankind; God’s love personified – Jesus! A season of excitement, of fun, of laughter, of gifts and of thanksgiving! “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son”. John 1:14 (NLT). The presentation of the dearest gifts of the time: gold, frankincense and myrrh with utmost reverence and joy. All hail, the Most High King wrapped up in fragile bundle and in the most unlikely bedding! The priciest gift of this day; We stand in awe of Him and behold Mary’s born Christ-child. God requires our worship, a devoted heart melted in gratitude for the assurance of eternal life! Let the rescued of The Lord, those that have over the past twelve months triumphed over variety of circumstances, you that had escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler, you would have been prey in the jaws of the lions of this world, you cried to Jehovah in your distress and He redeemed you – Give thanks to God for His unfailing love and wonderful deeds for men! O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! Our invitation is purely a result of God’s Grace and Mercy- His Grace afforded you the free gifts of God you didn’t deserve while His Mercy spared you all of the times your deeds called for matching penalties! O come forth for another year be dawning. Do not rest on your oars, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!” Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Message). The time of victory is the most vulnerable for severe defeat. The devil is very smart and subtle in his approach when you are out of the valley. Triumphant Christian, you are a fusion of God’s Mercy, Grace and Love; a clear beneficiary of His pleasure, this applies to you the responsibilities of a custodian of His blessings in your life. Be reminded that you are constantly engaged in a war and you need both power and armour to be protected. God is the strength of your power, whose might will enable you to resist the enemy. …“Be strong in The Lord {be empowered through your union with Him}; draw your strength from Him {that strength which His boundless might provides}” Ephesians 6: 10 (AMP). Ye faithful and triumphant; remind your world that Jesus is the reason for this season; lead the people in a procession to adore Him, Christ The Lord. Let all hail the power in Jesus name! We come, we ransomed from the fall, we come forth, we realize that we be the royal diadem in God’s hand and crown thee! Yea Lord, we greet thee, Jesus to thee be glory given, Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing! Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Glory to God in the Highest! Celebrate Christmas.. ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: NLT (New Living Translation) THE MESSAGE BIBLE AMP (Amplified Bible Version) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.

ANCIENT LOCKS…..

Times happen to everyone that you give up and expect the worst of long-persisting situations. When you pick up a big bunch of keys to open old locks that are rusty and covered in cobweb, key holes that have not been opened for so long…. Similar conditions are likened with rickety cars, dilapidated structures, dog-eared books, pot-holed paths and anything that is off its original state! If it’s not normal, you cannot experience the wholesomeness that should have been. This is not about magnifying negativity; it is but a description of the human outlook to what presents itself as dysfunctional. It is very common to put away person or thing that is unable to operate as expected. There is an unusual emphasis on such dead-end situations this eleventh hour of the year 2013 – Beloved, I perceive it, identify it and I am persuaded that this is God’s agenda for the present! Every time we take a clue of God’s counsel that we can be admitted by grace to His throne of mercy, we come into the reality of His help for our lives. There is no new measure of anointing, higher than the one that saved you from the condemnation of sin that is required to breakthrough other situations – the same anointing breaks every yoke! It did not matter that Lazarus had been dead for four days, the same utterance Jesus made to assure the salvation of Zacchaeus’ sinful life despite that he had been a cheat for years: “When Jesus came by; he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! ‘Zacchaeus!’ he said. ‘Quick! Come down! For I am going to be a guest in your home today! …… Jesus told him, "This shows that salvation has come to this home today. This man was one of the lost sons of Abraham, and I, the Messiah, have come to search for and to save such souls as his." Luke 19:5-9 (TLB). I encourage you to key into this atmosphere of the eleventh month rescue of your destiny. This season, the old locks will snap open, the waters that have up till this moment overflowed their limit will obey God’s voice, the ears that have been shut out will at this time tingle for joy; for the first order of things must be restored! Only God has the ability to get you back to where you need be, not minding that you must have deviated far off the normal direction. You do not own the permission to write-off any condition, only God sits that high! “Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, ‘God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me’?” Isaiah 40:27 (THE MESSAGE) The mystery that God works within us to do His will awakens the consciousness that He lives in us to help our hearts to understand His purpose for us, guide us to correct the ills around us. This time we wait on God, the seeds of supplication that we sow, we will reap with songs of joy, for the skin of an infant will grow on an old man, the fig tree will bud and blossom, the magnificent walls of Jericho will level and these shall be God’s dealings with man! “To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory”. Colossians 1:27 (AMP) ayanfeLAMPROS http://www.ayanfelampros.blogspot.com NOTE: TLB (The Living Bible) THE MESSAGE BIBLE AMP (Amplified Bible Version) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530. -- AyotundeAyanfe